Srikhand Mahadev Yatra – Part Two

Continued from part one of the article.

After Singh gad the next destination is Barahatti or Sangam, where a  temple of van devta Yachdoo is situated and is meeting point of two khadds (rivulets) which can be reached from two ways, one by crossing hill in a  zigzag way and is about 5-6 km and takes around 3 hours. Other way is along the khadd, a distance of 3 Km and takes approximately 2 hours. One can hear the lovely natural music of flowing water of the khadd on this route. There are certain points on this route which makes this route more adventures and challenging.

Most trekkers take rest after reaching Barahati, as from this point a very steep climb starts which is called Dandadhar, due to its steepness. This is believed to be first test of Sri Khand Mahadev Yatra, as many people give up at this point. One has to climb the hill which bisects two khadds which meets at the Sangam or Barahati While climbing one can feel the heat, the sweat and can enjoy lofty trees and endless panoramic views if fog permits. After climbing for 5 Km and around 5-6 Hours most awaited place comes which is known as Thachdoo, which can be the first stay of this trek. Stay here depends upon the mechanism of your body as you need to acclimatize your body before proceeding towards higher altitude. Thachdo is situated at an altitude of appoximately 11500 to 12000 feet above sea level. During the month of July devotees arranges langar here for the devotees traveling to the Sri Khand Mahadev peak.

Next day the trek resumes towards Kalidhar, which is at a distance of app. 3 Km from this point. After walking for about an hour one can see the last of trees on this trek, as after this point you will not find any trees. Vegetation starts decreasing from this point. Kalidhar is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and has place of her worship here. People worship her and proceed.

After Kalidhar one can see down the trek route after Sangam. Trekkers are greeted by a sweet fragrance of different herbs and specially guggale dhoop. At bottom of this hill there is a Kund, which is known as Bheem Talai or Kali Kund. This Kund is believed to be built by Pandavas during there agyat vaas. According to locals this is place of yoginis and also has a place to worship them. The taste of water here makes one realize the value of this place and gives essence of real mineral water.

Now next phase of this route involves again a zigzag motion i.e. crossing hills in up and down manner. After crossing few terrains a place comes, known as Kunsha, which is full of herbs and different kind of flowers. Here one can find tents put up by locals who provide tea, biscuits and shelter in tents on chargeable basis. Impact of Global warming can be seen here as for the last few years I have seen vanishing of monster glaciers from this point.

Going through lofty mountains and deep gorges one can realize the amazing beauty of this place. After walking for about 6-7 hours from Thachdoo one reaches Bheem dwari, which is the base camp of this route. Situated at an altitude of approximately 15000 feet above sea level this place is meeting point of two waterfalls called Parwati jharnas. Here you can sense lack of Oxygen and extreme cold climate. During Yatra period of July people from local Sewa dal provide food here. Also locals pitch tents and provide food and shelter on chargeable basis.

Here is a place named Lalpani.According to locals Bheem had killed a demon Bakasur here. Blood of Bakasur has made the spot permanently red. People usually stay at Bheem dwari for overnight to acclimatize body here and charge up for next day’s difficult trek.

Read the third part