All-Inclusive Budget, Itinerary, and Tips to Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra
Located in the Himalayas, Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the most popular sites for visit by those who belong to the faith of Lord Shiva and treat this pilgrimage as an expedition through trekking. Its altitude measures 5,155 meters and represents endurance and faith. This is considered one of the most difficult treks in India as it provides the opportunity to view gorgeous sightscapes of mountains covered in ice and snow, dense forests and alpine meadows.
Be it, you are planning to seek solace in spirituality or just an adventure expedition, then the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is something one will never forget. So, in this guide, we will provide an all-inclusive budget and itinerary that will prepare you for trekking. We will also provide tips on how to prepare for such a journey. All questions on the trip to Shrikhand Mahadev are answered before embarking on this spiritual journey.
About Shrikhand Mahadev
Shrikhand Mahadev is situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva according to Hindu mythology. In fact, it houses the 72-foot high Shivalingam at the peak, a sacred place that thousands of worshippers offer prayers every year during the annual pilgrimage in July and August.
The trek to Shrikhand Mahadev is regarded as a pilgrimage site, but there are great physical challenges involved. This steep ascension route with rocky terrains and extreme climatic conditions, in general, depicts the challenge of this one among the top treks in the country. But being rewarded by the panoramic view of the Himalayas and spiritual significance makes it worthwhile to go through the hardship.
Mythological Significance
Shrikhand Mahadev is of great religious importance in Hinduism. It is said that Lord Shiva meditated here and the Shivalingam present at the top is the emblem of him. The pilgrims who also trek this place considered to have moksha (liberation) and attained by Lord Shiva.
Trek Route and Itinerary
The base camp is the place from where trek to Shrikhand Mahadev begins - Jaon or Singhad village. It's divided into several trekking stages that displays different challenges and sceneries.
Day 1: Jaon to Singhad (3 km, 1-2 hours)
Altitude: 2,000 meters
Terrain: Easy
Highlights: Luxuriant green, small streams
The trek begins from a small village named Jaon in the district of Kullu. The initial stretch is not too taxing; it takes you through dense forests and local streams. After 3 km of trek, you will find yourself at Singhad where the base first camp is established. Staying overnight at Singhad would be worthwhile to get accustomed to the high altitude.
Day 2: Singhad to Thachru - (12 km, 8-10 hours)
Altitude: 3,700 meters
Terrain: Steep climb, rocky surface
Trail Features: Dense forests, steep climbs
Day 2
The second day is even tougher while trekking to Thachru. Steep and rocky trails pass through dense oak and pine forests. After a considerably long and tiring trek, you will reach Thachru, where you can spend the night in your campsite.
Day 3: Thachru to Kali Ghati to Bheem Dwar (14 km, 8-9 hours)
Altitude: 4,000 meters
Terrain: Bumpy ascents, narrow ridges
Scenic views of snow-capped peaks, crossing the Kali Ghati pass
The steepest and hardest portion of the trek will come across when crossing from Thachru to Bheem Dwar. And then you come out of this very densely forested region into a high pass that will have the steep, narrow ridges with sheer views of the snow-capped peaks on all sides. And then it's a welcome descent into the beautiful landscape of the Bheem Dwar valley-nightfall camp under the stars.
Day 4: Bheem Dwar to Shrikhand Mahadev Summit (6 km, 6-8 hours)
Altitude: 5,155 m
Terrain: Rocky path, snow
Highlights: Shivalingam at the summit, panoramic views of the Himalayas
The last day of the trek from the present campsite takes a steep, very tricky ascend to the peak of Shrikhand Mahadev Peak. The way was rock and snow bound most of the times and had to tread with caution all along. The view and scenic beauty of the great Himalayas will greet you there on the Shivalingam at the summit, where you can pay your obeisance and take in the close sight of the majestic Himalayas. You will be back to Bheem Dwar for an overnight camp site for the next day.
Day 5: Bheem Dwar to Jaon (16 km, 10-12 hours)
Altitude: Descent to 2,000 meters
Terrain: Steep descent, rocky paths
Highlights: Retrace your steps back to Jaon
The last day of trekking is the retracing back to Jaon with a long tiring descent. Once you reach Jaon, you may sit under some tree and reflect on the spiritual and physical journey you have just completed.
All-Inclusive Budget for Shrikhand Mahadev Trek
The costs for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra would change with the different people due to various reasons such as accommodation, food, and transportation. However, an estimate of the average budget that the trek would take is as follows:
1. Transportation
Delhi to Shimla: INR 700-1,500 by bus or train
Shimla to Jaon via Rampur: INR 500-1,000 by bus or shared taxi
Total Transportation Cost: INR 1,200-2,500
2. Accommodation
Shimla: INR 500-2,000 per night-budget to mid-range hotels
Trek Base Camps (Singhad, Thachru, Bheem Dwar): INR 300-500 per night (tent accommodation)
On a trek of 6 days, you will spend approximately 5 nights on the trek. So the total accommodation charges would be INR 1,500-2,500
3. Food
Food during the trek: INR 200-300 per day (basic vegetarian meals)
Total Food Cost for 6 days: INR 1,200-1,800
4. Trekking Gear and Equipment
Trekking shoes: INR 2,000-5,000 (get good quality shoes)
Backpack, trekking poles, raincoat, etc.: INR 2,000-4,000
Tent rental and sleeping bag: INR 500-1,000 per day
If you are bringing along your trekking equipment then your cost will be very minimal. If you do not have any trekking equipment, then you will need to budget for around INR 5,000 to INR 10,000 for your trekking equipment and equipment.
5. Guide and Porter Charges
Guide: INR 1,000-2,000 per day
Porter: INR 500-1,000 per day
It is advisable to hire a guide for this trek because of the tough terrain as well as the unpredictable weather. A guide for the 6-day trek will approximate costs at INR 6,000-10,000
6. Misc. Expenses
Permit and Entry fee: INR 100-200
First aid, medicines and personal stuff: INR 500-1,000
Other expenses: INR 200-500
Total Budget Estimate
Here's a general estimation of what the total cost of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra may run to:
Transport: INR 1,200-2,500
Accommodation: INR 1,500-2,500
Food: INR 1,200-1,800
Trekking gear : INR 5,000-10,000 (if on rent)
Guide and porter: INR 6,000-10,000
Miscellaneous: INR 500-1,000
Total Estimated Budget: INR 15,000-25,000 per person
Best Time to Visit
The best time for doing Shrikhand Mahadev trek is that of July and August monsoon seasons as the government sets up the official pilgrimage in those months. However, one needs to check the weather conditions before embarking on the trek as it might be shut due to adverse weather.
The weather in the region is unpredictable. During the day, it can be as high as 10°C or 25°C at times, while on other nights, it may go below zero. Therefore, appropriate garments and adequate gear to face the chill and possible snowfall at higher altitudes are a must.
Pre-Preparation Tips for Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra
1. Physical Fitness
Shrikhand Mahadev trek is one of the most demanding one both physically and mentally. You should prepare yourself for at least 2-3 months in advance by incorporating cardio, strength training, and endurance exercises in your routine. Stamina and strong leg muscles are what trekking high altitudes demands; hence, practice regular running, cycling, and trekking will be helpful .
2. Acclimatization
Since the trek consumes much altitude, acclimatization must be done to avoid altitude sickness. Stay overnight at base camp and let your body take time to adapt to this shift in altitude. Drink plenty of water, refrain from alcohol, and ascend slowly.
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