Aadi Himani Chamunda is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shri Chamunda Devi, situated in Chandar Bhan, Jia in Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India, in the Himalayas.
Aadi Himani Chamunda Temple (3185 meters) is located on a hilltop North East of the existing Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. One can reach there after hiking about 13 Kilometers from Dharamshala Palampur state Highway (Jadrangal Village) and 8.5 Kilometers from the last motorable road at Kardiana. The trek to Aadi Himani Chamunda Devi requires about 6–7 hours and moderate expertise is required. Devotees visit the sacred shrine throughout the year except for winters. As per locals goddess, Shri Chamunda Devi killed two demons, Chand and Mund, from the top of the mountain by throwing huge boulders on them, one can still find one of the boulders above the Shiva Temple located near the existing Shri Chamunda Devi Temple on Dharamshala Palampur state highway. The recent temple built in the past decade was destroyed by the fierce fire in 2014 and now it has been under reconstruction again with the help of devotees and Temple Trust. The water is available till halfway and after that pilgrims need to carry their own. One can also find tea shops cum resting locations multiple times till the hilltop temple.
Also known as Aadi Himani Chamunda is a beautiful trek for any traveller and trekking enthusiast. The trek is in Dhauladhar Range and is famous for the goddess Chamunda Temple.The temple environs are of outstanding natural beauty and for that reason a destination for trekkers.
Trek can be commenced from Jia village The trek from Jia village is 7.4 kilometres one way. While the ascent takes 3-4 hours to complete; the descent can be completed in 2-3 hours. The route has many shops, solar lights and shelters.
The entire Kangra valley is visible from the trek.
Travel to base – Jia is 12km away from Chamunda. Chamunda also have a chamunda temple. There are a lot of local buses between Kangra and Chamunda. The nearest railway is Chamunda Devi. Trekkers coming from a different state can take rail till Pathankot and then if have extra time they can board toy train or alternatively take the bus till Kangra. The nearest airport is Kangra.
Short itinerary for Himani Camunda Trek
Day 1 – Kangra to Himani Chamunda
Trekkers need to reach Kangra from where they can take a shared Taxi to Jia village. Trek will start from Jia village. The total trek distance is 7.4km. Trekkers need to ensure that they are carrying enough water as water sources are not available on the trek. Once reaching the top you can camp for the night at the top.
Day 2 – Himani Chamunda to Kangra
Today you can start ascending towards Jia village. From Jia, trekkers will be transferred to Kangra. Trek ends here.
Things to keep in mind before attempting Himani Chamunda Trek.
- There are 2 ways to go to Himani Chamunda however it is recommended to start the trek from Jia village.
- Like Triund trek there is no water source available on the trek, so it is advisable to carry your own water.
- The final destination has the deity Aadi Himani Chamunda temple so please don’t carry any prohibited material.
- If you are looking for a trek where you can party then avoid this trek.
- Mobile network is not available on most of the trek.
- Trek is a bit challenging at a few points and you may need to prepare for this in advance.
- If you are doing this trek during winters, please carry trekking and snow gear.
If you are planning for the trek and want to hire camping/trekking equipment you can rent it out at Chandigarh Tricity area from Gadget Rental India.
They have some really cool camping gear right for your trek. Do check out the recommendations below
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