If you are planning to enjoy a rare nature expedition with spiritual enrichment, Bijli Mahadev to Naggar Trek is the one that can fulfill your long-awaited wish. Bijli Mahadev Temple is located at an altitude of approximately 2,460 meters (8,070 ft) in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The other key destination of this mesmerizing journey is Naggar, which is located at an altitude of 1850 meters (6070 ft) on the bank of River Beas.

Being an easy-to-moderate trek, the Bijli Mahadev to Naggar trail is perfect for beginners and families, while offering enchanting views of Kullu and Parvati valleys. The trek provides a stunning view of the Kullu, Bhuntar, Parvati, and Gorsa valleys, along with the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Standing in the premises of Bijli Mahadev Temple, you will perceptibly feel its aura which is peaceful and spiritually uplifting.

Historical Origins of the Temple

The Bijli Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that by the influence of powerful local legend, the lightning frequently strikes the temple’s Shiva Lingam through its shaft. Due to this lightning action, the lingam breaks into pieces – an event seen as a divine act of cosmic energy. The story goes like this: the Shiva Linga (sanctum of the temple) was once disintegrated into pieces by a lightening bolt. The shrine was then miraculously restored by devotees using butter and sattoo (a mixture of flour and sugar). The temple gets these lightning strikes once in every 12 years, while the Lingam still remains intact. This phenomenon symbolizes the rebirth and the protection preferred by Lord Shiva.

Detailed Itinerary of Bijli Mahadev to Naggar Trek

Day 1 : Kullu – Chansari – Matikochar

Altitude: 7,677 ft
Distance: 12 km keep the drive, 8 km trek
Time to Complete: 6-7 hours

This trek can be commenced from either Kullu or Naggar Town. To reach Kullu, you can board an overnight bus that runs from New Delhi and the journey takes approximately 12 hours. After reaching Kullu, you need to take a local bus or taxi to get to Chansari Village, which is around 12 km ahead. From this spot, you have to hike a 3-km trail to reach Bijli Mahadev. This is a well-marked route properly maintained by the Forest Department.

The climb is almost vertical while the trail takes you through a forest patch and a few villages. During the initial 45 minutes of the hiking, you will leave these villages and apple orchards behind and start seeing meadows, with a partial view of the top of the temple. After climbing for approximately 20 minutes, you enter the premises of Bijli Mahadev temple, which is beautifully perched on top of a hill.

With a slow, steady and comfortable pace, you can trek to the hilltop in about 2 to 3 hours. From this vantage point, you will witness a panoramic view of Kullu Valley along with the merging point of the two prominent rivers, Beas and Parvati. The spot also offers an incredible sight of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

With the arrival of the spring, the whole region is bustling with natural scenery, wildflowers, and fresh flora. In summer and monsoon seasons, the region is overrun with greenery and vegetation. During winters, on the other hand, the top of the hill is covered with lots of snow.

After spending a good time exploring the area, you can trek further to Naggar. The total distance from this hilltop to Naggar is about 18 km and the trail is a bit challenging. However, the highlight of this stretch of the route is it passes through the Kais Wildlife Reserve.

The trail that takes you from Bijli Mahadev to the Matikochar campsite is almost at the same level, which you have to walk along a forested ridge. After approximately 3 to 4 hours, you finally reach Matikochar – a stunning camping spot.

Day 2: Matikochar – Jana Village – Naggar

Altitude: 7,677 ft – 6,990 ft – 6,713 ft
Distance: 13 km
Time to Complete: 7-8 hours

On day-2, you will have a lot to experience. You need to start your trek early in the morning. After a short distance, you will start descending gradually until you reach the beautiful Jana waterfalls. In no uncertain terms, it’s a breathtaking camping spot in the midst of nature, which takes 3 to 4 hours to get there. Here, you can take a break and have your lunch. From here, there is another half an hour walk to Jana Village.

The entire region which the Jana Village belongs to is known as the fruit zone of Kullu district. It produces some of the most demanded breeds of apples, pomegranates, and pears. After exploring this village and admiring its traditional architecture, you can proceed to the next village along the route – Nashala. It’s a road-connected village and from here, you can either take a taxi or choose to trek to the famous Naggar Castle. After plenty of sightseeing on this route, the trek finally comes to an end at the Naggar town. From here, you can get a drive to either Manali or Kullu.

Best Time To Visit Bijli Mahadev Trek

The trek to Bijli Mahadev temple is certainly a mesmerizing journey that offers some of the nicest Himalayan landscapes. The best time to do this trek, however, is late spring, summer and autumn. During the first half of the year from March to June, the weather is pleasant, clear, sunny, and highly suitable for trekking. The temperature ranges from 10-degrees to 25-degrees, making it an ideal time to enjoy many breathtaking visuals.

Another favorable time period to experience this trek is from September to early November. This is the moment when the trails are saddled with a range of vibrant colors such as yellow, red, brown, and golden. The foliage of the season turns the routes even more attractive. Additionally, the sunrise and sunsets during these months look absolutely stunning and memorable.

Note: During the months of July or August, an annual fair (mela) is held at Bijli Mahadev Temple, which coincides with the festival of Shravan Mela occurring on the same day. So, if you want to witness this fair and experience the unique cultural immersion, you can plan your trip accordingly.

How to Reach Bijli Mahadev Temple

If you are coming from Delhi and other adjoining places, to get to the Bijli Mahadev Trek, you need to first reach the main market of the Kullu district. After reaching, you need to go to Ramshilla, which is not that far from here. You will have to cross a bridge above the Beas River, and just toward the left side, you have to catch any public vehicle to Chansari Village. From here, there is a 3-4 km trek to reach Bijli Mahadev. The trek duration is 2-3 hrs with 3-4 rest points.

• By Air: If you are planning to take a flight, the Bhuntar airport will be the nearest one from this place where you can land. It is approximately 10 km from Kullu and approximately 50 km from Manali. From the airport, you can take a taxi to Kullu or Manali.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Jogindernagar Railway Station, which is approximately 100 km from Kullu and 140 km from Manali. From here, you can hire a cab to reach Kullu or Manali.
• By Road: Private and state-run bus services are available from all prominent places around Kullu and Manali.

FAQs

1. Where is Bijli Mahadev Temple Trek?

Bijli Mahadev Temple is located at an altitude of approximately 2,460 meters (8,070 ft) in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The hilltop where the temple is situated is known as Mathan, which is surrounded by Parbati, Garsa, Bhunter and Kullu valleys.

2. What should I carry while trekking to Bijli Mahadev Temple?

Just like any other Himalayan destinations, the essentials you need to carry to Bijli Mahadev temple include water, snacks, a good pair of trekking shoes, a first-aid kit, a hat or cap, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. For setting up a camp to stay overnight, you need to bring the whole camping gear.

3. What is the best time to visit Bijli Mahadev Trek?

The best time to do Bijli Mahadev Trek is from March to June, and September to November. During this period, the temperature is pleasant, flowers blossom, forest and meadows turn vibrant, and the skies are generally clear, providing excellent views.

4. What are other major attractions near Bijli Mahadev Trek?

To begin with, the Bijli Mahadev Temple administration itself celebrates and organizes a Mela annually in the month of Shravan (July or August). Other tourist attractions are: Lord Ramachandra Temple (suitable for Dhyan and meditation); Kulanth Pith (which houses the hot spring Vishnu Kund); and Jagatipatt Temple (a highly venerable religious place).

5. How do I reach Bijli Mahadev Trek?

To reach the Bijli Mahadev Trek, you first reach Kullu town. From here, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to the village of Chansari, which is the starting point for the trek. Now, to reach Kullu, you have different options. If you are planning to take a flight, the Bhuntar airport will be the nearest one from here. If you are coming by train, the nearest railway station is Jogindernagar Railway Station.