Enquiry
Ukhimath
Location
Rudraprayag district in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state, India.
Distance
National Capital Delhi: 395 km State Capital Dehradun: 212 km
Altitude
1,317 meters (4,321 feet) above sea level.
Best Season To Visit
March to June and September to November
Facts About Ukhimath
One of the significant attractions of Ukhimath is the Omkareshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is considered sacred and holds immense religious importance for the locals and pilgrims. It is also the winter abode of Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham (Four Abodes) pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
During the winter months when the main Kedarnath Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, the presiding deity of Kedarnath, Lord Shiva, is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The idols from Kedarnath are brought to Ukhimath in a ceremonial procession, and special rituals are performed during the winter season.
Apart from its religious significance, Ukhimath offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba and Neelkanth. The town is nestled amidst lush greenery and is an excellent place for nature lovers and photographers.
Ukhimath is also a base for several treks and excursions to nearby places like Deoria Tal, Chopta, and Chandrashila. These places offer scenic beauty and adventure opportunities for tourists and trekkers.
The town is well-connected by road and is accessible throughout the year. Ukhimath provides a serene and peaceful environment, making it an ideal destination for spiritual seekers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a retreat in the lap of the Himalayas.
Day
Ukhimath :- Famous Visiting Places
1. Omkareshwar Temple
Located in Ukhimath itself, the Omkareshwar Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It serves as the winter abode of the deity Kedarnath during the months when the Kedarnath Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
2. Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Situated at an altitude of about 3,497 meters (11,473 feet), the Madhyamaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is accessible via a trek from Ukhimath and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
3. Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple, located at an altitude of about 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit and can be reached via a trek from Ukhimath.
4. Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal is a beautiful lake situated at an altitude of about 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). It offers stunning reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks in its crystal-clear waters and can be reached via a trek from Ukhimath.
5. Chopta
Often referred to as the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand', Chopta is a picturesque hill station known for its lush meadows and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It serves as the base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila Peak.
6. Rudranath Temple
Rudranath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at an altitude of about 2,286 meters (7,500 feet) and can be reached via a trek from Ukhimath.
7. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
This sanctuary, located near Ukhimath, is known for its population of musk deer and other wildlife species. It offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching amidst pristine natural surroundings.
How to Reach
By Road
To reach Ukhimath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, you can follow these general directions: Ukhimath is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Uttarakhand. - You can hire a taxi or take a bus from cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar to reach Ukhimath. The journey may take around 6 to 8 hours depending on the starting point and road conditions.
By Train
The nearest major railway station to Ukhimath is the Rishikesh Railway Station. - From Rishikesh Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ukhimath. The distance is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles), and it takes around 6 to 8 hours by road.
By Air
The nearest airport to Ukhimath is the Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. - From Dehradun Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ukhimath. The distance is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles), and it takes around 7 to 9 hours by road.
Climate & Weather
summer
Summer (April to June): Ukhimath experiences a mild summer, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time for exploring the ancient temples and enjoying the panoramic views of the Himalayas. The clear skies and cool breeze make it perfect for sightseeing.
monsoon
Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season brings moderate to heavy rainfall, with temperatures between 12°C and 20°C. The region becomes lush and green, but the rains can make the roads slippery and the temple complex challenging to access. The misty atmosphere adds to the spiritual ambiance of the place.
autumn
Autumn (October to November): Autumn is cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The postmonsoon freshness and clear skies make it a great time for visiting the temples and enjoying the serene environment. The landscape is vibrant and picturesque.
winter
Winter (December to February): Winters in Ukhimath are cold, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The region experiences occasional snowfall, making it a tranquil winter retreat. Warm clothing is essential for those visiting during this time.
Hotels Around Ukhimath
In addition to accommodations within Ukhimath itself, there are several options for lodging in nearby towns and villages. Here are some hotels and guesthouses near Ukhimath:
1. Rudraprayag:
- Hotel Mandakini: Located in Rudraprayag, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities.
- Monal Resort: Situated in the picturesque town of Rudraprayag, Monal Resort provides cozy accommodation with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Guptkashi:
- Shivalik River Retreat: This hotel in Guptkashi offers serene accommodation amidst nature, with views of the Mandakini River.
- Hotel Devbhumi: Located in Guptkashi, Hotel Devbhumi offers comfortable rooms and warm hospitality.
3. Chopta:
- Tungnath Valley Camps: Offering tented accommodation in Chopta, this campsite provides a unique experience amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayas.
- Hotel Snow View: Situated in Chopta, Hotel Snow View offers cozy rooms and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
4. Kedarnath:
- GMVN Tourist Rest House: Managed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), this guesthouse provides basic accommodation for pilgrims visiting the sacred Kedarnath Temple.
- Hotel New Kedar: Located in Kedarnath, Hotel New Kedar offers simple rooms with essential amenities for travelers.
5. Rampur:
- GMVN Tourist Rest House: This guesthouse in Rampur, managed by GMVN, offers comfortable rooms for travelers exploring the region.
- Hotel Le Madhulika: Situated in Rampur, Hotel Le Madhulika provides cozy accommodation with modern amenities.
These are just a few options for lodging near Ukhimath. Depending on your preferences and budget, you may find various hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in the surrounding areas. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.: