5 Spiritual Trekking Places To Visit In The Himalayas

Have you been looking for a blend of adventure, trekking, nature and spiritual retreat? If yes, there can be no better region than the mystical Indian Himalayas.

Well, the Himalayan ranges are an enigma in itself, enticing travellers with its breathtaking views, glaciers, river valleys and of course, the snow-laden mountains. The beauty of the Himalayas does not just compel the adventure enthusiasts to visit it, but also those seeking self-discovery or spiritual retreat amidst a serene setting. From Hindu temples to Buddhist monasteries, from Gurudwaras to holy lakes, the long spiritual Himalayan treks in India will not only let you attain blessings but also give you an opportunity to witness a variety of cultures. Let’s scroll down the list of 5 spiritual treks in the Himalayas that will let you get immersed in the beauty of nature while growing spiritually.

* Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek

One of the most challenging pilgrimage treks in India, Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash Trek starts from the base point Jaon or Sinhgad village in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh to the peak of Shrikhand Mahadev, where a rock-made Shivling is around 75 feet in height. The trek is around 32 km on one side and will take you through rocky moraine path, dense forests, and rough glacier covers. The Shivling, when looked from the front, has cracks in it and for this reason, it is named as Shri ‘KHAND’ Mahadev. Being here is a magical moment, as the whole experience brings thrills along with the divine waves of emotions amidst the heart-stopping views all around.

There are many legends behind Shrikhand Mahadev. According to the Hindu mythology, Bhasmasura (a demon who was granted the power to burn up anyone by touching them with his hand) meditated for several years. Lord Shiva got pleased and gave him ‘bhasama kangan’ (the invisible power). Due to pride and ego, Bhasamasura started using the power of Lord Shiva. Because of this, Mahadev disappeared into the cave and later appeared on a hilltop, presently known as Shrikhand Mahadev Peak. Legend also reveals that the Pandavas had undertaken the pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash.

* Ladakh Monastery Trek

When talking about the best spiritual treks in India, we can’t miss out on the land of monasteries i.e., Ladakh. The monasteries in Ladakh are true emblem either of the Mahayana or the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. The trek will give you an opportunity to witness the rich local culture by visiting the remote village and monasteries (dating back to the 10th and 11th century) situated amidst snow-covered peaks. The 13-day Ladakh Monastery trek begins from Leh and covers some of the most beautiful monasteries like Shey and Thiksey Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Prinkiti La, Hinju, Konzke La, Sumda Chenmo, Sumda Choon, Lanak and Alchi Monastery. The beauty of monasteries in Ladakh is such that most of them are built on the lone rocks or craggy mountain faces making the region stand out from any other place.

* Source of Ganges Trek

One of the best destinations for a spiritual trek in the Garhwal Himalayas, Source of Ganges Trek is surely going to make your spiritual journey a sublime one. Gaumukh (Cow’s mouth) on the Gangotri Glacier is the source from where the sanctified river Ganges originates, and so the trek takes the travellers to the divine spot by covering the trekking route from Gangotri that can be reached from Uttarkashi. Upon travelling, the trek will take you to a world of holiness, wilderness and immense natural beauty.

* Amarnath Trek

Yet another fabled trek in the Himalayas, Amarnath Cave Trek in Kashmir gives devotees an opportunity to visit the popular cave of Lord Shiva. The trek covers the rugged and challenging mountain terrains to take the mightiest glance at the ice stalagmite formed inside the Amarnath cave.

Legends say Lord Shiva had chosen this particular cave to tell Goddess Parvati the secrets of life and death on their way to a cave. Even though it was difficult to reach, the secret was sacred, so at Pahalgam he had to leave his ride Nandi, at Chandanwari he left the the moon atop his head, at Lake Sheshnag he left the snake around his neck, and at Panchtarni he left the five basic elements of life that he carried, and he even left his son – Lord Ganesha at Mahaguna top. And since then, devotees started following the same trekking route for Amarnath Yatra.

* Satopanth Lake Trek

Being one of the highest altitude lakes in the Indian Himalayan region, Satopanth Lake holds a great religious significance amidst the people. The trek to Satopanth Lake will let you enjoy the abundant natural beauty of snow-clad peaks, gushing rivulets and streams, verdant hills covered with pine and oak trees, and a lot more that cannot be explained in words, but when witnessed through naked eyes, can make you go, ‘wow’. The trek begins from Mana, a remote village that is located approx. 3 km up from Badrinath. However, the difficult part of the trek will start after reaching Laxmi Van and heading forward to Chakratirtha and finally reaching Satopanth Tal.

The spiritual history of Satopanth Lake is quite fascinating, and there are many legends behind the lake being considered pious. According to one of them, the holy trinity featuring Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva took bath in the lake and meditated here on an auspicious day. It is also believed, for this reason, that Satopanth Tal Lake is a triangular crystal clear lake. Also, according to the Mahabharata, it is through this lake, that the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi, made their way to Swargarohini Peak, the way to heaven.