Neelkanth Badrinath: “the Divine Abode”

Nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas lies a divine abode that attracts millions of devotees every year – Badrinath. It is one of the four sacred shrines of the Chota Char Dham Yatra and is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peace and spirituality.

One of the most prominent mountains that can be seen from Badrinath is Neelkanth. It is a majestic peak that stands tall at 6,597 meters and is considered to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The trek to Neelkanth from Badrinath is a spiritual journey that takes you through some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

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                                                                      Way to Neelkanth Base camp from behind the Badrinath Temple

The Trekking

The trek to Neelkanth starts from Badrinath and takes around two days to complete. The first day involves a 6-kilometer trek to the village of Mana, which is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border. Mana is a picturesque village that is home to the famous Vyas Gufa, where it is believed that Ved Vyas wrote the Mahabharata.

From Mana, the trek continues towards Vasudhara Falls, which is a 5-kilometer trek from Mana. The trek is relatively easy and takes you through lush green forests, meadows, and streams. The Vasudhara Falls is a magnificent waterfall that drops from a height of 122 meters, and it is said that the water of the waterfall is so pure that it can cure all ailments.

The second day of the trek starts early in the morning and takes you towards Neelkanth. The trek is challenging, and it takes around 7-8 hours to reach the peak. The trek takes you through steep ascents, rocky terrains, and snow-capped mountains. The view from the top is awe-inspiring, and it is believed that Lord Shiva meditated here for several years.

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The Neelkanth trek

The Neelkanth trek is a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure. It is a journey that takes you closer to the divine, and the views along the way make it an experience of a lifetime. The trek is open from May to October, and it is advisable to take a local guide for the trek. It is a challenging trek, and it is essential to be physically fit and mentally prepared for the journey.

Neelkanth Mountain Base Camp

Conclusion

In conclusion, Neelkanth Badrinath is a spiritual journey that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. It is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime and leaves you with a sense of peace and tranquility.