Shrikhand Mahadev Sacred Expedition: Shimla to Shivling Summit
Package Inclusions
Overview
Tour Itinerary
Assemble by 6:30 AM at the designated SkyGlobals meeting point in Shimla. Drive along the Hindustan-Tibet Highway (NH-5) past Narkanda and Kingal, dropping down to the Satluj River valley at Rampur Bushahr. Cross the bridge over the Satluj and wind up through the ancient apple-belt town of Nirmand (famed for its 7th-century wooden temples of Lord Parshuram). Follow the Kurpan stream to the roadhead village of Jaon (6,600 ft). Check into your local guest house. Complete mandatory administrative Yatra registration, submit medical clearance forms, and undergo an evening oximeter and gear check. Dinner and overnight stay in Jaon.
Begin before dawn with an easy 3 km walk to Singhad (7,200 ft), the official base camp where the Himachal administration conducts compulsory spot medical check-ups (blood pressure and pulse check) and baggage inspections.
The Climb: Past Singhad, cross the wooden stream bridge to face Dandi Dhar—a notorious, relentless vertical climb gaining over 4,000 feet in just 8 km over steep stone steps, exposed tree roots, and cedar forest paths.
Arrive at the high-ridge clearing of Thachru (11,300 ft) by afternoon. Rest, rehydrate with warm garlic soup, and allow your body to adapt to the thin air. Dinner and overnight stay in wind-resistant alpine tents.
Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Kullu and Kinnaur ranges. Climb 3 km steeply to Kali Ghati (12,750 ft), a high mountain ridge marked by a small shrine to Goddess Kali where pilgrims offer prayers for safe passage. Drop down through meadows into Bheem Talav (11,800 ft), a shallow glacial depression. Continue across carpeted alpine pastures dotted with wild anemones and rhododendrons to reach Bhim Dwar (12,500 ft). Set up camp in a vast amphitheater surrounded by massive cascading waterfalls that tumble down sheer rock faces. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
A deliberately short, gradual moving day designed for vital high-altitude acclimatization before the summit push. Climb 3 km up the rocky slopes to Parvati Bagh (13,600 ft), the highest permanent vegetated zone on the trail. Legend describes this as Goddess Parvati’s personal garden; the crags are blanketed with the sacred and rare Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata). Rest during the afternoon, test blood-oxygen levels, prepare headlamps, thermal layers, and day-packs. Eat a high-carbohydrate early dinner by 5:30 PM and sleep early. Overnight stay in alpine tents.
The Midnight Push: Wake up at 1:00 AM. Fasten headlamps, gaiters, and microspikes. Trek in freezing temperatures across moraines to the sacred high-altitude tarn of Nayan Sarovar (14,500 ft), believed to have formed from Lord Shiva's tears. Navigate across unstable snow patches and the boulder-strewn landscape of Bheem Ki Bahi (massive stone slabs etched with natural patterns). Reach the narrow summit ridge at sunrise.
The Summit: Stand before the towering 75-foot natural rock monolith of Shrikhand Mahadev Shivling at 17,150 ft. Marvel at unobstructed 360-degree panoramas of the Great Himalayan Range, including the Kinnaur Kailash and Spiti peaks.
Descent: Carefully pick your way down the slippery boulders back to Parvati Bagh to rest and refuel, then continue descending to the safety of Bhim Dwar. Enjoy a warm celebratory meal and deep sleep. Overnight stay in tents.
Start by 6:00 AM for the long, demanding downward trek. Retrace your steps across Kali Ghati and down to Thachru. Use trekking poles to absorb the relentless downward impact while descending the steep root drops of Dandi Dhar. Check out at the Singhad police checkpoint and complete the final trail stretch back to Jaon Village. Check back into the guest house for a hot bath, a feast of local Himachali Siddu and dal, and a well-earned rest in a comfortable bed. Overnight stay in Jaon.
After a relaxed morning breakfast, board your private vehicles and trace the winding road down through Nirmand and Rampur. Follow the Satluj River back to the lower hills, arriving at Shimla by 5:30 PM with direct drop-off at the railway station or ISBT bus terminal.
