Serving pilgrims at Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra 2024

Annually, thousands of pilgrims undertake the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra (pilgrimage) to reach the peak of Shrikhand Mahadev at an elevation of 5,200 meters. At the peak, pilgrims pay reverence to Lord Shiva, in the form of 72-foot pinnacle rock Shiva Lingam. The most popular pilgrimage route begins at the village Jaon. From there, pilgrims trek 18 kilometers to reach Kali Top, navigating through montane forest. The next 7 kilometers take pilgrims to Bhim Dawar through narrow and steep paths in meadows with the occasional presence of glaciers. The final leg of another 7 kilometers involves trekking through predominantly glacier-covered rocky terrain, to reach Shrikhand Mahadev peak.

The one-way trek spanning 32 kilometers is usually completed in 2 to 3 days and pilgrims generally stay overnight at Kali Top and Bhim Dawar. Frequent rain during the yatra makes the path slippery and difficult to navigate. During bad weather and heavy rains, pilgrims have to halt their journey and stay overnight at various locations along the route. This prolongs the duration of their yatra.

Every year, the pilgrimage is permitted for a limited period of 10 to 15 days, typically in July. Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra 2024 was scheduled from July 14–27. The SDO-cum-Vice Chairman of the Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra Trust, District Kullu, Himachal Pradesh approached Vishav Manav Ruhani Kendra (VMRK) with two requests. One request was for high-altitude trekking shoes for the rescue personnel deployed along the yatra route. The other was to organize a medical camp for the pilgrims.

Trekking shoes donation

The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra is rigorous and challenging. The trek is very strenuous and perilous with high-altitude hazards in unpredictable extreme weather conditions. This year, the local administration enhanced pilgrimage safety measures by deploying more emergency rescue teams along the route. In treacherous situations, the rescue teams need trekking shoes for going over rocks and roots, while remaining sturdy on uneven terrain. The local administration requested VMRK to equip the rescue teams with robust trekking shoes that offer support, protection, and comfort. VMRK responded by purchasing 140 pairs of water resistant trekking shoes with enhanced grip, flexible soles, and ankle support. On July 3, these shoes were donated and presented to the local administration.

Site visit and preparations

VMRK was requested to provide a medical camp at Bhim Dawar, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,710 meters. A team of VMRK volunteers conducted an initial site visit to the designated location to gather insights and meticulously plan for this charitable activity. The team traversed narrow routes, barely wide enough for one person and crossed several streams that gushed from glaciers along the path.

Noting the challenging nature of the terrain, the team coordinated with a local service provider to set up a waterproof tent for the medical camp. The entire pilgrimage route lacks human settlement and, consequently, power supply, so they also arranged generators for the camp.

Armed with the observations from the site visit, VMRK then began preparations at the Nawan Nagar center. Umbrellas, raincoats, sleeping bags, and blankets were packed for the unfavorable weather conditions. For the medical camp, lightweight and foldable tables and chairs were also packed, along with 22 waterproof boxes of medicines and medical equipment.

Late into the night on July 10, VMRK volunteers loaded the packed items onto a cruiser passenger vehicle and a pickup truck. These vehicles, accompanied by a team of 10 medical professionals and volunteers departed from the Nawan Nagar center early in the morning on July 11.

Arrival and setup

That same evening, the team arrived at Jaon. The following day, they arranged for 18 porters to transport all the materials to the designated location. On July 13, the team began trekking early in the morning to reach Kali Top, where they stayed overnight. The next evening, they arrived at Bhim Dawar.

The local service provider had already set up a tent measuring 12 x 15 feet along the steep mountainous terrain. Upon arrival, VMRK volunteers began setting up the medical camp. The tent was turned into a two-bed clinical treatment center. Three tables were arranged outside the tent for patient consultations, medicine dispensing, and vital checks.

Medical camp at Bhim Dawar

The medical camp became operational on July 15, staffed by a team of two doctors, one pharmacist, one paramedical staff, and six volunteers. Bhim Dawar is the nearest major overnight stay point for pilgrims en route to Shrikhand Mahadev. Pilgrims often start their yatra early in the morning from Bhim Dawar and return there after reaching the peak. To address the continuous influx of pilgrims arriving at any time of day, the medical camp operated around the clock.