Walking Wanderer

I wonder why some of the highest situated beautiful places have a temple of their own. Most of the times when I visit such a temple at higher elevation a story related to Pandvas await me. Pandvas were the greatest trekker of all time. They visited most of the high altitude places during their exile and constructed temples or caves at those places. Now in Kalyug all the places visited by Pandvas are the popular trekking destinations for the people like Kamrunaag, Shikari devi, Karol Tibba etc. I haven’t been to Karol tibba but I read about it this morning and this place also had a story linked with Pandvas. I will be sharing stories to some of the temples to visit in Himachal pradesh this summer

1.Shikari Devi Temple: Roof less shrine.

Shikari Devi temple is positioned at an altitude of 3252m from mean sea level. It is the highest peak of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that Pandvas meditated there during their exile and were blessed by the goddess for their victory against their cousins Kauravas. I visited this place two times, first time I walked for 4-5 hours from Janjheli through the lush green forest crossing Budha Kedar and second time I rode my bike to the starting point of 500 stairs (approx.) which lead to the temple. Both times I witnessed that wind was blowing with very high speed, although it was summer but I could feel that cold in the atmosphere.

Best time to visit:

You can visit Shikari Devi during peak summer season only. For more than 6 months, Shikari Devi is covered by a thick layer of snow.

How to reach Shikari Devi:

Mandi – Chail Chowk – Janjehli – Shikari Devi = 80 Km

Mode of transport:

Bike,Car, HRTC buses

Distance From Major Cities

Mandi-80KM

Kullu-155KM

Manali-200KM

Shimla-180KM

Dharmshala-240KM

Chandigarh-300KM

Read : Interesting Facts about Himachal pradesh

3.Tunga Bhagwati Temple

pic credit- Rohit Shandil

Prashar is a popular travel destination in summers although people trek to Prashar in winters also. You might think under the heading of Tunga bhagwati why I am writing about Prashar, that’s because that is the place from where you can reach Tunga bhagwati temple after walking for 7-8kms. Tunga Bhagwati temple stands at the height of 2995m above sea level. Beyond Prashar lake there is absolute glory of Himalayas which you can witness if you can invest a little time. The trail to Tunga Bhagwati starts from the point where the kutcha road ends.

Through the trail you will find many miniature lakes which will add to the beauty of trek. From Tunga, its another 3-4 hour walk TO Jwalapur village, which is connected to Manali-Mandi road at Pansara, a few kilometres from Aut tunnel. The descent to Jwalapur is also easy. Next time you visit Prashar Lake, try to give a shot to Tunga trek, I bet It will not disappoint you.

Best time to visit:

The site can be visited throughout the year except the rainy season which causes the landslides in the hilly areas.

How to reach:

Chandigarh-Mandi-Prashar-Tunga

Distance from Major Places to Prashar:

 Delhi-497Km

Chandigarh-252Km

Mandi-50Km

Kullu-114Km

Hamirpur-158 km

3. KathpolTibba | Baba Balak Nath Temple:

Kathpol(1936m) is the third highest peak in Solan after Chail (2250m) and Badi ki dhar (2061m). A wish to climb that mountain was thriving in my head for a very long time, I think from my childhood. But as I was youngest in our village group so they never took me with themselves. This time I didn’t needed there consent, so I asked my neighbour to accompany me and he agreed. Now the dream of my childhood was about to get fulfilled. When we started the climb next day I realised that it was the steepest climb I have ever gone through. One can have a view of Satluj, Shikari devi  and both the cement factories from the top. Baba Balank nath temple is situated at the summit. A dharamshala is also constructed on the top, I wonder how that much amount of material would have been transported to the top with the nearest road approximately 2hours away.

Best time to visit:

The site can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach:

Shimla-Darlaghat-Darla mod-Malokhar-Kathpol

Distance from Major Places to Malokhar: 

Shimla-62Km

Mandi-60Km

4. Renukaji:

 

Renuka ji is one of the several natural religious places of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated in district Sirmour at a height of 672m above the sea level and the lake adjoining the temple have circumference of 3214 meters and a mini zoo around the periphery. The place is named after goddess Renuka who took jal samadhi in Ram kund sarovar, after the death of her husband Rishi Jamdagni. After that lake took the shape of a lady and was named Renuka ji lake. Every year 5 day long International fair is organized on Prabodhini Ekadashi. Fair starts with the arrival of Lord Parshuram at the holy Renuka ji lake to meet his mother Renuka level. But think twice to visit Renukaji In summers, temperature may rise upto 45 degrees.

Best time to visit:

The site can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach:

Paont Sahib-Nahan-Renukaji=62kms

Distance from Major Places to Nahan:

Shimla-133Km

Mandi-215Km

Paonta sahib-43km

Chandigarh-87km

Read: Amazing places to visit in India this summer

4.Kheerganga:Hot water spring:

Kheerganga is the most popular trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh. I started and ended the year 2016 with Kheerganga and noticed a huge change in just one year- construction of cafe’s, the wooden bridge replaced by much more safe steel bridge etc. I have been four times to Kheerganga and every time nature have something new to offer, I don’t know its nature or the people who do stuff there like construction etc. but every time, I saw a different Kheerganga. Kheerganga is situated at an altitude of 2960m approximately. 12km trek to kheerganga falls under the easy category of difficulty level, half of which is normal walk till Rudranaag and another half is mild climb, covered with pine trees which soon opens to the meadows of kheerganga. I believe that this place should be on the top list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh this summer

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Kheer Ganga is between April and October when the weather is pleasant and conductive for uphill trek.

How to reach:

Mandi-Bhunter-Manikaran-Barshaini-Kheerganga

Distance from Major Places to Barshaini:

Delhi-520kms

Chandigarh-308km

Shimla-247Km

Mandi-122Km

Bhunter-50km

6. Dev Kamrunag: Rain god of Mandi:

Next on the list was the temple of Ratan Yaksh. It was a on spot plan with one of my close friends. Dev Kamrunag temple is situated at a height of 3300m in district Mandi of Himachal pradesh. Kamrunag is also known as the rain god of Mandi. It is believed that only after the prayers have been offered to the lord, the rainy season marks its presence in the valley. To reach the lake you need to trek for 6kms from Rohanda and it will consume at least your 2hrs as it is a steep climb. Lake remains frozen in winters but when we reached it was partially frozen. As soon as we entered the premises of the temple snowfall started.

Best time to visit:

Kamrunag peak is covered in snow for few months in a year. Best time to visit Kamrunag is from March to October.

How to reach:

Sundernagar-Rohanda-Kamrunag

Distance from Major Places to Rohanda:

Shimla-133Km

Mandi-40Km

Sundernagar-35km

Read: Story of Amazing Kathgarh Temple Indora

7. Hatu Temple:

HATU PEAK is 8 km far from Narkanda, the road is surrounded by pine and spruce trees. The peak offers spectacular view of the entire Himalayan ranges, snow clad mountains and in depths are the dense forests, green fields and apple orchards. At the top of the peak is a small wooden temple called Hatu temple. According to local belief the famous Hatu Mata temple is the temple of ‘Mandodari’ wife of ‘Ravana’. People come in great number on the first Sunday of Jyeshtha to pay ritual here. Goat sacrifice is still in practice near the temple.There is an ancient stove like formation of rocks nearby the temple. Locals believe that it was used by the pandvas to cook their food during their Agyaat Vaas, like I said they were the greatest trekker of all time.

Best time to visit:

The site can be visited throughout the year.

How to reach:

Shimla-Theog-Narkanda-Hatu

Distance from Major Places to Hatu Peak: 

Shimla-69Km

Mandi-192Km

Delhi-409km.

8.Bijli Mahadev Temple

Bijli Mahadev is ancient temple of Lord Shiva and  it is “Kash” style temple  that has “Shiva –Lingam”. This temple is situated on the top of the mountain at an altitude of about 2,460m. This temple is situated in such a beautiful place that one can enjoy the view of lush green meadows all around. Bijli Mahadev location is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Kullu valley in just one day. From the top one can witness the most beautiful and opulent scenic view which cannot be delineated in words so I decided to share this Photo trek to Bijli Mahadev.

Himalayan “ a board of snow” is the last frontier, the king of all mountains . Species have gone extinct and civilizations have been destroyed these mountains have number of stories to tell and number of places to reveal and one such place is Bijli Mahdev. This temple can be catagoriesed under the top temples to visit not only in Himachal Pradesh but also in India

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Bijli Mahadev is during the month of Savnn. (April- May)

How to reach:

Reach Kullu from there you can move toward Gammon bridge and the way will lead you to Bijli Mahadev

Distance from Major Places to Bijli Mahadev

Kullu – 14km

Mandi- 97km

9.Prashar Temple

Prashar is located in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. This splendid place is known for its 2 jewels (lake and temple with the same name). It lies 48.5 km north of Mandi and at an altitude of 2,730m from sea level and is one of the most famous trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh. This place has got its name from the sage Prashar(father of Vedvyas) who used to meditate here long ago and was constructed by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi early during 13-14th century and is still remembered for his opulent work. The architectural type of this temple is Pagoda style with slate roof. The flawless architecture of the wooden carving on the walls is an excellent example of some extraordinary craftsmanship and cannot be delineated in words. Next to the temple lies the Prashar Lake which is believed to have originated when Rishi Prashar used his rod (gurj) next to the temple. This blue water lake is also known for its moving island which changes its position every time you visit this place and is also a topic for science graduates. The trek to this place will take your breath away. Beauty of the temple, tranquilizing effects of the lake and the scenic beauty will become part of your eternal memories.

Best time to visit:

It’s been a short time since I am working as a travel guide but the most common question which surrounds me every time is what is the best time to visit Prashar.The answer to this is that if you want to capture the beauty of snow capped mountains and want to feel the calmness and coldness of air then you need to visit this place during March. I am not recommending January or February because sometimes the heavy snowfall in the region may cut your way back home. If you want to capture the lush greenery or some scenic beauty then you can visit this place during July-August. Being a native of Kullu valley I can suggest that if you really want to capture the enigma of this place leaving behind the seasonal beauty then the best time to visit this place is when Prashar mela is celebrated.

How to reach:

Reach Kullu from there you can move toward Gammon bridge and the way will lead you to Bijli Mahadev

Distance from Major Places to Prashar Rishi Temple

Chandigarh>>Mandi:202km

Mandi>>Prashar:49km

Prashar>>Bajaura:64km

Bajaura>>Bhuntar:4km

Bhuntar>>Kullu:10km

Kullu>>Manali:42km

10. Shringa Rishi Temple