Toughest Lord Shiva Trek in Uttarakhand
Rudranath Trek 2025
via Panar Bugyal
May - June & Sept - Oct 2024
₹ 12999 + 5% GST
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
Rudranath Trek 2024
via Panar Bugyal
₹12999+ 5% GST
Rishikesh to Rishikesh
+ Rs. 619 Outdoor Insurance
+ Rs. 2599 Backpack Offloading
Difficulty Level - 3
Gopeshwar- 5 Days
Temple is closing on 17th October 2024. Call us today on 9015699988 / 7302191217 to book your yatra.
This is among the world's unique temples, where Lord Shankar's face is worshipped.
Talking about the scriptures, along with religion, many temples of Lord Shankar are established in the country and world where Bholenath sits in a unique style. One of these is the Rudranath temple included in Panch Kedar which is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
This temple of Lord Shankar is situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level. The most special thing about this temple is that the face of Lord Shiva is worshipped here. Not only this, but it is also even more special than the rest of the body of Lord Shiva is worshipped in Kathmandu, Nepal. Yes, this is the reason that this temple is very popular in the country.
This temple is also known as Pashupatinath Temple, since Rudranath is different from other temples, so people come from far away to visit this temple. While Shiva's lingam form is worshipped, only his face is worshipped in this temple. According to beliefs, the face of Lord Shiva is there in this temple and it is known as 'Neelkanth Mahadev'.
Do you know that the name of Rudnath temple is included in Panch Kedar?
According to the stories, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas wanted to get rid of their sins. For this, he went to Shri Krishna and wanted to know the solution from him. Then Lord Krishna advised the Pandavas to go to the shelter of Lord Shankar. There are stories that Lord Shiva was angry with the Pandavas because the Pandavas destroyed their own clan. So when the Pandavas reached Varanasi, Lord Shiva came and hid in Guptkashi, when the Pandavas reached Guptkashi, Bholenath reached Kedarnath and took the form of a bull. It is said that Pandavas received blessings from Lord Shiva.
There are popular beliefs that when Lord Shankar disappeared as a bull, the upper part of his torso appeared in "Kathmandu", which is known as Pashupatinath. Then there is the worship of Lord Shiva's arms in Tungnath, the navel in Madhyamaheshwar, the shape of the bull's back-body in Shri Kedarnath. Apart from this, it is said that Lord Shiva's jata appeared in Kalpeshwar and Mukh Rudranath. These five places are called "Panchkedar". One of them is 'Rudranath Temple'.
Rare Stone Statue
It is said that in the huge natural cave near Rudranath temple, a rare stone statue of Lord Shiva is seen in the temple. In which Lord Shiva appears to his devotees with a crooked neck. It is popularly believed that this rare idol of Mahadev, the God of the Gods, is Swayambhu and to date, no depth could be ascertained.
How to reach Rudranath Temple?
The nearest airport: is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 258 km.
The nearest railway station: is Rishikesh 241 km.
Most of the trekking routes to Rudranath are from Gopeshwar or nearby places. Most of the trekking routes to Rudranath are from Gopeshwar or nearby places. There is a motorable road to Hotel Sagar, located 5 km (3 mi) from Gopeshwar, beyond which a 20 km (12 mi) trek is required to reach Rudranath. The trek winds through tall grass, oak, and rhododendron forests. The trek path is described as slippery.
Starting Point of Rudranath Trek: The trek starts from Sagar village, Helang, or Urgam village.
Difficulty: It is considered the toughest trek among the Panch Kedar due to its steep and challenging paths.
Duration: Typically, it takes about 3-4 days to complete the trek, covering a distance of around 20 km.
Altitude: The temple is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters.
Best Time to Visit Rudranath Temple: The ideal time for this trek is from May to June and from September to October when the weather is pleasant.
Scenery: The trail passes through dense rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows, and offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti
Rudranath Trek Itinerary
Here's a more detailed itinerary for the Rudranath Trek in Uttarakhand:
Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Sagar Village (250 km, 9-10 hours)
On the first day of the Rudranath trek via Sagar, you will start from Rishikesh early in the morning and drive towards Sagar village. The journey will be of around 250 km and will take around 9-10 hours to reach Sagar village. You will pass through the scenic towns of Devprayag and Rudraprayag, which are situated at the confluence of two rivers - Alaknanda and Mandakini respectively.
Upon arrival at Sagar village, you will check into your pre-booked accommodation and rest for the night. You can explore the village and interact with the locals to get a glimpse of their culture and lifestyle.
Day 2: Trek from Sagar to Panar Bugyal (12 km, 6-7 hours)
After an early breakfast, the trek starts from Sagar village. The trail goes through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. After around 2-3 hours of trekking, you will reach a small village called Mandal. This is a good place for a quick break to rest and refresh.
From here, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, with a steep ascent to Panar Bugyal. You will get to witness panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You may also spot some wildlife like deer and wild boars.
Upon reaching Panar Bugyal, set up camp and rest for the night. Panar Bugyal is a vast meadow surrounded by tall trees and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.
Day 3: Trek from Panar Bugyal to Rudranath Temple (10 km, 5-6 hours)
After breakfast, start trekking towards Rudranath Temple, which is located at an altitude of 2,286 meters. The trek today will be through a scenic trail passing through dense forests of Rhododendron and Oak trees. You will also cross a few small streams and waterfalls along the way.
On reaching Rudranath Temple, check in to the pre-booked guesthouse or campsite. The temple is believed to be dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Panch Kedars. Spend some time exploring the temple and its surroundings. In the evening, attend the evening aarti and witness the beautiful sunset from the temple premises. Overnight stay in the guesthouse or campsite.
Day 4: Trek from Rudranath Temple to Sagar (22 km, 8-9 hours)
After an early breakfast at the Rudranath temple, start your trek back towards Sagar village. The route is mostly downhill and you will pass through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and deodar trees. You will also cross several streams and waterfalls along the way. The trek is long and can take anywhere between 8 to 9 hours, so make sure you carry enough water and snacks with you. Upon reaching Sagar village, check into your accommodation and rest for the night.
Day 5: Drive from Sagar to Rishikesh
Day 5 would involve driving from Sagar to Rishikesh, which is a distance of approximately 220 km and takes around 8-9 hours. The drive passes through scenic landscapes and offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. It is recommended to start the journey early in the morning to avoid traffic and reach Rishikesh in time for any onward travel plans.
Note: The itinerary can be customized based on your preferences and fitness level. It is important to hire a reliable trekking agency and follow all safety guidelines while on the trek.
Q&A
About Rudranath Temple?
Rudranath is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Panch Kedar, a group of five sacred temples of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas.
How can I reach Rudranath?
The trek to Rudranath starts from the village of Sagar in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Sagar.
What is the best time to visit Rudranath?
The best time to visit Rudranath is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are accessible.
What is the distance of the trek to Rudranath?
The trek to Rudranath is around 20 km from the village of Sagar. It takes around 3-4 days to complete the trek.
Is the trek to Rudranath difficult?
The trek to Rudranath is considered to be moderate to difficult. The trek involves a steep ascent and descent, and the route can be slippery during monsoon season. Having prior trekking experience and being physically fit to undertake this trek is recommended.
Rudranath Temple Closing Date?
Rudranath Temple will close on 17th October 2025
What is the significance of Rudranath?
Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedar and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a face. The temple at Rudranath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be a holy site for Hindu pilgrims.
What are the accommodation options available at Rudranath?
There are limited accommodation options available at Rudranath, including guesthouses and campsites. It is recommended to carry your camping equipment and food supplies during the trek.
Are there any medical facilities available at Rudranath?
There are no medical facilities available at Rudranath. It is recommended to carry a first aid kit and any necessary medications during the trek.
What are the other nearby attractions that I can visit along with Rudranath?
Other nearby attractions that one can visit along with Rudranath include the Panch Kedar temples of Tungnath, Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. The Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park are also popular tourist destinations nearby.
Is Rudranath trek difficult?
The Rudranath trek in Uttarakhand, India can be moderately difficult due to the altitude and rugged terrain, but it is considered a doable trek for most fit and experienced trekkers.
The trek involves a total distance of around 20 km and is usually completed in 3-4 days. The trek starts from the village of Sagar and passes through dense forests, meadows, and steep climbs before reaching the Rudranath temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The final ascent to the temple can be challenging as it involves steep and rocky terrain.
The trek also involves camping in the mountains, which requires carrying all necessary equipment and supplies. Trekkers need to be physically fit and have some prior trekking experience to complete the Rudranath trek.
It's important to note that weather conditions can also impact the difficulty of the trek. It's best to plan the trek during the summer months when the weather is favorable and the trails are less prone to landslides and other hazards.
Rudranath trek distance?
Regarding the Rudranath Trek distance, the Rudranath trek is moderately difficult in Uttarakhand, India, and the total distance covered during the trek is approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). The trek is usually completed in 3-4 days, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekker.
The Rudrnath trek starts from the village of Sagar and passes through dense forests, meadows, and steep climbs before reaching the Rudranath temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). The final ascent to the temple can be challenging as it involves steep and rocky terrain.
Trekkers can also visit the nearby trekking destinations of Kalpeshwar, Tunganath, and Madhmaheshwar as part of the Panch Kedar Yatra, a pilgrimage circuit of five sacred Hindu temples in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Which is the hardest temple trek?
The hardest temple trek in India is considered to be the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which involves trekking to the holy Mount Kailash and the Mansarovar Lake in the Himalayas. The trek is considered challenging due to the high altitude, rugged terrain, extreme weather conditions, and the remoteness of the region.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra trek starts from the village of Darchen in Tibet and covers a distance of approximately 52 kilometers (32 miles) in 3-4 days. The trek involves crossing high mountain passes, rocky terrain, and a steep ascent to the Dolma La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 5,630 meters (18,471 feet).
The trek is physically and mentally demanding, and trekkers need to be in good health and fitness to complete it. The trek also involves camping in the mountains and carrying all necessary equipment and supplies, including oxygen cylinders and warm clothing due to the extreme weather conditions.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. It is believed to bring spiritual enlightenment and blessings to those who complete the trek.
Rudranath Trek Opening Date 2025?
The Rudranath Temple, part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand, is set to open for the 2025 season on 18th May 2025. This marks the beginning of the trekking and pilgrimage season, best experienced from April to June. The temple will remain open until the tentative closing date of 17th October 2025. If you’re planning to visit, it’s a great opportunity to witness the spiritual and natural beauty of the region. Have a wonderful journey!
Which is more difficult Kedarnath or Rudranath?
The difficulty of trekking to Kedarnath or Rudranath can depend on various factors, including the specific route you take, your fitness level, and the weather conditions at the time of the trek. Both Kedarnath and Rudranath are part of the Panch Kedar circuit in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.
Typically, the trek to Kedarnath is considered more challenging compared to Rudranath. The Kedarnath trek involves a higher altitude gain, longer distance, and steeper terrain in certain sections. The trek to Kedarnath also attracts a larger number of pilgrims, and the infrastructure in terms of accommodation and facilities may be more developed.
On the other hand, Rudranath is at a slightly lower altitude compared to Kedarnath, and the trek is generally considered moderate in difficulty. However, the difficulty level is subjective, and factors such as individual fitness, acclimatization, and weather conditions can significantly influence the trekking experience.
It's important to research the specific trek routes, elevation profiles, and current conditions before planning your trek. Additionally, consulting with experienced trekkers or local guides can provide valuable insights into the difficulty of each trek.
Included in the package
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Certified Trek Leaders are provided to you by Walking The Himalayas.
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All the trekking essentials like Tents, Sleeping Bags, Gaiters, Crampons, Liners, Cutlery, etc.
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All the staff members from the team Walking The Himalayas are experienced that includes Guides, Cooking Staff, Helpers, and Porters.
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We promise our travelers to provide delicious, hygienic & nutritious meals during the trek that includes morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks & dinner).
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Fully equipped medical kit, oxygen and safety equipment.
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All forest permits and camping charges.
Not included in the package
Transport to and from Sagar – Walking The Himalayas will arrange shared taxis for trekkers. These shared taxis will pick you up from Haridwar Railway Station or Airport. Taxi from Haridwar to Sagar costs around Rs. 6000 - 7000 per taxi and Rs. 9000 - 10000 per tempo one way. So if you are in a group of 6 - 10 people then a taxi/tempo will cost around 1000 per person for one side.
Food during transit to and from the base camp – Walking the Himalayas doesn't include meals purchased during the journey to Sagar and back.
Backpack offloading charges – If you wish to offload your backpack, there will be an additional charge of Rs. 1,500 - 2000. The backpack cannot weigh more than 9 - 10 kgs. Walking The Himalayas does not allow Suitcases/Strollers/Duffel bags during the trek, so if you are bringing these then you have to take care on your own. These charges can vary for last-minute offloading in case you decide to offload your bag after reaching Sagar (Rs.350 per day inclusive of taxes).
Personal expenses - Your trekking package doesn't include any kind of personal expenses.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Trek fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 4 days before the trek start date.
Trek cancellation due to weather:
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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.
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This attempt only covers the trek fee and will not include any rentals or the transportation amount paid earlier.
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This is non-transferable.