According to one popular legend, it is believed that Shiva created Manimahesh after he married Parvati, who is worshipped as Mata Gorja.

There are many legends narrated linking Shiva and his show of displeasure through acts of avalanches and blizzards that occur in the region.

Further, according to the legend, the Shiva, who lived in Mount Kailash, the highest mountain of the state, gifted the Gaddis with a Chuhali topi (pointed cap), which they wear traditionally along with their other dress of chola (coat) and dora (a long black cord about 10–15 m long).

The land where Gaddis lived extended from 15 miles (24 km) west of Bharmaur, upstream of the confluence of Budhil and Ravi rivers, up to Manimahesh.

The Gaddis also believe that Shiva resides in the Mount Kailash for six months, whereafter he moves to the netherworld handing over the reigns to Vishnu.

Shiva returned from the netherworld to Bharamaur at the end of February, before the night of his wedding and this day is observed as Maha Shivaratri); Gaddis observe this also as a festive day since Shiva and Parvati returned to Mount Kailash in the Gaddi land.

According to a local legend, the moon-rays reflected from the jewel can be seen from Manimahesh Lake on clear full moon night (which is a rare occasion).

However, it has been inferred that such a phenomenon could be the result of reflection of light from the glacier that embellishes the peak in the form of a serpent around Shiva's neck.

However, Shiva managed to escape and enter into the waterfall at Dhancho and take shelter in a cave behind the rolling waters of the fall.

[6] A rare event of the first sun’s rays falling on the Manimahesh peak is seen in reflection in the lake like a saffron tilaka.

The mountain peak is a snow clad tribal glen of Brahamur in the Chamba district of manimahesh range.

The highest peak is the Manimahesh Kailas, also called ‘Chamba Kailash' (elevation 5,656 metres or 18,556 ft) overlooking the lake.

The lake, considered a glacial depression, is sourced by snow-melt waters from the surrounding hill slopes.

Towards the end of June with ice beginning to melt, numerous small streams break up everywhere, which together with the lush green hills and the myriad of flowers give the place a truly remarkable view.

[2][7] The most popular is the Bhanrlour–Hadsar-Manimahesh route which involves a 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) track from Hadsar village to the Manimahesh Lake.

The highest altitude touched in this route is 4,115 metres (13,501 ft) and it takes two days with an overnight stay at Dhancho.

[2][8] In the past, on the trek from Dhancho, the bridge over the Manimahesh river was crossed to reach the left bank of the valley.

Along this stretch of the trek route, there are a number community kitchens (eateries) at about 3,600 metres (11,800 ft) elevation.

The lake is surrounded by sandy boulders, small hilly mounds and prickly dry bushes, and there is no sign of any grass.

The larger part has icy cold water, called the 'Shiv Karotri' (the bathing place of Shiva).

The smaller part of the lake, which is hidden by the bushes, has lukewarm water and is called 'Gauri Kund', the bathing place of Parvati, Shiva's consort.

The still, clear and unpolluted waters of the lake reflect the snow-capped peaks that overlook the valley.

The sippi caste have important role when the challas seeks the permission from this caste after that challas get dip into the wholly lake The holy pilgrimage to the Manimahesh Lake (revered by local people as resting place of Shiva) is supported by the Government of Himachal Pradesh, Manimahesh Pilgrimage Committee and several voluntary organizations.

Pilgrims undertake the holy trek barefoot and cover a distance of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) from the nearest road point of Hadsar[14] to the Manimahesh Lake.

[1][4][7][9] The holy trek starts from the Laxmi Narayan temple and the Dashnami Akhara in Chamba town, with the sacred stick ('Chhari') of Gur Charpathnath carried by the pilgrims with participation of sadhus.

State priests of Bharmaur Brahmin family perform the worship (Pujas) in all temples within the lake precincts.