Nomad Saikat
There are some locations nestling amongst nature and looks splendid with its natural beauty. Not always we get to experience such locations every time we travel somewhere. And what can be better if some old legends and myths or folklore are attached as well right? I am talking about the Dainkund Peak Dalhousie. The Dainkund Peak is one such location that offers just the right amount of thrill, excitement and captivating beauty. Furthermore it is also one of the locations that is very popular for small treks.
Very rarely can you get to visit a location that is so versatile in terms of what it offers. Undoubtedly the Dainkund Peak can be called one of those places that offer a lot to its visitors. And if you ever visit the Dalhousie Dainkund Peak you would exactly understand what I am trying to describe here. Keep on reading this article because here I will mention every piece of information that you need to know about the Dainkund Peak. It would be a helpful read if you are planning a trip there any time soon.
Dainkund Peak
location: Rakhed, Himachal Pradesh
How to reach
Dalhousie to Dainkund Peak is about 17 km apart. First of all you will have to reach the Dalhousie bus stand and from there you can cover the Dainkund Peak distance. The base camp of Dainkund Peak is Lakka Mandi which is about 8 km away from the Dalhousie bus stand.
Overview :
The highest peak in Dalhousie region, the Dainkund Peak is a calming tourist spot. Out of everything else one of the most alluring factors of this location is the Dainkund Peak height. Dainkund Peak height in feet is almost around 9000 which is a great height and that makes it even more popular as a spot. Situated above 2755 meters above sea level it is an enchanting hill station that promises a lot to the visitors. Apart from the natural beauty and the intriguing mountainous trail, Dainkund Peak is also a location that offers some stories. Furthermore these stories and folklore make this sight an alluring sight to visit.
Folklore of Dainkund
Dainkund literally divides into two words Dain which means Witch and Kund that means a pond. Literally the place got its name from this as the local folklore states that once a witch used to reside in this location. It is said that maybe at one point of time one or maybe more than one witches used to reside in the mountains. Those witches decided to reside in a pond nearby.
Further the witches were also troubling the local villagers. Also just because the witch was staying in the pond the villagers were also unable to use the water of the pond. They were facing a lot of trouble as they were forced to get down the hill to get water for their herd of cattle. Eventually all the villagers decided that they would pray to their forest deity Mata Pauloni or Mata Pohlani. Furthermore after their prayer the Goddess was pleased and she gave the pond back to the villagers and also vanquished the witch. Since that time this location is popularly known as the Dainkund Peak.
More about Dainkund
Distance between Dainkund and the Dainkund Temple is around 7 km and the area is separated by an Air force base. However the area of the Kund is not accessible for tourists as it falls within the military establishment. Only the military personnel, local villagers and shepherds are given access to enter that area. The Pholani Devi Temple is a major attraction in the Dainkund Peak. It is also a major site of pilgrimage in the area. However, one of the interesting things here is that there is no idol in this temple. Instead a trident is worshipped inside the temple.
Everything from the mystic charm of this place to the folklores associated and the wild beauty of this location makes it more attractive. Also the peak being the highest peak in the region gives an all encompassing panoramic view of the entire area. It also offers a clear view of the River Ravi, Beas and Chenab that flows at the base of the hill.
Furthermore the Dainkund Peak is also known as the Singing Hills. Now you must be wondering what exactly a singing hill means. The visitors here have noticed a beautiful ruffling sound of the leaves as the winds blow by. That sound makes an amazing effect and impacts the whole ambience in such a way that it seems like there are singing sounds coming from here.
From that much height of the Dainkund Peak everything will look perfect and you would be able to enjoy a bird’s eye perspective of the area. Along with that the silence of nature as well as the sound of nature both would be comforting in their own way.
Trekking in Dainkund Peak
One of the most interesting activities to enjoy here is the small trek to the Dainkund Peak. To reach the peak a small trek is required that starts from the Lakka Mandi base camp. Dainkund Peak trek distance is about 5 km and these treks are guided treks that are enjoyed a lot by adventure lovers in the area. What is most attractive here is how the whole trekking trail here is filled with dense greenery with fir and deodar trees on both sides. As this is the highest peak in the area it also receives maximum snowfall during the winters. If you are visiting here during the winter you will be able to enjoy the snow-clad view of the mountain.
However, people who would like to go via car can also reach the Indian Air Force Barrier in Lakka Mandi by car. But from there the motorable road ends and the only way to reach the top is by trekking 3 km more. The first 1 km is very steep but also the trail has concrete wide steps that make it safe for the trekkers.
Weather
Dainkund Peak weather is mostly cool as it is situated at a very high altitude. The Dainkund Peak temperature goes down to minus degrees during the winter and it also snows as it is the highest peak in the area. Furthermore the ideal time to visit the Dainkund Peak is from the months of March to October as the weather remains pleasant during that time. However the monsoon season is not suitable for trekking expeditions so keep that in mind.
Tourist activities in Dainkund Peak
A natural haven like the Dainkund Peak needs all the attention diverted towards its beauty. So don’t forget to enjoy nature to the fullest. Get lost into the serenity of nature and enjoy the weather, atmosphere and beautiful view from the higher altitude.
For the adventure lovers the most ideal activities here would be trekking and camping. The trekking trail in Dainkund Peak, though small, is stated as one of the most beautiful trekking trails in India. So if you are an adventurous person do not miss out on this activity.
For the people who enjoy some more thrill, you can opt for a camping trip on the foothills as well. It would give you an eerie feeling, along with some enthusiasm and adventurous vibes all at once. I am sure you would enjoy this a lot. However the camping facilities here are very modest. Electricity is available only at some points. Furthermore charging points also would not be available everywhere. And water is also very precious here so do not waste that too. If you are interested to enjoy this side of the trip then you can opt for camping in Dainkund Peak as well.
Things to remember while visiting the Dainkund Peak
- If you especially want to enjoy the snowfall in Dainkund Peak you need to visit here after December. But keep in mind it would be extremely chilly here at that time.
- As beautiful as Dainkund Peak is, the weather here can be very unpredictable. So it would be wise to check the weather here before visiting.
- The Dainkund Peak is also a great sight for camping. For that you must carry all the necessary items that you need along with you.
- If you are interested in trekking then you must consult a doctor and get yourself checked medically. In case of diseases like heart diseases or breathing problems take the advice of your doctor before visiting a location with such high altitude.
- It would not be safe to proceed for the trekking without guides as they will be able to guide you better. Furthermore, avoid trekking in the night and start early. Also try to return early before the sun sets as that would be safer.
- You must carry your valid ID Proofs along with you as you might be asked to produce it.
Nearby places to visit from Dainkund Peak
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Panchpula Waterfall
- St. John’s Church
- Khajjiar
- Chamera Dam
- Bhuri Singh Museum
- Satdhara Falls
- Ganji Pahari
- Subhash Baoli
- Sach Pass
- Rock Garden
- Indo Tibetan Market
- Bakrota Hills
- Chamunda Devi Temple
Wrapping Up!
Dainkund Peak is still one of the places that still remain unexplored. Not a lot of people know about this gem of a location nestled amidst nature. Furthermore the folklore attached to it, the proximity with the military base and the altitude together makes it one of the forbidden secrets. But in recent times the spot is getting popular as a tourist spot. However the beauty of the Dainkund Peak still remains in its unhindered and untouched beauty.
So if you are interested in exploring a location like this that offers serenity and thrill at the same time you can’t miss visiting the Dalhousie Dainkund Peak. Whenever you are visiting Himachal Pradesh if there can be one location that should be included in your itinerary it should be the Dainkund Peak Dalhousie. So tell me if you are intrigued enough to visit the Dainkund Peak. Also tell me what attracted you more, the thrill of visiting a higher altitude location or the folklore attached to it? I am sure this was a helpful article for you if you are planning a trip to this gorgeous location. And if there is any more information that you need about this place, do let me know.
