Category: Uttarakhand

Chandrashila, translating to the ‘Moon Rock,’ crowns the Chandranath Parvat, home to the Tungnath temple of Panch Kedar. This majestic summit acts as a vantage point, providing a heavenly panorama of the Great Himalayas. The name Chandrashila perfectly captures the essence of this summit, where the breathtaking views under the moonlit sky or the radiant sun create an awe-inspiring experience for all who venture to its heights.

Location	Rudraprayag
Starting Point	Chopta
Famous For	Temple, Panch Kedar, Trekking,  360 Himalayan Views
Altitude	4000 mts
Total Trek From Chopta	05 Km
Trek Grade	Easy
Nearest Railway Station or    Airport	Rishikesh, 230kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 240 kms
Best time to visit Ukhimath	Round the Year

Mythology about Chandrashila Trek

The mythology surrounding the Chandrashila Trek is steeped in divine tales. According to belief, Lord Lakshman, after vanquishing the demon-king Ravana, sought solace in meditation at the Chandrashila peak. Another legend speaks of the moon-god Chandra choosing this sacred spot for his penance. The spiritual echoes of these mythical narratives add a profound aura to the trek, making the journey not just a physical adventure but a soulful experience connected to ancient tales.

Best Time to Visit Chandrashila 

The best time to visit Chandrashila is during the months of April to November. This period is considered ideal for the trek, offering favorable weather conditions and clear trails. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

1. Spring (April to June):
   • Spring is a delightful time to visit Chandrashila.
   • The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C.
   • The trekking trails come alive with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers.
2. Summer (June to August):
   • Summer is also suitable for the Chandrashila trek, although it might be a bit warmer.
   • Daytime temperatures can range from 15°C to 25°C.
   • Be prepared for occasional rain showers, and the landscape remains lush and green.
3. Autumn (September to November):
   • Autumn is another excellent time for the trek, offering clear skies and crisp air.
   • Daytime temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, making it cool and comfortable.
   • The post-monsoon period enhances the visibility of the breathtaking Himalayan views.
4. Winter (December to March):
   • While Chandrashila is accessible in winter, it becomes a challenging trek due to heavy snowfall.
   • Winter temperatures can drop significantly, and snow-covered trails make the trek more demanding.
   • This period is recommended only for experienced trekkers with proper gear and equipment.

Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Tour package

How To Reach Chandrashila 

By Road:

• Chopta is well-connected by road, and buses and taxis are available from major towns and cities in Uttarakhand.
• You can reach Chopta by road from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

Trek to Chandrashila:

• The trek to Chandrashila usually starts from Chopta, and the total trek distance is around 5 kilometers.
• The trek is considered moderate, and it takes you through enchanting landscapes and lush greenery.

Madmaheshwar is enchantingly embraced by the snow-capped Himalayas on one side, while lush green alpine meadows grace the other, with dense forests providing a captivating backdrop.

This quaint town is adorned with shepherd huts, village houses, and the ancient Madmaheshwar temple, which stands as a testament to thousands of years of history. The picturesque views surrounding the town add to its charm. The architecture of the Madmaheshwar temple reflects the classic style of North India, adding to the mystique and allure of this sacred destination.

Location	Rudraprayag
Starting Point	Ransi Village
Famous For	Temple, Panch Kedar, Trekking
Altitude	11450 Ft
Total Trekking	16 Km
Nearest Railway Station or    Airport	Rishikesh, 230kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 240 kms
Best time to visit Ukhimath	May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov,

Mythology about Madmaheshwar

Madmaheshwar is the second temple in the series of the sacred Panch Kedar, with Kedarnath being the first. According to the legend, after the war where the Pandavas had to fight and defeat their own cousins, they sought Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for their sins. However, Lord Shiva, still upset about the war’s destruction and dishonesty, tried to avoid them. In order to escape their presence, Lord Shiva transformed into a bull, Nandi, and went into the ground, with different parts of his body emerging at various locations. In Madmaheshwar, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a navel-shaped lingam

Madmaheshwar Tour package 

How to reach madmaheshwar

By Road: Ukhimath and Guptkashi are the main roadheads for reaching Madmaheshwar. Buses and taxis are available from major cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar to Ukhimath and Guptkashi. From these points, you need to trek to reach Madmaheshwar.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, you can travel by road to Ukhimath or Guptkashi and then proceed with the trek to Madmaheshwar.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ukhimath or Guptkashi, which are base points for the trek to Madmaheshwar.

By Trekking 

• The trek from Ransi to Madmaheshwar is approximately 10-12 kilometers, depending on the exact starting point in Ransi.
• The duration of the trek can vary based on individual walking speed and weather conditions, but it generally takes around 5-7 hours
• Ransi is accessible by road from Ukhimath, which is a major town in the region. Buses and taxis are available from Ukhimath to Ransi

In addition to the Madhyamaheshwar trek, you have the option to extend your journey to Budha Madhyamaheshwar and Kanchani Tal, a high-altitude glacial lake situated 2 kilometers and 16 kilometers away from Madhyamaheshwar Temple, respectively

  Places to See in Madmaheshwar

Gaurikund, nestled in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, India, is a picturesque destination that serves as the base for the sacred Kedarnath pilgrimage. Positioned at an elevation of approximately 1,982 meters (6,503 feet) above sea level, Gaurikund holds immense religious and cultural significance, making it a hub for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Location	Rudraprayag
Famous For	Temple
Best Time to visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,

The town is named after Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, and it is believed to be the spot where she meditated to win Lord Shiva as her consort. A natural thermal spring, the Gauri Kund, adds to the mystical aura of the place. Pilgrims often take a ritualistic dip in the hot spring before embarking on the trek to Kedarnath.

Mythology:

According to Hindu mythology, Gaurikund is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, performed intense penance to win the love and affection of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Gauri created Lord Ganesha from the dirt and oil of her body while bathing, and she assigned him the task of guarding the entrance while she was taking a bath. Lord Shiva, unaware of this, returned to find a young boy guarding the entrance. A confrontation ensued, leading to a fierce battle in which Lord Shiva severed the head of the boy.

Realizing her mistake, Goddess Parvati was devastated and pleaded with Lord Shiva to revive her son. Lord Shiva, in his remorse, replaced the severed head with that of an elephant, bringing Ganesha back to life. This incident led to the establishment of Gaurikund as a sacred site associated with the penance and devotion of Goddess Parvati.

How to Reach Gaurikund 

By Road: Gaurikund is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a bus. The nearest major town is Rudraprayag, and from there, Gaurikund is about 73 kilometers away.

Pilgrimage Route from Sonprayag: Sonprayag is the last motorable point before Gaurikund. From Sonprayag, you need to trek or take a shared jeep to reach Gaurikund. The trek is approximately 16 kilometers, and it is a gradual ascent. Many pilgrims prefer to trek, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Alternatively, shared jeeps are available for those who prefer a faster mode of transportation.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh, which is approximately 215 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund. Rishikesh is well-connected to major railway stations in India

Places to See in Gaurikund 

Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, is a pristine glacial lake situated near Kedarnath in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This high-altitude lake holds cultural significance as it is believed to be the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed after his cremation in 1948. The serene lake is surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Location	Near Kedarnath Temple
Trek	4 Km trek from Kedarnath Dham
Best Time to visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,

How To Reach Gandhi Sarovar

Places to Visit in Kedarnath