Janjheli

View from Shikari Mata Temple

 

Walking through Janjheli 

I travelled to Janjheli from Karsog on Sep-2021. This road is so remote that part of it is not mapped on Google maps. It was raining very heavily that day. At one point I thought I had to turn back because the road had become blocked due to fresh landslides. Thankfully, the road was cleared quickly by earth moving machinery. 

Janjheli's biggest attraction is it's mesmerising natural beauty. Apple orchids abound. The biggest accommodation is the hotel run by Himachal Tourism Development Corporation. However during my visit, it was closed. I stayed ay the Paradise homestay (Rs 800/- per night). This friendly hotel  at Khataroo village is reputed to have the best food in "town". 

Hidden house

Shikari Mata Temple is located at an altitude of 3500 M. The drive from Janjheli to this temple takes about 45 min.  From the end of the road, there is a flight of steps towards the temple. It will take about 15 min for a fit person to climb these steps. The locale is stunning. Perhaps, due to Covid, the temple is almost deserted. This temple architecture is quite unique as it does not have a roof. See the photo below explaining the legend of of this temple. 

Pandav Shila, is a rock that wobbles slightly when pushed. But it cant be pushed over. Its believed to have been placed by the Pandavas. 

Other blogs from Himachal series

• Jibhi

• Chindi and Karsog

• Kasol and Manikaran

• Trekking in Himachal Pradesh - 13 days

• Day hikes around Dharamshala

• 33 days in Himachal Pradesh

Pandav Shila : This rock wobbles when pushed.

The legend of Shikari Mata temple

It's apple harvest season

The view from my hotel room

Stopped enroute to Shikari Matha temple

The brook that runs through Janjheli

Horses

The entrance to Shikari Mata temple

That's where I want to live!

The sanctum of the Shikari Mata temple.

It was cold on the top

Shikari Mata temple outer wall

Flight of steps leading to Shikari Mata temple 

The road to Shikari Mata temple.