Mani mahesh

         The lake (4115m) situated at the base of Manimahesh Kailash Peak. Every year Manimahesh yatra is held from Janamastmi to Radhastami however people start visiting Manimahesh from May onwards. Visit to Manimahesh from Bharmour takes about 2-4 days. It is believed that on this occasion Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take a bath in the Lake. Every year more than half a million people visit manimahesh lake to take holy bath and to see manimahesh kailash. Manimahesh Kailash Peak is believed to be home of Lord Shiva. Manimahesh Lake is at a distance of 27 km (13km by taxi and 13km by trek) from Bharmour. 

Even though the Manimahesh Lake is of small size with shallow depth, its location, directly below Manimahesh Kailas peak and several other peaks and dangling glaciers, is an “inspiration even to the least devout pilgrim.”

The scenic beauty of the sacred lake

Trekking in the last reach is through the glacier fields of the lake. However, on the way, the walk is through the valley of flowers and wild medicinal herbs up to the lake. The lake is situated at the centre of a snowy field touching the sacred peak. The lake is surrounded by sandy boulders, small hilly mounds and prickly dry bushes, and there is no sign of any grass. It is called Shiv Chaugan (play ground of Lord Shiva). The lake appears as if it has penetrated the rugged valley. On a clear day the reflection of the abode of Shiva, the Kailash Mountain can be seen on the lake surface. All the year round, the place remains desolate, without any inhabitants, because none dares to stay here. The air is fresh but icy cold. There are almost no fauna in the lake at its precincts – no ants, snakes or any kind of wild life. A few Bird species are sighted rarely. The silence of the place is broken only when the pilgrims visit the place in large numbers, an evening before the holy dip (locally known as naun) in the lake.