Rudranath travel tips Rudranath is a famous temple for Lord Shiva’s followers. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 2286m. The Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti make the Rudranath tour even more magnificent.
Rudranath’s Mythological Importance
This temple is the fourth one in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage. The Pandavas went on a journey to find Lord Shiva after killing their cousins. Lord Shiva hid himself in different places to avoid them. The Pandavas built temples where his body parts were found. That’s how the Rudranath temple was built. The trekking route to Rudranath is beautiful and interesting.
What is the Bliss Behind Rudranath Trekking?
When trekking during the Rudranath tour, remember these points: –
* Drive-215km- Take a taxi from Rishikesh to Gopeshwar and then to Sagar village, which is only 5km away from Gopeshwar.
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* Trek-12km-You will find a gate where your trek begins. Go to Pun Bugyal and then go to Panar Bugyal. This is where you can set up tents and rest.
* Trek-8km- Begin your journey to Naola Pass, a place where you can pitch tents. It is located 4km away from Rudranath. Along the way, you will encounter Pitradhar.
* Trek-20km-Go back to Mandal village from Rudranath and stay in a hotel for shelter.
The Main Attraction of the Rudranath Tour
Rudranath is located in the beautiful Himalayas and has stunning scenery. The best tour package for Rudranath includes nearby places that are also very beautiful.Some of the best places to visit on your Rudranath tour are –
* Nanda Ghunti
* Kandiya Bugyal
* Nanda Devi
* Trishul
* Vaitarani River
* Sagar Temple
* Narad Temple
* Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
* Chamunda Devi temple
* Dangi Jungle
* Bhairav Mandir
* Mathurapuri Mandir
* Mallika Devi
Tourists are drawn to the peacefulness and calmness of these places, making them popular destinations for those who want to experience it firsthand. By opting for the top Rudranath tour package, visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking sights of the Himalayan region.
Best Time to Plan Rudranath Tour-
Plan a Rudranath tour with your family to calm your mind. It is easy to trek through the rocky slopes and enjoy the beautiful views. The best time to visit Rudranath is during the summer season, specifically in April and June. During this time, you can easily complete your pilgrimage journey and experience the stunning beauty of the area.
Rudranath Holiday Package
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How to Reach Rudranath
By Road- You can go for Rudranath tour by bus till Rishikesh. From there you can take a bus or book a cab to Gopeshwar. It is well connected to major parts of Uttarakhand by well-mettled road.
By Rail- The nearby railway station to Rudranath is the Rishikesh railway station. You can go by either bus or cabs to Gopeshwar. Rishikesh is well connected to major towns of North India through trains.
By Air- The closest airport is Jolly Airport in Dehradun. You can take daily flights from Delhi to this airport. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Gopeshwar. Visit the holy Rudranath temple and experience the daily aarti that enhances the temple’s beauty. Book an affordable Rudranath holiday package now and enjoy your pilgrimage journey.
Things to Do During Rudranath Temple Travel:
To reach the temple, you can take a trek. The Rudranath trek is one of the challenging expeditions for devotees and adventurers. You can choose the trek route based on your preferences to explore the region. The route to the temple shows the beautiful surroundings of the region. There are three routes to trek to the temple.
Option 1: To reach Rudranath, you have the choice of either taking a taxi or bus to Sagar village, which is located 5 km away from Gopeshwar. From there, you will need to undergo a 20 km trek. It is important to be cautious as the path can be slippery.
Option 2: An alternative route to Rudranath involves embarking on a challenging uphill trek of approximately 17 km from Gangolgaon, which is situated about 3 km away from Gopeshwar. This scenic path takes you through dense woods and allows you to pass by Panar and Naila shepherd colonies.
2. Attend Festivals
You can go to the yearly festival held on the full moon day of Sravan month, which is in July or August according to the Hindu calendar. The festival has a big fair with a local feel. The priests from Gopeshwar village, called Bhatts and Tiwaris, perform the rituals at the temple. There is a special puja at Nandikund, which is on the trekking path to the temple. On this day, devotees worship the ancient swords sticking out of the rocks, which are said to belong to the Pandavas.
3. Worship and Rituals
One of the favored activities in this area is immersing oneself in the devotional practices and ceremonies conducted at the temple. You have the opportunity to participate in morning Shingar, aartis, evening rituals marking the removal of decorations, and more.
Rudranath Temple Timings
The temple is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Morning rituals are at 8:00 a.m. and evening rituals are at 6:30 p.m. The temple is open all day. It opens in mid-May and stays open for 6 months. When the journey to Rudranath begins, the Doli procession from Gopeshwar goes to the site. Pilgrims cross Liti Bugyal and Panar to reach Pitradhar. After crossing Dhalabni Maidan, the Doli reaches Rudranath.
Best Time to Visit
The temple opens in May and can be visited till October. However, May, June, September, and October are the best months to visit. The following are the season-wise details of Rudranath Temple:
Summers (From April to August): The weather remains pleasant as the region experiences a moderate climate. The average temperature ranges around 15°C and it’s ideal to plan sightseeing, temple visits, and other excursions.
Monsoons (From September to November): The area doesn’t get enough rain, but the trek is usually slippery. If you want to enjoy the green scenery and stay in a homestay, you can visit during this time.
Winters (From December to March): Expect very cold days with temperatures dropping to an average of 4 degrees Celsius. The temperature can even go below zero.
How to Reach
The temple is on Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road. You can take a bus or taxi from Rishikesh to Sagar, which is about 219 km away. From Sagar, you need to trek 20 km to Rudranath. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 258 km away. The nearest railhead is in Rishikesh, about 241 km from your destination.
Rudranath Travel Tips
- Avoid planning your visit during winter as the temple remains closed between November to April.
- Morning aarti is performed at 8 a.m., whereas the same ritual in the evening is performed at 6:30 p.m.
- The trail is risky and checks with local authorities and tour guides regarding weather and road conditions.
- Try to plan an expedition with a local guide.
Staying and Food Alternatives at Rudranath
There are limited places to stay in the area. You can choose between basic accommodations provided by the Mandir Committee or stay in people’s homes. Some trekkers bring their own tents and supplies to sleep outside. The locals are friendly and welcoming. You have to depend on them for meals because there are no restaurants in the area.
Rudranath Travel Tips and FAQs:
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What is Rudranath?
Rudranath is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and holds immense religious significance.
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How do I reach Rudranath?
The journey to Rudranath involves a trekking route from either Sagar village or Helang. The nearest major town is Joshimath, which is well-connected by road. You can hire a guide and arrange for porters to assist you during the trek.
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When is the best time to visit Rudranath?
The temple is open to visitors from late May to early November, during the warmer months when the snow has melted. The best time to trek is during June-September when the weather is relatively stable.
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What should I pack for the trek?
Pack warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, rain gear, a first aid kit, trekking poles, a sleeping bag, and essential toiletries. Don’t forget to carry energy snacks and water purification tablets.
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Is there any accommodation available en route?
Basic guesthouses and homestays are available in villages along the trekking route. However, it’s recommended to carry your own camping equipment if you plan to stay overnight in the wilderness.
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How difficult is the trek to Rudranath?
The trek is considered moderately challenging. It involves steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, and can be physically demanding. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
