Brahmaur, Bharmaur Manimahesh Chamba - Trekking Itineraries, Himalaya Tourism, Travel Himachal Pradesh, Trekking Himalayas, Mountain Ranges

A popular short trip of 3-4 days to Manimahesh Lake (4115m), some 25Km from Brahmaur at the foot of Manimahesh Peak. Lord Shiva is believed to reside on this snow-covered mountain. The lake and peak are considered sacred and it is said that no one has been able to climb to the summit. People point out rock projections, human-like in appearance, and say that one is of a hermit, the other of a shepherd, frozen stiff during their futile effort to reach the top. A fair is held at the lake in August every year, providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people. Best period : 1 June to 10 October.

DAY-1

Brahmaur-Hadsar (2100m) 13 Km, A jeepable road to Hadsar skirts the town of Brahmaur on its left. A foot trail goes through the town and meets the road after one Km; regular bus service between the two places along a dusty almost level road, from where terraced fields and small hamlets are seen hanging on the southern slopes of the Pir Panjal. The forest resthouse of Sandi is situated one Km before Hadsar; not visible from the road, it is 60m higher and hidden behind pine trees. Hadsar is a big village with a few eating and provision shops. The camp ground lies a little beyond the village beside the Gauri stream; a PWD rest house and basic accommodation for stay.

DAY-2

Hadsar-Dhanchho (2900m) 6Km - Just beyond (E of) Hadsar the trail forks S and climbs gradually along the Gauri stream coming from the lake. The path ascends in dense forest for about 3Km. As height is gained the tree line is left behind and the trail works through brich trees and bushes up to the alpine meadows of Dhachho. The camp ground is seen across the Gauri stream, near a fine waterfall. There is a corrugated shelter and one or two small rock shelters around the site.

DAY-3

Dhanchho-Manimahesh Lake (4115m)-Dhanchho 14Km - Two routes lead to the lake. The old one, up the left side of the stream, is steep and tiring. A new mule track has been constructed which is a little longer but less steep. This climbs to the right and traverses a ridge for about 1.5Km. It then bears left, crosses the Gauri stream (bridge) and mounts steadily for another 1.5. After that a more gradual ascent along the rocky path passes near cliffs seen to the left.

After another 2 Km the trail again climbs steeply for 30min and reaches Gauri Kund. Gauri is another name of Parbati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A dip in this kund (pond) is considered sacred because it is believed that Parbati used to bathe here. A few meters ahead is the Shiva Kalotri spring-said to have its source in Lord Shiva's feet. The trail once again crosses the Gauri stream and after a short ascent reaches the Manimahesh Peak in this shallow circular lake gives it an enchanting appearence. A roofless temple, conspicuous with many iron trinkets, is seen on the opposite side. A cave shelter can be found in one corner. An encampment for accommodation is prepared at the during the August fair.

It is possible to climb Kailash (Manimahesh) Peak (5656m), potentially the most important summit in the region; possible in three days up and down; or by a traverse of the N ridge and E flank into the Nainoni Valley and down to Kugti village. However, the rock is poor on the upper part of the peak. An Indo-Japenese women's team claimed the first ascent in 1965; some eye-witness however do not confirm this. It was almost certainly attained by the Italian POW breakout in 1945, though ascent in the 1990s suggest that all previous claims are fanciful.

Alternative return routes :

Manimahesh-Sakdali Got - It is normal to return via Dhanchho, but experienced parties with a good guide can cross the main ridge by Sakdali Got (4500m), SW of the lake, and reach Holi (1980m) roadhead on the Ravi river; eating shops and rest house here. Then local bus: Holi-Chamba via Kharamukh.

Manimahesh-Khidala Galu

Another tougher route crosses Chobu Pass (4750m) under the S side of Manimahesh Peak, then turns S to cross Khidala Galu (4575m), from where a steap descent leads to to Dharadi (2550m) on the Kharamukh-Bara Banghal trail (see Holi-Bara Banghal-Thamsar Pass trek). These two passes are rarely crossed by travellers and infrequently by local Gaddi shepherds.

Manimahesh-Chobu Pass -

Yet another short two days trail climbs up E from Gauri Kund to reach Chobu Pass (4750m) marked by a huge hanging boulder. From there the path descends through a camping ground to reach Kugti village, located on the Brahmaur Kugti Pass Trail.

Another Treks in Chamba Valley, Himachal Pradesh

|Trek -I| Chamba-Sach Pass-Pangi Valley (hard)|

|Trek -II| Kilar-Cheni Pass-Chamba (hard)

|Trek -III| Chamba-Marwa Pass; to Pangi Valley (strenuous)

|Trek -IV| A few side treks in Pangi Valley (easy)

|Trek -V| Brahmaur-Chobia Pass; to Lahaul Valley (strenuous)

|Trek -VI| Brahmaur-Kugti Pass; to Lahaul Valley (strenuous)

|Trek -VII| Brahmaur-Manimahesh Lake; in Chamba Valley (easy)

|Trek -VIII| Holi-Bara Bangahal-Thamsar Pass; to Kangra Valley

|Trek -IX| Bara Bangahal-Kaliheni (Sagor) Pass-Manali (strenuous)

Principal Peaks & Passes in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal is a paradise for walkers, trekkers, hikers, skiers, rafters, climbers and mountaineers. Innumerable treks originate or culminate in the beautiful valleys of Kullu and Manali. There are several peaks in Himachal Pradesh that challenge the mountaineers. Main peaks in Dhauladhar range are Mun (4610 m), Toral (4686 m), Dromedary (4553 m) and Riflehorn (4400 m). Kinnaur & Spiti Region has Leo Pargial (6791 m.)

Hotels in Himachal Pradesh +Tours To Himachal Pradesh