Shrikhand Mahadev

Getting there

• By air

  The airport at Bhuntar in Kullu district can take small aircraft.

• By train

  The nearest railway station to Nirmand village is about 140 km away, in Shimla.

• By road

  Nirmand is about 17 km north of Rampur Bushahr by road, and is connected to other parts of Kullu district. Himachal Pradesh is easily reached by road from Chandigarh, Kalka and Pathankot, and interstate buses run from Delhi, Chandigarh and Jaipur.

On the way

• The trek starts at the base village of Jaon and covers 32 km one way to the peak.
• Singhaad, the first base camp, is 3 km from Jaon and serves free langar meals.
• From Singhaad, a 12 km uphill stretch leads to Thaachru, also called Dandi-Dhaar.
• The final stretch of about 3 km runs over rocky terrain to the lingam.

Why devotees come here

Shrikhand Mahadev is a Shiva shrine in the Nirmand sub-division of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. It stands at the top of a trek that is considered one of the toughest in India. The shrine is the third most important of the Panch Kailash peaks.

Shrikhand Mahadev is a Hindu pilgrimage site in the Nirmand sub-division of Kullu district. It is considered an abode of Shiva and his wife Parvati. The shrine is the third most important of the Panch Kailash, a group of five separate peaks in the Himalayas.

The trek is counted among the toughest in India. It runs 32 km one way from the base village of Jaon to the top, at about 18,570 feet. A 75-foot Shivalingam stands at the summit.

Pilgrims stop at base camps along the way. Singhaad, 3 km from Jaon, serves free langar meals. Thaachru, further on, is surrounded by deodar trees and streams. Meals and tents are available there. The last stretch of about 3 km runs over rocky ground to the peak.

Tips for your visit

• The Banjar region has a second trek to the shrine, and that route is more about wildlife.
• Nain Saravor, a lake revered as holy, lies about 2 km from Thaachru.

Questions people ask