Manimahesh From Brahmour, the old pilgrim trail goes to the famousManimahesh. It is a steep 13 km climb along a source stream ofthe Buddhil that brings one to the delightful lake of Manimahesh.

Clear waters of the Manimahesh Lake. Credit: Karamjeet Singh

This is an enchanting lake set amidst snow-clad peaks at anelevation of about 4200 meters (13,500 ft) in the Budhil valleynear Brahmour. The water of the river reflects the towering peakof Manimahesh, with no other nearby peaks to obscure its glory.

The Manimahesh lake lies in a glacial depression, and is amorainic lake. It is fed by snow-melt waters from thesurrounding slopes. Its waters are crystal-clear and unpolluted.

The Manimahesh peak stands at the head of its own range, whichis a spur that joins up with the main range near the Bara Banghalpass.

Manimahesh Lake at 13,400ft. Credit: Karamjeet Singh

Manimahesh has been a pilgrimage center for centuries. Especiallyamong the Gaddis, there are plenty of legends about encounterswith Lord Shiva and the display of his displeasure throughavalanches and blizzards.