Famous as the winter home of lord Kedar and Madhmaheshwar, Ukhimath is located at an altitude of 1317 meters above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks this place gained popularity both as a pilgrimage and recreational spot. Dive deep in this article to know more about this hidden gem
Located at an altitude of 1,317 meters above the sea level, Ukhimath is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. During the winter, Rudraprayag temple also known as Omkareshwar temple serves as Lord Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar's residence. From this town, one can clearly see the majestic Himalayan range's snow-capped peaks. When the Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples are closed for six months during the winters, the Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath idols are transported to this town and are worshiped here for six months. So Ukhimath is famous as winter home of lord kedar and Madhmaheshwar.
Rudraprayag district headquarters is nearly 40 kilometers away from Ukhimath. It is located not far from Deoria Tal. Tungnath Temple is only 29 kilometers away from this town. Both the temples of Madhmaheshwar and Tungnath are significant in Hinduism.
In addition to the Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath is home to several other ancient temples, including the Maheshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and the Chandreshwar Temple, which honors Lord Shiva in his form as Chandreshwar. These temples not only serve as centers of worship but also as custodians of the region’s cultural and religious traditions.
Ukhimath is not just a destination for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts; it is also a treasure of cultural heritage and local traditions. The town and its surrounding areas are known for their vibrant festivals, traditional music, dance forms, and local crafts.
One of the most significant cultural events in Ukhimath is the annual winter festival, which coincides with various local and religious festivals. During this time, the town comes alive with colorful processions, traditional dances, and devotional music. The festival provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the rich cultural tapestry of the region and participate in the celebrations.
Local crafts, including handwoven textiles, traditional woodwork, and intricate jewelry, are an integral part of Ukhimath’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore local markets and craft shops to purchase these unique items, supporting local artisans and taking home a piece of the region’s craftsmanship.
Located at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag and at a height of about 1310 meters, the Omkareshwar Temple is dedicated to lord shiva. The temple's history is intertwined with the rich tapestry of Uttarakhand's religious heritage. Believed to have been constructed during the 8th century by the Katyuri kings, the Omkareshwar Temple showcases traditional Kumaoni architectural elements, including intricate woodwork and stone carvings that reflect the region's artistic richness.It is well known as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. It is approximately 2 kilometers away from the Ukhimath Taxistand.
One of the oldest peeths in India, the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple, also known as Omkareshwar Peeth, hosts the deities of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar throughout the winter months (November to April). The Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples are closed at this time. The deities are transported here to be worshiped for six months (the winter season) after Diwali. In the middle of May, the idols are returned in a parade to their native temples. There is a Mandhata statue at the temple. According to mythology, this emperor traveled to Ukhimath in his last years and performed a 12-year penance by standing on one leg and giving up everything, including his kingdom. At the conclusion, Lord Shiva arrived at the sound "Omkar" and bestowed his blessing. This location became known as Omkareshwar after that day.
The Omkareshwar Temple is not only a spiritual haven but also a cultural landmark. During the annual winter festival, which coincides with the local festivals of the region, the temple comes alive with vibrant celebrations, traditional dances, and devotional music, creating a lively and spiritually enriching atmosphere.
Kedarnath, one of Lord Shiva's twelve Jyotirlinga of India, is located in the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand. One of the Char Dhams, Kedarnath Temple, is located at an elevation of 3586 meters amid stunning Himalayan peaks and close to the Mandakini River's head. At the mouth of the Mandakini River, it is situated amidst the breathtaking Himalayan highlands. From Gaurikund, it is a 16-kilometer hike to the temple. The months of May through October are the best for the Kedarnath Yatra. The Kedarnath Temple is thought to be older than a thousand years. The temple is made of massive, uniformly sized grey stones that make one wonder about the quality of the ancient engineering.
Part of the well-known Panch Kedar is the Madmaheshwar Temple. The Lord Shiva-dedicated temple is located in Uttarakhand's Goundar village in the Garhwal Himalayas. This location, which has a maximum elevation of around 11,450 feet, draws both experienced and novice hikers. This easy hike begins in the village of Ukhimath and travels via Ransi and Bantoli.
Chopta is one of those stunning locations in Uttrakhand that adventure and environment enthusiasts, as well as Hindu worshippers, must not miss. It is home to the revered Tunganath Temple and a thrilling hike. Chopta, which is 2900 meters above sea level and is located in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, is a verdant valley with a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks. However, the fact that Chopta is the starting point of the revered and well-known temple of Tungnath—the tallest Shiva temple in India—is what really makes it a popular tourism destination in Uttarakhand.
A beautiful lake called Deoria Tal or Devariya Tal is close to Chopta. You can reach this exquisite location, which offers peace and a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, and Kalanag, after a 2.5-kilometer uphill climb from Sari village (which is connected by a motorable road).
Near the captivating hill station of Chopta is another lovely location called Tungnath. The tallest temple in the world devoted to Lord Shiva is called Tungnath, and it is located at a height of 3680 meters above sea level. Anyone will be amazed by the unmatched Himalayan scenery from the Tungnath temple's meadows. At Tungnath Temple, one of Uttarakhand's well-known five Panch Kedar Temples, the natural beauty is at its most exquisite. It is highly advised for anyone traveling to Chopta to stop by Lord Shiva's residence at Tungnath. Typically, the Panch Kedar journey, which starts in Rishikesh and covers all five temples over a distance of 170 km (road plus trek length), includes a pilgrimage to Tunganath. According to mythology, Arjuna of the Pandavas constructed the temple Tungnath, which is one of the Panch Kedar's. Later, it was reconstructed.
Ukhimath offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to more luxurious stays, catering to different preferences and budgets. The hospitality of the locals is known for its warmth and friendliness, making visitors feel welcome and at home.
One of the most luxurious stay at Ukhimath is Regenta Resort in Madhuganga in Ukhimath. This is one of the most luxuious resort with all the advance facilities with an amazing view from the corridor of this resort.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, there are opportunities to stay in traditional Kumaoni-style lodges and homestays, where guests can experience authentic local life and cuisine. These accommodations provide a unique opportunity to engage with the local community, learn about their customs, and savor traditional dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Ukhimath is well connected with all the major cities of Uttarakhand by road. The nearest railway station to Ukhimath is Yog Nagri railway station at Rishikesh. If you don't direct train for this railway station from your hometown, you can also search for Haridwar, Dehradun, or Roorkee. All these railway stations are very close to Rilshikesh railway station.
The nearest airport to Ukhimath is Jolly Grant Railway Station, which is also known as Dehradun Airport. All major airline companies, like Air India, Vistara Airlines, Indigo, Spicejet, etc., have regular flights to this location. You can book your flight to this airport directly to this airport. The nearest international airport to Ukhimath is Indragandhi International (IGI) airport.
From Rishikesh or Dehradun, road is the only mode of transport to Ukhimath. There are many public transports available from Haridwar and Rishikesh directly for Ukhimath. In addition to this, you can also book your private cab, which will take you to this location.
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