# Bijli Mahadev Trek

> A guided day hike from Chansari village up to Bijli Mahadev, the Shiva temple at 2,460 m above Kullu where, by legend, lightning strikes the lingam and the priest rejoins it with butter.

- **URL:** https://www.dharamshalastay.com/treks/bijli-mahadev-trek
- **Difficulty:** moderate
- **Duration:** 1 Day
- **Distance:** About 3 km each way from Chansari
- **Max altitude:** 2,460 m
- **Best season:** April-June, September-November
- **Price:** Rs.5,000 per person
- **Photos:** https://www.dharamshalastay.com/images/places/bijli-mahadev.jpg, https://www.dharamshalastay.com/images/places/kullu-valley.jpg

**Short answer:** Bijli Mahadev is a Shiva temple at about 2,460 m on a hilltop above Kullu town. The usual trek starts at Chansari village, the road head, and climbs about 3 km through forest in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. By local legend lightning strikes the temple lingam, and the priest rejoins the pieces with butter. Our partner runs a guided day trek for ₹5,000 per person.

## Bijli Mahadev trek: quick facts

| | |
|---|---|
| Temple altitude | About 2,460 m |
| Start | Chansari village, road head above Kullu |
| Trek | About 3 km each way, 1.5-2 hours up |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Difficulty | Moderate: short but steep, with steps |
| Best season | April to June, September to November |
| Price | ₹5,000 per person |

## Why is it called Bijli Mahadev?

*Bijli* means lightning. Local belief holds that lightning strikes the Shiva lingam inside the temple, traditionally said to be about every 12 years, breaking it into pieces. The priest then rejoins it with a paste of homemade butter and flour, and the lingam is restored. A tall wooden staff of deodar, about 60 feet high, stands in front of the temple and is also said to draw lightning.

## How do you reach the Bijli Mahadev trek start?

Drive from Kullu town up the hill road to Chansari, about an hour by local bus or taxi. The trek begins there. Trekkers can also reach the temple on longer routes from the Parvati Valley side or from Naggar via Jana village.

Coming from Dharamshala, Kullu is reached via Mandi; see the [Dharamshala to Manali road guide](https://www.dharamshalastay.com/blog/dharamshala-to-manali) and book a [taxi](https://www.dharamshalastay.com/taxi).

## Is there a ropeway to Bijli Mahadev?

Not yet. A 2.4 km ropeway under the central Parvatmala scheme has been proposed and contested. In late 2025 work was halted while the National Green Tribunal heard objections, and we found no report of it opening. For now the only way up is on foot.

## When is the best time for Bijli Mahadev?

April to June and September to November. In winter the hilltop is often under snow. During the monsoon, paths are slippery and storms are common, so avoid going up in thunder.

## Temple etiquette

Remove shoes where asked, dress modestly, and follow the priest's instructions about photography inside the shrine. Carry your rubbish back down.

More walks in the region: the [Tosh Valley trek](https://www.dharamshalastay.com/treks/tosh-valley-trek), the [Kasol to Malana trek](https://www.dharamshalastay.com/treks/kasol-to-malana-trek) and [river rafting on the Beas near Kullu](https://www.dharamshalastay.com/paragliding). Browse all [guided treks](https://www.dharamshalastay.com/treks).

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Chansari - Bijli Mahadev - Chansari

Meet the guide at Chansari, the road head above Kullu. Climb about 3 km through forest and up stone steps to the temple (1.5-2 hours). Time at the temple and the hilltop viewpoints, then descend the same way (about 1-1.5 hours).

## Included

- Local trek guide
- Taxi from Kullu to Chansari and back
- First aid

## Not included

- Meals
- Temple offerings
- Tips
- Insurance

## What to carry

- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layer
- Rain jacket
- 1-2 litres of water
- Snacks
- Socks for the temple area
- Cash

## FAQs

**How long is the Bijli Mahadev trek?**
About 3 km each way from Chansari village, the road head above Kullu. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours up and a little over an hour down.

**What is the altitude of Bijli Mahadev temple?**
About 2,460 m (8,071 ft), on a hilltop above Kullu town.

**Why does lightning strike Bijli Mahadev?**
That is the local belief behind the name: bijli means lightning. The legend says lightning strikes the Shiva lingam, traditionally about every 12 years, and the priest rejoins the pieces with butter and flour.

**Is the Bijli Mahadev trek difficult?**
It is short but steep, with many steps. Most reasonably fit people, including older children, manage it with breaks.

**Is the Bijli Mahadev ropeway open?**
No. The proposed 2.4 km ropeway was halted in late 2025 while the National Green Tribunal heard objections, and we found no report of it opening. The temple is reached on foot.

**When is the best time to visit Bijli Mahadev?**
April to June and September to November. The hilltop is often snowbound in winter, and monsoon storms make the climb risky.

**How much does the guided Bijli Mahadev trek cost?**
₹5,000 per person with a local guide. The price includes the guide and the taxi from Kullu to Chansari and back. Meals and tips are not included.

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From Dharamshala Stay (https://www.dharamshalastay.com). Contact: +91-98057-00665, hello@dharamshalastay.com