Uttarakhand’s Most Toughest Trek of The 4th Kedar Temple Out of Panch Kedar

Rudranath Temple is one of the most popular temples in all Lord Shiva’s Five Kedar (Panch Kedar) temples. It’s located at a height of 2290 meters above sea level. Here, Lord Shiva’s Ekanan (one face) image is worshipped by the devotees, while Lord Shiva’s full-body worships in the Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Rudranath Temple (Source: inspirock)

Before Reaching Rudranath, Visit Gopeshwar: The Head-Quarter of the Chamoli District

Gopeshwar (Source: uttarakhandtourism.gov.in)

Himalaya’s Trishul & Nanda Devi peaks are clearly visible from here, which adds the beauty of this temple. For visiting the Rudranath Temple, you would have to visit the first Gopeshwar. Gopeshwar is the headquarters of the Chamoli. The ancient Gopinath temple is also located in Gopeshwar. Here, the iron trident of the Gopinath temple is also the center of attraction in the temple. And, people don’t forget to worship in Gopinath temple.

Iron Trident in Gopinath Temple (Source: patrika.com)

Way of Rudranath Starts from Gopeshwar to Sagar Gaon

From Gopeshwar, you would have to go to Sagar Gaon, which is just 5 km away from the Gopeshwar. And, you can go there via your own private transportation or public transportation. And, Sagar Gaon is the endpoint of transportation. From where you would have to go via trek or horse ride.

Sagar Gaon (Source: euttaranchal)

The Real Journey Starts from Sagar Gaon to All Bugyal’s Trek

Pun Bugyal (Source: Uttarakhand Tourism)

From Sagar Gaon to Pun Bugyal which is 4 km away via trek. And, this is the wide green land. In the summer season, local villagers reside here with their pets. And, these local people are known as “PALSI”. Tourists use to rest with PALSI’s & also can get some refreshments. The PALSI community used to live there for approx 6 months with their pets. After Pun Bugyal, Kalchad Bugyal & Chakra Ghani trek is about 8 Km straight trekking. And, this trek is the toughest trek on the way to Rudranath Temple.

The shape of Chakra Ghani & Rare Trees on This Trek

Chakra Ghani conveys by itself in the rounded shape. And, People get tired on this trek. Kharsu, Baanjh, Moru, Thunar, Phynet are the rare trees, which are easily available here. And, these tree’s shed gives some relief to the devotees of Rudranath.

Lyuti Bugyal (Source: wordpress sidtraveler)

View of Gopeshwar & Sagar from Lyuti Bugyal with PALSI Community

On the trek of Rudranath Mahadev Temple, you’ll get some small waterfalls which are sufficient to erase the thirst of your throat. Then, you will reach “Lyuti-Bugyal”, which is located at the height of 3000 meters approx. And, from here, the view of Gopeshwar & Sagar is mesmerizing. And, Paudi Nagar’s lighting effect makes this place more beautiful in the dark.

In “Lyuti Bugyal” & Sagar, local villagers also reside there for 6 months with their pets like residing in “Pun Bugyal”. If you feel tough to complete the trekking in a single day, you can stay in the PALSI’s temporary houses. View of green mountains & wandering goats on this holy green land will give you a feel of another world. Also, some rare herbs are also easily available here.

Panar Bugyal: Center of The Rudranath Trek With Full of Nature & View of Himalayan peaks

Rudranath Clouds at Panar Bugyal (Source:cloudfront.net)

After “Lyuti Bugyal”, “Panar Bugyal” comes, which is 3 km away from the “Lyuti Bugyal” at a height of 10,000 feet. “Panar Bugyal” is the center of the Rudranath trek. And, from here the distance of Rudranath is about 11 Km. And, trees lane also finishes there, only a grassy area starts from here with the valley of different types of flowers. The beauties of mother nature are spreading all over here. Nanda Devi, Kamath, Trishul, etc. Himalayan peaks can be seen from “Panar Bugyal”.

Reach to The Temple of VAN DEVI

After “Panar Bugyal”, “Pitra Dhar” comes where Lord Shiva & Parvati, and Lord Vishnu’s temple are located here. In “Pitra Dhar”, devotees put the stone on the name of their grand family members which are usually named as “Pitra”. Lord Mother Nature’s (Van Devi’s) temple is also located here where devotees also put the ornaments of makeup in the temple of VAN DEVI.

Finishing Line of Trek At Pitra Dhar But Still, Remain Some Distance of Rudranath

Pitra Dhar Rudranath (Source: Facebook euttaranchal)

Rudranath’s trek finishes in Pitradhar. And, little’s steep way starts from here, where you will get the fragrance of multiple flowers and different types of grass on this holy land of Rudranath. This will make you feel fresh & excited. The distance between "Panar Bugyal" to Pitradhar is about 10-11 Km. Then, you’ll reach the 4th Kedar Mahadev Rudranath temple, where you will see the Lord Shiva’s statue into the ancient cave.

Ekanan Statue Look of Lord Shiva At Rudranath

The Lord Shiva’s statue is made up of “PASHAAN” and the statue's neck slightly bends. “PASHAAN” means stone. According to ancient times, this statue is made naturally without the inclusion of any human power.

Paitrni Kund & Temple of The Dwapara Yuga’s Character

Near Rudranath temple, Paitrni Kund is also there. Where Lord Narayan’s statue is located. Aand, Panadav’s temple is also located with Kunti & Draupadi temple. As per Rudranath’s ritual before entering into the temple, devotees would have to take a bath in the Narad Kund then enter into the temple.

Tree View Rudranath (Source: Google)

Vegetarian Mouse, Himalayan Peacock At Rudranath, and Other Very Rare Trees

Himalayan peacock & other animals can be seen on the way to Rudranath Mahadev temple. And, also can see the without tail vegetarian mouses. Bhojpatra trees & BrahmaKamal trees are also available here. You would have to manage by yourself for the preparation of food & accommodation. Lunch & tents material used to be provided by the temple as per the scheduled temple’s timings. Basically, there is self-service despite ordering services.

Trek to Rudranath (Source: Blogspot)

Shifting of Rudranath Mahadev in Winter Season

In the winter season, the seat of Rudranath Mahadev shifts into the Gopinath Mahadev in Gopeshwar for the next 6 months.

How To Reach Rudranath Temple

For visiting this holy temple of Baba Rudranath, firstly visit Rishikesh via road or by train. Another way, reach Jolly Grant Airport via a flight. Then, go to the Gopeshwar, Chamoli district. The distance between Rishikesh & Gopeshwar head-quarter is about 215 Km.

Easy Accommodation Options To Explore The Chamoli District

If you are residing nearby Rishikesh such as in Haridwar, Dhanaulti, or any other location in Uttarakhand, choose to buy a unit inside any residential projects in Haridwar. It can be easier to explore the Chamoli district. Another option is to buy a Cottage in Dhanaulti which is a freehold home in the hills Uttarakhand else buy property in Uttarakhand for sale.