As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey I've shared through this blog. In my final post of the year I invite you to join me on a virtual expedition to one of India's most perilous yet mesmerizing treks – The Shri Khand Mahadev.
Shrikhand Mahadev, standing tall in the Indian Himalayas, is not merely a physical peak but a repository of legends and spiritual significance. Revered as one of the Panch Kailash, the five abodes of Lord Shiva, Shrikhand Mahadev holds a special place in Hindu mythology.
Situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Shrikhand Mahadev reaches an awe-inspiring height of approximately 5,227 meters (17,150 feet) above sea level. This elevation contributes to the challenging nature of the trek, attracting both devotees seeking spiritual solace and adventure enthusiasts
Tales of Shrikhand Mahadev
Back when my brother and I were young, we believed in God wholeheartedly. Our grandmother, a wonderful storyteller, used to enchant us with tales of bravery and gods. One story that always stuck with us was about Shrikhand Mahadev.
She'd tell us of a demon named Bhasmasur who prayed to Lord Shiva. The Lord granted him a unique wish – anyone he touched on the head would be instantly burnt alive. Excited to test his newfound power, Bhasmasur chased Lord Shiva.
In a tricky situation, Lord Shiva sought help from Lord Vishnu, who transformed into a beautiful Apsara (a celestial dancer) named Sundari. Bhasmasur, captivated by her dance, asked her to marry him. Craftily, Lord Vishnu, disguised as Sundari, agreed but with a condition – Bhasmasur had to dance with her.
As they danced, Sundari cleverly placed her hand on her own head, and in following her every move, Bhasmasur unwittingly did the same. True to the Lord's plan, Bhasmasur turned to ashes as he fulfilled the condition he had asked for.
As our grandmother concluded this captivating tale, we were left with a profound sense of the intricate dance between good and evil, the divine and mortal realms—a dance that unfolded amidst the sacred peaks of Shrikhand Mahadev, echoing through the ages, carrying the weight of mythology and the essence of timeless lessons
So, this year I decided to dive into the mystical world of the Kailash Parvats – you know, those sacred mountains that are like big-time celebrities in the spiritual scene. There are five of them, and three decided to set up camp in Himachal Pradesh, one’s chilling in Uttarakhand, and the last one is doing its thing in Tibet, which is kind of like the rockstar of the group.
First up on the adventure menu was the picturesque Kinner Kailash, tucked away in the charming landscapes of Himachal Pradesh
The vibes are pleasant, the scenery is breathtaking, and you've got these trails that make you feel like you're walking through a painting.
This slice of paradise also boasts the title of being one of India's most dangerous treks.
The whole experience to Kinner Kailash was like a spiritual recharge. You know that feeling when you're surrounded by mountains, and it's like they're whispering ancient stories to you
After a couple of days catching my breath and soaking in the blessings from Kinner Kailash, my buddies and I decided to take on the challenge of Shrikhand Mahadev.
So, let me spill the beans on one of the craziest and downright scary adventures of my life – the Shrikhand Mahadev trek. Brace yourselves; this one's a rollercoaster.
Mid-July, the rainy season doing its thing in full swing in Himachal Pradesh. A gang of 10 friends, including yours truly, decided to take on the mighty Shrikhand Mahadev trek – a whopping 70 kilometers round trip, with 35 km uphill and another 35 km on the way back.
Day one , boarding a bus from Theog super early in the morning. After about 2 hours, we hit Rampur Bushahr, where we geared up and made our way across the Bazir Bawli Bridge.
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Next stop: Dev Dhank, a place believed to be where Lord Shiva hid from the demon Bhasmasur in order to save his life.
It is believed that every trekker must visit this place before starting the trek.
We reached Nirmand City around 5:00 p.m., and finally, our starting point, Jaun. Before tackling the track, we stocked up on essentials – raincoats, snowsticks and many other essential things. But guess what? The weather had other plans. Raindrops started falling like they were on a mission.
The rain went from light drizzle to full-on downpour, making it feel like someone was emptying buckets from the sky. Undeterred, we kept trekking toward our first stop, Thachru, a steep 12-kilometer hike.
Four hours later, drenched and exhausted, we stumbled into camp around midnight, thankful for shelter and a hot meal.
Day two dawned, and we set our sights on Parvati Bagh. The beauty of the place and the camaraderie with fellow trekkers, exchanging "Har Har Mahadev" greetings, became our motivation.
We encountered glaciers, flowing water, and breathtaking landscapes.
Around 10 km in, we hit Bheem Dwari just as the heavens opened up again.
Rain-soaked, we decided to camp there for the night, nervously wondering how we'd tackle the next day.
Little did we know, day three had some surprises in store – from encountering lifeless bodies to closed roads and a trek ban for the entire year.
Stay tuned for the next installment of this wild trek saga. Spoiler alert: it gets even more deadly and interesting!