The Manimahesh pilgrimage is a high-altitude trek to the sacred Manimahesh Lake, nestled in the Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. Our journey began from Murthal on 13 August, navigating a combination of trains, buses, jeeps, and long treks, with stops in Pathankot, Chamba, Bharmour, Gaurikund, and ultimately Manimahesh Lake.
We carried light snacks like namkeen, biscuits, dry fruits, and chocolates to sustain us during the journey. The trek included steep slopes, slippery trails, and frequent altitude changes, making it both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding. Along the way, we experienced traditional langars (community meals) at various stops, met fellow pilgrims, and witnessed the serene beauty of Himalayan landscapes.
At Manimahesh Lake, we explored the lake area, participated in rituals, and enjoyed the breathtaking views, though cloud cover sometimes limited visibility of Kailash peak. The return journey involved careful navigation due to slippery terrain, medical attention for altitude-related issues, and multiple modes of transport, ultimately concluding back in Sonipat on 20 August.
Beyond trekking, the trip included cultural experiences in Chamba—visiting temples like Chamunda Devi, Suyi Mata, and exploring the Chamba museum for its paintings, coins, and history. (1)
Left home around 7:35 PM and got a lift till Murthal Chowk. Took a ₹10 auto to the bus stand and walked to Sonipat Railway Station by 8:30 PM. Bought a ticket for Pathankot on Jammu Mail (₹165). Filled bottles from the free water counter and boarded the train around 9:20 PM. Found a seat on the upper berth and settled in for the night. Read more
Reached Pathankot at 5:25 AM, about 50 minutes late. Met Aditya around 9 AM at the Cantonment side and soon joined Deepak. We started our journey towards Bharmour, first grabbing some breakfast by the roadside bridge. Deepak shared food with two local women, a warm moment that set the tone for the trip. Read more
Around 12:50 AM, the bus got stuck 5 km before Bharmour. We walked the last stretch, found a shop to keep our heavy bags safely at Shyam Garments (₹50/bag), and headed towards the base point. Found an open jeep around 3 AM for ₹100 per head. The yatra had been officially halted due to weather, so we found a corner in a basement shelter to rest till morning. Read more
At 11:25 AM, we caught a private bus to Chamba (₹500 per head till Bharmour). The hilly road twisted endlessly through the valley. Stopped for langar lunch at 2:30 PM, and by 5 PM we reached Chamba. The town was jammed, so we took breaks along the way, clicked photos, snacked, and waited for traffic to clear till late night. Read more
Woke up around 7 AM, freshened up, and started the sacred trek at 7:25 AM. The trail was steep initially, separating into paths for ponies and pilgrims. Stopped at several langars along the way—each with prasad, resting mats, and kindness. Ate kheer, pakoras, jalebi, and barfi on the way. Reached Dhancho by evening and stayed overnight for ₹200/head. Read more
Left Dhancho at 6:30 AM. The climb was exhausting with changing weather and dense fog. Stopped at langars for tea and prasad. Reached Gaurikund at 1 PM and continued uphill. The final stretch was brutally steep but rewarding. Reached Manimahesh Lake by 4:30 PM. Took a ritual dip in the freezing waters, surrounded by clouds hiding Kailash Peak. Stayed near the lake for ₹200/head. Read more
The altitude hit hard — oxygen levels dropped, especially for Deepak. Langar volunteers and the dispensary staff helped with medicines and oxygen support. The cold and noise made sleep impossible. Shifted to the shopfront to sleep under blankets. Heard jaikaras through the night, the sound of faith echoing through the valley. Read more
Started descending at 6:15 AM. Deepak fell ill again due to low oxygen and fatigue, resting at multiple camps. After receiving oxygen support at a medical tent, he recovered slightly. We continued the slippery, stone-laden trail down through Dhancho and Kangra Devi Langar. Ate paav bhaji, golgappe, jalebi, and tikki on the way. Took a lift back to Bharmour by evening and reunited with Aditya. Read more
Next morning, we reached Chamba again and deposited bags at the clock room. Explored Laxmi Narayan Temple—and several nearby shrines. Climbed the steep trail to Sui Mata Temple, an exhausting yet spiritually peaceful experience. Later, had lunch at a Punjabi veg restaurant and stayed overnight in a dorm (₹200/head). Read more
While Aditya and Deepak left for Katra, I spent a solo day in Chamba visiting Chamunda Devi Temple, Narsingh Dev Temple, and the Chamba Museum (₹50 entry). Read about local history and the Chamba rumal tradition. Bought handmade chappals for my parents and explored old shops near Gandhi Gate while tasting samosas and local tea in the evening. Read more
Left Chamba at dawn, hoping to hitch a ride. A car finally stopped — the driver asked for ₹600, but when I told him I was just hitchhiking, he drove off... only to halt a few meters later and wave me in. He dropped me near Pathankot Railway Station, from where I walked another 3–4 km. The area around the station’s sabzi mandi was flooded from the previous night’s rain, and despite every careful step, my shoes and socks ended up completely soaked. I waited nearly 3–4 hours at the station before finally boarding the train. Tired, drenched, but deeply content, I reached home — ending a long, muddy, and unforgettable journey. Read more