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Madhyamaheshwar

Third Kedar

Madhyamaheshwar Yatra 

May to October

₹ 12999 /- + 5% GST

Madhyamaheshwar Yatra

via Ransi

₹12999 /- + 5% GST

Rishikesh - Ransi - Rishikesh

Batches: May to October

Madmaheshwar Trek: A Sacred Himalayan Trail to the Navel of Lord Shiva

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Hidden in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, Madmaheshwar Temple—also known as Madhyamaheshwar—is a mystical and spiritually enriching destination in Uttarakhand. As one of the five sacred Panch Kedar temples, it holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Shiva and trekking enthusiasts alike.

 

Surrounded by alpine meadows, snow-covered peaks, and ancient mythologies, the Madmaheshwar trek offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and spirituality. We’ll take you through everything you need to know about the trek, including the madmaheshwar trek distance, how to reach Madhyamaheshwar, photos, temple location, route options, travel packages, and more.

 

According to Hindu mythology, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to atone for their sins. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and vanished into the ground. Later, he reappeared in different places in the Himalayas, each representing a part of his body. At Madhyamaheshwar, his navel (madhya) is worshipped in a temple dedicated to him.

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The Madhyamaheshwar temple is built in classic North Indian style and lies in the middle of a peaceful, high-altitude meadow surrounded by peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath.

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Madmaheshwar Temple Location

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  • District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand

  • Region: Garhwal Himalayas

  • Coordinates: 30.5939° N, 79.2252° E

  • Madmaheshwar Height: ~3,289 meters (10,791 ft) above sea level

The temple is located in the Kedar Valley and is accessible only by trekking from the road-head village of Ransi. It lies between Kedarnath and Rudranath Temple, making it a key stop on the Panch Kedar Yatra.


Why Visit Madhyamaheshwar?


1. Spiritual Awakening: Madhyamaheshwar is not just a temple but a gateway to spiritual awakening. The temple's aura, surrounded by lush green valleys and towering peaks, provides a serene escape from the chaos of everyday life.

2. Scenic Beauty: The trek to Madhyamaheshwar is a visual feast, offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan ranges, verdant meadows, and pristine rivers. Every step of the journey reveals a new, breathtaking landscape that promises to captivate nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

3. Rich Heritage: As part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, Madhyamaheshwar holds significant historical and cultural importance. The temple's ancient architecture and the legends associated with it add a profound depth to your spiritual journey.

4. Adventure Awaits: The trek to Madhyamaheshwar is an exhilarating experience. The moderate trek takes you through charming villages, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes, making it a rewarding adventure for trekkers of all levels.

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How to Reach Madhyamaheshwar

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Reaching Madhyamaheshwar involves a combination of road and trekking:

From Delhi to Madhyamaheshwar:

  • Distance: ~450 km (to Ransi village)

  • Route: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Ransi – Trek to Madhyamaheshwar

  • Travel time: 12–14 hours by road + 2 days trek

From Rishikesh to Madhyamaheshwar:

  • Distance: ~230 km to Ransi

  • Drive: Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Ransi

  • Best option: Take a shared jeep or private taxi to Ransi

From Ransi, your journey on foot begins.

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Why Choose Walking The Himalayas for the Madhyamaheshwar Trek?

When it comes to spiritual trekking experiences like Madhyamaheshwar, choosing the right travel partner can make all the difference. Walking The Himalayas, with its deep-rooted expertise in Himalayan terrain and cultural heritage, is the ideal companion for this sacred journey.

✅ Local Expertise You Can Trust

We are based in Uttarakhand and work directly with local guides, porters, and village communities. This ensures a more authentic, immersive, and safe experience as you walk through remote trails and ancient forests.

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✅ Handcrafted Trek Itineraries

Every Madmaheshwar trek we organize is thoughtfully designed to offer you the right mix of adventure, comfort, and devotion. From scenic stopovers to lesser-known viewpoints like Budha Madmaheshwar, we don’t just follow the map—we take you deeper into the story.

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✅ All-Inclusive Trek Packages

Our Madmaheshwar trek package includes:

  • Transport from Rishikesh or Haridwar

  • Accommodation (homestays/tents)

  • All meals during the trek

  • Licensed guides and support staff

  • First-aid and safety equipment
    So you can just focus on the journey, while we take care of the rest.

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✅ Sustainable and Responsible Travel

As lovers of the Himalayas, we believe in leave-no-trace trekking, supporting local economies, and preserving the fragile ecosystem. With us, you travel with purpose and respect.

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✅ Personalized Support

Need help planning from Delhi to Madhyamaheshwar? Want to combine this with Rudranath Temple or Kalpeshwar? Our team offers customized options based on your interests, dates, and fitness level.

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Walking The Himalayas isn’t just a trek operator—it’s a community of explorers, pilgrims, and nature lovers who believe that every step in the Himalayas is a step inward.

👉 Book your Madmaheshwar trek today and let us guide you through one of the most divine journeys in the Indian Himalayas.

Itinerary of Madhyamaheshwar Yatra

Madmaheshwar Trek Distance and Route

  • Total Trek Distance: ~18 km (one way) from Ransi to Madhyamaheshwar

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Madmaheshwar Trek Route:

  1. Ransi (2,000 m) – Starting point, road head

  2. Gaundhar (2,300 m) – 6 km from Ransi

  3. Bantoli (2,400 m) – At the confluence of Madhyamaheshwar Ganga and Markangaad rivers

  4. Khatara – Nanu – Small shepherd huts

  5. Madhyamaheshwar (3,289 m) – Final destination

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Optional: A 2 km uphill hike to Budha Madmaheshwar, a beautiful meadow offering panoramic Himalayan views.

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🏔 Madmaheshwar Trek – 5 Days Itinerary
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Sacred Trails, Serene Forests, and Shiva's Eternal Presence

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🗓️ Day 1: Rishikesh to Ransi (230 km Drive / 8–9 hours)

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Your sacred journey to Madmaheshwar Temple begins from Rishikesh, the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. Be ready for an early morning departure.

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  • Route: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Ransi

  • Total Distance: Approx. 230 km

  • Drive Time: 8–9 hours (depending on road conditions)

  • Night Stay: Local guesthouse or homestay in Ransi (2,000 m).

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🛣️ Highlights:

  • Witness the holy confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag

  • Enjoy scenic river valleys, pine-covered hills, and remote Himalayan villages

  • Ransi is the last motorable village, and the trek begins from here. 

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Day 2: Ransi to Madmaheshwar via Gaundhar & Bantoli (18 km Trek / 7–9 hours)

 

Today is the most adventurous and spiritually rich day of the trek. You’ll pass through dense forests, traditional settlements, and walk alongside gurgling rivers.

  • Start Altitude: Ransi – 2,000 m

  • End Altitude: Madmaheshwar – 3,289 m

  • Trek Distance: Approx. 18 km

  • Trek Time: 7–9 hours

🥾 Trek Route:

  • Ransi to Gaundhar (6 km) – Gradual forested climb

  • Gaundhar to Bantoli (2 km) – Short descent to river confluence

  • Bantoli to Madmaheshwar (10 km) – Long and steady ascent through alpine trails and shepherd huts

🌲 Highlights:

  • Trek through oak, deodar, and rhododendron forests

  • Cross wooden bridges and mountain streams

  • Witness the confluence of Markangaad and Madhyamaheshwar Ganga at Bantoli

  • Reach the ancient stone temple of Madmaheshwar by evening

🛕 Temple Experience:

  • Attend the soul-touching evening aarti

  • Feel the powerful presence of Lord Shiva in his navel-shaped lingam form

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🗓️ Day 3: Madmaheshwar → Budha Madmaheshwar → Gaundhar (14 km Total / 6–8 hours)
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This day is dedicated to both spiritual insight and scenic beauty. You'll hike early to one of the most beautiful vantage points in the region.

🌄 Early Morning Hike:

  • Budha Madmaheshwar (2 km one way) – Short but steep climb to the upper meadow

  • Watch sunrise over Chaukhamba, Kedarnath Dome, and Mandani peaks

  • Visit a small shrine said to be the original meditation site of Shiva

📷 Photography Tip:
Capture golden morning light illuminating the entire Panchachuli and Chaukhamba range—a rare Himalayan visual treat.

🥾 Return Journey:

  • Descend to Madmaheshwar for breakfast

  • Begin descent to Gaundhar via Bantoli (~12 km total)

  • Enjoy a relaxed pace downhill; arrive by afternoon

🏡 Overnight Stay:
Homestay or local dhaba in Gaundhar with basic food and warm hospitality.

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🗓️ Day 4: Gaundhar to Ransi (6 km Trek / 3–4 hours)
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Your final trekking day is a gentle descent back to the starting point. The trail is easier and gives you time to reflect on your journey.

🥾 Route Overview:

  • Forested descent with gradual inclines

  • Cross river bridges and retrace your steps through village paths

  • The trail offers final views of lush valleys and distant snow peaks

🧘 Key Experiences:

  • Silence of the forests

  • Gratitude-filled return to civilization

  • Optional visits to local temples and farms in Ransi

 

📍 Arrive at Ransi by noon. Freshen up, rest, or continue travel toward Ukhimath or Chopta.

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🗓️ Day 5: Ransi → Ukhimath / Chopta / Rishikesh (Optional Travel Day)
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You may choose to spend a night in Ransi or immediately begin your drive back.

🚌 Options:

  • Ransi to Ukhimath (1.5 hrs): Short scenic drive

  • Ransi to Chopta (2.5 hrs): Start next trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila

  • Ransi to Rishikesh (8 hrs): Long return drive with mountain and river views

📦 Post-Trek Checklist:

  • Thank your guides and local hosts

  • Sort your gear and pack responsibly

  • Transfer Madmaheshwar photos to your backup device

  • Reflect on a sacred journey filled with myth, nature, and inner stillness. 

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The Madmaheshwar trek is more than just a hike—it's a pilgrimage through history, faith, and high-altitude wilderness. From the first step in Ransi to the divine vibrations at the Madmaheshwar Temple, every moment is wrapped in silence, strength, and the spirit of Shiva.

Whether you're drawn by spiritual purpose or Himalayan passion, the journey to Madhyamaheshwar will leave your soul elevated and your heart humbled.

Included in the package

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  • Transport from Rishikesh to Ransi and back

  • All vegetarian meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast (Breakfast and Dinner)

  • Accommodations in homestays and tents

  • Experienced local guide and support team

  • Trekking permits and forest entry fees

  • First-aid and group medical kit

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Not included in the package

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  • Meals during transit on Day 1 and  Day 5

  • Personal expenses, snacks, or bottled water

  • Mule/porter services (available on request)

  • Travel insurance

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Cancellation

 

If your trek gets called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rains, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.) we will not refund your money. Instead of money, Walking The Himalayas will issue a trek voucher for the full amount. You can easily redeem that voucher for the same amount for any of the treks available at the same price. 

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In case you wish to cancel your trek please email us at help@walkingthehimalayas.com

Cancellation charges are based on the total trek fee, irrespective of the amount paid either full or partial.

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The cancellation policy of Walking The Himalayas is based on the original booking time and the original start date of the trek.

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  • If you cancel a trek before 30 days of trek start date and get a full refund after deduction of 1.99% payment processing fee.

  • If you cancel a trek before 15 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 20% of the total trek fee.

  • If you cancel a trek before 10 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 40% of the total trek fee.

  • If you cancel a trek before 5 days of the trek start date and get a refund after a deduction of 60% of the total trek fee.

  • The Trek fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 4 days before the trek start date.

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Trek cancellation due to weather:

  • In case of an incomplete trek due to weather conditions, you can opt for the same trek again throughout your lifetime on all our fixed departures for the same trek.

  • This attempt only covers the trek fee and will not include any rentals or the transportation amount paid earlier.

  • This is non-transferable.

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Q&A

1. What is the best time to visit Madhyamaheshwar?

Answer: The best time to visit Madhyamaheshwar is between May and October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking trails are accessible. The temple is usually open during this period, while it remains closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.

2. How difficult is the trek to Madhyamaheshwar?

Answer: The trek to Madhyamaheshwar is considered moderate. It involves trekking through varied terrain, including forests, meadows, and rugged paths. Trekkers should have a reasonable level of fitness and stamina to complete the journey comfortably.

3. What are the essential things to carry for the Madhyamaheshwar Yatra?

Answer: Essential items for the Madhyamaheshwar Yatra include comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing (even in summer), rain gear, a hat, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, water bottles, energy snacks, and a camera. It’s also advisable to carry a trekking pole for support.

4. How long does it take to complete the Madhyamaheshwar Yatra?

Answer: The Madhyamaheshwar Yatra typically takes about 7-8 days, including travel, trekking, and exploration time. This may vary based on your pace, weather conditions, and specific itinerary.

5. Are there any accommodations available along the trek?

Answer: Yes, there are basic accommodations available at various points along the trek, including guesthouses and campsites in Ransi, Gaundhar, Bantoli, and Khaddara. Accommodation near the Madhyamaheshwar Temple is also available, though it may be more basic.

6. How do I get a permit for the Madhyamaheshwar Yatra?

Answer: Permits for the Madhyamaheshwar Yatra can be obtained through local travel agencies or directly from the authorities in the region. It is advisable to check with your tour operator or local tourism office for specific requirements and procedures.

7. Is there mobile network coverage during the trek?

Answer: Mobile network coverage can be intermittent in the higher altitudes and remote areas along the trek. It is advisable to inform family and friends about the lack of connectivity and carry a satellite phone or other means of emergency communication if needed.

8. What is the significance of the Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Answer: The Madhyamaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the middle of the five Kedars and holds significant spiritual importance for devotees. The temple is renowned for its historical and religious significance in Hinduism.

9. Are there any health precautions to take before the trek?

Answer: It is recommended to have a medical check-up before the trek, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions. Carry necessary medications and consult with a healthcare provider about altitude sickness and other health concerns related to trekking.

10. Can I hire a guide or porter for the trek?

Answer: Yes, guides and porters can be hired for the trek to Madhyamaheshwar. They can assist with navigation, carrying your luggage, and providing local insights. It is advisable to arrange these services in advance through a reputable tour operator.

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11. Opening and Closing Date of Madhyamaheswar?

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🛕 Madhyamaheshwar Temple Opening and Closing Dates – 2025
The Madhyamaheshwar Temple, one of the sacred shrines in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, will officially open its doors to devotees and trekkers on May 21, 2025. The temple will remain open throughout the pilgrimage season and is scheduled to close on November 20, 2025, before the onset of harsh winter conditions in the Garhwal Himalayas.

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🔔 Temple Opening Date:
May 21, 2025 (Wednesday)
This date is decided as per traditional Hindu calendars and auspicious timings (muhurat), usually announced by the temple priests and local authorities in Ukhimath, which serves as the winter seat of Lord Shiva when the temple is closed.

🔒 Temple Closing Date:
November 20, 2025 (Thursday)
With the arrival of winter and heavy snowfall in the region, the temple will be ceremoniously closed for darshan. The idol of Lord Shiva is then shifted to Ukhimath, where rituals continue until the next year’s reopening.

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