Manimahesh Kailash Peak Chamba

Also known as Chamba Kailash, the Manimahesh Kailash Peak stands high above the Manimahesh Lake, which is believed to be the home of Lord Shiva. It is situated in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh. The Manimahesh Lake is at the base of the Kailash peak which is at 18,547 ft and both are admired by the people of Himachal Pradesh. It is blessed by the goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousands of tourists journey here to take a dip in its sacred waters of Manimahesh on the fifteenth day following the Janamashtami festival. A huge fair is held every year at this lake in the month of August or September.

History As per the legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva has created Manimahesh Kailash after tying the knot with Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Mata Girja. As per the local myth, there is a rock formation in the form of a Shivling on this mountain, which is known as the manifestation of Lord Shiva. The snow field at the base of the mountain is known by the local people as Shiva's Chaugan.

Moreover, it is also believed that Manimahesh Kailash is unbeatable as no one has so far surmounted it.

Over the decades, a local tribe tried to climb along with the herd of sheep but he failed and turned into a stone along with his sheep. Another legend says that a snake also tried to climb the mountain but it also turned into stone. Pilgrims believe that if the Lord wishes then only they can view the peak.

The possibilities of climbing the Manimahesh peak have been so far resulted into past failed attempts. It is assessed that the climb and the fall of the peak could be accomplished within 3 days with a traverse of the N ridge and E wing into the Nainoni Valley and down to Kugti village. The conditions of rock are also poor at higher elevations of the mountains.