“Where the forest thickens, the air stills, and the goddess watches from the sky.”
📖 Overview
The Shikari Devi Trek is a moderate forest hike that leads to the Shikari Devi Temple (3,300 m / 10,827 ft)—a revered shrine perched atop the highest peak in Mandi district. The trail is known for its dense deodar and oak forests, wildlife sanctuary, and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The temple, believed to be over 800 years old, is unique for having no roof, as legend says no structure can withstand the goddess’s power.
🧭 Trek Profile
Attribute
Details
Trailhead
Janjehli or Karsog (via Mandi)
Temple Altitude
3,300 m (10,827 ft)
Trek Distance
~16 km (from Janjehli)
Trek Duration
1–2 days
Grade
Moderate
Best Season
April–June & September–November
Permit Required
No (register locally for safety)
🥾 Trail Highlights
Janjehli to Shikari Devi: A 16 km forest trail through cedar, oak, and rhododendron groves, with serpentine ridgelines and birdsong as constant companions.
Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Himalayan black bears, barking deer, monals, and leopards—a biodiversity hotspot.
Panoramic Summit Views: On clear days, see the Dhauladhar range, Kullu peaks, and even Kinner Kailash in the distance.
Winter Trek Option: In snow season (Dec–Feb), the trail becomes a snow trek—challenging but magical.
🛕 Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Shikari Devi Temple: A roofless shrine dedicated to the goddess of the hunt, believed to protect the region’s forests and wildlife.
Mythology: Locals believe the Pandavas worshipped here during exile, and that Adi Shankaracharya visited the site.
Festivals: During Navratri, the temple sees a surge of pilgrims, with folk dances, goat offerings, and devotional chants.
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
Item
Notes
Footwear
Trekking shoes with good grip
Clothing
Layered (cold summit, warm base)
Gear
Walking stick, headlamp, rain cover
Camping
Allowed near temple or forest clearings
Food & Water
Carry your own; limited stalls near summit
Safety
Trail is well-marked; local guide optional but enriching
🧭 How to Reach
By Road:
Mandi ➝ Janjehli: ~85 km
Karsog ➝ Shikari Devi (via Jaach): ~20 km drive + 6 km trek
By Train: Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
By Air: Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): ~120 km from Janjehli
🏞️ Add-On Adventures
Kamru Nag Trek: A nearby sacred lake trek with mythological depth and forest charm
Janjehli Valley Walks: Explore apple orchards, wooden temples, and folk shrines
Karsog Heritage Circuit: Visit Mamleshwar Mahadev, Kamaksha Devi, and apple belt villages
