Chota Kailash Shiv Temple.

Perched high on a hilltop in the Bhimtal region, Chota Kailash Shiv Temple is a sacred pilgrimage site that doubles as a rewarding mountain trek. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is steeped in local folklore; devotees believe Shiva and Parvati once rested here on their Himalayan journey, and a sacred dhuni (eternal fire) is said to have burned continuously ever since. Reaching the shrine requires a steep three-to-four-kilometer hike from the nearest road access point, winding through quiet pine forests and rural villages. The reward at the summit is a tranquil, isolated atmosphere, a traditional Shiva lingam adorned with offered bells, and sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the nearby Parvati Kund, far removed from the busier lakeside spots below.