High on a ridge in the far south of Mandi district stands one of Himachal’s strangest and most striking temples: Shikari Devi, a shrine to the “huntress goddess” that has stood for centuries with no roof over the deity’s head. Reaching it means a climb through some of the loveliest forest in the lower Himalaya, and the reward at the top — a stone idol open to the sky, ringed by peaks — is unforgettable.
The roofless temple
Shikari Devi sits at around 2,850 m, on what many call the highest point in this part of Mandi. Local legend says every attempt to build a roof over the temple has failed — and, stranger still, that snow never settles on the idol even when the whole ridge lies under several feet of it in winter. The goddess is linked in folklore to the Pandavas, who are said to have worshipped here during their years of exile. Whatever you make of the stories, the setting — a small stone shrine on a bald, wind-scoured summit with Himalayan ranges in every direction — feels genuinely otherworldly.
The trek
The usual base is Janjehli, a green little valley town about 92 km from Mandi. From Janjehli a rough forest road climbs most of the way; the final stretch to the summit is a walk of a kilometre or two through oak and deodar, gentle enough for most reasonably fit walkers and taking well under an hour from the road-head. Longer, prettier trekking routes from Janjehli’s meadows are also popular with those who want to make a full day of it.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Naggar to Mandi is about 100 km; Mandi to Janjehli another 92 km (3–3.5 hours) via Chail Chowk, Gohar and Bagsyad. This is best as an overnight trip rather than a rushed day.
- Best season: April–June and September–November. The temple and road are often snowbound and closed in deep winter.
- What to carry: Layers (it’s cold and windy at the top even in summer), sturdy shoes, water and snacks — facilities are minimal.
- Entry: Free; it’s an active temple, so dress respectfully.
Janjehli and Shikari Devi still see far fewer visitors than the Manali side of the valley, which is exactly their charm. If you’re basing yourself in the Kullu valley and want to explore this quieter, temple-dotted corner of Mandi, Ghar in the Hills in Naggar is a friendly place to come back to — book a room and we’ll point you to the best route up. Lace up, climb slow, and let the huntress goddess’s open-air shrine take your breath away.