Char Kailash Trek – The Ultimate Pilgrimage of Lord Shiva’s Abodes
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About the Trek
The Char Kailash Trek is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for devotees of Lord Shiva. It covers four divine peaks revered as earthly manifestations of Mount Kailash: Adi Kailash (Uttarakhand), Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh), Manimahesh Kailash (Himachal Pradesh), and the ultimate Mount Kailash in Tibet. This trek is a blend of adventure, devotion, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Key Highlights
- Adi Kailash: Resembling Mount Kailash, this sacred peak is in the Kumaon Himalayas.
- Kinnaur Kailash: Famous for the 79-ft high Shivling rock that changes colors.
- Manimahesh Kailash: Home to the mystical Manimahesh Lake, considered Lord Shiva’s meditation spot.
- Mount Kailash: The ultimate pilgrimage site, circumambulated by devotees from across the world.
Tour Description
The trek takes devotees through diverse terrains, from the lush valleys of Kinnaur and Chamba to the high-altitude desert of Tibet. The journey involves crossing rugged landscapes, visiting sacred lakes like Manimahesh Lake and Parvati Sarovar, and experiencing the unique cultural influences of the Himalayan regions.
Challenges
- Extreme Altitude: The trek reaches heights of over 5,600 meters.
- Remote Terrain: Basic facilities and medical aid are limited.
- Border Permits: Special permits are required for Tibet and restricted areas.
Facilities
- Guided trek with experienced professionals.
- Accommodation in tents, guesthouses, and monasteries.
- Vegetarian meals throughout the trek.
- First aid and emergency oxygen support.
Tour Amenities
- Well-maintained camping facilities.
- Medical assistance and emergency evacuation support.
- Spiritual guidance at key pilgrimage sites.
Who Can Participate?
- Devotees with a strong spiritual inclination.
- Trekkers with good physical fitness.
- Individuals over 16 years old.
How to Reach
- Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam, Shimla, Pathankot.
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar, Bhuntar, and Tribhuvan Airport (Nepal).
- Road Connectivity: Accessible via Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Himachal highways.
Pick-up and Drop-off Info
The journey starts from Kathgodam Railway Station, Shimla, or Pathankot, with drop-off at the same locations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Is the Char Kailash Trek difficult?
A: Yes, due to high altitudes and long trekking distances. - Q: What is the best time to go?
A: June to September for clear weather. - Q: Are permits required?
A: Yes, especially for the Tibet section.
Key Points
- Best Time to Travel: June to September
- Temperature: -5°C to 20°C
- Altitude: 5,600 meters (18,372 feet)
- Longitude: 81.3163°E
- Latitude: 30.6586°N
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
- Start early from Chandigarh by road.
- Drive through Mandi, Palampur, and Chamba.
- Reach Bharmour by evening.
- Check-in at the guesthouse/hotel.
- Rest and acclimatize to the altitude.
- Overnight stay in Bharmour.
- Visit the Chaurasi Temple complex (84 ancient temples).
- Explore the Bharmani Mata Temple, believed to be sacred for Manimahesh pilgrims.
- Acclimatization and preparation for the trek.
- Enjoy local Himachali cuisine.
- Overnight stay in Bharmour.
- Early morning drive from Bharmour to Hadsar (13 km).
- Trek from Hadsar to Dhancho (7 km, moderate ascent).
- Pass through dense forests and waterfalls.
- Reach Dhancho and set up camp.
- Enjoy bonfire and spiritual discussions.
- Overnight stay in tents at Dhancho.
- Trek from Dhancho to Manimahesh Lake (6 km).
- Steep ascent via Gauri Kund (for women) and Shiv Kroti.
- Witness the holy Manimahesh Kailash peak.
- Perform darshan and rituals at the lake.
- Spiritual activities, meditation, and taking a holy dip.
- Overnight stay in camps near the lake.
- Early morning prayer and sunrise view of Kailash.
- Begin the descent to Dhancho.
- Enjoy the stunning valley views.
- Rest and overnight stay in Dhancho.
- Trek back from Dhancho to Hadsar.
- Drive from Hadsar to Bharmour.
- Rest, hot meals, and relaxation.
- Overnight stay in Bharmour.
- Travel from Bharmour to Shimla via Chamba.
- Explore Shimla’s Ridge, Christ Church, and Lakkar Bazaar.
- Enjoy local food.
- Overnight stay in Shimla.
- Drive from Shimla to Geori via Kufri.
- Visit Sarahan Bhushahr and its ancient Bhimakali Temple.
- Overnight stay in Geori.
- Journey to Tangling Village, base of Kinner Kailash trek.
- Prepare for the upcoming trek.
- Trek from Tangling to Ganesh Bagh.
- Rest and exploration.
- Visit sacred sites and meditate.
- Early morning wake-up for Ganesh Bagh Darshan.
- Visit the sacred Ganesh Bagh Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
- Participate in morning Aarti and puja rituals.
- Explore the serene temple surroundings, known for their spiritual aura.
- Take part in meditation and spiritual discourses (if available).
- Spend the afternoon visiting nearby attractions and interacting with locals.
- Evening return to the Ganesh Bagh campsite or guesthouse for rest.
- Overnight stay in Ganesh Bagh.
- Enjoy an early breakfast before departing from Ganesh Bagh.
- Trek or drive back towards Tangling Village (Approx. 4-5 hours journey).
- En route, visit scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
- Stop at local dhabas for refreshments.
- Explore Tangling Village, known for its apple orchards and rich cultural heritage.
- Evening rest and interaction with locals.
- Overnight stay at a homestay or guesthouse in Tangling.
- Early morning departure from Tangling towards Geori (Approx. 80 km, 4-5 hours drive).
- Stop at traditional Himachali markets for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Pass through lush valleys, enjoying the changing landscapes.
- Arrival in Geori by afternoon.
- Rest and leisure time in the evening.
- Overnight stay at a hotel or guesthouse in Geori.
- Early morning departure from Geori towards Jaon Village (Approx. 120 km, 5-6 hours drive).
- Scenic drive through lush green valleys and winding Himalayan roads.
- Pass through villages like Rampur, Jeori, and Baghipul.
- Arrival at Jaon Village (6,500 ft), the base camp for the Shrikhand Mahadev trek.
- Acclimatization walk around the village.
- Visit local temples and interact with villagers.
- Evening briefing on the upcoming trek.
- Overnight stay in homestays or camps.
- Trek distance: 12 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Gain: 6,500 ft to 11,000 ft.
- Early morning start after breakfast.
- Initial ascent through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron.
- Cross streams and small bridges along the way.
- Reach Singhad (midway point) for rest and snacks.
- Further ascend towards Thachadu, a vast meadow offering breathtaking views.
- Evening relaxation and dinner at campsite.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Trek distance: 10 km | Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Gain: 11,000 ft to 13,500 ft.
- Start early after breakfast.
- The trail becomes steeper with rocky patches and glaciers.
- Cross Kali Ghati and experience panoramic views of snow-covered peaks.
- Spot sacred caves and boulders associated with Hindu mythology.
- Reach Bheem Dwar, a large meadow surrounded by glaciers and waterfalls.
- Rest and acclimatization for the next day’s summit push.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Rest and acclimatization day at Bheem Dwar.
- Visit the surrounding caves and sacred stones.
- Engage in meditation and prayers.
- Explore nearby glacial streams and breathtaking landscapes.
- Early dinner and rest for the next day’s final climb.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Trek distance: 8 km (round trip) | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude: 13,500 ft to 18,750 ft.
- Very early morning start (around 3 AM) to reach the summit by sunrise.
- Extremely steep and challenging terrain with narrow ridges.
- Reach Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (18,750 ft), where the sacred Shivling stands.
- Perform puja and meditation at the peak.
- Breathtaking views of Himalayan ranges and valleys below.
- Start the descent back to Bheem Dwar by afternoon.
- Evening relaxation and dinner at campsite.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Trek distance: 10 km | Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Drop: 13,500 ft to 11,000 ft.
- Begin descent after breakfast.
- Carefully navigate steep downhill trails.
- Stop for lunch at Kali Ghati.
- Arrive at Thachadu and rest after the long trek.
- Overnight stay in tents.
- Trek distance: 12 km | Duration: 6-7 hours.
- Final descent from Thachadu to Jaon Village.
- Reach Jaon by afternoon and freshen up.
- Drive back to Nogli (Approx. 120 km, 5-6 hours).
- Check-in at a hotel or guesthouse.
- Evening rest and celebration of the successful pilgrimage.
- Overnight stay in Nogli.
- Early morning departure from Nogli.
- Long drive (approx. 450 km, 12-14 hours).
- Enjoy scenic views of the Shivalik ranges and Ganges river.
- Stop at Haridwar for Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
- Reach Rishikesh by evening.
- Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
- Start early for a long road journey (approx. 460 km, 14-15 hours).
- Pass through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag.
- Witness the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
- Enjoy the Himalayan landscapes and small Uttarakhand villages.
- Arrive in Pithoragarh by late evening.
- Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
- After breakfast, continue the journey to Dharchula (approx. 95 km, 4-5 hours).
- The drive passes through narrow mountain roads with deep valleys.
- Check-in at a guesthouse in Dharchula.
- Visit the Kali River, which marks the Indo-Nepal border.
- Explore the small local market.
- Evening rest and briefing for the Adi Kailash trek.
- Overnight stay in Dharchula.
- Travel from Dharchula to Nabi Gunji (approx. 65 km, 3-4 hours).
- The road passes through scenic valleys and dense forests.
- Reach the small, remote village of Nabi Gunji, the base for Adi Kailash.
- Visit the local temple and interact with villagers.
- Acclimatization walk in the evening.
- Overnight stay in camps or a homestay.
- Early morning drive to Jyolingkong (approx. 14 km).
- Short trek to Adi Kailash (4,595 m), also known as ‘Chhota Kailash.’
- Perform darshan and puja at the sacred mountain.
- Visit the Gauri Kund and Parvati Sarovar.
- Spiritual meditation and offerings.
- Trek back to Jyolingkong and drive to Nabi Gunji.
- Rest and overnight stay in Nabi Gunji.
- Early morning departure for Om Parvat.
- Travel via Navidhang (approx. 30 km, 2-3 hours).
- Stop at Navidhang for a distant view of Om Parvat (5,590 m), the holy mountain with a natural ‘Om’ formation on its surface.
- Spiritual session and meditation.
- Return journey to Dharchula by afternoon.
- Relax and explore Dharchula’s surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Dharchula.
- Visit the mystical caves of Patal Bhuvaneshwar.
- Final temple visits.
- Return to Chandigarh, marking the journey's end.
