Dainkund. Temples of Himachal… 6.
There are several temples in Himachal on hilltops. Although they are neither grand nor popular, the location makes up for it.
Dainkund is one such temple. At about 9000 feet height, it is near Dalhousie, itself lesser visited than Dharamshala or Shimla. It is a nice family hike, not too strenuous for anyone; It offers a 180 degree plus view of Himalayas, if you are blessed with a clear day.
180 degree plus views from Dainkund
Dainkund is a hilltop drive from Dalhousie till a fork, after which the road is controlled by armed forces. My guess is a radar station and missile defence. That makes it a perfect location for the Himalayan vista too.
Each morning a defence vehicle comes down the hills and clears the start of civilian traffic. It is a snaking drive up to another spot where all traffic is stopped. Then you start walking: a sharp climb to a ridge and then walk on a narrow ridge top. It snows heavily and the repeated tourist flow melts and hardens the snow making it slippery to walk. After about 45 minutes or so, you reach the temple. Like most of the traditions of Himachal, this is a Devi temple, for Phaloni Devi.
Dainkund gives you early snow, a short family hike, a great snowcap view, ridgewalk, and picture book maggi.
Mataji, Mountains and Maggi at, Dainkund, Dalhousie, Himachal
The lightest of new year snow at Dainkund
Maggi is made for mountains
