Himachal Pradesh’s rugged paths aren’t just scenic—they’re alive with whispers of gods, saints, and ancient travelers. Some treks are rooted in mythology, believed to trace divine footsteps or mystical events. Here’s a look at six treks where every step carries a story.
1. 🔱 Manimahesh Trek (Chamba)
- Mythic Link: Said to follow the path taken by Shiva after his wedding to Parvati.
- Route: Bharmour to Manimahesh Lake via Hadsar and Dhancho.
- Spiritual Highlights: Devotees perform barefoot pilgrimages; the lake reflects Shiva’s peak—but only to the pure-hearted, locals say.
2. 🕊️ Kinner Kailash Parikrama (Kinnaur)
- Mythic Link: Circles the sacred Kinner Kailash mountain, considered a spiritual sibling to Mount Kailash in Tibet.
- Route: Morang → Charang → Lalanti Meadows → Chitkul.
- Spiritual Highlights: Believed to cleanse lifetimes of karma. The path tests devotion and endurance over glacier fields and high passes.
3. 🧘 Shikari Devi Trek (Mandi)
- Mythic Link: Named after the huntress goddess Shikari Devi. Her mountaintop temple has no roof—legend says no roof can remain above her.
- Route: Janjehli → Shikari Devi Temple (3359 m).
- Spiritual Highlights: The trek traverses cedar groves, with locals offering dried berries and herbs at temple stones.
4. 🏞️ Kamru Nag Trek (Mandi)
- Mythic Link: Kamru Nag is a rain god, revered during drought and harvest seasons. The lake was created by celestial beings, say villagers.
- Route: Rohanda → Kamru Nag Lake
- Spiritual Highlights: Pilgrims throw gold and silver into the lake during ceremonies, believing the god blesses their crop cycles.
5. 🏔️ Churdhar Trek (Sirmaur)
- Mythic Link: Associated with Lord Shiva’s penance and later, Saint Shirgul who meditated on its peak.
- Route: Nauradhar → Churdhar Peak (3647 m)
- Spiritual Highlights: Offers panoramic views and shrines where incense is lit for fertility, protection, and truth-seeking.
6. 🌙 Chandratal Lake Trek (Spiti)
- Mythic Link: Linked to the Mahabharata—Yudhishthira is said to have ascended to heaven from its banks.
- Route: Kunzum Pass → Chandratal
- Spiritual Highlights: The lake changes color with sunlight—believed to reflect divine moods, from serenity to revelation.
🧭 Final Thought
These treks offer more than altitude gains—they’re pilgrimages into myth, woven into soil and song. Whether you believe in the legends or simply find peace in their presence, trekking these paths invites you to walk in the footsteps of ancient awe.