Virgin and Untapped beauty of Shikari Devi Peak – Himachal Pradesh

Situated at the apex of a hill, Shikari Devi temple is an antique roofless shrine. Shikari Devi, highest peak in Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh is around 3300 meters above sea level. Snow tapped mountains, wooded jungles and low flying clouds are some of the brilliant views commanded by Shikari Devi peak. Mahableshwar temple, Karsog, Sunder Nagar, Rewalsar and Barot are other tourist attractions close to Shikari Devi.

The temple is adorned by the stone idol of Goddess. This temple has its own legends. This roofless shrine is believed to exist since the times of Mahabharata. If you plan to stay overnight, you can make bookings at local inn (serai managed by temple trust) or forest rest house.

Below, you can see the inns managed by temple trust..

Shikari Devi can be reached from Karsog, Janjehli and Jahl. Distance of Shikari Devi Peak from Chindi (in Karsog Valley, Mandi) is around 18 kilometers. Karsog – Shikari Devi trek is one of its kinds with splendid views of pine and deodar woods, apple orchards and small villages on the way.

Climbing the mountains from Janjehli or Karsog to Shikari Devi is a little difficult. You can expect sudden weather changes in the region. From occasional rain showers to hails, clouds hovering above peaks as high as 3300 meters are completely unpredictable. It’s advisable to carry woolen garments along unless you are trekking on a bright sunny day.

The road that will take you from Janjehli to Shikari Devi…

Shikari Devi mountain range is known for medicinal herbs and a number of other useful plants. It’s a wildlife sanctuary as well. No one knows the exact reasons of calling this peak as ‘Shikari Devi’. According to the local villagers in the region, hunters used to worship Goddess to succeed in hunting. Initial sthapna or Goddess invocation at this peak was carried out by Pandavas (ref. Mahabharata). Several attempts were made to erect a roof over the temple from time to time but in vain. None of such efforts succeeded against the mighty will of Goddess. Shikari Devi peak witnesses 4-5 feet high snowfall every year. What is surprising is the fact that the roofless shrine of Shikari Devi has no snow inside it!

A view from Shikari Devi peak ……

Some Quick Figures:

Mandi – Chail Chowk – Janjehli = 80 Km [Mode of transport – Bike, Car, HRTC buses]

As you move on from Ner Chowk to Chail Chowk on the Mandi-Janjehli route, the valley becomes less populated and more serene. You can also check out Chachyot Valley on the way. A massive rock known as Pandav Shilli is located just before Janjehli. According to local legends, this rock was placed by Bhima ( Elder brother of Arjuna ref. Mahabharata).

Janjehli – Shikari Devi = 20 km [ Trek all the way or get a bike to reach close to peak, make sure you don’t hire anything other than a SUV to get to the peak. Muddy road is not suitable for vehicles with low ground clearance.]

The region is completely pollution free and there are little commercial establishments. It’s easy to arrange accommodation in Janjehli. You won’t find any Café’s and hotels and motels on the way but you will see the beauty of Mother Nature in abundance. People often comment that they never expected Janjehli Valley and Shikari Devi peak to be as enchanting as it turns out to be.

You can visit Shikari Devi during peak summer season only. For more than 6 months, Shikari Devi is covered by a thick layer of snow.

Check out some pictures taken during early winters!

Heavenly light is sure to fall upon you .. when you visit these peaks full of freshness, peace, wildness and tranquility at the same time

Feel free to drop your questions if you are planning to make a visit in near future.