By IANS,
Shimla : The Himachal Pradesh government has started a helicopter service to ferry devotees to the high altitude Manimahesh lake in Chamba district, though just five days are left before the pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva ends.
“The copter service started Tuesday on the demand of devotees who are unable to trek the 14 km through rugged mountains,” said Chamba additional district magistrate Naresh Kumar.
“The four-seater copter ferries devotees between Bharmour tribal valley and Gauri Kund, which is located near the oval-shaped Manimahesh lake,” said Kumar.
The fare for one trip is Rs.9,000 per person.
Devotees take the holy dip in the icy waters of the lake and offer prayers to Mount Kailash, which is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
The Manimahesh pilgrimage started Aug 24 and concludes on the occasion of Radhaastami, (Sep 8)
More than 300,000 devotees have so far taken a dip at the lake, located at an altitude of 4,170 metres.