Manimahesh Lake

Manimahesh Lake also known as Dal Lake of Himachal Pradesh is a high altitude lake situated close to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The religious significance of Manimahesh Lake is next to that of the Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.

Manimahesh Lake is the venue of a highly revered pilgrimage trek undertaken during the month of August to September corresponding to the month of Bhadra according to Hindu calendar, on the eighth day of the New Moon period. It is known as the `Manimahesh Yatra`. The Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared it as a state-level pilgrimage to Manimahesh Lake.

Myths say that the lake was created by Lord Shiva after he married Goddess Parvati. As per another explanation, it is also claimed that Lord Shiva performed self-punishment here for seven hundred years, and the water started flowing from his tangled hair which later took the form of a lake. The lake is in the shape of the bowl and is divided into 2 main parts. The larger part is celebrated as `Shiv Karotri` (the bathing place of Lord Shiva); meanwhile the lower part is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, `Gauri Kund` (the bathing place of Parvati).

Manimahesh Lake is of glacial origin. Manimahesh Lake is in the upper reaches of the Ghoi nala, which is the tributary of Budhil River, a tributary of the Ravi River in Himachal Pradesh. However, Manimahesh Lake is the source of a tributary of the Budhil River, known as `Manimahesh Ganga`.

The Stream of Manimahesh Lake originates from the lake in the form of a fall at Dhancho. The mountain peak is a snow clad tribal glen of Brahamur in the Chamba district of manimahesh range. The highest peak is the Mani Mahesh Kailas, also called `Chamba Kailash` overlooking the lake.

Manimahesh Lake is considered as a glacial depression. Manimahesh Lake is sourced by snow-melt waters from the surrounding hill slopes. Towards the end of June with ice beginning to melt, numerous small streams break up everywhere, which together with the lush green hills and the myriad of flowers give the place a truly remarkable view.

Tourism in Manimahesh Lake has spiritual connotation of Manimahesh Lake is next to that of the Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. Manimahesh Lake is of a glacial origin. Manimahesh Lake is in the upper reaches of the Ghoi nala, which is the tributary of Budhil River, a tributary of the Ravi River in Himachal Pradesh. However, Manimahesh Lake is the source of a tributary of the Budhil River, known as `Manimahesh Ganga`.

Manimahesh Lake also known as Dal Lake of Himachal Pradesh, is a high altitude lake situated close to the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.

Manimahesh Lake is surrounded by sandy boulders, small hilly knolls and spiky dry bushes, and there is no sign of any grass. On a clear day the reflection of the abode of Lord Shiva, the Kailash Mountain can be seen on the lake surface. The place remains desolate all the year round, without any inhabitants. The air is fresh but icy cold. There are almost no fauna in the lake at its precincts - no ants, snakes or any kind of wild life. A few bird species are sighted rarely. The silence of the place is broken only when the pilgrims visit the place in large numbers, an evening before the holy dip (locally known as "naun") in the lake. The still, clear and unpolluted waters of the lake reflect the snow-capped peaks that overlook the valley. There is also a small temple in "shikhara" style on the periphery of the Manimahesh Lake. A brass image of Lakshmi Devi known as Mahishasuramardini is deified in the temple.

During the month of August to September, Manimahesh Yatra is organized in full swing. A huge procession, followed by "aarti" is organized during the special festival. The trek to the royal Manimahesh is one of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh. The most popular and easiest trek starts from a small town of Hadsar. A well-marked mule trail connects the town from Manimahesh and starts near the Buddhil nullah and Manimahesh nullah junction. Visitors can go for a Helicopter Ride to Manimahesh Lake. They can make their reservations for the ride from either Bharmour or Chama.