“Where the forest listens, and the wind carries prayers.”
📖 Overview
The Deotsidh Forest Trail is a serene walking route that loops around the Baba Balak Nath Cave Temple, one of Himachal’s most visited Siddha Peeths. Located near Chakmoh village, this trail offers a peaceful escape from the temple crowds, winding through pine and sal forests, with occasional glimpses of the Sutlej basin and distant Himalayan ridges. Ideal for pilgrims, nature lovers, and photographers, it’s a short but soul-stirring experience.
🧭 Trail Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Near Baba Balak Nath Temple, Chakmoh
District
Hamirpur
Trail Type
Loop or out-and-back
Distance
~2.5 to 3.5 km (flexible)
Elevation
~1,100–1,250 meters
Duration
1–2 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
October to March (clear skies, cool air)
🌄 Trail Highlights
Temple Periphery Walk: Begin near the main temple complex, then follow the forest path that skirts the hill—marked by prayer flags, stone benches, and devotional graffiti.
Pine & Sal Canopy: The trail is shaded by chir pine, sal, and acacia, with birdsong and rustling leaves creating a meditative rhythm.
Viewpoints: Several clearings offer views of the Hamirpur hills, Bilaspur ridges, and on clear days, even the Dhauladhar range.
Devotional Vibe: Locals often walk the trail barefoot, chanting or carrying offerings. You may encounter sadhus, folk musicians, or goat offerings (symbolic, not sacrificial) along the way.
🛕 About Baba Balak Nath Temple
Sacred Cave: The temple is built around a natural cave, believed to be the meditation site of Baba Balak Nath, a child sage and incarnation of Kartikeya.
Women’s Courtyard: While women traditionally don’t enter the cave, they offer prayers from a designated courtyard nearby.
Festivals:
Chet Mela (March–April) – Grand fair with folk performances
Shravan Ashtami – Devotional gatherings and night-long bhajans
🧳 Essentials for Visitors
Item
Notes
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes (or barefoot if walking in devotion)
Clothing
Modest, traditional attire preferred
Food
Langar and stalls near temple; carry water for the trail
Photography
Not allowed inside the cave; permitted along the trail
Accessibility
Trail is walkable for all age groups; shaded and well-maintained
