Maximum Altitude: Shrikhand top, which is 18,570 ft from the sea level.
Temperature: Ranges from 10°Celsius - 30°Celsius during the daytime and falls to around 2°Celsius - 10°Celsius after sunset.
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek Distance: 32 km
Trek Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Terrain Type: Steep slopes on uneven glacier
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Starting Point of the Trek: The trek starts at Jaon Village.
Finishing Point of the Trek: Jaon Village
Nearest Railway Station: Shimla is the nearest railway station.
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek Base Camp: Jaon Village
Snow Season: The region experiences heavy snowfall from December-January.
Best Time for Shrikhand Mahadev Trek: The perfect time to embark on this trek is between the full moon day in July to the full moon day in August.
Jaon Village – Singhad Village
The journey of the Shrikhand Mahadev Trek starts from the quaint village of Jaon, which is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The journey from Jaon to Singhgad is a short 3 km trek; if done at a moderate speed, it takes about one and a half hours to complete. The first day of trekking is easy with a straight 3km stretch in a route that runs parallel to a picturesque rivulet.
Once you reach Singhgad village, you can explore it a little as it is considered one holy place where the devotees offer their prayers before setting out for the Srikhand Mahadev yatra.
Water bottles of food-grade quality. Since it is a long and tiresome trek you will need to constantly keep hydrating yourself to avoid being tired. You can also carry a hydrating pack to keep your hands free while walking to make the trek easy.
Some sachets of ORS and glucose as trekking for hours under the sun will suck a good chunk of your energy, these sachets will help you replenish that energy effectively.
Trekking shoes for snowy, rocky, and rugged terrains as the trek is filled with steep climbing and loose soil. A pair of good shoes will avoid you from slipping. Thus, keeping injuries at the bay.
Two pairs of good quality anti-smell sports socks to keep recycling throughout the trek.
Special UV sunglasses to save your eyes from the sunlight and sun glare at high altitudes and snowy terrain.
A waterproof backpack with a sweat protection layer on the back. This will save your belongings from getting wet during rain or during any other encounter with water.
Light raincoat with cap for protection against rain. It must be of a size that can be worn over your backpack.
Adequate clothing, including a pair of warm clothes and quick dry T-shirts, thermals as the temperature drops drastically at night in the areas of higher altitudes.
Waterproof pouch to carry phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets to keep them safe from coming in contact with water.
Your trekking guide will have a top-notch first aid kit ready, but they might not have the medications that your doctor prescribed. Therefore you must carry your personal medicine and first aid kit according to your doctor's prescriptions. Make sure to include medicines for mountain sickness, fever, nausea, injury of cuts, body ache/ headache, diarrhea/ amoebic infections, injury of cuts, crape, and regular bandage rolls.
Since the trek includes areas of high altitudes, the trekkers may experience harsh and cold climatic conditions, especially during the 2nd half of the Shrikhand Mahadev Trekking interval. It is advisable to wear warm clothes, especially after crossing the Nayan Sarovar Lake.
The weather might keep fluctuating due to the changes in altitude. Every trekker must take sufficient time to slow down and adjust their body to these weather changes. Not taking enough rest will only cause physical discomfort.
Since this particular trek is a little advanced, everyone must pay complete attention to the professional guide assigned for the expedition. Remember to strictly follow his instructions to complete the journey safely and successfully.
If you have any medical condition, you must consult your doctor before registering for the trek. Make sure that you are physically fit to complete this tiresome 8-day long journey.
Although the travel guide will have the standard medication and a first aid kit. But you must carry your medicines along with a mini first aid kit in case of emergencies.
Keep the surroundings clean and avoid littering on campsites as well as local sites. Be respectful towards nature and the locals.
Make sure you do not drink alcohol or consume any other intoxicants before or during the trek.
Do not carry any unnecessary luggage for the trek, as it will only make your bag heavier. Thus, making you slow and fatigued quickly.
Situated at a height of 18,570 ft. above sea level, the Shrikhand Mahadev is considered to be one of the holiest spots in the country. People count as one of the Five Kailash, which include Kinnar Kailash, Mani Mahesh, Kailash Mansarovar, Adi Kailash, and Srikhand Mahadev.
The main highlight of the trek is the Shivling-shaped peak is the most sacred place for Hindus across the world. It attracts swarms of Hindu pilgrims every year as they believe the peak to be the abode of the highly worshipped deity in Hindu mythology - Lord Shiva. At 18,570 ft, on the mountain top boldly stands the shiv ling-shaped rock.
The place also holds relevance with the Mahabharata. According to Hindu folklore, it is believed that Pandavas also took a pilgrimage up there.
This trek will give you a chance to witness some of the rarest flora and fauna in the country, including the 'Brahma Kamal'.
Throughout the trek, you will get to meet the local villagers of the Kullu valley and spend quality time with them to learn about their local culture. This is also a great opportunity to enjoy the unique flavors of the local cuisines of the nearby villages.