Trek Overview
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek – A Sacred Journey to the High Himalayas
The trek begins from Jaon village in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a traditional mountain settlement surrounded by dense forests and terraced fields. The trail ascends steeply through oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests, passing remote campsites such as Singh Gad and Thachru. As the trek progresses, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, with narrow paths, rocky sections, and exposed ridges like Kali Ghati offering dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Reaching the Kunsha basecamp at around 16,000 feet, trekkers prepare for the challenging summit day. The final ascent to Shrikhand Mahadev involves crossing snowfields, glaciers, and steep climbs through Bheem Dwar, leading to the towering natural Shivling at an altitude of approximately 18,570 feet. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and vast Himalayan landscapes, this trek is a powerful blend of adventure, endurance, and spiritual significance, making it one of the most demanding yet rewarding pilgrimages in the Indian Himalayas.
Quick Itinerary
Day 01: Pickup from Chandigarh → Drive to Jaon Village
- Pickup: Chandigarh
- Transfer: Drive to Jaon Village
- Stay: Homestay at Jaon Village
Day 02: Trek Jaon → Thachdu Campsite
- Activity: Trek from Jaon to Thachdu
- Destination: Thachdu Campsite
- Stay: Campsite at Thachdu
Day 03: Trek Thachdu → Bheemdwar via Kali Ghati
- Activity: Trek from Thachdu to Bheemdwar
- Route: Via Kali Ghati
- Stay: Campsite at Bheemdwar
Day 04: Trek Bheemdwar → Shrikhand Mahadev Darshan → Return
- Activity: Trek to Shrikhand Mahadev
- Highlight: Shrikhand Mahadev Darshan
- Stay: Campsite at Bheemdwar
Day 05: Trek Bheemdwar → Thachdu
- Activity: Trek from Bheemdwar to Thachdu
- Route: Same return trail
- Stay: Campsite at Thachdu
Day 06: Trek Thachdu → Jaon Village
- Activity: Trek from Thachdu to Jaon
- Destination: Jaon Village
- Stay: Homestay at Jaon Village
Day 07: Drive Jaon Village → Chandigarh Drop
- Activity: Drive from Jaon to Chandigarh
- Drop: Chandigarh
- Stay: Trip ends
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Chandigarh to Jaon Village
The journey begins early morning with pickup from Chandigarh Railway Station at around 05:00 AM. From here, drive towards Jaon Village, covering approximately 250 km in 10–11 hours via Shimla and Rampur. The scenic drive takes you through winding mountain roads, river valleys, and picturesque Himalayan towns.
Arrive at Jaon Village (6,800 ft) by evening and check into a local homestay. After a long drive, relax, enjoy a warm meal, and prepare for the trek ahead. Overnight stay at the homestay in Jaon.
Day 2 - Jaon to Thachdu
After breakfast, begin the trek from Jaon Village towards Thachdu. The trail stretches for around 10 km and takes approximately 7–8 hours. The route passes through dense forests, open meadows, and steep ascents, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
As you gain altitude, the scenery becomes more dramatic and serene. Reach Thachdu Campsite at an altitude of about 11,300 ft by late afternoon. Settle into the campsite, enjoy the mountain views, and rest for the night. Overnight stay at Thachdu.
Day 3 - Thachdu to Bheemdwar via Kali Ghati
Today’s trek covers approximately 10 km and takes around 6–7 hours. The trail ascends steadily towards the sacred Kali Ghati, a narrow and exposed mountain pass that marks one of the most challenging sections of the trek.
After crossing Kali Ghati, descend slightly to reach the vast alpine meadows of Bheemdwar at an altitude of around 13,600 ft. The wide open landscape and surrounding peaks make this campsite truly spectacular. Dinner and overnight stay at Bheemdwar.
Day 4 - Bheemdwar to Shrikhand Mahadev & Return
Start early today for the most important and challenging day of the trek. The route to Shrikhand Mahadev covers about 12 km round trip and takes 7–8 hours. The trail involves steep climbs, snow patches, and glacier crossings as you move towards the sacred Shivalinga.
After darshan at Shrikhand Mahadev, located at an altitude of approximately 17,150 ft, begin the descent back to Bheemdwar. This spiritually uplifting and physically demanding day concludes with dinner and overnight stay at the Bheemdwar campsite.
Day 5 - Bheemdwar to Thachdu
After breakfast, retrace your steps from Bheemdwar back to Thachdu. The trek covers around 10 km and takes approximately 5–6 hours. You will cross Kali Ghati once again, this time on the return journey.
The descent feels easier but still requires caution on steep and rocky sections. Reach Thachdu by afternoon and relax at the campsite. Dinner and overnight stay at Thachdu.
Day 6 - Thachdu to Jaon Village
Today involves a long descent from Thachdu back to Jaon Village. The trek distance is around 12 km and takes approximately 6–7 hours. The trail passes through forested sections and mountain paths, gradually losing altitude.
Reach Jaon Village by afternoon and check into the homestay. Spend the evening resting and reflecting on the journey. Dinner and overnight stay at Jaon.
Day 7 - Jaon Village to Chandigarh
After an early breakfast, depart from Jaon Village for Chandigarh. The drive covers approximately 250 km and takes 9–10 hours. Enjoy the final views of the Himalayan landscapes as you descend towards the plains.
You will be dropped at Chandigarh Railway Station by around 8–9 PM. The trek concludes with unforgettable memories of the Shrikhand Mahadev journey.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.
Shrikhand Mahadev Trek Gallery