Trek to the electric hills of Bijli Mahadev
Located on top of Mathan hills, is the legendary Bijli Mahadev temple. A 15 km approach by foot from Kullu town to the top of this hill is an experience in itself. There is a 12 km long motorable road that trekkers can take; but the real charm of the trek lies in the interior of Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, if you take the trail from Bijli Mahadev to Naggar.
The sylvan surroundings of the quiet valley are mesmerizing, with a wide array of deodar and pine forests. This is complimented by the beautiful apple, pomegranate and pear orchards of Jana Village. The trek becomes more interesting with overnight camping inside a forested ridge at Matikochar. As you exit the valley and reach Naggar, you’ll learn that it’s a wonderfully satisfying weekend trek.
History and Folklore
Tarun Goel, a travel writer, likes to call Bijli Mahadev “Electric Mahadev.” It is said that the 60-ft-tall tall staff in this temple attracts divine blessings in the form of lightning. It is believed that the priest of the temple has to restore the Shiva linga placed inside the temple using butter and sattoo after every lightning episode, as it shatters to pieces each time. In that sense, the temple is said to be a defender of the valley, as it bears the brunt of every thunderstorm.
Overview
Trip Highlight
- Trip Cost : On Request
- Duration : 2 Days | I Night
- Best season : May to Oct
- Level : Easy/Moderate
- Total Distance : 12 km keep drive, 8 km trek
- Maximum elevation : 7,677 ft
- Weather : The nights can be cold, day temperatures are pleasant during the season
- Restrictions : None
- Getting from / T0 : --.
- Equipment : None for walking
Itinerary
- Day 01 : Kullu – Chansari – Matikochar
- Altitude: 7,677 ft
- Distance: 12 km keep drive, 8 km trek
- Time taken: 6-7 hours
- Day 02 : Matikochar – Jana Village – Naggar
- Altitude: 7,677 ft – 6,990 ft – 6,713 ft
- Distance: 13 km
- Time taken: 7-8 hours
The trek can be started from Kullu or Naggar town. One can take an overnight bus from Delhi to reach Kullu, which takes 12 hours. Local buses and shared Jeeps can be taken from Kullu bus stand till Chansari Village, which is 12 km ahead. From Chansari, there is a 3-km-long well-defined trail maintained by Forest department till Bijli Mahadev. The trek is a steep ascent of over 2,500 feet via forest trails that pass a couple of villages. After over 45 minutes of hiking, the villages and apple orchards are left behind and one can see the beginning of grasslands and catch a partial glimpse of the temple top. Another climb of 300 feet and one enters the meadows of Bijli Mahadev. The trek to the top of the hill can be completed in about 2-3 hours. From the hill top, one gets great view of Kullu valley and the confluence of Beas and Parvati rivers. The views of Dhauladhar and Pir Pinjal ranges are also impressive. In summer and monsoon season, the whole region is bustling with greenery. In the winter months, the hill-top receives heavy snow-fall.
Today is going to be a long day. The trek starts with a gradual descent to the beautiful Jana Waterfalls, which is nice camping spot as well. Generally, it takes 3 to 4 hours reach here. This is a suitable spot to break for lunch and to drink water. Jana Village is another 2o minutes away from here. The whole area is considered the fruit belt of Kullu. In harvesting season, expect the whole valley laden with apples, pomegranate and pears. The villages here have distinct Kullu wooden architecture. The trails from here are shepherd trails going down to Nashala village. From here, one can pre-arrange a Jeep pick-up or choose to trek all the way to famous Naggar castle. Once at Naggar, the trek ends and one can head to Manali or Kullu.