Bijli Mahadev Trek

A prettier route to the famous Bijli Mahadev Temple near Manali

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TREK DIFFICULTY

Easy

TREK DURATION

4 days

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STATE

Himachal Pradesh

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AGE LIMIT

7 to 65 years

Bijli Mahadev is not a new trek in our country. It is, in fact, one of the most popular and oldest treks. It is a trek that takes you to the Shiva temple located on Mathan Hill in Kullu. The popular route to Bijli Mahadev starts from Chansari village and is a short 3 km walk on a well established trail to the top. The whole trek can be completed in half a day.

What makes this trek stand out is that, at Indiahikes, we have explored an alternative route to the trek. It’s a route that is rarely traversed by anyone. It's a route that takes you through the remote villages and the best forests of Kullu Valley, letting you experience the charm of this historical place without the crowds.

The main highlight of this trek is the magical pine and deodar forest trails. On most of our treks, the forest trails are narrow, forcing you to stick to them. On the Bijli Mahadev trek, the trail is wide enough for you to explore the length and breadth of these forests. This wide trail in the forest allows you to camp amidst the tall pine and deodar trees, something that you rarely get to experience on our Himachal treks.

Did you know if you are doing the trek with your family, you can avail a 30% scholarship for your child? Read more here.

The views from the Bijli Mahadev temple are equally stunning. On a clear day, you get to see the panorama of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. We have designed our itinerary in such a way that you get to witness the sunset from the top and the stunning alpenglow on these majestic peaks. You also get to see not one or two, but four valleys: Kullu, Bhuntar, Parbati, and Gorsa.

This trek is like a cultural gem for those interested in learning about the Kullu Valley. The villages, the buildings, the people, and the culture are like a living storybook of history. The starting point of the trek, Kot village, is a good opportunity for you to get a glimpse of the remote Himalayan village.

In addition to all these, the Bijli Mahadev trek is an easy one, making it an ideal trek for absolute beginners and families. You get to experience all the goodness of the outdoors without the worry of getting prepared for a trek. So if you are someone who wants to do a trek but does not have enough time to prepare, this is a trek made for you.

Trekker Reviews

Priyadarshini Sethia

Age 24, Psychologist Bangalore

This trek also taught me a valuable lesson - I don't need to do difficult things to appreciate nature's beauty.

I recently completed the Bijli Mahadeva trek with Indiahikes and was extremely surprised by how wholesome it was. It offered way more than what you promised on your website! The trek was a peaceful an...Read More

Jaideep Girish Koppikar

Age 56, Civil Engineer, Worley Services India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai

I feel 5 years younger, I thank myself for going on this trek!

No words i write can compare to what i experienced. It all started with a day well spent at the Indiahikes camp site. For someone who has seen mangoes dangling from trees, to see varied colours of red...Read More

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Madhuri Nanda

Director, South Asia- Rainforest Alliance

Provided me and my children a great time to bond

Being in my 40s, I realize the importance of health and fitness for a good quality life. However, sometimes, we get overwhelmed with ideas of ambitious targets and miss out on the small steps that we ...Read More

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zokeyh5lenntwrbq screenshot2024 07 01at3

Kaarika Das

PhD Candidate, NIEPA

An excellent choice for first-time trekkers eager to get a sense of the trekking experience

It was my first time at IndiaHikes, and I absolutely loved the trek experience. Really appreciate the values that India Hikes embody - caring about nature, sustainability and walking the talk on both!...Read More

Jitendra Satiya and Shilpa Satiya

Partner at JK Graphics LLP

The trek was well planned. We enjoyed exploring the forest

This trek is a good experience for first timers with all age group 14 to 60 plus. The trail was not too long with proper breaks and well planned. We had lot of free time after the trek to enjoy the f...Read More

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zoi6 x5lenntwqey screenshot2024 07 01at10

Amardeep Kaur

Works at Delhi Public School

An excellent family trek. Kids and senior members can go too.

Going for a trek was my childhood dream. I got to know about Indiahikes from my friend. I was little bit confused where to go for trekking as it was my first trek. An Indiahikes member suggested me th...Read More

Priyadarshini Sethia

Age 24, Psychologist Bangalore

This trek also taught me a valuable lesson - I don't need to do difficult things to appreciate nature's beauty.

Jaideep Girish Koppikar

Age 56, Civil Engineer, Worley Services India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai

I feel 5 years younger, I thank myself for going on this trek!

Madhuri Nanda

Director, South Asia- Rainforest Alliance

Provided me and my children a great time to bond

Kaarika Das

PhD Candidate, NIEPA

An excellent choice for first-time trekkers eager to get a sense of the trekking experience

Bijli Mahadev Trek - Complete Trek Information

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Bijli Mahadev Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Day 1

Arrive and stay at the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali; take an acclimatisation walk to the pine forest

Pick-up time: 10.00 am | Pick-up location: Beas Bridge, Manali Reporting time if you are reaching on your own: 11.00 am | Altitude

Indiahikes will arrange pick-up from Beas Bridge, Manali but the cost of it has to be borne by trekkers. It will cost Rs 1,000 for a 5-6 seater vehicle (non-AC vehicles)

Day 2

Drive to Kot Village, trek to Borsu Forest campsite

Drive Distance: 41 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Day 3

Trek from Borsu Forest campsite to Shildhar; Sunset trek to Bijli Mahadev, and back to Shildhar

Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Day 4

Trek from Shiladhar to Karate; drive back to Manali.

Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 2 hours | Drive Distance: 38 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours

Indiahikes will arrange the drive from Karate to Manali via Jungle Line Campus. The total fare of the vehicle will be approx Rs 4,500. This cost is to be divided among trekkers. (SUV:5-6 trekkers)

IMPORTANT POINTS

➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id and medical certificate for entry at forest checkpoints on the trek. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

➤Stay facility: At the base camp, your stay is in Swiss tents. The accommodations will be in bunk beds and will be separate for men and women. On other days of the trek, your stay is in twin-sharing tents.

➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack/suitcase/duffel bag or anything similar.). Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

Day 1

Arrive and stay at the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali; take an acclimatisation walk to the pine forest

Pick-up time: 10.00 am | Pick-up location: Beas Bridge, Manali Reporting time if you are reaching on your own: 11.00 am | Altitude

Indiahikes will arrange pick-up from Beas Bridge, Manali but the cost of it has to be borne by trekkers. It will cost Rs 1,000 for a 5-6 seater vehicle (non-AC vehicles)

Day 2

Drive to Kot Village, trek to Borsu Forest campsite

Drive Distance: 41 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Day 3

Trek from Borsu Forest campsite to Shildhar; Sunset trek to Bijli Mahadev, and back to Shildhar

Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Day 4

Trek from Shiladhar to Karate; drive back to Manali.

Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 2 hours | Drive Distance: 38 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours

Indiahikes will arrange the drive from Karate to Manali via Jungle Line Campus. The total fare of the vehicle will be approx Rs 4,500. This cost is to be divided among trekkers. (SUV:5-6 trekkers)

IMPORTANT POINTS

➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id and medical certificate for entry at forest checkpoints on the trek. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp.

➤Stay facility: At the base camp, your stay is in Swiss tents. The accommodations will be in bunk beds and will be separate for men and women. On other days of the trek, your stay is in twin-sharing tents.

➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack/suitcase/duffel bag or anything similar.). Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

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Arrive and stay at the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali and take an acclimatisation walk to the forest

Pickup time: 10.00 am | Pickup location: Beas Bridge, Manali

The Indiahikes Manali Campus is about 15km away from Manali, located in a place called Sarsai. The campus is nestled amidst dreamy apple orchards near Manali.

Today is all about soaking in the beauty of our Manali Campus, getting to know your fellow trekkers better, getting briefed about the trek by your Trek Leader, and collecting your rentals.

Note: To make your travel easier, we will arrange the pick-up from Beas Bridge, Manali at 10 am. It will cost Rs 1,000 per vehicle (5-6 seaters) and has to be shared by trekkers.

The Indiahikes Manali Campus is about 15km away from Manali, located in a place called Sarsai. The campus is nestled amidst dreamy apple orchards near Manali.

Drive to Kot Village, trek to Borsu Forest campsite

Drive Distance: 41 km | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours

Trek Distance: 2 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Water sources: No water sources on the way. Carry 2 liters of water from the base.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at our campus. Then, hop into the vehicle and drive towards Kot village, which is about 39 kilometres away. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours.

As you drive to Kullu, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Beas River flowing vigorously down the valley. The road to Kullu is mostly downhill, winding through the mountains with apple trees lining both sides. The scenery constantly changes with each turn.

Once you reach Kullu, the next leg of the journey involves a steep climb to Kot village, featuring numerous hairpin bends along the way. As you go further up the valley, you get to see a bird's-eye view of the entire Kullu valley. Just 4 kilometres before Kot village, you start seeing the peaks of the Pir Panjal range.

Upon arriving at Kot village, the trek officially kicks off. Here, you get a glimpse of what a remote Himalayan village looks like.

At the village entrance, you will find the Mahuti Devta temple, marking the starting point of the trail. Initially, it's an ascent of about 350 metres, leading to a flat trail with a few houses above. Keep following the trail, and after covering 500 metres, you'll encounter another gradual ascent. Continue for another kilometre, and you'll find yourself amidst Borsu Forest, surrounded by a wide trail and open grounds on both sides.
Borsu Forest is a treat for trekkers. It's one of the most picturesque forest settings you will ever experience, and the forest extends for a significant distance, providing a picturesque camping spot for the day. Set up your camp and enjoy the serene surroundings amidst nature.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at our campus. Then, hop into the vehicle and drive towards Kot village, which is about 39 kilometres away. The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Upon arriving at Kot village, the trek officially kicks off. Here, you get a glimpse of what a remote Himalayan village looks like.

Trek from Borsu Forest campsite to Shildhar; Sunset trek to Bijli Mahadev, and back to Shildhar

Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Today's trek starts with a beautiful trail surrounded by deodar, and pine trees. Trek through the forest for about 2.5 kilometres until the trail through the trees concludes.

At this point, a semi-forest trail begins, leading you through a mud road flanked by trees on both sides. This road is rarely used by vehicles, except during festivals.

As you walk further, you'll eventually reach a place called Shildhar, which will be your camping spot for the day.

Take a break, drop your bags, have lunch, and explore the area.

In the evening, take a short stroll to visit the Bijli Mahadev Temple, located 1.5 kilometres from the campsite. Trekking to the top in the evening allows you to experience the beautiful sunset views from the summit, minus the crowd.

This temple is renowned for its legendary trek around Manali. The Shiva Lingam inside the temple is believed to attract divine blessings in the form of lightning. According to the legend, after every lightning episode, the priest of the temple restores the Shiva linga inside using butter and sattoo, as it shatters into pieces each time. The temple is considered a protector of the valley, enduring the impact of every thunderstorm.

After your visit, return to the campsite and call it a day.

Today's trek starts with a beautiful trail surrounded by deodar, and pine trees. Trek through the forest for about 2.5 kilometres until the trail through the trees concludes.

At this point, a semi-forest trail begins, leading you through a mud road flanked by trees on both sides. This road is rarely used by vehicles, except during festivals.

As you walk further, you'll eventually reach a place called Shildhar, which will be your camping spot for the day.

Take a break, drop your bags, have lunch, and explore the area.

After your visit, return to the campsite and call it a day.

Trek from Shildhar to Karate; drive back to Manali via Jungle Line Campus

Trek Distance: 2km | Trek Duration: 2 hours

Drive Distance: 38km | Drive Duration: 1.5hrs

This is the last day of the trek. Start from Shildhar after breakfast at the campsite.
It's a short 2 km descent to the Karate village through the popular route. Drive back to Manali on the same day via Jungle Line Campus.

Planning your onward flight/train booking

If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero, which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary.

Example: If your trek start day is 25 September, then book your air tickets for 24 September to either Chandigarh or Delhi.

There are two options for your flight tickets.

Option 1: Fly directly to Chandigarh

We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Manali. It also makes your travel timeless. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Chandigarh is too high, book to Delhi and travel to Manali by bus.

Tip: Land at the Chandigarh airport and directly head to Sector 43 (which is the main Interstate bus terminal of Chandigarh). You get AC airport buses to Sector 43, from just outside the arrivals. It is about 10 km and the buses run every half hour or so. A ticket costs Rs 60 for these buses.

Always target reaching Chandigarh by around 7.30 pm. It takes an hour or so to get out of the airport and get to ISBT in Sector 43. Getting a bus connection to Manali may take about half an hour or so. It is usually a 9-10 hour bus journey to Manali (294 km on mountain roads).

Avoid reaching Chandigarh after 7.30 pm, unless pushed to it. We recommend traveling by bus with Lakshmi Holidays. They are clean, affordable, and usually run on time.

Tip: Avoid taking buses that are expected to reach Manali after 9 am. The route is prone to very bad traffic jams. Often with a 3-4 hour delay.

Pro Tip: If you are in a group of 3-4, then it may make sense to take a taxi from Chandigarh airport to Manali directly. A taxi charges about Rs 3,200 for the trip. You can book a taxi from Goibibo or Ola in advance. We use this system often.

Option 2: Flying to Delhi

Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Chandigarh. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 4 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Minus One and not on Day 1.

Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Chandigarh is less than Rs 1,000 then book directly to Chandigarh. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.

Bus to Manali: Take the bus before 6 pm from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to the Manali Bus Stand. It is a 13-14 hour bus journey from Delhi to Manali. Take a bus that leaves Delhi at around 5.30 pm. We recommend traveling by bus with Lakshmi Holidays. They are clean, affordable, and usually run on time.

Pro Tip: Avoid taking buses that are expected to reach Manali after 9 am. The route is prone to very bad traffic jams. Often with a 3-4 hour delay.

Option 3: Flying to Bhuntar

Flying to the Kullu Airport is a risky and expensive option as it is a small airport and flights can get canceled easily if the weather is bad. Make sure to book a flight that reaches before 9.00 am. You must arrive in Delhi/Chandigarh on Day Minus One and not on Day 1.

Cab to Manali: There are cabs available right outside the airport. They will charge around Rs. 2500 from Bhutar to Prini (Manali).

Planning your return flight/train booking

Option 1: Flying out from Chandigarh

Assuming you have stayed at Manali the day before, take a bus to Chandigarh. Book a flight that flies out of Chandigarh after 8 p.m. It takes about 10 hours to travel from Manali to Chandigarh by bus. And a further one hour from Chandigarh ISBT at Sector 43 to the airport by bus.

You get buses at the Manali bus stand from 8.30 a.m. onward.

Tip: You can also choose to share a cab with 3-to 4 fellow trekkers from Manali to Chandigarh.

Option 2: Flying out of Delhi

Assuming you are not staying overnight at Manali, you get buses to Delhi starting at 5 p.m. from the Manali bus stand. The travel time to reach Delhi ISBT is around 14-15 hours. If you are booking a flight from Delhi and taking a bus, then book a late morning flight after 9 am.

Tip: Experience the different cafes in Manali and take a night bus after 9 pm to Delhi. Then take an onward flight to your cities in the evening from Delhi.

Option 3: Flying from Bhuntar

Book a return flight from here on Day 7. Flights can get delayed or cancelled due to bad weather.

Cab to Bhuntar: Pre-book your cab to the airport. They will charge around Rs 2500 from Prini (Manali) to Bhuntar. Your hotel can help you arrange for a cab.

Planning your hotel/stay

Booking a stay at Manali is fairly easy. There are quite a few hostel options available around Old Manali.

Hotel options near Indiahikes campus Manali

Fursat Boutique dorms

A budget dorm near Indiahikes campus in Manali The cost is around Rs. 1800 for a bed.

Fursat Boutique Stays

A Hotel near Indiahikes Manali Campus The cost is around Rs 3200 for a night.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate

Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.

Consultation fee: Rs 300

PRO TIPS

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Crosstrek Rental store, where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.

Shoes and backpack

Trekking shoes with ankle support (Available on rent)
Backpack with rain cover (Available on rent)

Warm Layers and Clothes

Warm layers (Padded jackets available on rent)
- 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)

Accessories

Sunglasses (Available on rent)
Sun cap, preferably with flaps (Available for purchase)
Waterproof gloves (Available for purchase)
Balaclava
Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
Headlamp (Available on rent)
Trekking pole (Available on rent)
Rain jacket + pants / poncho (Poncho is available on rent)

Toiletries:

Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Light towel
Lip balm or vaseline
Toilet paper (Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)

Cutlery:

Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug (Lunch box is available on rent)
Two water bottles or Hydration Pack (Water bottles are available on rent)

Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek. It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.

Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20%. We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.

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Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader.

Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is paracetamol. It helps tackle fever and mild pain
Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.
Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.

Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them, which also consists of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency, our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of the medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.

Yes, you do get mobile networks from all major service providers on the trail.

You won't find an ATM near the Indiahikes campus, but you will find ATMs of all major banks in Naggar, which is 4 km away. It's better to withdraw money from Manali before proceeding to the Indiahikes campus.

The only place you’ll find a plug to charge your phone or camera batteries will be at Indiahikes Manali Jungle Line Campus before starting the trek.

Therefore, use your electronic equipment wisely. Fully charge your batteries before leaving your hotel, and use your electronic equipment minimally.

Another thing to note is that cold temperatures drain the batteries faster. Having extra batteries or a power bank helps.

Yes, we have the option of leaving behind extra luggage at the basecamp. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per piece.

You can leave behind any kind of bag, including backpacks, suitcases, duffel bags, or kit bags. Ensure you leave no valuables (laptops, cash, or electronics) in this luggage.

The Bijli Mahadev trek is suitable for all age groups. This is because the terrain of the trek is relatively gentle and well-maintained, making it accessible for everyone. The trails are not overly strenuous, allowing everyone to enjoy the trek.

The Indiahikes trek route starts from Kot village and offers you the best of what a trek can offer - a glimpse into the culture of remote Himalayan villages, picturesque forest trails, camping in the forest and the sunset views from the summit. The popular route is a short 3 km trek that can be completed in half a day and offers only views from the top.

Yes, you can rent gear from our Crosstrek Store like any of our other Indiahikes treks.

Having more footprint through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. This is why, at Indiahikes, we do not encourage offloading. A trekker carries his/her own backpack in the true spirit of trekking.

But if — due to a medical condition — you are not able to carry your own backpack, you can offload your backpack. The cost of offloading on the Bijli Mahadev trek is Rs 1,260 for the entire trek. Find details about the offloading process here.

Bijli Mahadev Trek Videos

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Expert Speak

Abhishek Tiwari

Slope Manager, Indiahikes

Abhishek Tiwari

Slope Manager, Indiahikes

Abhishek is a slope manager at Indiahikes. Before transitioning into the slope manager's role, he was a trek leader and has led many treks at Indiahikes. Abhishek explored the alternative route to the Bijli Mahadev Temple and fell in love with what this short 3-day trek has to offer. Here's what he has to say about the trek.

What I Like About The Bijli Mahadev Trek

Abhishek Tiwari

Slope Manager, Indiahikes

1. Serene walk in pine and ancient deodar forests

Just 15 minutes into the trek from Kot village, you enter the forest section. The way the forests are layered on the Bijli Mahadev trek is unique. Unlike most forest walks, the trails are wide and flat. You can see through it for a long distance.

On the very first day of the trek, you camp amidst these trees, which is again an experience to cherish.

On most of your travels, you get to experience sunsets from either mountains or beaches. On this trek, you get to experience them in the forests. As the sun sets on the horizon, the forest floor gets lit up by the evening sunlight. It’s a sight to behold.

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Walking in the Borsu pine forest section is a beautiful experience that stays with you for a long time. Photo by Abhishek Tiwari

2. The view of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges from the top

The rewards you get on this trek are way more than the effort you put in. From the Bijli Mahadev temple, you get to witness some of the prominent peaks, such as Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, and Parvati Parbath, among others peaks of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges.
Along with the peaks, you get to witness four valleys from the peak: Parbati, Gorsa, Kullu, and Bhuntar Valley. Something you don't get to see often.

If you are lucky with clear skies, you will even witness the confluence of the Beas and Parvati Rivers down the valley.

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As you trek to the top during sunset, witnessing the alpen glow on the snow-capped mountains is a bonus. Photo by Abhishek Tiwari

3. The drive from Manali to Kot village

The journey from Manali to Kot is one of the most picturesque ones.

As you are driving to Kullu, the Beas River accompanies you. It flows down the valley just beside the road. The route goes downhill, winding through the mountains with apple trees lining both sides. The scenery changes with each turn.

Once you reach Kullu, the next leg of the journey involves a steep climb to Kot village, through sharp multiple hairpin bends. As you go further up the valley, you get to see a bird's-eye view of the entire Kullu valley. Just 4 kilometres before Kot village, you start seeing the peaks of the Pir Panjal range.