Manimahesh Lake

Description : One of the most religious destinations in the state, visited by thousands each year. A motorable road goes upto Hadsar, 18 kms from the sub-divisional headquarter of Bharmour. Well defined track from Hadsar, gradual ascent of three hours brings up the flat camping ground of Dhancho. One can either camp here or push on to the lake. The climb gets steeper from here, through Bander Ghati, across Gauri nallah, past Gauri kund where it is customary for ladies to take a dip. After four hours one arrives at the lake, a large water body fed by the many streams of snow melt cascading down the flanks of the massive range behind. On a clear day one can see Mount Kailash to the north: the devout consider themselves blessed if they get a sighting of the peak which is usually wrapped in thick clouds. Camping here is a special experience, especially if the night is clear Highest Altitude : 4100 m at lake Total no. of Days : 2 to 3 depending on the route taken. Grade : Easy / Moderate

Itinerary: Day 1 Delhi (315m) Pathankot-chamba Leave Delhi for Pathankot by train (overnight journey) Pathankot is the last broad gauge railway junction in north India. Arrival at Chakki bank or Pathankot and after refreshments we leave for Chamba by train(Toy Train) . Arrival in Chamba and check in at a hotel. In the evening we explore the historical town of Chamba. The Laxmi Narayan temple of Chamba is a master piece of Himalayan heritage architecture. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.

Day 2 Chamba (912m) - Bharmaur (2150m) - Hudsar (2280m); (80km; 3 - 4 hours) then Trek from Hudsar to Dancho We leave for Chamba via Hudsar and Bharmaur. Bharmaur is 67km from Chamba and is famous for 84 ancient temples. Then we drive to Bharmaur for Hudsar which is the starting point of Mani Mahesh trek. We trek to Dancho. It takes around 3 hours to reach our first camp site at Dancho. Overnight stay in tents. Day 3 Dancho (2550m) - Mani Mahesh (3950m) After a refreshing breakfast, we leave for Gauri kund and then to Mani Mahesh lake. There are two ways to reach Mani Mahesh: one is through Bandar Ghati and the other is the route which is generally for visitors. The temple here is one of the most ancient in the hills of Himachal. Overnight in camps near this holy lake. Day 4 Mani Mahesh Lake (3950m) - Dancho (2550m) Same Route

Overnight in Camp Day 5 Dancho(2550m) - Hudsar (2280m) - Chamba (912m) Leave Dancho for Hudsar, drive to Chamba. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel. Day 6 Chamba (912m) pathankot- Delhi Leave chamba for patahnkot and then to Delhi by train.