Hike to Bijli Mahadev
Throughout the trek, charming villages and tea shops offered refreshments and rest stops. The summit's mesmerizing views, spiritual ambiance, and friendly canines made the journey truly unforgettable—a tapestry of nature's beauty, cultural richness, and personal triumph.
My journey to Bijli Mahadev began on the 11th of May 2023, from the bustling Kullu bus stand at Terminal 12. The anticipation in the air was palpable as I boarded a blue-colored bus for Rs 39, my ticket to Chansari, the gateway to this incredible Himalayan experience. The bus ride itself was a visual delight, offering glimpses of the picturesque surroundings that lay ahead. The bus started from Kullu Bus Stand at 12:30 PM.
As the bus approached Chansari village, the conductor's voice announced our stop. It was a serendipitous moment that marked the commencement of our journey. I joined fellow passengers, including families with children, who were all eager to explore the Bijli Mahadev trek. Just opposite the trek's starting point, there were a couple of shops thoughtfully offering a variety of refreshments, including biscuits, chips, juices, and cold drinks. This was a crucial pitstop before embarking on the hike.
The trek unfolded as a mesmerizing experience, with stunning valley views accompanying us every step of the way. While the path mainly comprised steps, it posed a challenge to the knees, making it essential for trekkers to have a moderate to high level of fitness. The lush greenery and the gradual unveiling of the Himalayan panorama kept my spirits high. Throughout the trek, picturesque villages and charming tea shops provided much-needed respite and refreshments. Regular water breaks and short rests allowed me to recharge and savor the journey. While the trek's length is a little over 3.5 kilometers, the continuous ascent can make it feel much more challenging.
By 1:30 PM, I had reached the starting point of the trek, and after a few hours of ascent, I finally set foot inside the Bijli Mahadev temple at 4:30 PM. Inside, I spent around 45 minutes, soaking in the spiritual ambiance and savoring the breathtaking views from the temple's lofty perch. It was a moment of reflection and connection with the divine.
As I began my descent at 5:15 PM, I was well aware of the ticking clock. The last bus to Kullu was scheduled to depart from Chansari at 6:30 PM, and missing it would have meant an unplanned night on the mountain. With each step, I raced against time, and my heart raced in tandem. Miraculously, I reached the bus stop just five minutes before the last bus's arrival, a thrilling end to an already exhilarating day.
Reaching the temple's summit was a surreal experience. Snow-capped mountains enveloped me on three sides, their beauty unobstructed and awe-inspiring. On the fourth side, the entire Kullu Valley unfolded, with the Beas River winding through, villages dotting the landscape, and the bustling town in the distance. The expansive plateau-like plains at the mountaintop were home to sheep and cattle, adding to the sense of being on a grand plateau.
The temple's summit boasted a grand trishul (trident), a symbol of Lord Shiva. People gathered around it, taking pictures and basking in the spiritual ambiance it exuded. I had thoughtfully brought along biscuits, not just for myself but to share with the friendly canines that roamed the mountaintop, creating a sense of camaraderie and connection with the natural world.
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Full time traveler and blogger. Love hikes and Hikes. Still a beginner trying to explore as much as possible.