Lakhamandal Trek

Lakhamandal Trek

This is a cultural and historical trek in the Jaunsar - Babar region, at the foothills of the stately Garhwal Himalayas. The tribes here, known as Jaunsaris, practice polygamy and polyandry. Lakhamandal is a large village on the banks of Yamuna, known for its temple ruins. The ruins at Lakhamandal give an indication that in the past it must have been a major temple town. Many believe that Lakhamandal is the same Lakhshagriha described in Mahabharat. Kaurava Prince Duryodhana had built a palace made of lac, in which he tried to burn the Pandavas alive. The villagers believe that there is a secret passage that emerges few kilometers downstream today in the center of the village there is a Temple dedicated to Bhagwati and Lord Shiva. In the temple complex stand two life size stone statues. Perhaps they are the Dwarpals of a much older temple. With the legend of Jay and Vijay, the Dwarpals at the gates of heaven. But most of the villagers believe the statues to be that of Bhima and Arjuna.

Lakhamandal positioned on the banks of river Yamuna is often linked with the Lakhshagriha that is described in Mahabharata. An important magnetism of Lakhamandal is its temple dedicated to Bhagwati and Lord Shiva. A cultural and historical trek in the Jaunsar-Babar area, one gets to see and learn a lot of things throughout the trek E.g., The Jaunsaris tribes positioned at the foothills of the Garhwal. Furthermore as the route of the Lakhamandal trek is rich with flora and fauna, it makes for an remarkable experience for ornithologists and the naturalists.

Day 01: Rishikesh-Lakhamandal (150 kms/4 hrs)

Drive to Lakhamandal 150 kms via Mussoorie lunch enroute-Lakhamandal is place of archaeological significance.Historians and archealogist identify Lakhamandal with the epic Laxagrah (House of Wax) which was made by Duryodhan in a conspiracy to kill the Pandavas-Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 02: Lakhamandal- Baijnath

12 kms drive to Goraghati. Further 12 kms trek to Baijnath with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 03: Baijnath- Magti

17 kms Trek to Magti with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp

Day 04: Magti-Biratkhoi

Trek 11 kms to Biratkhoi with packed lunch-At Biratkhoi there is an epic fort in ruins now, according to the legends of Mahabharat, Kalsi Lakhamandal TrekThis fort belongs to Maharaja Birat - Dinner and overnight in camp

Day 05: Biratkhoi- Kalsi

Trek 22 kms to Kalsi with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 06: Kalsi to Rishikesh (121 Kms/ 4Hr)

Drive to Rishikesh via Dakpathar, Dehradun.. Arrive at Rishikesh tour end.