Shrikhand Mahadev Trek – A Vertical Pilgrimage to Shiva’s Throne

“Where devotion climbs with every breath, and the sky bows to the Shivling.”

📖 Overview

The Shrikhand Mahadev Trek is a 65–70 km round-trip pilgrimage to a natural 75-foot-high Shivling at 5,227 meters (17,150 ft) in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Revered as one of the toughest yatras in India, it begins from Jaon village and ascends through dense forests, glacial streams, rocky moraines, and snowfields, culminating at the sacred summit. The trek is open only during July–August, coinciding with the Shravan month, and is considered a test of both faith and fitness.

🧭 Trek Profile

Attribute	Details
Trailhead	Jaon village (via Rampur, Shimla)
Summit Altitude	5,227 m (17,150 ft)
Trek Distance	~65–70 km round trip
Trek Duration	7–8 days
Grade	Difficult (steep, high-altitude, glacier crossings)
Best Season	July to mid-August (during Yatra)
Permit Required	Yes (local registration at Jaon)

---

🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot

Day 1: Shimla ➝ Jaon ➝ Singhgad (3 km trek)

• Drive to Jaon village (~170 km from Shimla)
• Short trek to Singhgad, base camp for the Yatra

Day 2: Singhgad ➝ Barathi Nala ➝ Thachdu (~12 km)

• Gradual ascent through apple orchards, Kurpan stream, and dense deodar forests

Day 3: Thachdu ➝ Kali Ghati ➝ Bhim Talai ➝ Kunsha (~10 km)

• Steep climb to Kali Ghati (12,778 ft)
• Cross Bhim Talai, a sacred meadow, and camp at Kunsha

Day 4: Kunsha ➝ Bhim Dwar ➝ Parvati Bagh (~9 km)

• Walk through glacial valleys, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls

Day 5: Parvati Bagh ➝ Nain Sarovar ➝ Shrikhand Mahadev ➝ Return to Bhim Dwar (~14 km)

• Summit day: cross Nain Sarovar (glacial lake) and ascend to the Shivling
• Return to Bhim Dwar after darshan

Day 6–7: Return trek to Jaon via same route

🌄 Trail Highlights

• Shrikhand Shivling:
  A vertical rock pillar believed to be Lord Shiva’s manifestation—visible only to the devoted, as per local lore
• Kali Ghati & Bhim Talai:
  Sacred ridges and meadows associated with Pandava legends and goddess Kali
• Parvati Bagh & Nain Sarovar:
  Alpine meadows and a glacial lake believed to be Parvati’s garden and bathing spot
• Flora & Fauna:
  Spot blue poppies, brahma kamal, Himalayan griffons, and marmots

🛕 Spiritual Significance

• Shravan Yatra:
  The trek is undertaken during Shravan month, with pilgrims chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” and carrying tridents and flags
• Mythology:
  It’s believed that Lord Shiva meditated here, and the Pandavas crossed this route during their exile
• Devotional Rituals:
  Pilgrims bathe in Nain Sarovar, offer prayers at the Shivling, and tie sacred threads at key shrines en route

🧳 Essentials for Trekkers

Item	Notes
Footwear	High-ankle trekking boots (mandatory)
Clothing	Sub-zero layers, rain gear, gloves
Gear	Trekking poles, headlamp, crampons (early season)
Safety	AMS risk above 4,000 m—acclimatize well
Support	Local guide and porter strongly recommended
Permits	Register at Jaon; carry ID and medical certificate

🧭 How to Reach

• By Road:
  • Shimla ➝ Rampur ➝ Nirmand ➝ Jaon (~170 km)
  • Last 8 km from Bagi Pul to Jaon is a rough road
• By Train:
  Nearest railhead: Shimla (via Kalka)
• By Air:
  • Shimla Airport: ~170 km
  • Chandigarh Airport: ~250 km

⚠️ Trek Notes

• Weather:
  Unpredictable—expect rain, snow, and strong winds above 4,000 m
• Camping:
  Tents available at Singhgad, Thachdu, Bhim Dwar, and Parvati Bagh
• Eco-Etiquette:
  No littering, no drone use, and no touching the Shivling