Discover Makkumath Village: A Hidden Gem of the Winter Char Dham Yatra

Makkumath is a lovely village high up in the mountains, about 2100 meters above sea level, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It’s like a paradise for bird watchers because you can see many rare Himalayan birds there. Makkumath is perfect for people who want to escape the busy city life and enjoy nature.

The sacred Winter Char Dham Yatra is rapidly gaining popularity among spiritual seekers and slow travelers who wish to experience devotion without crowds. While most pilgrims know about Ukhimath and Joshimath as winter abodes, very few travelers have truly explored the peaceful Himalayan hamlet of Makkumath Village. Nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Makkumath offers a deeply spiritual and authentic experience during the winter season in Uttarakhand.

If you are planning a soulful journey and want to go beyond the usual routes, this guide will help you discover Makkumath Village as part of the winter Chardham yatra.

What Is Char Dham Yatra?

Before diving into winter travel, it’s important to understand what is Char Dham Yatra. The Char Dham Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage to four holy shrines:

• Yamunotri

• Gangotri

• Kedarnath

• Badrinath

These shrines are located in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand and are traditionally visited between April and November. Due to heavy snowfall, the temples close in winter, but the pilgrimage does not end—it simply transforms.

What Are Char Dham Yatra Locations in Winter?

Many travelers ask, what are Char Dham Yatra destinations during winter?

During the winter Char Dham yatra, the deities are moved to lower-altitude villages:

• Kedarnath → Ukhimath (and surrounding sacred villages like Makkumath)

• Badrinath → Joshimath / Pandukeshwar

• Gangotri → Mukba Village

• Yamunotri → Kharsali Village

Makkumath Village lies close to Ukhimath and holds immense spiritual importance for winter pilgrims.

Suggested Read: Ukimath Uttarakhand India Oldest Shiva Temple in The Himalayas

Discover Makkumath Village – Spiritual Silence in Winter Uttarakhand

Makkumath Village is a lesser-known Himalayan settlement located near Ukhimath, surrounded by dense forests, snow-capped peaks, and ancient temples. During winter Uttarakhand, when Kedarnath is buried under snow, villages like Makkumath become centers of devotion, meditation, and slow living.

Unlike crowded pilgrimage towns, Makkumath offers:

• Absolute silence

• Authentic Garhwali culture

• Traditional stone houses

• Clear views of Himalayan ranges

For travelers seeking peace, Makkumath feels like time has slowed down.

Uttarakhand’s Winter Char Dham Yatra Starts – Why Makkumath Matters

When Uttarakhand’s winter Char Dham yatra starts, thousands of devotees visit Ukhimath, but very few venture deeper into surrounding villages like Makkumath. This is what makes it special.

Staying in Makkumath allows travelers to:

• Experience local temple rituals

• Participate in morning and evening aartis

• Interact with priests and villagers

• Understand how spirituality continues even after the main temples close

It is an ideal extension for travelers already doing the winter Chardham yatra.

Suggested Read – Winter Seat of Rurdranath & Madhmeshwar Temple

Benefits of Char Dham Yatra in Winter

The benefits of Char Dham Yatra during winter are profound, especially when villages like Makkumath are included:

• No long queues or crowd pressure

• Deeper spiritual connection

• Snow-covered Himalayan beauty

• Budget-friendly accommodation

• Authentic village life

For spiritual travelers, winter offers more devotion than display.

Winter Season in Uttarakhand – Travel Experience

The winter season in Uttarakhand runs from November to February. In regions like Rudraprayag and Ukhimath:

• Temperatures range from -2°C to 10°C

• Light snowfall may occur in January

• Days are sunny, nights are cold

Makkumath remains accessible during most of winter, unlike Kedarnath, which becomes unreachable.

How Many Days for Char Dham Yatra Including Makkumath?

A common question pilgrims ask is how many days for Char Dham Yatra in winter.

Ideal Duration:

• 7–9 days for Char Dham winter seats

• Add 1–2 days if staying in Makkumath Village

This extra time allows you to slow down, meditate, and truly absorb the spiritual energy of the Himalayas.

How to Do Char Dham Yatra by Car in Winter

Travelers often prefer road journeys. If you are wondering how to do Char Dham Yatra by car, winter road travel is very much possible.

Suggested Route:

• Delhi → Haridwar / Rishikesh

• Rishikesh → Rudraprayag

• Rudraprayag → Ukhimath

• Ukhimath → Makkumath Village

Tips:

• Hire a local mountain driver

• Prefer an SUV

• Avoid night driving

• Check weather conditions daily

Makkumath is well-connected by motorable roads from Ukhimath.

Is Winter Chardham Yatra Safe for Travelers?

Yes, winter Chardham Yatra is safe with proper planning. The Uttarakhand government promotes winter pilgrimage, ensuring road maintenance and medical support in key areas.

Safety tips:

• Carry heavy woolens

• Keep buffer days

• Follow local advice

• Register for yatra updates

Makkumath Village, being at a lower altitude than Kedarnath, is safer and more comfortable for winter stays.

Why Travelers Should Include Makkumath in Winter Char Dham Yatra

Most travelers rush through Ukhimath without exploring nearby villages. By choosing Makkumath, you experience:

• Real Himalayan spirituality

• Untouched village culture

• Peaceful winter landscapes

• Meaningful travel beyond temples

For bloggers, photographers, and spiritual seekers, winter Uttarakhand reveals its true soul in villages like Makkumath.

Final Thoughts

The winter Char Dham yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it is a journey into silence, simplicity, and devotion. By choosing to discover Makkumath Village, you step away from mainstream travel and into the heart of Himalayan spirituality.

If you want to experience Char Dham Yatra beyond crowds, noise, and rush, winter—and villages like Makkumath—are where the real magic lies.