Manimahesh Kailash Yatra: Route, Registration, Helicopter and Dates

Facts checked November 2026.

Manimahesh Kailash is one of the Panch Kailash, the five mountains revered as abodes of Bhagwan Shiva. For many Shiva bhakts of Himachal and nearby states, the holy dip in Manimahesh lake around Radha Ashtami is the high point of the year. This guide explains the route, registration, helicopter, stays, fitness and what to carry, step by step.

Where is Manimahesh Kailash?

Manimahesh lake lies in the Budhil valley of the Bharmour area in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh. News Arena, reporting the Bharmour administration’s 2026 notice, gives the lake’s height as about 4,080 metres. Dainik Jagran gives the lake as about 13,000 feet and the Manimahesh Kailash peak above it as over 18,000 feet. The lake is also called Shiv Kund. Yatris take a holy dip here and offer prayers facing the peak.

Bharmour, the base town, is an old temple town at about 2,195 m. Its Chaurasi temples, a group of shrines in the centre of the town, are named after the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have meditated there.

When does the Manimahesh yatra take place?

The official yatra runs from Janmashtami to Radha Ashtami every year, when the administration and the Shri Manimahesh Trust open the route and run registration.

The next yatra will again follow Janmashtami to Radha Ashtami. Expected (estimate): late August to September, based on the Hindu calendar and past years. The administration announces the official dates and registration schedule shortly before; we will update this guide when they are out.

How do you register for the Manimahesh yatra?

1. Register online on the official Shri Manimahesh Trust yatra website of the Himachal Pradesh government (manimaheshyatra.hp.gov.in). Registration is compulsory; Dainik Jagran reported that unregistered pilgrims are not allowed to go ahead.
2. Pay the registration fee. It was Rs 50 in 2026.
3. Book early: in 2026, slots opened in phases on a first-come, first-served basis, with up to 5,000 devotees per day.
4. Print your registration. In 2026, the Bharmour administration told pilgrims to carry a printed copy, to be checked at set points on the route.

How do you reach Bharmour and Hadsar?

Pathankot is the main railhead. From there the road goes to Chamba and on to Bharmour. At Hadsar the road ends and the yatra continues on foot. Tents at Dhancho, Sundarasi and Gaurikund let you break the climb with a night halt.

What is the Manimahesh trek route?

The trek starts at Hadsar and climbs for over 13 km to the lake, passing the camping points of Dhancho, Sundarasi and Gaurikund. Gaurikund is about 1 km below Shiv Kund. The climb is steep in parts and the air is thin near the top, so walk slowly and rest often. Read our altitude sickness guide before you go.

Is there a helicopter to Manimahesh?

Yes, during the official yatra. In 2026, Dainik Jagran reported four helicopters: two on the Bharmour–Gaurikund route and two on the Holi–Gaurikund route, with one-way fares of Rs 3,828 (Bharmour–Gaurikund) and Rs 6,255 (Holi–Gaurikund). Booking was online through the official website, with offline booking only in special cases for the return from Gaurikund to Bharmour. From Gaurikund it is still about 1 km on foot to the lake. Fares are set each year, so check the official site.

Where do you stay on the Manimahesh yatra?

Tents are set up along the route near Dhancho, Sundarasi, Gaurikund and Shiv Kund. Dainik Jagran reported a cost of Rs 250 to Rs 350 per bed in 2026. In Bharmour there are guesthouses and hotels. On Radha Ashtami everything fills up, so book or arrive early.

Who should do the Manimahesh yatra, and how do you prepare?

• Fitness: start walking 4 to 5 km daily, with some stairs, at least a month before.
• Health: anyone with heart, lung or blood pressure problems should consult a doctor first. Elders who cannot trek can consider the helicopter to Gaurikund, but the height still affects the body.
• Clothes: warm layers, a rain jacket and good trekking shoes; nights at the lake are cold even in August.
• Carry: your printed registration, ID, a small first-aid kit, torch, water bottle and personal medicines.
• Respect the mountain: carry your waste back down and follow the volunteers’ and officials’ instructions.

How can we help?

We run the Manimahesh Kailash yatra from Pathankot, the Manimahesh yatra from Amritsar and the Manimahesh Kailash helicopter yatra. See all Manimahesh yatras, or compare the five Kailash yatras in our Panch Kailash guide. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Manimahesh yatra?

The official yatra runs from Janmashtami to Radha Ashtami each year. In 2026 it ran from 25 August to 19 September. The next dates are announced by the administration shortly before the yatra.

Is registration compulsory for Manimahesh yatra?

Yes. Online registration on the official Shri Manimahesh Trust website is compulsory, and in 2026 pilgrims were told to carry a printed copy for checks on the route. The fee in 2026 was Rs 50.

How long is the Manimahesh trek?

The trek from Hadsar to Manimahesh lake is over 13 km one way. Hadsar is about 11 km by road from Bharmour.

What is the height of Manimahesh lake?

About 4,080 metres, or about 13,000 feet. The Manimahesh Kailash peak above it rises over 18,000 feet.

What is the helicopter fare for Manimahesh?

In 2026 the one-way fare was Rs 3,828 from Bharmour to Gaurikund and Rs 6,255 from Holi to Gaurikund, according to Dainik Jagran. Fares are fixed each year.

Which is the nearest railway station to Manimahesh?

Pathankot (PTK) and Pathankot Cantt (PTKC), about 180 km from Bharmour by road.

How many days are needed for Manimahesh yatra?

Plan for the drive from Pathankot to Bharmour (about 180 km), the trek up with a night halt, darshan and the walk down, and the drive back, plus a spare day for weather. Our Pathankot yatra page has the day-by-day plan.

Is the Manimahesh yatra difficult?

It is a moderate to hard high-altitude trek because of the steep climb and the lake’s height of about 4,080 m. Train for a month beforehand and keep a slow pace.