Shreekhand Mahadev trek

Some facts first

Maximum Altitude : 5227 Meters (17149 feet)

Level of difficulty : It is a difficult trek that requires a bit of prior trekking experience.As the altitude goes beyond 4500 meters, the real difficulty starts. The last part of the trek i.e from Parvati Bag to Shreekhand top is where many of the hikers give up because of the drop in oxygen level at that height above the sea level.

Starting point      :  Jaon village

Reaching Jaon    :  Reach Shimla first. From Shimla, take a bus/cab to Rampur (126 kms). Take a bus/cab to Jaon.

trek itinerary : Jaon to Singhaarh

                               Shingaarh to Thachru

                               Thachru to Bheem Dwar

                               Bheem Dwar to Parvati Baag

                               Parvati Baag to Shreekhand top ( via Nayan Sarovar )

Folklore

Legend has it that Bhasmasur ,a demon and a devotee of Lord Shiva did several years of penance to obtain a boon from the diety.Finally,Shiva was pleased enough to grant him his wish. Shiva appeared in front of him and asked him to request a boon. Bhasmasur asked for immortality , but Shiva denied him that. Then he asked for the power to turn anyone into ashes whose head he touched. Shiva , oblivious of the consequences granted him the wish. Bhasmasur who now thought he was more powerful than the lord himself tried to touch Shiva’s head. Shiva ran for his life. Bhasmasur chased him.The chase went on for quite long.Shiva had to hide in the mountains lest he be turned into ashes.He switched from mountain to mountain and everywhere he was chased by the demon. He took shelter in high mountain peaks one of which is now known as shreekhand and is in the district of kullu in himachal pradesh.


About the trek

This trek is not for the just beginners. It is a rather difficult trek that requires a bit of prior trekking experience. The trail is immensely diverse in nature. The first four kilometers ( from Jaon to Singhaarh) are plain and run by the side of a rivulet. This is the easiest part of the trek. Apple orchards might catch your attention.

 The next part of the trek, from Singhaarh is a see-saw with ups and downs in the beginning and then a straight climb( not very steep though). This part of the trail is surrounded by thick pines.

After Kaali ghati there isn't much forest. Kaali ghati is at an altitude of 3918 meters above sea level. From there you descend for a while and then up again and then down to Bheem Talai.

It gets quite difficult from here. The trail so far has left you exhausted but you've got to gear yourself up for more that is to come.

The next camping site is Bheem Dwar : the most beautiful place on the trail. If you reach here and don't make it to the top, you'll still be satisfied. The place provides a breathtaking view of waterfalls and glaciers. The fauna is terrific. The view at night is amazing. The starlit night makes the white of the snow and the waterfalls so attractively conspicuous it takes your breath away.

The last part i.e from Nayansarovar to the top is steep and rocky. Many give up at this stage.
Though the summit is not ever so far from Nayansarovar but lack of oxygen comes into play that fatigues you and wears you out.