The Newz Radar
KULLU: The challenging Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh commenced on Friday (July 7, 2023). Led by Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Garg, the first batch of pilgrims will embark on the arduous journey after offering prayers at the Singhagad base camp at 5.30 am. The pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev peak, situated at an altitude of 18,570 feet, spans 32 km of steep climbs and several glaciers, requiring two days to complete it.
Under the administration’s supervision, the yatra will continue until July 20, with around 5,000 devotees having registered online. Five base camps have been established along the route where narrow paths and numerous glaciers must be navigated. Beyond Parvati Bagh, devotees face oxygen-related challenges in certain areas.
To make the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra more accessible, the Shrikhand Trust Committee and the district administration have divided the 32-km journey into five sectors. Over 100 employees, including rescue teams, will be deployed throughout the yatra. At Singhgad, where registration and health checks take place from 5 am to 7 pm, the first group of devotees will depart until 4 pm. Devotees now have the option to register online for a fee of Rs 250.
Pilgrims have been advised to take precautions and carry essential items such as a sturdy stick, gripped shoes, a rain umbrella, dry fruits, warm clothing, a torch and glucose. Despite ongoing efforts by the district administration to improve facilities, the journey remains a significant challenge and 32 lives have been lost over the past nine years.
The route to Shrikhand Mahadev involves travelling approximately 130 km by bus or taxi from Shimla to Rampur for out-of-state travellers. From there, a 17-km journey to Nirmand and a further 23-km trip to Jao by vehicle is required. Subsequently, devotees must cover the remaining 32 km on foot to reach Shrikhand Mahadev.
The mesmerizing beauty of Parvati Bagh and the breathtaking sight of Lord Kartikeya’s peak leave pilgrims enchanted upon reaching Shrikhand Mahadev. After offering prayers and presenting offerings at Gupta Kandara on the rock of Shrikhand, devotees return, carrying memories of the challenging journey for a lifetime.
32-km steep climb, oxygen challenges, over 30 deaths in 9 years: Arduous Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Himachal gets going; 5,000 register online
The Newz Radar
KULLU: The challenging Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh commenced on Friday (July 7, 2023). Led by Deputy Commissioner Ashutosh Garg, the first batch of pilgrims will embark on the arduous journey after offering prayers at the Singhagad base camp at 5.30 am. The pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev peak, situated at an altitude of 18,570 feet, spans 32 km of steep climbs and several glaciers, requiring two days to complete it.
Under the administration’s supervision, the yatra will continue until July 20, with around 5,000 devotees having registered online. Five base camps have been established along the route where narrow paths and numerous glaciers must be navigated. Beyond Parvati Bagh, devotees face oxygen-related challenges in certain areas.
To make the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra more accessible, the Shrikhand Trust Committee and the district administration have divided the 32-km journey into five sectors. Over 100 employees, including rescue teams, will be deployed throughout the yatra. At Singhgad, where registration and health checks take place from 5 am to 7 pm, the first group of devotees will depart until 4 pm. Devotees now have the option to register online for a fee of Rs 250.
Pilgrims have been advised to take precautions and carry essential items such as a sturdy stick, gripped shoes, a rain umbrella, dry fruits, warm clothing, a torch and glucose. Despite ongoing efforts by the district administration to improve facilities, the journey remains a significant challenge and 32 lives have been lost over the past nine years.
The route to Shrikhand Mahadev involves travelling approximately 130 km by bus or taxi from Shimla to Rampur for out-of-state travellers. From there, a 17-km journey to Nirmand and a further 23-km trip to Jao by vehicle is required. Subsequently, devotees must cover the remaining 32 km on foot to reach Shrikhand Mahadev.
The mesmerizing beauty of Parvati Bagh and the breathtaking sight of Lord Kartikeya’s peak leave pilgrims enchanted upon reaching Shrikhand Mahadev. After offering prayers and presenting offerings at Gupta Kandara on the rock of Shrikhand, devotees return, carrying memories of the challenging journey for a lifetime.
