Article Published On - 22-07-2025
The true appeal that lies in Bijli Mahadev Naggar trekking trail lies in the inner reaches of Kais Wildlife Sanctuary. A 15 km journey on hiking from Kullu town to the summit of this hill is an adventure that is a treat in and of itself. There is also a 12km motor-able road that trekkers are able to traverse.
The tranquil landscapes of the tranquil valley is captivating, with the variety of pine and deodar forests. It is further enhanced by the gorgeous apple, pomegranate and pear orchards that are part of Jana Village. The trek gets more interesting by staying overnight on a forested ridge in Matikochar. When you leave the valley and arrive at Naggar You’ll discover that this is a gratifying weekend hike.
Tarun Goel as a writer of travel, is known to refer to Bijli Mahadev “Electric Mahadev.” It is believed that the 60-foot staff at the temple is blessed by God through lightning. According to legend, the temple’s priest is required to repair the Shiva linga that is in the temple with butter as well as sattooafter each lightning storm and it is shattered into pieces every time. In this sense the temple is believed to protect the valley because it takes the brunt of each storm.
The highest point of Mathan hills is the famous Bijli Mahadev temple. A 15-kilometer journey on the foot starting from Kullu city to reach the top of the hill is an adventure that is an experience in and of itself. There’s a 12km long motorable road trekkers may take, but the most appealing part of the hike lies in the inner reaches area of Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, if you choose to follow the trail starting from Bijli Mahadev and Naggar. The lush landscapes of the tranquil valley is captivating and are surrounded by a variety of pine and deodar forests. It is further enhanced by the stunning apple, pomegranate, and pear orchards in Jana Village. The hike becomes more exciting by camping overnight in a forested ridge in Matikochar. Once you’ve left the valley and get to Naggar You’ll discover that this is a gratifying day hike.
The trek can be begun by taking a bus from Kullu and Naggar town. It is possible to travel overnight from Delhi to get to Kullu that takes 12 hours. Shared Jeeps and local buses may be taken from the Kullu bus station until Chansari Village, which is 12 km further ahead. From Chansari there is a well-defined 3-km trail that is maintained by the Forest department till Bijli Mahadev. The hike is a strenuous ascent of more than 2500 feet on trails through forests that go past several villages. After more than 45 minutes of walking the apple orchards are gone and you can view the grasslands beginning to grow and get a view of the top of the temple. Another 300 feet of climbing and one is in grasslands of Bijli Mahadev.
The climb up to the top of the hill could be completed in about 2 hours. From the top of the hill you can enjoy a stunning views of Kullu valley as well as that of the confluence between Beas as well as Parvati rivers. Also, the views from Dhauladhar along with Pir Pinjal mountains are stunning.
In the monsoon and summer seasons the entire region is filled with lush greenery. In winter the mountain tops are subject to an adversity of snowfall. You can explore the area before heading toward Kullu or continue on towards Naggar. The journey from Kullu towards Naggar extends for another 18 kilometers. The trail is dirt path that is maintained by the department of forest however, it is in poor condition. However, the dense forest in Kais Wildlife reserve makes for an exciting hike.
The hike starting from Bijli Mahadev to the camp site in Matikochar is a flat walk through forested ridges. It is 5 kilometers long. It takes 3-4 hours to get there. Matikochar. The campsite has a Forest Guest House at the camping site in addition. You can enjoy a spectacular panorama from Kullu Valley below from the campsite.
It’s going to be a long one. The hike starts by descending slowly to the stunning Jana Waterfalls, which is an ideal camping spot. It typically is 3-4 hours to get the waterfalls. This is a good place to stop for lunch or take a drink of water. Jana Village is another 2o minutes from here. The entire region is considered the Kullu fruit belt. Kullu. In the time of harvest, you can expect the whole valley to be filled with pomegranate, apples and pear. The villages here are distinctive Kullu wooden structures. The paths from here are the shepherd’s trails leading downwards to Nashala village. From there, one can make arrangements for the Jeep pickup or hike all the way to Naggar, the famous Naggar castle. When you reach Naggar the trek is over and you can go towards Manali as well as Kullu.
Operations Manager
Nanda Rawat holds a Master’s degree in Tourism & Hospitality and brings over 16 years of experience in adventure and leisure travel. He has led multiple Himalayan expeditions, contributed to ATOAI, and is trained in first aid by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. A strong supporter of sustainable and ethical tourism, he plays a key role at Trekup India. Write to him at: nanda@trekupindia.com
