Name : Srikhand Kailash or Sri Khand Mahadev peak
Location :
Sri Khand Kailash is situated at 18500 feet above sea level in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh, India.
The best two routes are
Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur Bushahr – Arsu – Bagipul.
and From Kullu side: Bathad - Bashleu Pass – Kullu Sarahan.
The Srikhand Kailash Yatra :
The very fact of the thought of proceeding to Sri Khand Kailash is a call from within. It is the SWAYAMBU Linga – the self-created one. This point is considered as the point of spiritual renaissance. The entire area echoes with spiritual vibrations. The common belief is that those who are ordained only could be there.
Jaon is the starting point of this trek, where temple of goddess Shakti is situated. It is a 70-km two-way track passing through dense forests, water streams, sprawling meadows and lofty mountains. The climb is difficult and offers a panoramic view. 2 Km. from Jaon there is village called Singh gad, which was named after a brave man who dared to live there and established a village. Singh gad is the last habitat of civilisation on this route and Sri Khand Kailash is a three full days trek from this place.
The detailed yatra with pictures are found in the travelogue posted by Pawan Thakur at
Description :
It is believed there are total seven Kailash mountains. The well known Mansarovar Kailash in Tibet, Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh district of Uttrakhand, Amarnath Kailash in J&K, Kinner Kailash in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, Mani Mahesh Kailash in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh,Sri Khand Kailash in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Seventh one is believed to be Boorha Kailash and is yet to be located.
Shrikhand Mountain or the Srikhand Mahadev peak in Himachal Pradesh resembles the Shivling. Numerous Lord Shiva devotees undertake the difficult trek to the mountain during the main pilgrimage season (July – August). Atop the mountain there is a small shrine of Lord Shiva. This pilgrimage is surely not for the weak because at times a trekker needs all the skills of an expert mountaineer.
It is usually undertaken to coincide with the Ashada Poornima (full moon day in June or July) as per the Hindu Vikram calendar. It continues till the Purnima of Ashwani month (full moon day of September or October).
Srikhand Mahadev peak is located at an altitude of 5,155 meters and is believed that Lord Shiva mediated here. It is also believed that the Pandavas used to visit the peak.
The initial phase of the journey passes through beautiful mist-laden forests filled with beautiful flowers and huge trees. Then the journey enters the difficult Himalayan terrain. A few glaciers also have to be crossed before reaching the majestic peak of Shrikhand, where pilgrims perform puja. The view from 5425 metres is simply splendid — one literally feels on the top of the world. The surrounding snow-covered peaks and mountains add to the grandeur. Scores of Lord Shiva devotees also accompany the Chhadi yatra – the journey carrying the holy mace – to the temple. One cannot stay on the top for a long time as the winds there are very strong and bone-chilling.
There is a miracle known about the Shivalinga here. Round the year the snow falls here, but it does not stay at the Shivalinga and melts down soon thereafter.
Himachal Pradesh state government organizes a pilgrimage tour during the month of July and August. The journey takes around three to seven days and depends on the devotee’s stamina and climate conditions. It is advisable to undertake this journey when the Shrikhand Management Committee puts up camps at different places in July where they provide food, tea and water besides night shelter. Local people also pitch tents and offer food and stay for the night on payment basis.
Websites :
http://www.himachallive.com/srikhand-mahadev-yatra.html
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/07/shrikhand-pilgrimage-in-himachal.html
Himalayan Camping
http://shrikhandmahadev.blogspot.com/
