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Bijli Mahadev Trek is named after the Bijli Mahadev Mandir which is a temple of Lord Shiva. Located at a height of 2452 meters, the place lies at a distance of 24 kilometers east of Kullu in the district of Himachal Pradesh. Not being much of an intense traveler, I choose this particular trek in North among all the trekking destinations in India because even though the trekking route comprises of a stiff climb for the first kilometer, it then eases out into a more gentle and comfortable ascent for beginners. In spite of being in Himachal Pradesh many times, I hadn’t visited this part of the state and I must say it was really worth it.
The view from the Bijli Mahadev temple is spectacular and left me spellbound. It looks out at the famous Parvati valley. I was lucky enough to experience the place on a clear morning when the entire valley lit up in shades of blue. After I got out of my trance and could finally take my eyes away from the spectacular view outside the window, I was mesmerized once again by the beautiful interiors of the temple. It is decorated with gorgeous carvings depicting mythological figures and natural scenes. Hand-painted temple doors are also a beautiful site, and sense of vibrancy and charisma to the wood carvings.
Reaching the Bijli Mahadev Trek was fairly easy. Bijli Mahadev village is among the best places to visit in Kullu. The hill station is easily accessible from any of the major cities in India. I took a flight to the nearby Bhunter airport. From Bhunter airport I boarded a bus to Kullu. If you choose to travel by train the nearest railway station is the Summer Hill located at a distance of 94 kilometers from Kullu. From Kullu, I came to Ramshilla lying close by at a distance of 1 kilometer. After crossing a bridge over the Beas River I took the road on the left to reach the base of the hill.
Like most trekking routes in the northern part of the country, the Bijli Mahadev Trek remains closed in the winter months. Due to extreme weather conditions and immense snowfall, the road remains un-travelable and unfit for tracking. Also, the area is prone to violent thunderstorms. Therefore the best time to visit the place is during the summer months, it is also the best time to visit Manali & nearby places. I planned my trip in the month of March and was not disappointed.
The weather in Bijli Mahadev temple is pleasant for most of the year. The days are mild while the nights are extremely cold. The region enjoys summer monsoon and winter each year. The summer season lasts between the month of March and June when the temperature ranges between 25 and 37-degree Celsius. From July to September the region experiences the rainy season. Heavy downpour accompanied by thunder and lightning are common in the region. Landslides also happen frequently (I was lucky enough to not get stuck in any). The winter months in the region lasts from September to February when the temperature falls below zero degrees. This season is characterized by chilly winds and plenty of snowfall.
The trek is a relatively easy one and is most suitable for beginners. I found it a bit difficult for the first 1 kilometer as the climb was a bit steep. However, after the first 100 steps, the journey eased up and was a comfortable one. During the winter season, the path might be slippery because of the black ice. The entire trek is about 2.92 kilometers long. I took a total of one and a half hours to climb up and an hour to climb down the hill.
The trekking route overlooks the beautiful Parvati valley, Bhunter and Kullu. Naturally, it offers a gorgeous view near the end which mesmerized all the tourists. The breathtaking sceneries alongside the track acted as a boost for me as it was rejuvenating the energy that was exhausted due to the long Trek. The entire trekking path is lined with Fir and Deodar trees.
The temple consists of a Shiva lingam which is frequently struck by lightning and shattered into pieces. The priest of the temple then uses butter as aggressive to put the pieces back together. This is why the temple is so named as Bijli, which translates to lightning while Mahadev is another name for Lord Shiva.
The Bijli Mahadev temple is a famous shrine of Lord Shiva and is one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. It is also one of the most well-known Shiva temples of the country. Therefore on Mahashivratri- the auspicious night devoted to Lord Shiva, the temple is beautifully decorated. I wasn’t fortunate enough to witness this but heard the accounts of the locals and fellow travelers who have visited the place during the Mahashivratri – it is an experience of a lifetime. The temple lights up amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Himalayas and the ceremonial prayer offerings called Aarti takes place in a grand and pompous manner.
The Bijli Mahadev Trek is ideal for beginners and for people with health problems. Since the track does not involve steep climbing or reaching higher altitude it can be pursued by anyone. The trek is relatively safe and hardly records any deaths or accidents. In spite of being prone to thunder and lightning, the region is considered without risks, as compared to the other Himalayan treks. I myself I am not quite athletic physically, do not go on a lot of treks and should be considered a rookie in this matter. However, the trek felt easy to me and I did not have any problem in completing it.
After coming back from my trip to Bijli Mahadev I was energized and freshened up. The site is a Paradise for travel enthusiasts. The scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains is known by all. Bijli Mahadev Trek offers an authentic experience of trekking in Himachal without going through a lot of struggle. It is also easy to reach and is well connected to the major cities of the country. So don’t wait up and start packing for your trip to this wonderful place.
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April 15, 2024 
