New Delhi: Ahead of Maha Shivratri 2026, many devotees feel an inner pull to journey not just to temples, but to the very abodes where Lord Shiva is believed
to dwell in the snow‑clad Himalayas. The Panch Kailash Yatra—a pilgrimage to five sacred peaks—is one such powerful calling, promising a blend of physical challenge, breathtaking landscapes, and deep spiritual cleansing. For centuries, sages, sadhus and common bhaktas alike have trekked these high‑altitude routes, convinced that a single darshan of these Kailash peaks can wash away lifetimes of karma and bring one closer to moksha.
As Maha Shivratri approaches, the energy around Shiva‑devotion intensifies, and the idea of visiting even one of the Panch Kailash shrines becomes a compelling aspiration for many. Whether you are planning a full‑fledged yatra or simply wish to understand the significance of these five divine mountains, this guide will walk you through the timings of Maha Shivratri 2026, the meaning of the Panch Kailash Yatra, and a detailed look at each of the five holy peaks.
Maha Shivratri 2026 – Date, time and muhurat
Maha Shivratri 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 15 February 2026, with the Chaturdashi tithi beginning at 5:04 PM on 15 February and ending at 5:34 PM on 16 February. Since the sacred night falls on the 15th, most devotees will keep the vrat and perform puja on the evening of 15 February, continuing through the night into the early hours of 16 February.
For those following the four‑prahar system of Shiva worship:
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First prahar: 15 February, 6:11 PM to 9:23 PM
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Second prahar: 15 February, 9:23 PM to 12:35 AM (16 February)
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Third prahar: 16 February, 12:35 AM to 3:47 AM
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Fourth prahar: 16 February, 3:47 AM to 6:59 AM
The Nishita Kaal, considered the most auspicious window for Shiva puja and Rudrabhishek, will fall roughly around 12:09 AM to 1:01 AM on 16 February, depending on city‑specific calculations. Many pilgrims combine this powerful muhurat with a night‑long jagran, chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” and offering jal, milk, honey and bel‑patra to the Shiva lingam.
What is Panch Kailash Yatra and why do people undertake it?
The Panch Kailash Yatra is a spiritual journey to five sacred Kailash peaks believed to be abodes of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas. These are Kailash Mansarovar (Tibet), Adi Kailash (Uttarakhand), Kinnaur Kailash, Shrikhand Mahadev and Manimahesh Kailash (all in Himachal Pradesh). Together, they form a circuit of divine energy that devotees believe can purify the soul, grant blessings for family and health, and accelerate progress on the path of moksha.
People take up the Panch Kailash Yatra for several reasons. Some seek fulfilment of vows made during difficult times, while others wish to atone for past karmas or pray for the wellbeing of loved ones. The trek itself—often involving high‑altitude walks, cold winds and rugged terrain—acts as a form of tapasya, teaching discipline, humility and surrender to the divine. Many also describe the experience as transformative, saying that the silence of the mountains, the sight of snow‑capped peaks and the presence of fellow pilgrims create a unique atmosphere of bhakti and inner peace.
5 Sacred Kailash peaks of Panch Kailash Yatra – a detailed look
1. Kailash Mansarovar (Tibet)
Kailash Mansarovar is widely regarded as the most sacred of the five Kailash peaks and is believed to be the cosmic abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Mount Kailash peak stands at about 6,638 metres and is considered unclimbed, as devotees believe it is spiritually forbidden to step on the summit.
Nearby lies Lake Mansarovar, one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, which is revered as the purest of waters and said to cleanse sins when one takes a holy dip. The traditional parikrama (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash is about 52 km and is usually completed in 2–3 days, depending on weather and acclimatisation. Pilgrims often combine the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with a visit to Parvati Sarovar and nearby Gauri Kund, deepening the spiritual symbolism of Shiva and Parvati’s eternal union.
2. Adi Kailash (Chhota Kailash, Uttarakhand)
Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, lies in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, close to the Indo‑Tibetan border. This peak is believed to represent the primordial or original manifestation of Shiva’s energy, making it a powerful starting point for many Panch Kailash itineraries.
The Adi Kailash trek typically begins from Dharchula, passing through Narayan Ashram, Gunji and Baling before reaching the base camp near Kuti. The full round‑trip usually takes 7–10 days and is rated moderate to difficult, requiring good fitness and acclimatisation to altitudes above 4,000 metres. Along the route, pilgrims encounter Om Parvat, a rock formation that naturally resembles the sacred “Om” symbol when snow falls in a particular pattern, adding to the mystical aura of the journey.
3. Kinnaur Kailash (Himachal Pradesh)
Kinnaur Kailash is located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, near the border with Tibet, and is associated with the celestial musicians called Kinners, who are said to perform for Lord Shiva. The peak stands at around 6,050 metres and is often approached from Kalpa or Pooh, with the last motorable point usually at Hatkoti or Jorkanden.
The Kinnaur Kailash parikrama is a 52‑km circuit that circles the mountain and is generally completed in 2–3 days, depending on weather and physical condition. Pilgrims pass through dense forests, alpine meadows and high‑altitude passes, with views of surrounding peaks and the Sutlej River far below. Many also visit ancient temples and monasteries along the way, reinforcing the sense that this route is both a trek and a moving temple dedicated to Shiva.
4. Shrikhand Mahadev (Srikhand Kailash, Himachal Pradesh)
Shrikhand Mahadev, or Srikhand Kailash, is a sacred peak in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, associated with a natural Shiva lingam that remains uncovered by snow throughout the year. This unique feature makes it especially significant, as devotees believe the lingam is self‑manifested (swayambhu) and not carved by human hands.
The Shrikhand Mahadev Yatra usually starts from Rohru or Suketi, with the trek to the summit taking 2–3 days and involving steep ascents and high‑altitude camping. At the top, pilgrims perform abhishek with water, milk and other offerings, seeking blessings for health, prosperity and spiritual growth. The surrounding landscape of pine forests, meadows and distant snow‑clad ranges adds to the meditative atmosphere, making this a favoured destination for those who want a shorter but intense Panch Kailash experience.
5. Manimahesh Kailash (Chamba, Himachal Pradesh)
Manimahesh Kailash lies in the Bharmour region of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, and is linked to a sacred lake that is considered a mirror of Lord Shiva’s abode. The Manimahesh Lake sits at about 4,080 metres, and devotees believe that a holy dip here can wash away sins and grant Shiva’s grace.
The most popular route to Manimahesh Lake starts from Hadsar village, with a trek of roughly 13–15 km that usually takes 1–2 days, depending on pace and weather. Along the way, pilgrims pass through meadows, small streams and forested slopes, often camping overnight at Dhancho before the final ascent. The Manimahesh Yatra is especially crowded during the annual fair in August–September, but many devotees also time their visit around Maha Shivratri, seeking a quieter, more introspective experience.
As Maha Shivratri 2026 draws near, the idea of the Panch Kailash Yatra becomes more than just a physical journey; it turns into a quest for inner stillness, surrender and divine connection. Whether you are able to trek all five peaks or simply plan to visit one, the intention behind the journey matters most—offering your heart to Lord Shiva with faith, humility and devotion.
