Ukhimath Travel Guide (Char Dham)

Ukhimath is a pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 1311 metres and at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag. It is the home or winter seat of the idol of Kedarnath Temple and Madhyamaheshwar. During winters the main idol of Kedarnath Temple and Madhmaheshwar worshipped here when both the temples remain closed due to heavy snowfall.

This beautiful place has many ancient temples dedicated to several gods and goddesses such as Usha, Aniruddha, Shiva, Parvati, and Mandhata. Ukhimath is mainly inhabited by the main pundits or priests of the Kedarnath temple known as Rawals.

Mythology / Importance of Ukhimath

During the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months. Ukhimath can be used as center destination for visiting different places located nearby, i.e. Madhmaheshwar (Second kedar), Tungnath Temple (Third kedar) and Deoria Tal(natural fresh water lake), Chopta and many other picturesque places.

Wedding of Anirudh who is the grandson of Lord Krishna and Usha who was daughter of Vanasur was solemnized here. This place has its name after the name of Usha as Ushamath now it is know as Ukhimath.

Places To Visit In Ukhimath

• Chopta:- This place is popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ in Uttaranchal and Northern India. Chopta is rich in varied flora and fauna. Chopta is situated amidst thick forest of pine, deodar and rhododendrons
• Tungnath:- It is the highest temple of Hindu Lord Shiva. It is a one of the five temple which comes under the Panch kedar circuit.
• Karanprayag:- This place is situated 22 km from Nandprayag. It is situated at a holy confluence of Alakananda and Pindar River at an height of 788 mt above from the sea level.
• Nanda Temple:- This religious Hindu temple is situated at the confluence of two holy rivers which are Alakananda and Nandakini river. It is located in Nandaprayag.
• Nandaprayag:– It is a small town which is situated in the sacred confluence of the two rivers which are Alakananda and Nandakini. People believe that a holy dip in this sacred confluence will wash all their sins.
• Kedarnath:– It is one of the most popular temples in Uttarakhand. It comes under the Chota Chardham circuit. Pilgrims have to trek 16 km to visit this holy temple.
• Chandrashila Trek:– Chandrashila trek is started from Chopta. This trek offers you the beautiful view of some snow covered mountains.
• Dugalbitta:– Dugal Bitta means the space of location between the two mountains. It is a part of Kedaarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and it is a natural treasure itself.
• Gaurikund Temple: This is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Parvati who is the wife of the Hindu Lord Shiva. In this temple pilgrims offers their prayers. Pilgrims on their way or yatra to Kedarnath Temple makes it a point to stop here to visit this holy religious temple.
• Gauri Kund: This Kund is also known as Gauri Lake, the Lake of Compassion or Parvati Sarovar, Hindu people consider this lake as a sacred lake and believes that this is the lake where Goddess Parvati had breathed life into Lord Ganesha.
• Sonprayag:– It is situated on the confluence of twon sacred rivers which are Mandakini and Vasuki river. This place is located on the route of Kedarnath Temple.

Char Dham Distance Chart From Ukhimath

If you are coming from Kedarnath and heading towards Badrinath during your Char Dham Yatra then, Ukhimath-Chopta-Gopeshwar – Chamoli road is best suited short cut. This route will save your lot of travel time and you can reach Joshimath easily.

Ukhimath – Yamunotri
Distance:– 305 kms
Time:– 11 hrs
Route:-Ukhimath – Augastmuni –Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Chinyalisaur – Dharasu Band – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri

Ukhimath – Gangotri
Distance:– 289 kms
Time:– 10 hrs
Route:– Ukhimath – Augustmuni – Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Naughar –Uttarkashi – Gangotri

Ukhimath – Kedarnath
Distance:- 65 Kms
Time:– 4 hrs
Route:– Ukhimath  –Guptkashi – Sonprayag –  Gaurikund – Kedarnath

Ukhimath – Badrinath
Distance:– 169 kms
Time:- 6 hrs
Route:– Ukhimath – Chamoli – Pipalkoti  – Joshimath–Govindghat – Pandukeshwar –Hanuman Chatti – Badrinath

Top 5 Places To Stay In Ukhimath

There are few options for accommodation in Ukhimath during Char Dham Yatra. Following is the list of hotels, resorts, guest houses in Ukhimath.

1) GMVN Ukhimath – Tourist Rest House, Ukhimath
This rest house offers the budget or pocket friendly accommodation to the travellers and pilgrims of Kedarnath Yatra. It provides the basic amenties with comfortable stay.
Address:-  GMVN Tourist Bungalow Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand – 246469, India.

2) Snow View
It is a pocket friendly or budget hotel in Ukhimath, situated at Chopta Road. While stay in this beautiful hotel you can also visit the nearby area like – Chopta, Tungnath and Kartik swami as well.
Address:– Hotel Snowview Chopta, PothiBasa (Ukhimath), Uttrakhand 248001, India.

3) The Rudralok Hotel
This hotel is situated in Gopeshwar. All rooms are well maintained and has a TV with cable channels, AC, Wardrobe and a attached bathroom.
Address:- 1 Gopeshwar Mandal Road, Chamoli Gopeshwar 246401.

4) Peaches And Pears
Peaches and Pears is a Himalayan homestay which runs by a local family which offers warm hospitality to their guests. This beautiful homestay offers its guests to witness the local culture and the beauty of nature.
Address:- Ghingran Road, Rauli, Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand.

5) Himalaya Resort
This resort is the second home for the travellers or trekkers of Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila. This resort is the best place for trekkers and backpackers who are looking for adventure in the beautiful dense forest of Deodar, Pine and Oak trees.
Address:- Ukhimath-Chopta- Gopeshwar Road, Chopta 246419 India,

How To Reach Ukhimath

Ukhimath well connected by motorable roads but the place does not have any airports and railway stations. You can easily travel here by using public transport as well as by driving your own vehicle.

Route 1:- Delhi – Ukhimath via Haridwar

By Road:- Ukhimath is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for travelling to Ukhimath from Delhi via Haridwar. You can also drive your car to travel Ukhimath.

Ukhimath does not have any railway station & its own airport. Tourists can reach Haridwar via train then hire a taxi, cab or local bus to reach Ukhimath. It will take approximately 6 hours to reach Ukhimath.

Route 2:- Delhi – Ukhimath via Dehradun

By Road:– Ukhimath is well connected by motorable roads from Delhi. There are many regular buses available for traveling to Ukhimath from Delhi via Dehradun. You can also drive your car to travel Ukhimath.

Ukhimath does not have any railway station & its own airport. Tourists can reach Dehradun via train or air then hire a taxi, cab or local bus to reach Ukhimath. It will take approximately 7 hours to reach Ukhimath.