Why you should plan Rudranath Trek?
The trekking route to Rudranath temple offers awe-inspiring views of the diversified beauty of nature and the deep gorges that make the place all the way more interesting. Rudranath temple is the toughest one to reach in comparison with other temples of Panch Kedar but it is worth the pain as one can see the glorious Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti peaks. The trail passes through the wild grassy meadows, the thick woodlands and offers awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas.
You can indulge in the blissful morning aarti performed at the Rudranath temple which generally starts from 8 am and the evening aarti that takes place at 6:30, every day. Sit beside the sparkling Vaitarini River also known as the 'Water of Salvation' and hear the music of the placid river flowing by.
There are 3 different trek routes to reach Rudranath, and every trek offers different landscapes and beauty. There is a prominent saying for Rudranath Trek amongst local people "Rudranath ki Chadai, German ki Ladai" considering its lofty course.
Opening and Closing Dates of Rudranath Temple in 2023
Opening of Rudranath Dham: The Opening date of the holy Rudranath Dham is 20 May 2023. The doors of Shri Rudranath Ji will remain open for six months before going to its winter seat. Here is a list of dates of the program for Rudranath Doli Yatra.
Program for Rudranath Doli Yatra
- 16 May: The Rudranath Doli will be taken out from Gopinath Temple of Gopeshwar
- 17 May: The doli will be kept in the Complex of Temple for pilgrims.
- 18 May: Departure from Gopeshwar to reach Panar via Gawad Village
- 19 May: The Doli will reach Rudranath Temple.
- 20 May: The temple will open for pilgrims.
Closing Date of Rudranath temple in 2023: The closing date of Rudranath Temple is not announced yet. After the closing ceremony the Gopinath Temple becomes the winter home of Lord Rudranath for six months.
Rudranath Entry Fee Update
Kedarnath forest division has decided to take a security deposit of Rs 100 per plastic item, like packets of instant noodles and biscuits, mineral water bottles, etc from visitors going to Rudranath. This will reduce the usage of plastic items inside the forest region. And when tourists return back, they had to show the plastic wrapper to retrieve the deposit amount, failing which they will be levied a penalty of Rs 5000 for causing plastic pollution in the hills.
Activities in Rudranath
While travelling to Rudranath you can visit the local temple at Sagar. While trekking, do explore the region of the scenic Lyuti Bugyal and Panar Bugyal. The temple is surrounded by several small pools named as Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, Manas Kund.
Staying in Rudranath
As the revered Shiva shrine is situated at the higher elevation, except for a simple accommodation maintained by the Mandir Committee and few Home Stays, there is no other option 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 en-route Rudranath.
Rudranath Food Guide
For obvious reasons, there are no restaurants or dhabas at Rudranath at 2,200 meters. The only food you can have is the one you take with yourself to Rudranath. If you are trekking with a group, it is advisable to find a local cook to travel with you so he can prepare meal for you wherever you decide to camp for the night. Also, carry some packaged food with you as a light snack for the route. You can also get home cooked food at Home Stays in Ruranath (when the shrine is open).
Mythology about Rudranath
Rudranath is the fourth temple in the series of holy Panch Kedar. After killing their cousins at the war, Pandavas started their journey to visit Lord Shiva to wash their sins. Lord Shiva wanted to avoid them as he was deeply incensed by the death and dishonesty at the Kurukshetra war.
Therefore, he disguised in the form of a bull (Nandi) and disappeared into the ground with different parts of the body appearing at various places. The Pandavas built temples at all the places where his body parts resurfaced and worshipped him to please him. And that’s how Rudranath Temple was built.
The face of Lord Shiva is mysteriously embodied on a shivling, at Rudranath Temple. Check all temples of Panch kedar series. Panch Kedar, Uttarakhand.
What is Rudranath famous for?
Rudranath is famous among tourist as Temple, Panch Kedar, Trekking, Meadows, Camping, Shiva Temple.
Rudranath is recommended destination for Couples, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Rudranath is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Monuments of National Importance, Panch Kedar, Pilgrimage, Religious, Shiva Temples, Temples, Trekking, Yoga and Meditation.
