📍Tap for Directions
Location: Near Nohradhar, ~90 km from Solan, Sirmaur District
📅 Season: April–June & September–November for trekking and temple visits
A peak of pilgrimage and panorama, where Bhima carved rivers and George Everest measured the Himalayas
🏔️ Sacred Summit & Mahabharata Lore
Churdhar, also known as Chur Chandni Dhar (“Silver Bangle Ridge”), is revered as the abode of Shirgul Maharaj, a local manifestation of Lord Shiva. According to legend:
- Bhima, during exile, carved the nearby Giri Ganga stream with his mace
- Shirgul Maharaj meditated here, and his colossal Shiva idol now crowns the summit
- George Everest conducted astronomical readings from this peak in the 1830s
🪔 The peak is considered a Shiva Siddha Kshetra, and pilgrims believe it grants protection, rain, and spiritual insight
🥾 Trekking Routes & Trail Highlights
There are two main routes to Churdhar:
- Nohradhar Route (~18 km one way): Most popular, moderate difficulty, through oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests
- Sarain (Chaupal) Route (~8 km): Steeper and shorter, ideal for seasoned trekkers
Trail highlights include:
- Jamnala Meadows: Ideal for camping and rest
- Teesri Settlement: Gujjar huts and water sources
- Final ascent: Rocky moraine climb with panoramic views
🌄 On clear days, you can see Kinner Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kedarnath, and even the Punjab plains
🛕 Shirgul Maharaj Temple & Pilgrimage
- Temple built in 13th century, surrounded by 56 sq km forest sanctuary
- Hosts annual fair in June, drawing thousands of pilgrims
- Langar and dharamshala available at summit
- Touching the idol is discouraged—devotees offer prayers from a distance
🧘 The temple is a spiritual anchor, where devotion meets Himalayan silence
🌿 Flora, Fauna & Forest Sanctuary
- Home to Himalayan black bear, musk deer, monal, and langurs
- Rich in medicinal herbs, wildflowers, and birdlife
- Ideal for eco-tourism, botanical study, and nature photography
🐾 The sanctuary is a protected biodiversity zone, perfect for mindful trekking
🧭 Plan Your Visit
| 🗺️ Travel Tips | 🏕️ Stay Options |
|---|---|
| Reach via Solan–Rajgarh–Nohradhar (~90 km) | Guesthouses in Nohradhar; camping at Jamnala or Teesri |
| Nearest railhead: Solan (~90 km) | Combine with Renuka Lake, Haripurdhar, or Baru Sahib |
| Best time: April–June & Sept–Nov | Carry warm clothes, trekking gear, and water; permit required for sanctuary entry |
✨ Why It Belongs in Your Guide
Churdhar Peak reflects:
- Sirmaur’s spiritual and ecological grandeur
- A living link to Mahabharata, Shiva worship, and colonial history
- A summit of silence, where gods, glaciers, and galaxies meet
It’s not just a peak—it’s a silver bangle of faith and forest, carved in cloud and crowned in devotion.
