Bijli Mahadev Trek: Chansari to Kullu’s Lightning Temple (2,460 m)
A short forest climb to Kullu’s lightning temple.
About 3 km uphill from the Chansari road-head to a 2,460 m ridge with Kullu and Parvati valley views — we add the cab, hotel and timing.
Update 31 Oct 2026: October–November is the clear, quiet window; snow is possible from December.
- Height 2,460 m
- Walk ~3 km one way
- Grade Easy–moderate · 1.5–2 hrs up
- Best Apr–Jun · Sep–Nov
- Winter Snow possible Dec–Feb
- Price Get Quote
Bijli Mahadev trek, at a glance
The Bijli Mahadev trek is a ~3 km uphill walk from Chansari, the last motorable point above Kullu, to the Shiva temple at 2,460 m. Most people climb in 1.5–2 hours and are back the same day. April–June and September–November are the best months; in winter the ridge can carry snow. Avoid thunderstorm days — the temple is famous for lightning.
Choose your Bijli Mahadev plan
Short climb, long forest walk, winter snow or a Kullu–Manali combo. Photos show Himachal hills in general (not the Bijli Mahadev temple itself), plus the Parvati valley.
Classic pickChansari route
For trekkersNaggar – Jana route
The legendTemple & ridge
WinterWinter snow walk
Package pickKullu–Manali combo
Your Bijli Mahadev day, step by step
-
Send your dates
WhatsApp or the quote form — we check the road and the weather for that day.
-
Cab to Chansari
From your Kullu or Manali hotel up to the Chansari road-head above Kullu. On Sawan days the road jams, so start early.
-
Walk up ~3 km
1.5–2 hours through deodar forest and open meadow to the ridge.
-
Darshan at the temple
Visit the Shiva temple at 2,460 m and take in the Kullu and Parvati valley views. Temple rules on the day are set by the temple committee.
-
Walk down
About an hour down, ideally before the afternoon clouds; the cab takes you back.
-
Add more
Naggar, river rafting, or a Kasol and Manikaran day on the same or the next day.
Kullu to the temple, in one morning
- By cab → Kullu or Manali hotel → Chansari road-head.
- On foot → about 3 km up to the temple at 2,460 m.
- Back → about 1 hour down, then the cab.
- Skip thunderstorm and heavy-rain days.
Best time for the Bijli Mahadev trek
| Months | Trail | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| March – June | Open, dry | Best views; May–June is the busiest time |
| July – September | Open, wet | Sawan crowds and road jams; lightning is more common — check rain alerts |
| October – November | Open, clear | Crisp views and cold mornings — the best quiet window |
| December – February | Snow possible | The temple area can be snow-bound — we decide on the day |
Going in winter or in Sawan? Send your dates — we check the weather and the road the day before.
What we check before your Bijli Mahadev trek
Suzu Travels is an HP Tourism registered travel agent (Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022). We plan your day around these checks:
- Lightning and stormsNo climb on thunderstorm or heavy-rain days; we follow HP SDMA and IMD weather alerts.
- Winter iceSnow and ice near the top from December to February — good shoes, an early start, and turn back if the path is iced.
- Temple rulesRules are set by the temple committee and have changed in recent years — we check before you go.
- Day trip onlyPlan to be back down the same day; we do not offer overnight stays at the top.
- Sawan crowdsOn Sawan days the road to Chansari jams — we start early and keep a buffer.
- No ropewayThe ropeway is not running; the only way up is on foot.
Get a quote in minutes
-
Tell us your dates
WhatsApp or the quote form — dates, group size and where you are staying.
-
We check your date
Weather and rain alerts, snow in winter, Sawan crowds and the road to Chansari.
-
You get one quote
Cab, hotel nights and any guide or add-on activities in one plan.
-
Confirm and go
We send the pickup time and the latest weather before you leave.
What your quote depends on
- Cab type and pickup town — Kullu, Manali, Kasol or Bhuntar airport
- Season and day — Sawan weekends, snow days
- Guide or pony on request
- Hotel nights and category in Kullu, Manali or Naggar
- Add-ons — rafting, paragliding, a Kasol and Manikaran day
A short forest climb to Kullu’s lightning temple
About 3 km uphill from Chansari, back the same day; we check the weather, add your cab and hotel, and plan the timing in one quote.
Get your Bijli Mahadev trek quote
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We reply with one plan — cab, hotel and timing — within minutes.
Kullu–Manali with Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev fits a half day from Kullu, so it pairs well with a Kullu–Manali trip: Kullu (Bijli Mahadev + rafting) → Kasol and Manikaran → Manali (3 nights), or a Kasol + Kheerganga trek combo. Read our Kullu valley travel guide and things to do in Manali, see our pilgrimage tours, check flights to Kullu–Manali airport (Bhuntar), or book a Manali taxi or a Delhi to Kasol taxi.
Bijli Mahadev trek — questions
How long is the Bijli Mahadev trek?
About 3 km one way from Chansari, the last road point above Kullu. Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours up and about an hour down.
How high is Bijli Mahadev?
The temple stands at about 2,460 m (8,071 ft) on a ridge above Kullu.
What is the best time for the Bijli Mahadev trek?
April–June and September–November. In Sawan (July–August) the temple is crowded and the road jams; skip thunderstorm and heavy-rain days.
Can I do the Bijli Mahadev trek in winter?
Often yes on clear days, but snow is possible from December to February and the top can be snow-bound. We check the conditions the day before.
Is there a ropeway to Bijli Mahadev?
Not yet. A ropeway project was started, but the work was halted and the case is before the National Green Tribunal (reported December 2025). See our ropeways in Himachal page for ropeways that run.
Why is it called Bijli Mahadev?
Local belief says lightning strikes the Shivling inside the temple, and the priest restores it with butter — ‘bijli’ means lightning.
Is the Bijli Mahadev trek suitable for kids?
It is an easy–moderate walk for active families. Avoid storm days and icy winter days, and keep a slow pace on the climb.
Can I combine it with Manali, and what does it cost?
Yes — it fits a half day from Kullu. The total depends on the cab, pickup town, season, hotel nights and add-ons; send your dates and we share today’s rate within minutes. Get Quote.
