India is home to many ancient cultures with deep-rooted spiritual fervor and mystical heritage. Apart from its very own pre-historic Vedic tradition, the country has embraced various other religions and has been the birth place of many new religions. It has not only been magnanimous in accommodating diverse religions for ages, but has also absorbed them as part of its rich culture. This rich culture is reflected in its ancient temples and holy places as well as the daily lives of the people here.
A spiritual trek in India is therefore a rare experience of meeting a multitude of cultures and exploring their religious dimensions. A trip to this place of origin of yoga and meditation will surely rejuvenate the soul, mind and the body.
Source of Ganges – Gangothri Trek
This is a place where the holy river Ganga begins its journey. The literal meaning of ‘Gangothri’ is ‘the descent of Ganga’. According to Hindu mythology, this is the sacred place where the river Goddess bestowed mercy upon King Bhagiratha by descending gently from Lord Shiva’s hair locks as a river cleansing the sins of his forefathers and agreed to wash out the sins of people who take a holy dip in the river. It is one of the four important holy places in the Himalayas called ‘Chota Char Dhams’.
The exact origin of the river Ganges is at Gaumukh in the Gangothri glacier which covers approximately 19 km of trekking expedition. The trek typically starts with a holy dip in the river Ganga called as ‘Bhagirathi’ in this place and a visit to the famous Mother Ganga temple at Gangothri which is situated at about 3048 metres above sea level and leads to Bhojwassa. The journey from Bhojwassa to Nandanvan is visually enchanting with exotic gardens and meadows and spiritually enriching due to the serene atmosphere, especially near Tapovan which is the base for trekking to several other peaks like Shivling and Bhagirathi. Nandanvan is located at a height of 4570 meters offering the view of mountain sheep and rare species of birds.
Adi Kailash Trek
This is known as ‘Chota Kailash’ meaning a small version of the main temple at Mt. Kailash. The religiously famous ‘Om parvath’ which has the snow mark resembling the sacred symbol ‘Om’ is very close to this place.
It is a difficult trek with slippery rocks and thin inhabitation. The trek begins at Dharuchala and covers Pangu, Sirkha, Galgad, Malpa village, Budhi, Gungi. The deviation route to Om parvatha starts here and stretches to Om parvatha via Navidang. The straight route without deviation proceeds from Gungi and passes through Kuthi village, Kalapani and Lipulekh passes and ends at Adi Kailash temple. Some of the scenic elements of this trek are the vigorous Kali River and the serene Parvati Lake.
Panch Kedar Trek
The trek derives its name from the fact that it covers five important holy places to worship Lord Shiva that are situated in the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The spiritual journey begins with Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas known to be the most significant luminous forms of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the ‘Chota Char Dhams’. This place attracts many pilgrims with the number stretching upward each year, like the steep hiking routes of this region.
The five places are Kedarnath (3583 meters), Tungnath (3680 meters), Rudranath (2286 meters), Madhyamaheshwar (3490 meters) and Kalpeshwar (2,200 meters). The spiritual aspirants visit these places in the order mentioned above as visiting in this order is spiritually elevating. The story of the place is that Lord Shiva took the form of bull to avoid seeing the Pandavas, the five heroes of the Hindu epic ‘Mahabharatha’. He then reappeared in parts in these five holy places to relieve the sins of the Pandavas, who then built these temples for the benefit of others.
The trek also covers Mandal, Chopta, Jagasu, Chaukhamba, Guptkashi and Gaurikund. This trek is enjoyable with breathtaking views of high peaks and charming villages.
Mani Mahesh Lake Trek
It is located in Himachal Pradhesh and has abundant spiritual significance related to Lord Shiva. As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva resides in this region for six months starting from Janmashtami, the birth day of Lord Krishna in August till Shivrathri day in February and lives in Kailash region during the remaining period. The name is derived from the jewel in the crown of Lord Shiva and it is believed that the reflection of moon’s light from this jewel is visible in the Mani Mahesh Lake on full moon nights. There is another belief stating that Lord Brahma resides in Bharmaur city, Lord Vishnu resides in a waterfall in this place and Lord Shiva resides in the Mani Mahesh Lake.
The trekking journey begins at Kareri village and stretches through Minkiani pass, Lam Dal Lake, Drakund and Bharmaur city which has the famous Chaurasi temple. It then proceeds to Mani Mahesh Lake which is situated near Dhaular and Pir Panjal hills.
Hemkund Sahib Trek
This is an easy trek to Hemkund, a holy shrine of Sikhism and the foremost of all Gurudwaras. The highlights of this trek are the Nandha Devi national park and the valley of Flowers. They are known for housing a diverse range of flora and fauna including Musk deer, Serow, Thar and butterflies.
The trek from Govindh ghat to Hemkund Sahib via Ghangria provides an exhilarating trekking experience. The star shaped shrine is located at the center at the bank of Hemkund Lake with seven cliffs at the circumference. Located at an altitude of 3000 meters, this place is a treat for explorers and lovers of photography.
The place has religious significance for the followers of Hinduism as well due to the presence of a temple for Lord Lakshmana at the source of Lakshman Ganga which is located in the rear side of the Hemkund Sahib shrine.
With an abundance of treks known for their spiritual history and exciting landscapes, India is the ultimate destination for hikers who aspire for spiritual extravaganza.
