Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is significant pilgrimage and trekking destination in Uttarakhand, India.
It is situated at an altitude of 3600 metres(11800 feet) approx. in the Garhwal Himalayas. Rudranath is known for its spiritual vibe, challenging trek and scenic beauty.
Key Attractions
Rudranath Temple
The main attraction which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, you will see a natural rock formation of Lord Shiva, which is worshiped by everyone.
Panch Kedar
Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedar Pilgrimage, which includes Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheswar and Kalpeshwar.
Scenic Beauty
This trek offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. It includes peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Ghunti.
Wildlife and Flora
This trek have rich biodiversity zones with a variety of flora and fauna, including rare himalayan herbs.
Culture
Rudranath holds a deep religious significance for Hindus. By being a place where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Neelkanth. NeelKanth is made from combining two words Neel (Blue) and Kanth (Throat), it simply means blue-throated. The region’s spiritual vibe and local traditions offers a unique cultural experience.
How to Reach
By Road: Gopeshwar (starting point of trek) is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. Regular buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 241 km away. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh to Gopeshwar.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approx. 258 km away from Rudranath. From here, you can hire a taxi or take bus to reach Gopeshwar.
Best Time to Visit
The month of May to June is considered as ideal time for trekking. This time the place have pleasant weather and clear views.
Post-Monsoon months as September to October is also considered as another good period. At this time, you will see lush green landscapes and clear skies. The weather is cool and comfortable at this time.
Try to avoid the winter month from November to April, when the region is covered in snow and the monsoon months from July to August, due to risk of landslides and slippery trails.
Places to Stay
Camping is one of the preferred stays. Many trekkers prefer to camp along the trail at designated spots like Liti Bugyal and Panar Bugyal.
Some Guesthouses and Dharmshalas are also available with basic requirements in Gopeshwar and at certain point along the trek route.
Trek Details
- The trek usually starts from Sagar Village which is about 5 km from Gopeshwar.
- The trek from Sagar Village to Rudranath is about 20 km. It typically can take about 2 days to complete, depending upon trekker’s speed and weather conditions.
- The trail passes through dense forests, lush meadows and ancient villages like Liti Bugyal, Panar Bugyal and Pitradhar.
- The trek involves steep ups and downs climbs.
- The difficulty level of this trek is moderate to challenging. The trek requires a good level of physical fitness.
Some Important Tips
- Ensure you are in a good physical shape as the trek is challenging in nature.
- Carry warm clothes, rain gears, trekking gears and sturdy shoes.
- Check if any kind of permits required for trek.
- Consider hiring a local guide for safe and informative journey.
- Try to spend a day in Gopeshwar to adapt yourself into nature to prevent from altitude sickness.
- Follow eco-friendly practices and respect local tradition and peoples.