Rudranath Trek: review & tips
Rudranath Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The trek takes you through beautiful forests, and meadows, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The trek is named after Rudranath temple, which is one of the Panch Kedar, the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of 2,286 meters above sea level and is surrounded by beautiful alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks.
Trek Route
The trek offers some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas, including the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti peaks. The trek also takes you through several quaint villages, giving you a chance to experience the local culture and lifestyle of the Garhwal region.
Overall, the Rudranath trek is a must-do for any trekking enthusiast or nature lover looking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas.
Rudranath Yatra
The trek starts from the village of Sagar, and the route takes you through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees. The trek is of moderate difficulty, and it takes around 3-4 days to complete. The best time to go for the Rudranath trek is from May to June and from September to October when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.
Rudranath Temple
Rudranath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Panch Kedars, a group of five temples in the Garhwal Himalayas that are considered the holiest Shiva shrines in the region. The temple is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters above sea level and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Suggested Read – Panch Kedar Tour Itinerary and Route Details
Trekking Route
The trek is approximately 20 kilometers long and takes around 3-4 days to complete.
From Sagar, the trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees, offering scenic views of the Himalayan range. Along the way, trekkers will also come across several streams, waterfalls, and meadows.
After walking for about 15 kilometers, trekkers will reach the Panar Bugyal, a picturesque meadow surrounded by towering peaks. From there, the trail ascends steeply to Rudranath, which is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters above sea level
Entry Fee For Terk
A new bylaw has been introduced by the Kedarnath Forest Division for visitors trekking along the route to Rudranath. At the checkpoints along the way, visitors will be required to pay a deposit of 100 rupees for each plastic item they are carrying, such as mineral water bottles or instant noodle packages.
Once the visitors reach their destination and complete their trek, they can return to the checkpoints to claim their deposit. However, if they fail to return within two days as a measure to show they haven’t left any litter behind, they will be charged a penalty of 5000 rupees. The Kedarnath Forest Division hopes that this initiative will help preserve the hills and deter others from polluting the area.
Rudranath Trek Tips
From November to April, the Rudranath Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall. The temple holds a morning aarti at 8:00 AM and evening aarti at 6:30 PM every day. The trail leading to Rudranath is both challenging and risky, but the rewards are worth it. Before beginning the trek, it’s essential to check with local authorities, tour guides, or tour operators about weather and road conditions during monsoons. It’s also recommended to have an experienced trekking guide with you, as there are many paths that may lead you astray.
Suggested Read- Kedarnath Shivaling History and Mythology
Staying Option
As the revered Shiva shrine is situated on a higher elevation, except for simple accommodations maintained by the Mandir Committee and a few Home Stays, there are no other options to stay at Rudranath. Trekkers take their own tents and supplies and camp near the temple under the clear night sky. Accommodation options are available at Sagar, Lyuti Bugyal, Panar, and Urgam which are on the way to Rudranath.
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