Churdhar Pilgrimage: New Fees to Ensure Safety and Cleanliness

In the heart of Himachal Pradesh, the famous religious site of Churdhar is introducing a new fee structure for pilgrims. Located at an altitude of 11,965 feet, Churdhar is the highest peak in the district. Under this new system, various fees will be charged to different categories of visitors, aiming to enhance environmental protection and maintain the cleanliness of this sacred site.

New Fee Structure for Churdhar Pilgrimage

The Eco Development Committee Churdhar has set different fees for entry into Churdhar, catering to various types of travelers:

• Himachali Pilgrims: ₹20 per person
• Non-Himachali Pilgrims: ₹50 per person
• Foreign Pilgrims: ₹200 per person
• Trekkers/Hikers: ₹100
• Camera Fee: ₹50-100 for cameras other than phone cameras
• Movie/Documentary Shooting: ₹10,000-15,000 per day
• Wedding Shooting: ₹3,000 per day
• Tent Fee (Indian Citizens): ₹200, ₹300, and ₹400 per tent
• Tent Fee (Foreign Citizens): ₹500 per tent/day
• Travel by Mule and Horse: ₹100

Voluntary exemptions are provided for travelers from Solan, Shimla, and Sirmaur, excluding tent fees. Additionally, no fee will be charged for the pilgrimage to Churdhar or for items, mules, horses, or people visiting the Shirgul Maharaj temple.

Steps Towards Environmental Protection and Cleanliness

The main objective of this fee system is to ensure environmental protection and maintain the cleanliness of the sacred site during the Churdhar pilgrimage. The Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary and EDC have finalized this initiative. This fee will act as a permit issued to pilgrims for entry into the wildlife sanctuary.

Booths on Churdhar Pilgrimage Routes

Booths will be set up on the main routes to Churdhar, where local youth from the panchayats will be stationed. The purpose of these booths is to collect fees from travelers and ensure smooth management of the pilgrimage. Proposals have been made to set up booths on the Nauradhar route at Jamnala and on the Pulwahal route at Khadach.

Employment for Youth

The new system related to the Churdhar pilgrimage will provide employment to the youth of three panchayats. Seventy-five percent of the pilgrimage fee will go to the government, while twenty-five percent will go to the youth of the youth clubs. Sixty percent of the tenting site fee will go to the youth club, and the remaining forty percent will go to the government.

The fee rates for the pilgrimage permit have been finalized and will be implemented soon. It has been stated that this will also provide employment to the youth of three panchayats. Seventy-five percent of the pilgrimage fee will be deposited in the government’s account, while twenty-five percent will go to the youth of the youth clubs. Sixty percent of the tenting site fee will go to the youth club, and forty percent will go to the government. It has been mentioned that tenders may be issued before implementing the fee rates. The prescribed fee rates will be presented to the higher authorities, and a final decision will be made thereafter. – Virendra Kumar, Wildlife Forest Range Officer

Increasing Number of Pilgrims

Every year, millions of pilgrims visit Churdhar for the darshan of Shirgul Maharaj. The Chudeshwar Seva Samiti organizes langar and accommodation facilities here. The ban on the pilgrimage will be lifted in May, and pilgrims will start arriving for the darshan of Churdhar again.

Swami Kamalanand Ji’s Meditation and Shirgul Maharaj’s Darshan

Churdhar is considered a place of faith for millions of pilgrims. Swami Kamalanand Ji has been meditating here for the past 25 years. During snowfall, this place is filled with extreme difficulties, but Swami Ji has made this place even more sacred through his meditation. People come from far and wide for the darshan of Shirgul Maharaj.

Why Was the Fee Imposed?

Churdhar, a symbol of faith for millions of pilgrims, is now going to operate under a new system. This change aims to ensure environmental protection and maintain the cleanliness of the place, while also providing employment to local youth. This new system will prove beneficial for pilgrims, making the pilgrimage safe and organized.