Rudranath Temple uttarakhand: How to reach, Attractions & Places near by

“Wahi Niwas Pyara Jahan Mera Rudra Hai Viraja”

The spiritual bliss from Rudranath temple in Garhwal, Uttarakhand of Rudra aka Lord Shiva is one of the sacred experiences.  Read this article to learn about this difficult but amazing Rudranath Temple trek information, how to reach it, accommodations and many more important aspects.

Third among the Panch Kedar, the temple is believed to have existed since the Mahabharata where Lord Shiva the Rudra is worshipped. Elevated at 3600 meters (11800 feet), the temple is in the Chamoli district near Sagar village in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. One of the toughest but the most rewarding treks, the temple is embraced by rhododendron and alpine forests, giving it a picturesque view. 

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Rudranath Shivling and its History

Lord Shiva is in an “Ekanan” avatar in Rudranath temple, where the Shivling has Shiva’s face formation, marking a divine power in this place. People here worship Rudranath Shivling praying for blessings, compassion and power from the Lord. 

  The history of these places goes back to Dwapar Yug (3000 BCE) during the Mahabharata war when the Pandavas established Rudranath temple to seek forgiveness of their sins after the Kurukshetra Yudh which led to the killing of their cousin brothers Kauravas.

Architecture and Spiritual Importance

The architecture of Rudranath Temple is simple but eye-catching, built with stones representing the timeless foundation of the spiritual essence of devotion. The Himalayan stonework of the temple is weather-resistant and blends with the surroundings providing a primitive and rustic appearance. The temple is not adorned with fancy material but strong and simple stone work giving it a more spiritual feel, away from the majestic materials of the world. 

 The naturally formed Rudranath Shivling and tranquil space of Garbhagriha( sanctum spaces) where devotees can devote their time to Shiva and feel immense energy. The place has other small shrines of Tara Kund, Chandra Kund and Surya Kund which are sacred pools that radiate divine vibrations among devotees. The Rudranth temple represents the significance of the eternal bond of nature and spirituality that never fades with time.

The Overview of the Rudranath Trek

Trek to Rudranath

There are two trek routes to Rudranath temple:

1. Trek route from Sagar Village(Short Trek Route)
2. Normal Trek Route from Mandal

Starting Point: Sagar Village (Short route)

• Distance: 21km to Rudranath
• Duration: 4 days
• Itinerary: Sagar Village⇒Liti Bugyal⇒Panar Bugyal⇒Pithradhar⇒Rudranath temple
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult depending upon physical fitness due to high altitudes and walking strength.

Starting point: Mandal Village

• Distance: more than 24 km
• Duration: 5 days
• Itinerary: Mandal Village⇒Anusuya Devi temple⇒Hansa Bugyal⇒Naola Pass Rudra Nath
• Difficult trekking level

Packages

For guidance and travel arrangements approximately Rs. 10,000 to 25,000 is the price including accommodations and trekking arrangements with tour guides, ask the expert Travel Acharya (By contacting us) to know about custom packages and tour options to Rudranath temple.

How to Reach Rudranath?

By Road:

Driving via bus, taxi, rentals or own vehicle + Trekking

From nearby cities like Delhi

• Route Itinerary: Delhi⇒ Haridwar⇒ Rishikesh⇒ Devprayag⇒ Srinagar⇒ Rudraprayag Gopeshwar⇒ Sagar Village⇒ Rudranath 
• Reach Rishikesh or Haridwar by buses or motor vehicles
• You can check Delhi(Kashmirigate) to Rishikesh or Haridwar bus schedules from UTC Online.
• Also, you can take rental cars or drive your vehicles to Sagar Village.
• From Sagar Village, the real trek starts
• Trek Itinerary: 

Distance between Sagar Village & Panar Bugyal: 12 km (6-7 hrs)

Panar Bugyal to Rudranath: 10 km (5-6 hrs)

Total travel distance from Rishikesh: 280 km

Total travel distance from Dehradun: 254 km

By Train

Nearest railhead: Rishikesh 

Train Distance from Rishikesh to Rudranath: 241 km

Alternative railway station: Haridwar 

Distance between Haridwar to Rudranath by train: 235

Distance between Delhi to Rudranath by train: 480 km

Drive by rental vehicles or take a bus to Gopeshwar/Sagar Village.

By Air

To grab the closest flight to Rudranath in Dehradun there is Jolly Grant Airport for airways. 

Distance: 258 km from Gopeshwar

From the Airport, you can hire rentals or taxis.

Weather and Climate 

Summer(April-August): Cool and sunny weather with random rainfalls, Best for outdoor activities, temperature: 18°C to 9°C

Monsoon(September-November): Downpours making the environment refreshing and mesmerising. The land becomes slippery and caution is required while trekking at this time. Temperature: 16°C to 4°C

Winter(December-March): With chilly winds accompanied by snowflakes, the trek becomes impossible in this freezing region. Temperature: 3 °C to minus degrees.

Spring(March-April): Snow melts, and the surroundings revive with blooming flora, denoting that trekking is open to everyone. Temperature: 2°C to 16°C.

The best time to Visit the Rudranath temple is March to August for the best trail experience and outdoor activities like trekking, exploration and nature walks.

The monsoon and winter are difficult times for trekking to Rudranth. During monsoon season, the trail becomes slippery, and risks of natural hazards like landslides. In winter, the area is covered with snow and unbearable chilly winds, making it difficult for travellers to get there.

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Accommodations and Dining Options Close to Rudranath

Some accommodations can be found near Sagar village, starting point of Rudranath. You can find local stays, camping areas and eatery options while trekking to the temple.

Contact Travel Acharya for more homestays and rooms in Sagar Village.

While trekking, you can find rest spots and eatery options by the locals which can range from Rs.500-2000. Contact  Travel Acharya agents for trek arrangements and bookings.

Eatery Options: There are local stalls and small hotels & restaurants in Sagar Village for eating. During the trek to Panar Bugyal, you can also find local dhabas and street stalls for food while in Rudranath there are local stalls and langars.

Exploring Nearby Places to Rudranath Temple

Tungnath Trek

The fifth temple of Panch Kedar, Tungnath Shrine is one of the highest Shiva temples with incredible mountain views and spiritual connection. The temple is elevated at 3680 meters in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand on Chandranath Parvat. The trekking level of Tungnath is moderate and can be extended to Chandrashila at a distance of 1.5 km.

Trek Begins from Chopta (Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand)

Trek Length: 3.5 km from Chopta (3-4 hours)

The Distance between Rudranath temple and Tungnath temple is 10.3 km.

Kalpeshwar Trek

The Kalpeshwar temple of Mahadev in Urgam Valley of Chamoli is elevated at 2200 meters above sea level. The fifth temple of Panch Kedar where Shiva’s Jattas are worshipped and surrounded by dense forest and alpine meadows. The trek route to Kalpeshwar is moderate. Starting from Helang Village that is situated on the Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway.

Trek Length: 10 km from Helang (5-6 hours)

 The Distance between Rudranath temple and Kalpeshwar temple is 12.9 km.

Scenic Spots

Saraswati Kund- Saraswati Kund or Tal is elevated at 3600 m in sacred waters ideal for meditation, site-viewing and camping. Trekking from the Rudranath temple is 800m.

Nandi Kund- A sacred lake dedicated to Nandi Bail (the bull of Lord Shiva) is a religious trek point surrounded by greenery and ranges. The trek between Rudranath temple to Nandi Kund is 9.5 km.

Panar Bugya- Panar Bugyal is a green hilly terrain with mystic views and enchanting beauty best for viewing sunrise and sunset, camping and photography activities. Tourists can see the stunning sites of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhambha peaks covered with snow. Between Rudranath temple to Panar Bugyal distance is 6.2 km approx.

Pitradhar Ridge- A religious Hindu spot where the ancestors (Pitra) are given offerings after death by their family people. It is a beautiful ridge elevated at 4000 m. Distance of Pitradhar is 3.7 km.

Anusuya Devi Temple- Trekking from Anusuya Devi Shrine is 5.6 km. Anusuya temple is a sacred site of Sati Anusuya and her husband Sage Atri Muni. It is believed that the Tridev Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva once came here to take the strength test of Anusuya Mata where she turned them into infants and fed them food.

Occasions and Dates 

Rudranath Temple Opening and Closing Dates for 2025

The Opening Date of Rudranath Temple 2025: Akshaya Tritya Tithi likely in May 2025 (Date will be calculated  according to the Hindu Calendar to be announced)

The Closing Date of Rudranath Temple 2025: Kartik Purnima Tithi to fall in November 2025 (Date will be calculated according to the Hindu Calendar to be announced)

Festivals and Celebrations at Rudranath

1. Opening Ceremony- Celebrated at Akshaya Tritiya, marks the opening of Rudranath temple doors for pilgrims when the idol is placed from Gopeshwar temple.
2. Maha Shivratri- Devotees worship Mahadev to seek blessings. According to Hindu Mythology, Shiva-Parvati were married on this day.
3. Sawaan Maas- The Monsoon season celebration of Sawaan month in the Hindu calendar belongs to Lord Shiva and is considered auspicious worshipping at this time.
4. Basant Pachmi- The summer-spring festival celebrated among Hindus.
5. Guru Purnima- Gurus (teachers) in Hindu mythology on the full moon of Ashadha (July) celebrate this as Guru Purmina. It marks the significance of gurus in life.
6. Closing Ceremony(Kartik Purnima)- It marks the closing of Rudranath temple when the idol is taken back to Gopeshwar temple.

See How Rudranath Looks by Watching this Video

Important Advice for the Rudranath trek

Packing Checklist for Trekkers

• Pack your warm clothes, and wear warm trek shoes with caps or mufflers.
• Also include items such as a backpack, medical kit, trekking poles, headlamps, sunscreen, etc.
• Keep water bottles and energy foods like high protein bars or ORS.

Safety Guidelines and Permits for Visitors

• Be healthy and fit for high terrain and a hilly environment.
• Do exercises.
• Keep a local guide for assistance and carry a basic map. 
• Check the weather conditions before visiting Rudranath.
• Some Inline permits are required for travelling through these trails such as Forest Check Posts,  and Uttarakhand Mountaineering Permissions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Trekking With Children or Beginners

• Select the route for Mandal for trekking with children or beginners to avoid steep ascents, however, the length of the trek is more.
• Use lightweight and comfortable clothes and comfortable trek shoes.
• Pack food, essentials and water for the trek.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid exhaustion.
• Keep your children close and provide them with all safety gear and tips.

Contact Information

FAQs:

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