Kamrunag Lake Trek – Through Forests to the Rain God’s Mirror

“Where the trees whisper legends, and the lake holds centuries of wishes.”

📖 Overview

The Kamrunag Lake Trek is a 6–7 km forest trail that begins from Rohanda village and ascends to the Kamrunag Lake (3,300 m / 10,827 ft)—a sacred, elliptical-shaped waterbody surrounded by pine and oak forests. At its edge stands the roofless shrine of Dev Kamrunag, believed to be a Yaksha king from the Mahabharata, worshipped by locals as the guardian of rain and justice. The lake is famed for its submerged offerings of gold and silver coins, tossed in by devotees over centuries.

🧭 Trek Profile

Attribute	Details
Trailhead	Rohanda village (via Sundernagar or Mandi)
Lake Altitude	~3,300 m (10,827 ft)
Trek Distance	~6–7 km one way
Trek Duration	1 day (or overnight with camping)
Grade	Moderate (steep forest trail)
Best Season	April–June & September–November
Permit Required	No (register locally for safety)

🥾 Trail Highlights

• Rohanda to Kamrunag:
  A steep but shaded trail through dense deodar, oak, and rhododendron forests, with birdsong, wildflowers, and occasional langur sightings.
• Panoramic Views:
  As you ascend, catch glimpses of the Balh Valley, Dhauladhar range, and Pir Panjal peaks.
• Kamrunag Lake:
  A sacred alpine lake with a floating carpet of coins beneath its surface—devotees offer wealth in exchange for fulfilled wishes.
• Roofless Temple:
  The shrine of Dev Kamrunag has no roof—legend says no structure can withstand the deity’s power.

🛕 Spiritual & Cultural Significance

• Dev Kamrunag:
  Believed to be a Yaksha warrior who chose to guard the region’s justice and rainfall. Worshipped by locals with flowers, coins, and silence.
• Saranahuli Fair (June 14–16):
  A vibrant annual gathering with folk music, rituals, and community feasts—ideal for cultural immersion.
• Mythology:
  The Pandavas are said to have visited this site during exile, and the lake is considered a tirtha (pilgrimage site).

🧳 Essentials for Trekkers

Item	Notes
Footwear	Trekking shoes with good grip
Clothing	Layered (cool summit, warm base)
Gear	Walking stick, headlamp, rain cover
Camping	Allowed near lake; basic sarai available near temple
Food & Water	Carry your own; no shops en route except during fair
Safety	Trail is steep but well-trodden; avoid during heavy rain or snow

🧭 How to Reach

• By Road:
  • Mandi ➝ Rohanda: ~55 km
  • Sundernagar ➝ Rohanda: ~35–40 km
  • Taxis and buses available from Mandi, Sundernagar, or Ner Chowk
• By Train:
  Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
• By Air:
  Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~90 km from Rohanda

🏞️ Add-On Adventures

• Kamrunag ➝ Shikari Devi Ridge Walk (16 km):
  A high-altitude forest traverse connecting two sacred peaks
• Janjehli Valley Exploration:
  Visit apple orchards, folk shrines, and wooden temples
• Camping & Stargazing:
  The lake’s elevation and remoteness make it ideal for night photography and quiet reflection