Discover Timmersain Mahadev Temple, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand

On the China border, adjoining Chamoli district, at a distance of 82 kilometers from Joshimath, in the Niti Valley is Niti village. Nearby to this is Timmarsain Mahadev, that is the cave of Baba Barfani. In the winter season, the Shivling formed here attains a height of six to eight feet. The local residents perform worship and rituals here.

Timmarsain Mahadev is a popular pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be over 1,000 years old.

India-Tibet border attached country’s last village Niti, where for six months of the year the Bhotia tribe people reside, and in winter season these people come to the plains areas for residence in winter migration. For six months of the year in the summer season, when in Niti village people are residing, then this entire border village remains populated with human hustle and bustle, and people keep reaching in large numbers for the darshan of Timmarsain Mahadev.

Location: Timmersain Mahadev 

Visit the last village of Uttarakhand, Neeti, located near the Indo-China border. Trek 2 kilometers from Niti Village to reach Timmersain Mahadev Temple, also known as Timmersain Mahadev Temple. India

. It is specifically located in the Munsiyari area of Pithoragarh district, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop for spiritual pursuits.

Timmersain Mahadev

• Timmersain Mahadev route Map: The sacred cave is located on the main roadside, just 2 km before the Niti village on the Joshimath-Niti highway.
• Local villagers visit the cave during the summer months. As winter approaches, an icy Shivling, known as Baba Barfani, forms in the cave, similar to the one in Amarnath.
• This icy Shivling, reaching a height of 5-6 feet,  visible from March to mid-April each year and has been worshipped by locals for centuries.

Timmersain Mahadev Itinerary

Day 1: Joshimath to Niti Village

• Morning: Start early from Joshimath and drive to Niti Village. The drive takes about 3-4 hours.
• Explore Niti Village: Visit the ancient Nanda Devi Temple and Ganesh Mandir. Walk around the beautiful village of Niti.
• Trek to Timmersain Mahadev Temple: From Niti, trek to Timmersain Mahadev Temple. The trek takes about 1-2 hours. It’s a moderate trek with amazing views of the Himalayas.
• Evening: Spend some time at the temple, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and natural beauty. Afterward, go back to Niti Village and stay at a guest house or homestay.

Day 2: Niti Village to Joshimath

• Morning: Wake up early to see the sunrise from Niti Village. Have breakfast.
• Drive Back: Drive back to Joshimath. On the way, stop at the pretty villages of Marwari, Ghamshali, and Tapovan. Explore their traditional houses and architecture.
• Evening: Arrive in Joshimath by evening and spend the rest of the day exploring the town.

How To Reach

The temple is in the remote Niti Valley and can be reached by road from Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can take a shared taxi or hire a private car to get to the temple. The road is narrow and winding, so it is best to hire a skilled driver.

• Yes, the Niti Valley is home to several scenic attractions such as the Niti Pass, Nanda Devi National Park, and the village of Lata. Visitors can also explore nearby villages and interact with the local communities to learn about their culture and traditions.

Boxa-Tharu Tribes

• The Boxa and Tharu tribes’ rich history will be highlighted. These tribes have a profound legacy, including their ruling dynasty and connections to Pandavas’ migration and exile in Uttarakhand.

Fair & Festival

• Experience the formation of the Shivlinga during winter as snow takes shape and in summer with natural waterfalls. The temple hosts rainy season festivals, offering prayers and attracting villagers and army personnel.

Best Time to Visit Timmersain Mahadev

Although the Uttarakhand tourism department allows travelers and pilgrims to visit Timmersain Mahadev starting from February, excessive snowfall during this season can make it difficult to reach the site.

In 2019, the yatra was initially scheduled for February 10th, on Vasant Panchami, but it was postponed to the first week of March due to weather conditions.

• In 2019, the first batch of pilgrims to Timmersain Mahadev reached the site on April 29th. Around 400 pilgrims visited the shrine after a small pooja at the Nanda Devi temple in Niti village, Joshimath. You can also visit this shrine during the summer.

Application Form/Permit/Registration

Since the cave is located near the Indo-Tibet border, visitors from other parts of the country require permission to visit. Here are the guidelines to fill the application form:

1. 1. Download the Application Form: Application form Timmersain Mahadev
   2. Fill in Details: Include all required information, including details of the driver or any other person traveling with you.
   3. Submit the Form: Submit the completed form at the assistance tourism office in Joshimath at least two days before your journey date.
   4. Submit Photocopies: Provide photocopies of your and your driver’s Aadhaar cards.
   5. Travel Permission: The permission is valid for one day, so you must leave Joshimath and return the same evening.
   6. Visitor Limit: Only 25 tourists are allowed to visit the site per day.

Accommodation

• Accommodation options near Timmarsain Mahadev are limited due to its remote location. Visitors can stay in guesthouses or homestays in nearby villages like Lata or Niti. It is advisable to make advance bookings during peak season.