Manimahesh Lake
Human-reviewedBharmour, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude
- ~4,080 m
- Trek start
- Hadsar village (road-head)
- Trek length
- ~13 km one way, usually 2 days
- Yatra season
- Aug–Sep (Janmashtami to Radhashtami)
- Halt
- Dhancho
About
Manimahesh Lake lies in the Pir Panjal range in the Bharmour area of Chamba, at roughly 4,080 m directly below the 5,650 m Manimahesh Kailash. Hindus regard it as a lake of Shiva, comparable in standing to Manasarovar. Each year around Janmashtami and Radhashtami (August–September) tens of thousands walk the roughly 13 km trail from Hadsar village, usually with a night halt at Dhancho. There are two bathing spots at the lake — Shiv Karotri and Gauri Kund — and a small Shiva shrine on the shore.
How to reach
- Drive from Chamba to Bharmour (~65 km), then on to the Hadsar road-head.
- The trek to the lake goes Hadsar – Dhancho – Sundrasi – Gauri Kund – Manimahesh.
- During the yatra, shared jeeps, ponies and porters operate from Hadsar.
Best time to visit
Mid-June to early October, when the trail is snow-free. The lake itself is frozen for much of the rest of the year.
Things to know
- This is a high-altitude walk — allow time to acclimatise at Bharmour and go slowly.
- During the yatra the path is very crowded and weather can close in quickly; carry warm and waterproof layers.
- Facilities on the trail are basic langars and tents; there is no permanent settlement at the lake.
FAQ
How hard is the Manimahesh trek?
The distance is moderate but the altitude (over 4,000 m) and the steep Dhancho–Sundrasi section make it demanding. Most pilgrims take two days up.
Do you need a guide for Manimahesh Lake?
The trail is well used and signposted during the yatra season, so a guide is optional then. Outside the season, local advice on snow and weather is important.
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