Located in Chamba, Manimahesh Lake lies 4190 meters above sea level, one of the highest lakes in Himachal Pradesh. Chamba is famous for the Minjar Fair held in August and is a renowned pilgrim spot because of the presence of numerous temples and places of worship. Few Lakes in India are situated at such high altitudes as Manimahesh Lake, and it is integrally linked to Indian Mythology.
Every year, a fair takes place at this lake in the month of Bhadon, attracting thousands of pilgrims. During this time, the Manimahesh yatra is most popular because devotees believe that if they dip in the holy water, all their sins will vanish. A Shivling is situated at the corner of the lake, worshipped by pilgrims. After bathing in the sacred waters, the pilgrims walk around the lake three times.
If you are lucky, you may see Kailash peak, also called Manimahesh Kailash Peak. It is believed that you can only see the peak by the grace of God.
Tourists can also plan their Manimahesh yatra with our Chamba tour packages for a hassle-free experience. Contact our travel experts for more information and to book a tour with us!
Manimahesh History & Its Mythological Significance:
It is believed that Lord Shiva, one of the three Lords in the Hindu Trinity (known as Lord Brahma the creator, Lord Vishnu, the Preserver, and Lord Siva, the destroyer), stays at Manimahesh Kailash.
Followers of Lord Shiva visit Manimahesh Kailash during Shivaratri and other festivals related to Lord Shiva to obtain the blessings of their beloved Lord. They firmly believe that a dip into the Lake would bring peace and wash away all their past sins.
Every year, the Manimahesh Yatra is held near Manimahesh Lake, where people from across the country join hands to celebrate the festival. The Manimahesh Festival is held immediately after Janmashthami, in which Hindus celebrate the birth of their beloved Lord Krishna, a legendary hero who killed Kansa in the epic Mahabharata.
Things to Do at Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh Lake is surrounded by the majestic Manimahesh Kailash Peak and offers a range of activities for pilgrims and tourists:
- Holy Dip: Take a dip in the holy Manimahesh Lake to vanish all your sins.
- Trekking: The Manimahesh yatra is ideal for trekking enthusiasts because it involves a 13-km trek to reach the lake.
- Camping: Pilgrims often set up camps near the lake to enjoy its tranquility and serenity. Set up your tent near the lake and enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual ambiance.
- Photography: If you are passionate about photography, you can capture the reflection of the stunning Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the lake. Also, the surrounding landscapes are beautiful, so don’t forget to capture them.
Apart from these actvities, there are many more that you can also do. So, when you plan your Manimahesh Yatra, consult with our travel experts. They will provide you with more details about this lake so you can plan it more efficiently.
Places to Visit Near Manimahesh Lake
Manimahesh lake height is 4,190 m (13,750 ft) surrounded by stunning landscapes. Here are some places that you should visit near Manimahesh Lake:
- Bharmour: This town is known for its ancient temples, the most famous of which is the Bharmani Mata temple. To explore the town, take a bus to Bharmour from Chamba. After that, take another bus to Hadsar, where the Manimahesh trek begins.
- Chamba: Located near the Manimahesh Lake, Chamba is a historical town with ancient temples and a rich cultural heritage. Tourists can visit Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Chamba Chaugan, and Bhuri Singh Museum in this town.
- Kugti Village: If you love local culture, you should visit this village, which offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the region. Wildlife enthusiasts can also visit the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. It is located around 11 km from Hadsar, the base point for the Manimahesh Yatra.
Best Time to Visit Manimahesh Lake
The best time to visit Manimahesh is between May and October. During this time, temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Each year, the Manimahesh Yatra attracts thousands of devotees and adventure enthusiasts. The pilgrimage is held in August and September. It’s advisable to avoid the winter months due to heavy snowfall, making travel difficult and dangerous.
How to get to Manimahesh Lake:
Since Manimahesh Lake is located in Chamba, one can reach here from Shimla, Kangra or Kulu where domestic flights from Delhi are available. Upon reaching Chamba, you have to take a taxi or bus to reach Hadsar or Bharmour. If you take a bus to Hadsar, from there you will have to trek for 13km to reach Manimahesh Lake. The trekking route is also called the Manimahesh Yatra, and it will take around 5 to 6 hours to reach the lake. Manimahesh helicopter booking is another option to reach the lake from Bharmour. The ride takes around 10 minutes. Here is a detailed guide on how to reach Manimahesh Lake.
Manimahesh by Air:
The nearest airport to Manimahesh is Kangra Airport, located approximately 116 km from Chamba. You can fly to Kangra from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar. You can hire a taxi from Kangra Airport or take a bus to Chamba town.
From there, you can take another bus or taxi to reach Hadsar. Once there, you have to trek 13km to the lake, which takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Manimahesh Lake.
If you don’t want to trek 13 km, you can take a bus or taxi from Chamba to Bharmour. From there, you can take a helicopter ride to Manimahesh Lake.
Manimahesh by Train:
The nearest railway station to Manimahesh is Pathankot Cantt, earlier known as Chakki Bank, in Punjab. Pathankot Cantt is approximately 166 km from Bharmour, the last destination before reaching Manimahesh. Upon reaching Pathankot, you can take a bus or private taxi to Bharmour. From this point, you have the option to take a helicopter ride or continue your journey by road to Hadsar and then trek to the lake.
Manimahesh by Road:
To reach Manimahesh by road, you first have to reach Chamba, which is very well connected to all the nearest cities and states of India, such as Delhi. From Chamba, take the road towards Bharmour, a scenic drive of about 60 kilometers through winding mountain roads.
From Bharmour, continue towards Hadsar, another 12 kilometers, where the road ends. Beyond Hadsar, the trek to Manimahesh Lake begins, covering approximately 13 kilometers through breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrain.
The road journey offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and lush green valleys, making it a memorable experience for pilgrims and adventure seekers alike.
Why wait? Contact our travel experts to plan your Manimahesh Yatra with us. Our travel experts can provide everything you need, whether you want to book a Manimahesh helicopter, go on a trek, or book a hotel near the lake. We can arrange everything for you that will make your trip memorable.
