Sneha is an erstwhile HR professional from Bangalore, now living in Mumbai. She has trekked several trails in Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Kerala and Meghalaya. She holds the Green Trails idea close to her heart and enjoys researching and writing about the environment.

DDespite the high altitude and negative temperatures, it is possible to trek in the Himalayas in winter. In fact, trekkers look forward to walking for miles on fresh snow and getting into snow fights with each other. Campsites often look as if they’re right out of a fairytale. All you need to enjoy a winter trek is a little preparation and smart packing.

Take this quiz to see how much you much you know about trekking in the winter.

Don’t forget to hit submit when you’re done!

Here is the solution to last week’s crossword (How well do you know the Meadows of Himalayas?) –

The winner for last week’s crossword is Anupam Chakravarti, who took all of 3 minutes and 16 seconds to solve it. Congratulations!!

Thinking about trekking in the winter? Take this quiz to see how prepared you are for a winter trek in the Himalayas.

How prepared are you for a Himalayan Winter Trek?

Dayara Bugyal Summer Camp 

Mural Danda Trek

Kuari Pass Trek

Ranthan Kharak Trek

Channarayana Durga Weekend Trek 

Bijli Mahadev Trek

Minchukallu Betta Weekend Trek

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek

Kedarkantha Summer Camp Trek

Kuari Pass Summer Camp Trek

Manali Kaisdhar Trek for Beginners

Goa Netravali Forest Trek

Kedarkantha Trek

Surya Top

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek

Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

Har Ki Dun

Dayara Bugyal Trek

Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Brahmatal Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Narmada Backwaters Trek

Ali Bedni Bugyal Trek

Phulara Ridge Trek

Winter Trekking Camp for Children

Bali Pass Trek

Nag Tibba Weekend Trek

Pench Tiger Trail

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek

Tarsar Marsar Trek

Ala-Kul Trek - Kyrgyzstan

Kashmir Great Lakes Trek 

Georgia Atsunta Pass Trek

Gurez Valley Trek

Kodaikanal Avocado Hill Trek

Kedartal Trek

Tulian Lake Trek

Warwan Valley Trek

Nafran Valley Trek

Mount Rinjani Trek

Brammah Valley Trek

Pir Panjal Lakes Trek

Bodpathri Trek

Buran Ghati Trek

Bhrigu Lake Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Rupin Pass

Miyar Valley

Beas Kund Trek

Valley of Flowers

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Hampta Pass Trek

Benog Tibba Trek

Everest Base Camp (Classic Route)

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Goechala Trek

Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Ri Trek

Trekking Summer Camp on Deoriatal Chandrashila

Khopra Ridge Trek

Youth Camp on Ali Bedni Bugyal

Bananthimari Betta Trek

Vellore Amirthi Forest Trek

Chirbatiya Weekend Trek

Gidara Bugyal

Deoban Weekend

Gutirayan Peak Trek

Biligundlu Cauvery River Trek

Kanamo Peak Trek

Ghepan Lake

Roopkund Trek

Dafeybhir Pass Trek

Kamalgad Trek

Horagina Betta Trek

Kumara Parvatha Trek

Chadar Trek

Arshan Valley Trek

Makalidurga Trek

Halu Chilume Gange Trek

Kugti Pass Trek

Netravati Trek

Satpura Forest Trail

Karnala Fort Trek

Neelkanth Mahadev Lake Trek

Kudremukh Trek

Bekal Beach Trek

Bijli Mahadev To Naggar Trek

Harishchandragad Trek

Doodhpathri Trek

Triund Trek

Pin Parvati Pass

Channarayana Durga Trek

Bhimashankar Trek

Rajgad Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Satopanth Tal Trek

Sathuragiri Hill Trek

Sinhagad Fort Trek

Kalavantin Durg Trek

George Everest Peak Trek

Please note that this is a special trek designed for stargazing enthusiasts. The trek fee is slightly more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

This is a trek specially designed for trekkers above 58 years. The itinerary is specially designed to be different from a regular trek. The trek fee is also Rs 3000 more than the regular fee (Please note this is only for Himalayan treks) Know more about the trek here.  

Please note that this is a special trek. The trek fee is Rs 5000 more than the regular fee. Know more about the trek here. 

Please note that the family treks are meant for families with a child/children under 14 years of age. If you do not fit this criteria, you can register for any of our regular groups. Read more about family treks here.

You are joining our waitlist. Here are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind:
1. Your chances of getting a confirmation are high, but not certain. 
2. You don't have to pay right now. You will receive a notification upon confirmation of your slot. You will have 24 hours to pay and confirm your booking.
3. We close the movement of WL 15-20 days before the start of the trek.

We are known for our pioneering safety practices in trekking. Microspikes, oximeters, and BP checks became standards thanks to us. In the mountains, emergencies don't care who you're with—everyone knows that when trouble hits, you look for the yellow tents of Indiahikes.

We are known for our safety

We are pioneers in trekking. Since 2007, we have brought out treks that have become India's most famous treks: Roopkund, Rupin Pass, Buran Ghati, Kedarkantha, Kashmir Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Brahmatal, Phulara Ridge—the list goes on. In 2023 alone, we brought out five new treks in Indian trekking. We know treks better than anyone. This comes directly from the reason why Indiahikes was born: to bring out trek information and enable trekkers to trek on their own.

We are pioneers of treks in India

More than 30,000 people trek with us every year. We are the largest trekking organisation in India. 24% of our trekkers come back to trek with us every year. Over 4,000 students from the top educational institutions trek with us every year. Aside from this, families with children choose to trek with Indiahikes knowing that our treks are the safest. We have taken over 8000 children trekking so far, and the number continues to grow. 

We are India’s largest trekking organisation

We focus on designing transformative experiences. Our trek leaders conduct thought-provoking exercises that help you reflect and contemplate. This impact stays with you for a long time. Trekkers return feeling energised, more confident, or developing abilities to deal with difficulties. Many have changed careers, rethought their core values, become more humble, shown gratitude to others, or started a new fitness journey. 

Our treks are transformative

For us, sustainability is not just writing on the wall. Using eco-bags, our trekkers have cleared over 120 tonnes of litter from the mountains. We do not carry packaged foods; instead, we serve freshly made food. We do not light campfires; we carry coal to light angethis to keep you warm. Our bio-toilets not only keep our toilets odour-free but also enrich the soil. When you trek with us, you leave mountains better.

Sustainability is at the heart of our operations

5 Reasons Why Indiahikes

If you are unable to complete a trek, or if you love a trek, you can repeat it with us anytime. You don’t have to pay us for it. See our thoughts behind this here.

You’re guarded with our trek again philosophy

Our thrice-a-day oxi-metre checks keep altitude sickness at bay, never allowing you to reach a point where you need evacuation.

Daily 3-time health checks keep you safe at any altitude

With around 30% of our trekkers being women, all women, including those travelling solo are comfortable to join any of our groups.

Join any group, they are all women-friendly groups 

Our kitchen teams understand your needs as a vegan (or a Jain). We will take special care of your food, even in the remote Himalayas. 

We have specially designed bio toilets to ensure you have no sight or smell in toilets, at the same time making sure the toilets cause no harm to the fragile ecosystem we trek in.

Be comfortable and sustainable with bio toilets

We’ll admit it. Our love for food surpasses our love for minimalism. Expect freshly cooked, multi-cuisine food at all camps, designed to meet your nutritional requirements and keep your taste buds happy!

A prettier route to the famous Bijli Mahadev Temple near Manali

It has started snowing at the Bijli Mahadev trek. If you are planning for a Winter Trek, our expert team of Trek Advisors can help you choose the right one. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Will I get to see snow in this trek?", please get in touch.

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

STATE

AGE LIMIT

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.

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. 

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

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

Provided me and my children a great time to bond

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

The trek was well planned. We enjoyed exploring the forest

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

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

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.

➤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.

Autumn is a great time to trek to Bijli Mahadev. People often associate autumn with fallen leaves and orange hues. However, it is still very green in autumn. It is only when November comes, the landscape starts turning orange. 

This is the perfect time for photography because the landscapes are clean and the skies are clear. Villagers are busy getting ready for winter, storing grass for their cattle, and gathering wood, giving trekkers a glimpse into the locals' daily lives. 

For those who love photography and want to see the mountains clearly, post-monsoon is the best time. The clean air and vibrant forest make it a truly scenic experience.

Presence of Snow: There is no snow during the autumn season.

Daytime temperatures range from 14°C to 18°C, and at night it can drop to 8°C to 10°C.

Bijli Mahadev in Autumn (September to mid-November)

During the winter season, the Bijli Mahadev trek offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere. While the trail itself doesn't usually have snow, the surrounding mountains, such as the Pir Panjal range, may have a light dusting of snow, creating a beautiful winter scene.

The deodar forests remain green, providing a striking contrast against the snowy peaks. The winter air is refreshing and cool, making it a pleasant trek without the challenges of snow trekking. 

This trek is perfect for those who want to experience winter trekking without facing harsh conditions. The crisp air and stunning snowy views make it a magical experience.

Presence of Snow: You may get snow in January and February

Daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 16°C, and at night, they can drop to 2°C to 3°C.

Bijli Mahadev in Winter (mid-November to February)

Spring is a great time to explore the Bijli Mahadev trek. The trail goes through dense deodar forests, which are always lush green, but in spring, the forest feels alive and vibrant.

The distant snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal range provide stunning views. The forest is calm in spring, making it a peaceful trek. 

The fresh green forests and clear views of snow-covered peaks make spring a magical time for this trek. 

It’s perfect for beginners who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without extreme conditions.

Presence of snow: You might find snow during March but it will have melted by April

Daytime temperatures range from 14°C to 18°C, and at night, it drops to 7°C to 10°C

In the summer, the trek is warm but pleasant, especially once you enter the dense deodar forest.

The shade from the towering trees keeps the trail cool, making it comfortable for walking even in the warmer months. 

This season also allows trekkers to experience vibrant village life and get a glimpse of mountain life. The cool forest trail provides relief from the summer heat and is the best time to experience mountain village life in action.

Presence of snow: You will not find snow on the trail

During the day, the temperatures range from 20°C to 24°C, while at night, it cools down to 12°C to 16°C.

During the monsoon months, the trail becomes a vibrant green paradise. The forest feels alive, and after the rains, everything is fresh and full of life.

However, the trail can be slippery and somewhat challenging due to the rain. 

If you are fortunate, you might experience trekking under the clouds, with mist and fog adding a mystical touch to the surroundings. The deodar forests take on a magical appearance, and if the skies clear, you can still get great views of the Pir Panjal range. 

The monsoon offers a unique trekking experience, with lush greenery, refreshing rains, and the chance to walk through misty, cloud-covered trails.

Daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 22°C, with nighttime temperatures cooling to 12°C to 14°C.

Bijli Mahadev in Monsoon (July to September)

No. of warm layers required: 2-3 layers (Will get colder if it rains)

The Bijli Mahadev Trek is rated as an easy trek. Though it’s an easy trek, there are certain things that you must be aware of. The trek is short, but it can get sunny as you walk up the slope. Dehydration is really common if you don’t have enough fluids to hydrate yourself.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather, etc. Based on this, we rate a trek as easy or difficult, or somewhere in between.

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.

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Bijli Mahadev trek:

How prepared are you for a Himalayan Winter Trek?

Here is the solution to last week’s crossword (How well do you know the Meadows of Himalayas?) –

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