Manimahesh Kailash Peak

Manimahesh Kailash Peak
Highest point
Elevation	5,653 m (18,547 ft)
Coordinates	32°24′06″N 76°40′09″E / 32.40167°N 76.66917°E / 32.40167; 76.66917[1]
Naming
English translation	Jewel in the crown of Mahesh (Shiva)
Language of name	Sanskrit
Geography
Manimahesh Kailash Peak Himachal Pradesh India
Parent range	Pir Panjal Range, Himalayas
Climbing
First ascent	1968[1] (disputed)[2]
Easiest route	snow/ice climb

The Manimahesh Kailash Peak, 5,653 metres (18,547 ft), also known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering high over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity. It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.^[3][4] It is the fifth most important peak among the group of five separate peaks in Himalayas in separate locations collectively known as the Panch Kailash or "Five Kailashas", other being Mount Kailash in first place, Adi Kailash in second, Shikhar Kailash (Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash) in third, and Kinnaur Kailash in fouth place in terms of importance.^[5] The peak is 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Bharmour in the Budhil valley. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites as well as a popular trekking destination in Himachal Pradesh. The Manimahesh Lake is at the base of the Kailash peak at 3,950 metres (12,960 ft) and is also held in deep veneration by people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly the Gaddi tribe of the region. In the month of Bhadon, on the eighth day of the new moon period a fair is held in the precincts of the lake that attracts thousands of pilgrims.^[6][7][8][9]

Manimahesh Kailash has not been successfully summitted by mountaineers and is thus remains a virgin peak. An attempt to climb the peak in 1968 by an Indo–Japanese team led by Nandini Patel was aborted. This failure is attributed to the divine prowess of the peak since it is revered as the holy mountain of Chamba according to the staunch devotees of the Manimahesh Lake and the peak.^[10]

The peak is visible from near Manimahesh Lake. There are two trekking routes to the lake. One is from Hadsar village that is mostly frequented by pilgrims and trekkers. The other route, village Holi, climbs up further and then descends to the lake. There is no other habitation, except for a small village on this route.^{[citation needed]}