Shrikhand Mahadev

The Giri Ganga Temple, Khara Pathar, Himachal

So here are the pics from the Giri Ganga Temple. This dates back to Mahabharat Age, i.e. approx 5500 years ago. Beleived to be built by Maharishi Ved Vyas as told by the local priest, This shrine is full of peace. Far far away from the maddening world, situated on the banks of Giri Ganga river, Surrounded by the thick deodar jungles, 100% pure peace awaits you here. You suddenly feel like meditating to rise above mortality. in winters, this entire space is filled with snow. An overwhelmingly peaceful place, very highly recommended by us if you are seeking a break.

The Path to Giri Ganga

So, We start moving from Khara Pathar to Giri Ganga. A trekking I'll never forget. Here are a few pics of the path moving up to Giri Ganga Temple, supposedly approx 5000 yrs old.

Road is paved with Silver Dust presenting an amazing view. (The mountain is of Mica stone, the powder form shines no less that Silver).

It takes almost 45 minutes to cover 7-8 Kms of upward journey on a rough road barely wide enough for a single vehicle. You have to drive so slow out of the fear that sometimes you prefer to get down & walk on foot. Going through the jungle is a bad idea... we came to know this when, on the way back, we lost our way in the jungle & had to travel all the way back, wasting an hour or so .

The track itself was enjoyable, the destination all the more so.

Khara Pathar - Base Camp for Giri Ganga

After Kotkhai, we reach Khara Pathar. It was not less than a shock for us to find Khara Pathar to be just like an ordinary destination.
Local people told us that this place got this name from a Standing Stone at a temple. But that stone is no more & two years ago it gave way to a calamity.
However, sharing some phhotographs of Sunrise & some Misty Mountains at Khara Pathar, District Shimla.

From here, we were advised either to go to Hatkoti or to see the temple of Giri Ganga, atop a hill, a 7 Km long trek.

We decided to go for Giri Ganga.... wait for the next post.

Mhasu Peak

We byepassed Shimla, to reach Kufri . From here, we move further up skywards, towards Mhasu Peak. Barely one kilometer ride on car & then you have to take a pony to reach the Mhasu Peak. It derives its name from a temple of Mhasu Nag (Snake God namely Mhasu), a deity of local tribes.

Few glimpses of breathtaking view catch your eyes from behine the dense forests while you are enjoying the poney ride & one is tempted to stop in between to go out into the woods to enjoy the fantastic view of Himalayan Mountains. But wait... dont hurry... Once you reach the peak & go to the temple, the forests are left behind and the beauty of nature is available in its completeness for you to enjoy. Just stand there, inhaling all the beauty inside you, because you know you are here for a few moments only & the beauty is so overwhelming to be absorbed with just two eyes.