Ukhimath – The Winter Home of Kedarnath
When you travel to the Chota Chardham, you also visit many other spiritual places on the way. Ukhimath is one of them. Even though it’s not as popular as the main Char Dham places like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, but this temple has its own special importance.
Every year in winter, when heavy snowfall makes it hard to visit Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar, the idols from these temples are taken to Ukhimath. They are worshipped here all winter, which makes Ukhimath a special place for pilgrims during the cold season. If you want to explore its spiritual charm, this Ukhimath travel guide will be helpful.
Why Ukhimath is Important
- Locals say that Ukhimath was once known as Ushamat, named after Usha, the daughter of the demon king Banasur. It’s believed that she married Lord Krishna’s grandson Aniruddha here.
- Ukhimath is about 40 kilometers from Rudraprayag and is close to famous spiritual places like Deoria Tal, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar, which are important for Hindu pilgrims.
- Apart from its religious value, visitors can also experience the local Garhwali and Kumaoni cultures. Try traditional food and enjoy the beautiful views of the Himalayan hills.
- Whether you are here for blessings, beautiful mountain views or to experience local culture, Ukhimath has something special that you’ll always remember.
Places to Visit in Ukhimath
Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyamaheshwar is one of the five Panch Kedar temples and was built by Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers. It is located at 3,497 metres above sea level, with a green meadow and beautiful hills behind. Next to the main temple, you’ll find a small Saraswati temple. It stays open in summer, but in October, the idols are taken to Ukhimath.
Deoria Tal
Ukhimath isn’t just about temples and prayers. Around 15 km away is Deoria Tal, a beautiful lake surrounded by tall pine trees. People enjoy the trek to this lake because it's full of stunning views of high peaks like Bandarpunch, Nilkantha, and Chaukhamba.
Kedarnath
Located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is a holy place for Hindus. It’s part of the Char Dham in the Himalayas, and situated at 3,584 meters above sea level, it is close to where the Mandakini River starts. Every year, lakhs of people visit the Kedarnath Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is more than a thousand years old.
Baniyakund
The path to the beautiful meadows of Chopta hill station from Baniyakund. Chopta has some small, cozy hotels and camps where tourists can stay comfortably. This place is peaceful and clean. It is a good place to rest away from the noise. You can see a beautiful sunrise, maybe some wild animals, and smell fresh pine trees.
How to Reach Ukhimath
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Ukhimath, about 198 km away. It offers daily flights to Delhi. Ukhimath is easy to reach by road from Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can get a taxi from Jolly Grant Airport to Ukhimath.
By Train
The closest railway station to Ukhimath is in Rishikesh. It’s about 174 km away. Rishikesh is connected by train to many big cities in India. Trains to Rishikesh come regularly. From there, taxis and buses go to Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath.
By Road
Ukhimath is connected by good roads to the main places in Uttarakhand. You can take buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. From places like Rishikesh, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Gaurikund, Srinagar, and Gopeshwar, buses and taxis to Ukhimath are easy to find.
Best Time to Visit Ukhimath
If you want to visit Ukhimath, the months from March to June and September to November are the best. Weather is comfortable and great for exploring the beautiful places and local culture.
Accommodation
Ukhimath is a pilgrimage spot with a few Dharamshalas that provide simple and low cost places to stay mainly for families on a budget. There are also some basic hotels and GMVN guest houses but rooms may not always be available. Many tourists choose to stay in Chamoli, which has more accommodation options, and then visit Ukhimath from there.
Fairs and Festivals
Ukhimath is called the winter home of Lord Shiva. Shivratri brings a festive vibe here, temples are crowded with devotees, and there’s even a small fair nearby. One of the main festivals of Ukhimath is the Madmaheshwar Mela that takes place in February. Winter is a good time to visit if you want to experience local culture. It’s also special because the idol of Lord Kedarnath, called the Utsav Doli, is taken down from the temple with a lot of devotion, music, and celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1. What is Ukhimath famous for?
Ans: Ukhimath is famous because it’s the main stop for travelers going to Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples. The Omkareshwar Temple here is very important for visitors. Apart from this, the town is surrounded by beautiful mountain views that give a peaceful and positive atmosphere.
Q-2. What time does the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple open and close?
Ans: You can visit the temple anytime between 5 AM and 9 PM.
Q-3. How many days are enough to spend in Ukhimath?
Ans: You can see everything in just one or two days.
Q-4. What’s the distance between Delhi and Ukhimath?
Ans: The distance from Delhi to Ukhimath is around 411 kilometers by road.
Conclusion
Ukhimath is a special town where Lord Shiva’s idols stay during winter when snow blocks the way to Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. During winter, pilgrims come to Ukhimath to pray to the idols brought from other temples. Ukhimath is not just important for religion, it also has lovely views of the Himalayas, and travelers enjoy the local Garhwali and Kumaoni culture. Nearby places like Madhyamaheshwar, Deoria Tal, and Kedarnath make Ukhimath even more special. You can visit there by plane, train, or car. The best time to explore is from March to June and September to November. Accommodation here is basic but comfortable, and Chamoli nearby has many more choices. During Shivratri and Madmaheshwar Mela, Ukhimath becomes crowded and joyful, which makes it special.
