Spiritual · Chamba, Himachal
Day trip to Bharmour's Chaurasi temples
Drive 65 km up the Ravi and Budhil valleys to Bharmour at about 2,200 m, the old capital of Chamba and home of the Gaddi shepherds. See the Chaurasi temple courtyard with its stone and wooden shrines, and return the same evening.
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur from New Delhi, India · CC BY 2.0 · CommonsBharmour was the capital of the Chamba rajas before the move down to Chamba town, and it remained the religious heart of the region. The road follows the Ravi gorge and then the Budhil valley, with steep cliffs and narrow sections, and takes about 3 hours each way. Leave early, and do not try it in heavy rain, when the gorge sees rockfalls.
At the centre of Bharmour is the Chaurasi temple courtyard, named for the 84 shrines said to stand here. The largest temples, to Manimahesh, a form of Shiva, and to Lakshana Devi, are among the oldest in the region; the Lakshana Devi temple is built of wood with fine carvings. Small stone lingams fill the courtyard. Remove shoes and leather and dress modestly.
Bharmour is the homeland of the Gaddi people, semi-nomadic shepherds who move flocks of sheep and goats between high summer pastures and the lower Kangra hills in winter. You may meet herds on the road. In August or September, the town fills with pilgrims on the Manimahesh yatra to a high lake below Manimahesh Kailash; that trek needs several days and acclimatisation. Check current status before you travel.
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Trips through Chamba
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Each of these trips stops in Chamba. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
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Comfort
Chamba, McLeodganj and Bir by private car
Private car with driver
Questions
Before you book
How far is Bharmour from Chamba?
About 65 km, taking roughly 3 hours each way by road along the Ravi and Budhil valleys. HRTC buses run several times a day and take a little longer. A taxi day trip costs about ₹3,500–5,000 for the car.
What does Chaurasi mean?
Chaurasi means 84 in Hindi. The temple courtyard in Bharmour is named for the 84 shrines traditionally said to stand there, including the main temples of Manimahesh and Lakshana Devi and many small lingams.
Can I do the Manimahesh yatra from Bharmour?
Yes. The road continues to Hadsar, where the trek to Manimahesh lake, at about 4,000 m, begins. It takes two to three days return and is busiest during the official yatra in August–September. Acclimatise, go with a registered group, and talk to your doctor if you have health issues.