Manimashesh Kailash yatra

History and Geography: Himachal situated in the heart of the Western Himalaya, identified as "Dev Bhumi" is believed to be the abode of Gods an Goddesses. The entire state is punctuated with stone as well as wood temples. The rich culture and traditions has made Himachal unique in itself. The shadowy valleys, rugged crags, glaciers and gigantic pines and roaring rivers and exquisite flora and fauna compose the symphony that is for ever Himachal.
Himachal Pradesh came into being as a Union Territory in April 1948 as a result of integration of 30 princely states spread over 27,000 sq.km. In 1954, when another "C" class state of Bilaspur merged in Himachal Pradesh, its area increased to 28,241 sq.km. The position remained unchanged till 1966. On reorganisation of the State, the hilly areas of Punjab were merged with the State, increasing its size to 55,673 sq.km. Himachal Pradesh, today is quoted as a successful model of not only hill area development but also for having realised development in education, health and social services.

The Manimahesh Kailash Peak, also known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering high over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the (Hindu deity). It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

 Manimahesh Lake is situated at 27 km from Bharmour at the foot of Manimahesh Kailash. Lord Shiva is believed to reside on this snow-covered mountain. The lake and peak are considered sacred and a fair called as Manimahesh fair (Manimahesh Yatra) is held at the lake each and every year in the month of August and September; the yatra held from Janamastmi to Radhastami each and every year. It is believed that on this occasion both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gets the bath in the Lake. For this holy moment lacks of peoples comes from the country and abroad to take holy dip in the Manimahesh Lake. Providing a rare occasion to see and study the customs and rituals of the local people. And theglorious views of Manimahesh Kailash in the morning and at the time of sun rising touches the hearts of visitors.

Regarding Manimahesh Kailash it is said that no one has been able to climb to the peak. Local legends clarifying that people point out rock projections, human-like in appearance, and say that one is of a hermit, the other is of a shepherd, frozen stiff during their futile effort to reach the top of Manimahesh Kailash. Many holy places come in the way to Manimahesh, at the distance of 6 km from Hadsar, a Dhancho famous for water fall and after 5km from Dhancho Gourikund come. Gauri is another name of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. A dip in this lake is considered sacred because it is believed that Parvati used to bath in this lake and only ladies are allowed to take dip in the kund. About one kilometer ahead is the Shiva Kalotri spring-said to have its source in Lord Shiva's feet. Two kilometer from Shiva Kalotri Kamal kund is situated in the foot of Manimahesh Kailash. After a short run from Gauri kund reaches the Manimahesh Lake is shallow circular lake gives it an enchanting appearance. A roofless temple, conspicuous with many iron trinkets, is seen on the opposite side. For beginner trekkers Manimahesh trek is the best route for beginning as the gradient is good and also provide pilgrimage visit to Manimahesh Lake.

Manimahesh Parikrama is a route which covers Manimahesh Kailash & Lake with round trip via Kugti village and back journey via Gourikund and Dhancho. This route also covers the Famous Temple of ancient Chaurasi Temples & Goddess Brahmani Mata at Bharmour with Kartik temple and Mata Marali Temple at Kugti.