Manimahesh Lake is a very famous holy lake located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 4,080 meters in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The lake is named after the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, also known as Manimahesh. And the lake is also known as Dal Lake. Manimahesh Lake is a revered pilgrimage site, known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. It offers a unique blend of adventure, peace, and devotion to those who visit this holy place.
Manimahesh Lake Chamba
The route to Manimahesh Lake is known for its natural beauty and challenging terrain. The trek takes you through picturesque valleys, lush green meadows, and dense forests, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Manimahesh Lake holds great religious significance for Hindus and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year, in the month of August or September according to the Hindu calendar, there is a grand pilgrimage called Manimahesh Yatra. In which thousands of devotees come from different parts of India. According to a legend, Lord Shiva is believed to have created Manimahesh after marrying Goddess Parvati, who is worshiped as Mata Girija. There are many legends connecting Lord Shiva and his performance in this region.
The lake itself is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and has a serene environment. The clear blue water of the lake, along with the reflection of the surrounding mountains, makes for a mesmerizing sight. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy water of Manimahesh Lake washes away sins and bestows blessings. The religious importance of the lake is next to that of Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The Himachal Pradesh government has declared it a state-level pilgrimage site. The journey starts from Hadsar, a small village near Bharmour, and involves a trek of about 14 km to reach the lake.
Manimahesh Trek
Apart from religious and natural importance, the area around Manimahesh Lake offers opportunities for activities like camping, trekking, and photography. Treks to nearby peaks like Kailash, Chobu, and Gauri Kund are also popular among adventure enthusiasts. The trek to Manimahesh Lake usually starts from a small village called Hadsar, which is about 20 km from Chamba. From Hadsar, you will trek for about 14 km to reach the lake. The trek is of moderate difficulty and takes you through beautiful landscapes including forests, meadows, and mountain trails. Some other popular attractions in Chamba are Chamba Town, Khajjiar, Bharmour, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also advised to carry suitable trekking gear, stay hydrated and follow safety guidelines during your trip.
How to Reach
To reach Manimahesh Lake in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, you can reach Chamba by road by hiring a bus or taxi from nearby cities like Pathankot, Dharamshala, or Shimla. From Chamba, you have to go to the starting point of the trek. The nearest airport to Chamba is Kangra Airport, also known as Gaggal Airport, located in Kangra district. The nearest railway station to Chamba is Pathankot Railway Station located in Punjab.
