Region
Uttarakhand
Trek Grade
Moderate
Trek Distance
~20–22 km
Highest Altitude
~3,600 m
Overview
The Rudranath Trek is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, where he is worshipped in his face form. Located at about 3,600 meters, the temple lies deep in the Garhwal Himalayas and offers a rare mix of spirituality and natural beauty. The temple itself is set inside a natural rock cave and is surrounded by sacred water bodies such as Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Mana Kund, adding to its mystical charm.
Starting from Sagar village near Gopeshwar, the trek passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and remote villages, with breathtaking views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, and Hathi Parvat. Unlike Kedarnath or Tungnath, Rudranath is less crowded, making the experience peaceful and meditative. The trek usually takes 4–5 days and is graded moderate, suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
Short Itinerary – (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Day 1: Rishikesh/Haridwar to Sagar village (Drive)
Day 2: Sagar Village to Lyuti Bugyal (Trek)
Day 3: Lyuti Bugyal to Rudranath Temple (Trek)
Day 4: Back to Sagar village (Trek Back)
Day 5: Sagar Village to Rishikesh/Haridwar (Drive)
Detailed Itinerary
Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Alaknanda River through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli. By evening, you’ll reach Sagar village (near Gopeshwar), the starting point of the trek. Overnight stay in a guesthouse/homestay.
After breakfast, start the trek from Sagar. The trail gradually climbs through dense oak and rhododendron forests, small streams, and lush green meadows. The first stretch is moderate but gets steeper as you gain altitude. After 5–6 hours of trekking, you will reach Lyuti Bugyal, a beautiful alpine meadow where camps are set up. Enjoy stunning mountain views and rest overnight in tents.
Today is the most important day of the trek. Start early for the steep trek to Rudranath Temple (3,600 m). The trail passes through meadows, rocky paths, and high ridges with wide views of the Himalayas. After trekking for about 6–7 hours, you reach the holy Rudranath Temple, one of the Panch Kedar shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Hathi Parvat, making it a truly spiritual and scenic spot. Spend time exploring and attending evening aarti before settling in simple huts/tents nearby.
After offering morning prayers at the temple, begin your descent back towards Sagar village. The return trek takes about 6–7 hours, retracing the same route via Lyuti Bugyal. Reach Sagar by evening and rest at a homestay or lodge.
After breakfast, drive back from Sagar village to Rishikesh/Haridwar. The return journey takes about 10–12 hours. You will reach by evening/night, marking the end of the trek with memories of the divine Rudranath Temple and Himalayan beauty.
Inclusions – Everything We Take Care Of
- Accommodation during the trek (camps/guesthouses)
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee) during the trek
- Experienced trek leader and local guide
- Trek permits and entry fees
- First aid and medical kit
- Support staff for trek assistance
Exclusions – What’s Not Included?
- Transport from Haridwar/Rishikesh to destination (can be arranged on request)
- Personal expenses (snacks, bottled water, tips, etc.)
- Any kind of travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear (backpacks, trekking poles, jackets, etc.)
- Emergency evacuation or medical expenses
- Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”
FAQs – We’ve Got All Your Questions Covered!
Yes, it is safe with proper guidance. However, being a high-altitude trek, weather can change suddenly. A professional guide and support team are recommended.
Mobile connectivity is patchy. BSNL works in some stretches, but network availability cannot be relied upon.
Yes, basic guesthouses are available at Sagar and Gopeshwar. On the trail, trekkers stay in tents or forest rest houses near Panar Bugyal.
The temple remains open from May to October. The best months are May–June and September–October, as the weather is pleasant and views are clear.
Rudranath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of around 3,600 m.
2 sep to 30 sep
Tour Details
- Trek Distance: ~20–22 km (one side, depending on route)
- Highest Altitude: ~3,600 m (Rudranath Temple)
- Trek Grade: Moderate
- Duration: 4–5 Days
- Best Time: May–October (temple open only during these months)
Tour Highlights
- Visit Rudranath Temple, part of the Panch Kedar circuit
- Spectacular views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Hathi Parvat, and Nanda Ghunti
- Scenic alpine meadows of Lyuti Bugyal
- Dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine
- Blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty
- Less crowded compared to Kedarnath/Tungnath, offering solitude
Route & Region
- Route: Rishikesh/Haridwar → Sagar Village (drive) → Lyuti Bugyal → Rudranath Temple → Return same way
- Region: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand (Garhwal Himalayas)