Rudranath Temple: All You Need To Know Before Visiting

Located in the tranquil northeastern flank of the Garhwal hills in Uttarakhand, Rudranath temple finds its reverence in Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims and trekkers as well. This holy shrine, one of the Panch Kedar, is placed at a breathtaking height and commands a view of the snow-capped mountains and the thick cover of the chain of the evergreens around. This distance is not covered by transport, rather is an adventurous trek across many green meadows, uneven surfaces, and beautiful valleys.

Table of Contents

Location

Rudranath Temple is located in the Garhwal hills near Dehradun in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Pawan Kukreti / Unsplash

The temple, perched in the Garhwal hills, is a beautiful temple of Lord Shiva, a perfect getaway for those who want to explore spirituality, adventure, or just enjoy the beauty of nature. As it is one of the temples of Panch Kedar, Rudranath is also very significant for its geographical location and incomparable beauty, wrapped within lofty snow-clad hills and wonderful forests.

How To Reach

An image of Jolly Grant Airport which is one of the ways to reach Rudranath Temple.

Photo: Anonymous8010 / Wikimedia Commons

By Road: The journey to the temple is an adventure best undertaken by road, though reaching the actual temple requires a helicopter ride and trek thereafter. The base village of Sagar, where the actual trek to Rudranath begins is situated about 20 km away from Gopeshwar. And people can drive using their private vehicle, taxi, or motorcycle.

By Public Transport: However for those who choose to travel by public buses, there are buses to Gopeshwar from Chamoli and other nearby towns and taxis or shared jeeps can be taken from Gopeshwar to Sagar village, the starting point for the trek to Rudranath.

Places To Visit In And Around Rudranath Temple

1. Anusuya Devi Temple

Anusuya Devi Temple near Rudranath Temple, a blend of serenity and devotion.

Photo: Sonu.bisht007 / Wikimedia Commons

Anusuya Devi Temple is situated roughly 10 km from Rudranath. It is a well-known site of worship for the goddess Anusuya. The temple is located in dense forests and the visitors can reach the temple by mountaineering which provides exquisite sights of the mountains around. There is also a mythological connection to this temple where it is said that Anusuya turned the three mighty gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, into kids as a test of her chastity, devotion and faith.

Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Major Attractions: Spiritual ambience, forest trek, scenic views, serene mountain setting, peaceful atmosphere.

2. Kalpeshwar Temple

Discover Kalpeshwar Temple near Rudranath Temple for peace and rejuvenation.

Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons

Another temple is Kalpeshwar, situated some 12 km from Rudranath, which is the only temple of the Panch Kedar shrine that is open to the public year-round. Shiva Kedar Temple is one of the famous temples which belong in the circle of 5 Kedar Temples and it indicates the hair (Jata) of Lord Shiva. This shows how religiously significant the place is located in the Kedarnath area. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. As per the Hindu mythos, the temple is said to be erected on the spot where the Jata or Lord Shiva’s hair, protruded when the god transformed himself into a Kedara.

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Major Attractions: Lord Shiva temple, scenic valley views, serene atmosphere, peaceful surroundings

3. Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park, close to Rudranath Temple, for awe-inspiring nature.

Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons

Stepping Back, Nanda Devi National Park is approximately 70 kilometres away from Nanda Devi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its wonderful ecological contribution and splendid views of Nanda Devi. The park has strong religious and cultural value as it is connected with the indigenous deity Nanda Devi, who is considered the guardian goddess of the region. Here, the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages and is held once every 12 years.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM (seasonal)
Entry Fee: ₹150
Major Attractions: Rare wildlife, scenic mountain views, trekking, pristine natural beauty, and nature photography

4. Atri Muni Ashram

Atri Muni Ashram in Uttarakhand is a haven of spirituality and meditation place of sage Atri.

Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Located about 15 kilometres away from the temple is the Atri Muni Ashram which is believed to be the meditation place of sage Atri, and is used by tourists as a place to relax within the scenery. As per the accounts given in the Hindu religion, Rishi Atri has been a noted personality due to his devotion and penance practised over the ages. This ashram is known for several divine happenings, such that it is believed that gods and goddesses were frequently present in this place during the old days.

Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: N/A
Major Attractions: Spiritual retreat, hot springs, meditation, peaceful atmosphere, scenic landscapes

5. Hemkund Sahib

Journey to Hemkund Sahib near the temple, a blend of serenity and devotion.

Photo: Japleenpasricha / Wikimedia Commons

Set in a U-shaped Glacial Trough surrounded by towering snow-clad mountains, Hemkund Sahib is a famous pilgrimage site for the Sikhs located approximately 80 km from the temple. This particular Gurdwara attracts devotees from far and wide as it is set against the backdrop of a breathtaking mountain range that involves a steep trek to the temple. The ice-cold waters of the high-altitude lake along with the view of the landscape are other features that make the place extraordinary.

Timings: 9 AM – 2 PM
Entry Fees: N/A
Major Attractions: Sacred glacial lake, snow-capped mountain views, trekking, spiritual experience, breathtaking natural beauty

Where To Stay

An image of a hotel room, one of the accommodations near the temple in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

In proximity to the temple, several towns like that of Chopta and Gopeshwar offer several lodging facilities. The region’s favorable climatic conditions make it suitable for The Kedar Valley Resort in Chopta, which has roomy decorative fittings with modern conveniences; and Hotel Himalayan View in Gopeshwar, which is a Supplementary Aid allowing its guests a warm budget stay. Likewise, Sari Village has some basic guest houses as well as campsites for the more adventurous types.

Where To Eat

A glimpse of pahadi food at a restaurant, a must try dish in Rishikesh, India.

Photo: dhiraj jain / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The temple does not offer any dining options in the temple premises but Gopeshwar as well as Chamoli has restaurants and small food joints that allow the tourists to savor the authentic Garhwali food. There are also highway side dhaba like Garhwali Bhoj, which provide ethnic cuisines ranging from different styled rotis of their commodities to spicy aloo ke gutke. On the other hand, Hotel Satyam serves a variety of meals including North Indian, Chinese and Tibetan which work well in appeasing hunger after a trek.

Best Time To Visit

Photo: Kapish Sharma / Unsplash

The period to visit the temple is most suitable from May to October since the climate is moderate and good for hiking. This is the season that one would wish to bask in the beauty of the temple and its environment without the rigorous weather. In these months, visitors get to see no cloud cover and marvellous mountains, with the vegetation around fully grown and making the journey more beautiful. It is also essential not to make any plans to visit the temple during winter as this period comes with lots of snow making it difficult to reach the temple.

Other Factors To Consider

Visit the temple in Rishikesh with all the important travel things and follow the rules.

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of The Trip

The average amount of money, expenditure on food, accommodation and travel calculated for one day for each individual on the trip lies in the range of 2500 – 4500 rupees per day.

Tips For Travellers

Due to the hilly region, warm clothing and good shoes are needed in addition to the trekking gear.
Patients tend to find relief earlier as starting the journey at dawn affords peace and picture-perfect sunrises over the hills.
Carry only the necessary items in the bags but do not pack heavily, observe the temple etiquettes, and take plenty of landscape pictures for good memories.

Rudranath Temple, a significant Temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, offers a confluence of spirituality and nature, especially with its untouched beauty of the Himalayas. The temple is an idyllic place for nature and spirituality seekers, outdoors adventure lovers, or simply for those who want to unwind for a few moments. Plan a trip with Trip XL, and explore the beauty and spirituality of the temple.

Cover Photo: Kakoli Dey / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relevance of the temple?

The temple is one of the temples of Panch Kedar dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is of great spiritual significance to the Hindu adherents and is popularly known for its beautiful location in the high Himalayas.

How do you go to the temple?

To reach the temple, tourists have to undertake a trek of about 22 km from Gaurikund, the nearest road. The gory kind of temple trek is 22 kilometres, taking an average of two to three days depending on one’s pace and the route taken.

Is there any accommodation near the temple?

There are basic accommodation facilities such as guesthouses and campsites which can be found at different checkpoints along the trek to the temple, and they are enough. It is worth noting, that it is advisable to make booked reservations prior to arriving in the locations due to internal or external tourism great pilgrimage seasons.

Which are the things that need to be carried along for my visit to the temple?

Travellers are encouraged to put in trekking equipment, warm clothes (since it might get chilly during the night), basic items, adequate amounts of water, and some energizing foods. It is also wise to pack a simple medical kit and a camera for the landscapes.

When travelling to the temple, are there any local customs?

Yes, visitors are inclined to observe some customs of which removing shoes before entering the temple area and observing silence are some of the customs.