CategoriesHill-Station By garhwalitraveller

Kausani Hill Station Travel Guide

Kausani – Hill Station and Places to Visit Nearby

Kausani is a small, stunning hill station in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand state of India, located 53 km north of Almora. Kausani is a beautiful hill station famous for its striking 300 km wide beautiful sight of the Himalayas.

It is about 1900 MTR above sea level. It also has thick dense pine forests and is separated from Nanda Devi Ridges by low mountains. From March to May the temperature ranges from 25 °C to 10 °C, but in winter comes down to -2 °C. Hill stations like Nainital, Almora and Ranikhet are easily covered by the Kausani. Kausani offers great exposure to the Himalayas and makes it a very good place for an excursion. It is also the birthplace of the very famous poet Sumitra Nandan Pant. Nation Mr Mahatma Gandhi stayed for 12 days because of its calm environment at Anashakti Yoga Ashram and praised its natural beauty and calm environment.

There are very few places in the whole of Uttarakhand which can compare to the beauty of this place. It is a wonderful place which offers an outstanding and very pleasing atmosphere. Because of its splendid beauty, Kausani is also known as the ‘Switzerland of India‘.

Sunrise of the Pithoragarh offers a beautiful sight for the thousands of tourists and it is also one of the main attractions for tourists. This place is also admired by poets and philosophers; this beautiful place offers sightseeing to visitors about the history, sport and pilgrimage and is full of entertainment around all the year.

The main attraction of the Kausani is Baijnath Temple this temple is about 17 km far from the Kausani, Base-Kausani Trek here can enjoy the natural beauty and see the sights of the charming perspective of Kausani, Bageshwar it is about 42 km far from the Kausani and full of religious feelings and peace.

Places to visit in Kausani

  • Ranikhet
  • Kausani Tea Estate
  • Sumitranandan Pant
  • Baijnath
  • Stargate Observatory

tourist places
CategoriesTop-Destinations By garhwalitraveller

Most Famous Tourist Places in Uttarakhand

Tourist Places in Uttarakhand

There are many beautiful and popular destinations in Uttarakhand like some famous hill stations, treks, lakes and many more, where thousands of visitors come every year and enjoy their holidays and see the beauty of nature. Some of the most visited tourist attractions and places of Uttarakhand are listed below. You can read the complete travel guide to the different destinations of Uttarakhand by following the link.

1 – Jim Corbett National Park

Mussoorie is one of the famous Hill Stations of India. It is the house of green hills and interesting species of flora and fauna. It is one of the most fascinating hill resorts in India. This city was founded in 1987 by a British Military Officer.

It is located in the middle part of the central Himalayan Mountain in Northern India. Mussoorie is also treated as the entrance point.

2 – Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful Hill Station in the Uttarakhand state of India. Nainital is mostly famous for the Naini Lake (also known as Nainital Lake) It is a lake resort at the height of 1938 meters above sea level in a beautiful valley at the Butte of the Himalayas.

The surrounding areas of Almora and Ranikhet-Nainital possess a lake. It is surrounded on all sides by seven hills and the stunning waters of a natural lake make it the best.

3 – Kausani

Kausani is a small, stunning hill station situated in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand state of India, located 53 km north of Almora. Kausani is a beautiful hill station and famous for its striking 300 km wide beautiful sight of the Himalayas. It is about 1900 meters above sea level. It also has thick dense pine forests and is separated from Nanda Devi.

4 – Almora

Almora is a hill station in the Uttarakhand State of India. It is situated in the Kumaon Mountains of the Himalayas in eastern Uttarakhand at a height of about 6000 feet. Almora is surrounded by four hills with four temples, Banari Devi, Kasar Devi, Sayahi Devi and Sun Temple at the hilltop. Most of the region of this town is curved.

5 – Gangotri

Gangotri is the origin of the holy river Ganga. It is also well known as the Gangotri Glacier. The Gangotri Mountains are a part of the Garhwal Himalayas, which is located in the Uttarakhand state of India. The peaks of the Gangotri Glacier are known as religious destinations. The popular peaks of the Gangotri Mountains are Chaukhamba.

6 – Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most famous Holy places in India and is located in the Uttrakhand state of India on the right side of the bank of the holy river Ganga at about 300 meters above sea level. Its temperature is about 40 degrees in summer and about 6 degrees in winter. It is one of the seven blessed cities in India and also one of the venues for Kumbh Mela.

These were some of the best and most visited tourist places in Uttarakhand that you can visit anytime. Some destinations are advised to be visited in winter like Auli, Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashilla, etc.

7 – Mussoorie

Mussoorie is one of the famous Hill Stations of India. It is the house of green hills and interesting species of flora and fauna. It is one of the most fascinating hill resorts in India. This city was founded in 1987 by a British Military Officer. It is located in the middle part of the central Himalayan Mountain in Northern India. Mussoorie is also treated as the entrance point.

So these were some popular hill stations and other destinations of Uttarakhand, where you could go with your friends, family, or loved ones. These destinations in Uttarakhand are popular among content creators as well. So if you are a travel blogger or vlogger then you must visit these destinations.

CategoriesAdventure By garhwalitraveller

River Rafting in Rishikesh – Pricing Chart and FAQs

River Rafting in Rishikesh Complete Guide

Are you planning a river rafting activity in Rishikesh? So here is the complete information about the rafting and the average package pricing from the different rafting companies in Rishikesh which will provide you with the complete accommodation, meals and stay in your package.

The rafting season in Rishikesh starts from April to July, basically. There are many rafting companies in Rishikesh that provide rafting services in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is one of the popular rafting destinations in India.

Rafting in Rishikesh is the most popular activity to do in Rishikesh for adventure sports lovers. Indians as well as foreigners come here to enjoy the thrills of Ganga in the form of river rafting. River Ganga which flows from Gangotri (origin place of the Ganges) to Rishikesh is full of many adventurous rapids in between the flow.

River rafting package highlights – Rishikesh

  • Trusted and friendly rafting companies in Rishikesh
  • All the companies have legal licences provided by the Tourism and Forest department of Uttarakhand.
  • 10+ years of experience in River rafting.
  • Certified and experienced rafting guides.
  • Good choice of corporations and school groups.

Average Cost of River Rafting in Rishikesh

  • Brahampuri to Rishikesh(8 Km) Rs. 700/ person
  • Shivpuri to Rishikesh (16 Km) Rs. 1800/ person
  • Marine Drive to Rishikesh (26 Km) Rs. 2200/ person
  • Kaudiyala to Rishikesh (35 Km) Rs. 2700/ person

The above pricing is the average pricing of rafting in Rishikesh from different travel and rafting companies, whose pricing may vary a little.

Note: Smoking and alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited during rafting. Being overweight and pregnant or having any other suffering people are not allowed. So make sure you are fit for rafting.

Rafting package includes:

  • Transportation
  • Wetsuits, life jackets, raft and paddles
  • 1 experienced guide will be with you
  • 1-day package includes dinner breakfast and lunch

Except for river rafting, Rishikesh is very famous for some ancient temples and Ashrams. There are some most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Rishikesh, where you can also visit after.

Frequently asked Questions about Rishikesh Rafting

Is River rafting safe in Rishikesh?

As you all know, rafting is an adventure sport, and you have to follow the instructions provided by your guide. Wear all the safety equipment properly, recheck them, and rafting is safe.

What is the best time for river rafting in Rishikesh?

In May and June, the temperature at Rishikesh touches 35 degrees, and sometimes more. The best time for rafting in Rishikesh is in the month of September. The best time to visit Rishikesh is from March to May.

What is the minimum age for rafting in Rishikesh?

The minimum age required for rafting is 14 years old. Less than that is not allowed for river rafting.

Can kids do rafting in Rishikesh?

Kids below 14 years are not allowed to participate in river rafting at Rishikesh, but some people violate the rule. As well as adults above 60 are also not allowed for rafting. These guidelines are issued by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board.

Should we carry Rafting equipment together?

No, you don’t need to carry the rafting equipment together or life jackets etc. All the equipment will be provided by the rafting agency Rishikesh in the rafting package.

gauchar
Categoriesfestivals By garhwalitraveller

Gauchar Mela – Cultural and Trade Fair of Uttarakhand

Gauchar – A Hilly town located in Karanprayag Tehsil of Chamoli district in the Uttarakhand State of India. Gauchar is famous for Gauchar fair and Gauchar Airport. The Gauchar valley is also known as the Valley of Flat Land, located on the left bank of river Alaknanda. Gauchar lies between Rudraprayag and Karanprayag on Badrinath route NH58. Gauchar is surrounded by 7 hills. Gauchar is well known for a historic trade fair known as Gauchar Mela.

About Gauchar Mela

The Gauchar Mela is a cultural and traditional fair held annually in the Gauchar town of the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand It is one of the largest and oldest fairs in the state. Every year thousands of people visit Gauchar Mela and this cultural and trade fair is held between 14 November to 20 November.

Gauchar Mela is a cultural and trade-related fair that has been held for decades in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Gauchar Mela of Uttarakhand is a great attraction point for local people and other traders all around the state. The Gauchar fair is held on the 14 of November every year. This fair is a trade and industrial fair, where traders from different states come to Gauchar to sell their products. The fair holds 2 types of themes: sports and cultural activities. Sports activities are done in the daytime and cultural activities are held in the evening, in which different schools participate and win prizes.

See the below video of Gauchar mela 2023, we will create a new video of Gauchar Mela 2024 this year and will update it.

History of Gauchar Fair

Gauchar mela is a historic trade fair held on the 14th of November every year in the Gauchar town of Chamoli district. Gauchar town falls en route to Badrinath temple. The first version of Gauchar Mela was organized in the year 1943, so you can imagine how historic this fair is. This fair was established between India and Tibet to increase trade. Gauchar Mela is one of the attraction points and hundreds and thousands of people visit Gauchar every year on the occasion of Gauchar Mela. There are many other places near Gauchar you can consider visiting.

At that time, the trade was one-sided and carried by the Bhotias(in amount), who inhabited the frontiers of Chamoli Garhwal. But in winter the whole region is covered by heavy snow due to the high altitude and these people migrate to lower regions(Joshimath)in winter for 6 months.

The fair helped Bhotia people to sell their woolen clothes, handicrafts, spices(Faran the famous spice) and other stuff and buy the raw materials for the next summer trade across the Indo-Tibetan borders. It was not only a local fair or fair between the peoples of Uttarakhand and Bhotia, people from all over north Indian states like Uttar Pradesh(UP), and Punjab attended it.

After India’s independence (165 August 1947) Gauchar Mela was organized by the UP government and in 2000 Uttaranchal was separated from UP after that the fair was organized by the Uttarakhand government as an industrial, cultural, and development fair. It is the biggest fair in the region for the promotion of trade and culture. All the departments of the state government participate in this annual event and showcase their agricultural methods and techniques.

Attractions at Gauchar Mela

One of the primary attractions of the Gauchar Mela is the trading of pahadi items, clothes, toys, pahadi vegetables and many more. This fair is so old and it has been 73 years since this fair was organized.

Apart from trading, the Gauchar Mela also features a variety of cultural events and entertainment. Traditional folk music and dance performances, along with local cuisine stalls, add to the festive atmosphere. Visitors can indulge in delicious Garhwali dishes and immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Importance of Gauchar Mela

The Gauchar Mela holds significant economic and cultural importance for the people of Garhwal. It provides an opportunity for farmers, local peoples of the region and district and traders to showcase and sell their items Additionally, the fair serves as a platform for preserving and promoting traditional practices and customs that have been passed down through generations.

Overall, the Gauchar Mela is not just a marketplace but a celebration of the vibrant rural life and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. It attracts locals and tourists alike, offering a unique glimpse into the agricultural and cultural traditions of the Garhwal region.

CategoriesTop-Destinations By garhwalitraveller

Top 20+ Best Places to visit in Rishikesh

Places in Rishikesh you must visit

Rishikesh is one of the famous and popular tourist destinations in Uttarakhand among the young as well as old Indian population. Emerging beauty of Rishikesh with lots of grand temples, adventure sports and many more to do there. Being a religious place, the majority of the places to visit in Rishikesh are temples.

There are many ashrams and temples that can be visited such as Parmarth Niketan, Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Gita Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Kanjapuri temple and Bharat mandir.

There are more than 30 places to visit in Rishikesh where tourists and travellers can visit and enjoy the beauty of nature. Here below is a list of the best tourist places in Rishikesh that you can visit if you are in Rishikesh or planning to visit.

Some Best places to visit nearby Rishikesh

  • Ganga Aarti
  • Ram Jhula
  • Lakshaman Jhula
  • Neelkanth Mahadev
  • Triveni Ghat
  • Parmarth Niketan
  • Geeta Bhawan
  • Byasi
  • Kaudiyala
  • Bharat Mandir
  • Muni ki Reti
  • Rishikund
  • Tera Manzil Temple
  • Lakshman Temple
  • Vashistha Cave
  • Kunjapuri Devi Temple
  • Sivananda Ashram
  • Omkaranand Ashram
  • Himalayan Yog Ashram
  • Nirmal Ashram
  • Phool Chatti Ashram
  • Raghunath Temple
  • Beatles Ashram
Auli Uttarakhand
CategoriesTop-Destinations Hill-Station By garhwalitraveller

Top 7 Beautiful Places to visit in Auli Uttarakhand

Auli Sightseeing and Tourist Places

Auli is known for its beauty and is a perfect destination/Hill station for solo, friends, couples and for family. By the way, you all know that Auli is a very beautiful tourist destination, you can roam anywhere and enjoy nature’s beauty here. There are many beautiful places to visit near Auli.

Auli is at a height of 12 km from Joshimath and Badrinath is about 1.30 hours from here. Joshimath is a very good place in itself, but that white ice velvety layer in Auli enhances its beauty.

Auli is one of Uttarakhand’s top tourist places and Hill station. There are more than 7 hangout places in Auli where you can spend your quality time and enjoy yourself with your loved ones. It is a perfect destination for all age groups. Here we have created a list of all the tourist places to visit in Auli, you must visit once when you are planning to visit Auli, Joshimath. Let’s see them

Location – Joshimath, Auli

Entry – Free

Exploration time – 2 hours maximum

Places to Visit in Auli

Auli Artificial Lake

Auli lake is the main attraction point at Auli and the best place to visit in Auli. The lake is the only one highest artificial man-made lake in the world.

Gurson Bugyal

Gurson Bugyal is a large grass area surrounded by oak and green dense forests and is situated at a distance of just 3 km from Auli. You can also go for a trip to Chattarkund trek which is just 1 km from Gurson Bugyal. Chatarkund is famous for its sweet water and is surrounded by dense forests.

Chattrakund

Chattrakund is a small lake of sweet crystal clear water near Auli, Joshimath. Located at an elevation of around, 3300 mtr above sea level, Chattrakund is surrounded by lush green forest. Chattrakund lake is situated at a distance of 4 km from Auli and 3 km from Gurso Bugyal.

Joshimath

Also known by another name, Jyotirmath nested in the holy mountains of Uttarakhand. Joshimath is one of the 4 maths created by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. The winter home of Badrinath is Joshimath. Bhagwan Badri Vishal shifts from Badrinath to Joshimath during winters.

Chenab lake

Chenab lake is a mind-blowing nature beauty attraction near Auli in Joshimath. The lake is nested in between the tall mountains and dense forests. It is a small crystalline lake near Joshimath, Auli. You must visit the lake once to see the beauty of this lake.

Narsingh Temple

Narsingh Temple is a popular temple in Joshimath. Famous as a part of Sapt Badri, Narsingh Temple is also called Narsingh Badri Temple and is a sacred place to visit in Joshimath. The deity of the temple is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Auli Chair Lift

The chair lift at Auli connects Auli skiing slopes and Auli, it is the easiest way to reach skiing slopes if you are in Auli. Located near GMVN Auli. Unlike the Auli ropeway, there is no time schedule for the Chair lift and keeps running according to passengers, during operational hours. The fee for a Chair lift costs Rs. 500 per person which takes you to the Skiing slope which is near the Artificial lake Auli lake which is the highest man-made artificial lake in the World.

Auli Ropeway

Auli Ropeway is another major attraction point after Auli lake, which offers beautiful Himalayan views. The second highest and longest ropeway in Asia, after Gulmarg, covers a distance of 4 Km. The local language is also known as Gondola and connects Auli with Joshimath.

Frequently asked Questions about Auli

How to reach Auli from Delhi?

Auli is at a distance of approx 397 Km via Saharanpur Road and 358 Km via NH 709 B. It takes approximately 11 hours if the roads are good and you continuously drive.

Auli in Monsoon Season?

Auli is a hilly area, so the best time to visit Auli is in the winters and summers. You can also visit in winter but the roads to Badrinath(Auli) become unsafe during monsoons because of heavy rainfalls in the hills and due to that chances of roadblocks are more in monsoons.

Is there an ATM facility in Auli?

There are no ATMs at Auli. You have to go to Joshimath to use an ATM which is 12 Km down from Auli, where you will find a decent number of ATMs from the major banks like SBI, PNB etc. You have to carry cash from Joshimath to spend in Auli.

Best time to visit Auli Uttarakhand?

The best time to visit Auli is in the winter months, from December to February. These are the perfect months to visit Auli. You also can go throughout the whole year, but to enjoy the snowfall and natural beauty you should go in winter so that you can enjoy the snow and skiing also. It is one of the perfect winter destinations in Uttarakhand.

Things to carry for the Auli trip?

Ski pair
Ski poles
Snowboard
Snow Shoes
Ski Trousers
Ski Jacket
Ski Goggles
Ski gloves

You should always carry warm clothes when you are planning a trip to Auli because the temperature is cold there.

Auli Snowfall Time?

Generally, the snowfall months in Auli are from mid-November to March, you can go in between these months to enjoy the snowfall in Auli.

rudraprayag uttarakhand
CategoriesTop-Destinations By garhwalitraveller

12 Places to visit in Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva(Rudra), located at the holy confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Rudraprayag is 34 Km away from Srinagar Garhwal. The route to Badrinath and Kedarnath are separated from Rudraprayag, so this place has a very big importance. This place is filled with a lot of natural beauty, religious importance, lakes and other famous glaciers in the Rudraprayag district.

Rudraprayag, one of the smallest districts of Uttarakhand, lies on NH 58. The small town of Rudraprayag is located at the junction of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers and has special religious importance for many people all over India. The entire area is surrounded by lush green forests and natural beauty. There are some old and religious temples in the town you can visit while planning to see places in Rudraprayag. If you are planning to visit Rudraprayag and searching for hotels in Rudraprayag then there are some popular hotels there you can stay at. Some popular names are Monal Resort etc.

Tourist Places in Rudraprayag

Being a religious place, most of the places to visit in Rudraprayag are temples. Some famous temples in the town are Jagdamba Temple, Shiva Temple (Koteshwar Mahadev), Dhari Devi and Kedarnath Shrine. Kedarnath town is also located in the Rudraprayag district, the distance between Kedarnath from Rudraprayag is approximately 50.7 Km. Kedarnath is one of the most famous Shiva temples of Uttarakhand(char Dham) for Hindus, with 86 Km total distance(via vehicle + trekking).

There are 3 main tourist places in Rudraprayag where travelers and tourists can visit and spend their time. So let’s see the Rudraprayag sightseeing places where you should go if you are planning to visit Rudraprayag.

15 Places to Visit in Rudraprayag

So let’s take a look at the places you can visit in Rudraprayag Uttarakhand. If you are in Rudraprayag then you must consider visiting this place for sure.

1 – Koteshwar Mahadev – Shiv Temple

Koteshwar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, which are considered sacred by Hindus.

The Koteshwar Temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Pandavas, according to local legends. It is believed that the temple was visited by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu saint and philosopher, who established the temple as one of the major pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.

The temple complex is surrounded by natural beauty and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of Koteshwar Mahadev. The temple also houses idols of other Hindu gods and goddesses, including Ganesha, Parvati, and Hanuman.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially during the festivals of Maha Shivratri and Navratri. The temple authorities also organize various religious and cultural events throughout the year.

In addition to its religious significance, the Koteshwar Temple is also a popular tourist attraction in Rudraprayag. Visitors can enjoy the serene and tranquil environment of the temple, as well as the scenic beauty of the surrounding region.

2 – Augustmuni

Augustmuni is a small town, or we can say the village of Rudraprayag district famous for Sage Agastyamuni temple located on the holy banks of Mandakini river. There are other temples and locations in Augustmuni that you can also visit. Augustmuni town is located on the river bank of river Mandakini in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.

3 – Chopta

Chopta is a picturesque hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters, it is popularly known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” The region is surrounded by dense forests and offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, making it a popular trekking destination.

Chopta is also known for its biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna found in the region. The area is home to several species of birds and animals, including the Himalayan Monal, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer.

One of the main attractions of Chopta is the Tungnath Temple, which is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters and is the highest Shiva temple in the world.

Chopta is also the starting point for the Chandrashila trek, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, including the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.

The best time to visit Chopta is during the summer months of April to June and the winter months of November to February. The region experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months.

Overall, Chopta is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway in the lap of nature.

4 – Tungnath

Tungnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on Chandranath parvat at a height of 3680 meters above sea level. It is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Tungnath is one of the sacred Panch Kedar. Tungnath is one of the best tourist attractions, Chopta is the trekking base to the Tungnath temple.

5 – Guptkashi

Guptkashi is another beautiful hilly town of Uttarakhand which is situated 47 km before the Kedarnath shrine. Ukimath is located on the Kedarnath route on the west side of Mandakini River valley at an elevation of, 1319 meters from the sea level. This town has religious importance because there are many ancient Hindu temples located nearby, such as Vishwanath temple and Ardhnareshwar temple.

6 – Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is home to the famous Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the four sacred sites in the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built during the 8th century AD.

Kedarnath is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also a popular tourist destination, owing to its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. The town is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges, including the Kedarnath peak.

Visitors can enjoy the serene and tranquil environment of the town, as well as explore the natural beauty of the region, which includes waterfalls, hot springs, and glaciers. The town is also popular for trekking and adventure activities such as camping, rock climbing, and rappelling.

Kedarnath is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Rudraprayag because of its unique blend of spirituality and nature. The town offers a perfect opportunity to connect with oneself and nature while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region.

7 – Madhyamaheshwar

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,497 meters and can be reached via a trek of approximately 16 km from Ransi village.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is known for its unique architecture and exquisite carvings. The temple is also believed to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated after the death of his consort, Sati.

The temple attracts numerous devotees and tourists every year, who come to witness the beauty and spirituality of the region. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and indulge in trekking and other adventure activities.

8 – Omkareshwar

Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple in Rudraprayag district that is dedicated to God Shiva. The exact location of Omkareshwar temple, in Uttarakhand, is Ukhimath. The temple is located at an elevation of 1300 meters. The holy Doli Baba Kedar stays in this temple during winter from November to April month. When Kedarnath is covered with snow, the deity is brought to Omkareshwar temple and Baba Kedar is worshiped here during winter.

9 – Deoriatal Lake

deoriatal lake

Deoriatal Lake, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountain ranges. It is situated at an altitude of 2438 meters above sea level and is considered to be one of the best tourist destinations in Rudraprayag.

The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the beautiful surroundings, creating a mesmerizing sight. The trek to Deoriatal Lake is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts as it offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth.

Apart from its natural beauty, Deoriatal Lake is also known for its religious significance. It is believed to be the spot where the Pandavas of the Hindu epic Mahabharata rested during their journey to heaven.

Overall, Deoriatal Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Rudraprayag. Its stunning views, serene ambiance, and cultural importance make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers and spiritual seekers alike.

10 – Gauri Kund

Gauri Kund is the base camp city for the Kedarnath trek. It is a Hindu pilgrimage site and base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple, in Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 6502 feet above mean sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas.

11 – Kartik Swami Temple

Kartik_swami_temple_Rudraprayag

Kartik Swami Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, and is one of the best tourist destinations in Rudraprayag.

The temple is situated at an altitude of 3050 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The trek to Kartik Swami Temple is a popular activity among adventure enthusiasts as it involves a challenging yet rewarding climb.

Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also known for its stunning location and breathtaking views. It is believed that a visit to the temple brings blessings and good fortune.

In conclusion, Kartik Swami Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Rudraprayag. Its religious and cultural importance, as well as its natural beauty, make it a perfect getaway for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike.

12 – Ukhimath

Ukhimath is a small town and a Hindu pilgrimage site in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an elevation of, 1311 meters and at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag.

These are some tourist places to visit in Rudraprayag where you can visit them with your friends, groups and families also. Some of the destinations are best to visit in summer and some in winter.

13 – Rudraprayag Sangam

Rudraprayag Sangam

Rudraprayag Sangam is the confluence of river Alaknanda and Mandakini at Rudraprayag. If you are in Rudraprayag then you must visit this place, especially in the evening. This place is so pleasing and calm. You can relax at this place and see the beauty of Alaknanda and Mandakini. The sunset from Rudraprayag Sangam gives another level of experience.

CategoriesHill-Station By garhwalitraveller

Chakrata Uttarakhand and Places to visit Nearby

Chakrata Hill Station

Chakrata hill station is one of the best places to visit in Dehradun, located at an altitude of about 7000 ft above sea level. Chakrata in Dehradun is a hill station in Uttarakhand state and is a popular tourist destination ideal for mountain climbing, skiing, and trekking.

Chakrata is the most visited place in Dehradun like Mussoorie Hill station which you can visit in winter as well as in summer. But we will recommend visiting Chakrata during winter to see the beauty of snow-covered hilltops.

The town was known earlier than Jaunsar- Bawar(a small hamlet of the Jaunsari tribe). Yamuna valley is located down the hilly area. Chakrata was developed by the Britishers and was a summer destination for the high executives of the East India Company.

Presently Chakrata encloses a military cantonment and access is restricted here for civilian travelers. Kharamba peak is the highest mountain in Chakrata Uttarakhand with an altitude of about 10,000 ft. Trekkers, nature lovers, bird watchers, and wildlife lovers can spend days together here in the lap of the beautiful Chakrata. The forest around Chakrata is a habitat for amazing flora and fauna including wild dowels, spotted deer, and panthers.

Chakrata Travel Guide

Being a military area, Foreigners are required to obtain a permit from the Commandant 22 Force c/o APO to visit Chakrata. If possible, avoid visiting Chakrata during the monsoon season, you can face roadblocks, landslides, and other problems.

There are no resorts in Chakrata, so the best options for food are hotels in Chakrata. Chakrata doesn’t have petrol pumps. The nearest petrol pumps are at Vikasnagar which is at a distance of 50 Km. So it is advised to fill up your tank before visiting Chakrata.

Note: Chakrata hill station is one of the very popular places in Dehradun, Chakrata to visit all over the year and Mussoorie also.

Activities to do and places to visit in Chakrata

There are many caves and ancient temples near Chakrata which is the main attraction point of this secluded hill station. Most of the towns are peaceful and unpolluted.

The two famous temples at Chakrata are the Hano Mahasu temple and the Lakhamandal which are located on the banks of the river Yamuna and trace their existence to the legends of the epic Mahabharata.

Tourists can also find many small treks and hiking places around Chakrata and some famous waterfalls (Tiger Falls). The alpine meadows of Mundali offer skiing opportunities during winter. Below are some famous places you can visit in Chakrata.

Read our complete guide on how to reach Chakrata from Dehradun

Places to visit near Chakrata Hill Station

There are some other beautiful places to visit near Chakrata. You can roam and enjoy the beauty of nature there. There are many other hill stations near Chakrata and some famous waterfalls in Chakrata. Below are some famous locations in Chakrata that you can visit.

1 – Chilmiri Neck

Chilmiri Neck is the peak point in Chakrata where the mess and quarters of the military are located.  The view of the scenic mountains, lands, and dense forests from Chilmiri Neck leaves an unforgettable impact. It is the best location for bird watching and butterflies of different species. The beautiful Himalayan peaks like Rohini peak, Bandarpoonch, and Swarga peak are easily visible from here.

2 – Tiger Falls

Tiger falls is one of the famous falls of Chakrata, Dehradun, which is approximately 20 km from Chakrata.  The mesmerizing waterfall can be reached by an easy trek of 5 Km. The trek to Tiger Falls is an enthralling experience. Tiger falls is one of the highest falls in India, Uttarakhand having a height of about 312ft. Tiger fall is an ideal location for photography, picnic, trekking, and taking bath.

3 – Kalsi

The Ashoka Pillar Rock Edict built in 450 B.C. at Kalsi represents the post-war era when King Ashoka turned himself to the Buddhist faith. An edict is made in Kalsi with quartz having a length of 10 ft and 8ft breadth. The spiritual location is preserved by the National Archaeological Department(NAD) as this edict has great historical significance (relates to Ashoka).

4 – Kanasar

Kanasar is 28 Km from Chakrata(a forest of Deodar and Pine). The deodar trees here are said to have the largest trunk in the whole of Asia.

Note: Foreign tourists are not allowed to visit Chakrata directly, they are allowed up to Kalsi. For visiting Chakrata foreigners have to obtain permission from the Commandant 22 Force c/o 56 APO.

Overview Chakrata

  • Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
  • Best time to visit Chakrata: All the months of the year
  • Recommended stay: 2 days
  • Chakrata from Dehradun: 98 Km
  • Nearest railway station: Dehradun, 98 Km
  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 126 Km
  • Famous for: Tiger fall, Hill station, Peaceful location and Weekend destination
CategoriesTop-Destinations Treks By garhwalitraveller

Chandrashilla Trek – How to Reach and Travel Guide

Chandrashila Trek

Chandrashilla peak is a summit of Tungnath. It means “Moon Rock”. Chandrashila is located at a height of about 4000 metres (13,000ft) above sea level. The Chandrashilla provides beautiful views of the Himalayas, including Trishul, Kedar Peak, Nandadevi, Chaukhamba Peak and Bandarpunch. There are many legends associated with this site. Chandrashilla is one of the popular treks of Uttarakhand where every day hundreds of tourists visit

According to one legend, this is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the king Lankapati Ravana.  Another legend says that moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance.

Why Trek to Chandrashilla?

Chandrashila is located at a high altitude. Many travellers like to commence the exhilarating Chandrashilla trek that can be completed by a short trekking route of 5 Km from Tungnath.

The base camp for the Chandrashilla trek is Chopta. Chandrashilla is one of the most popular treks of Uttarakhand that can be undertaken throughout the year. But in winters the trek route remains hidden under the heavy layer of snow and the trek remains closed. Trekkers use different routes during this period(Deoria Tal – Duggalbitta – Tungnath – Chandrashilla).

How to reach Chandrashila

The bus can be directly taken from Haridwar or Dehradun to Ukhimath or you can take a shared taxi up to Rudraprayag and then for Ukhimath.  It takes about 8 hours to reach there. There is no taxi service for Chopta from Ukhimath, it’s better to hire a taxi for the whole tour if you are 3 or more people.

Note: Don’t follow Google Maps to reach Chopta because it will not provide you with the incorrect information and you will reach a different Chopta which is near Rudraprayag. Chopta is well-connected by roads with major towns in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. Follow NH-58 to reach Rudraprayag and after that follow the route to Kedarnath and take a right turn to Ukhimath. Chopta is 29 Kms away from Ukhimath. You can reach Chopta from Gopeshwar also.

How to reach Chandrashilla

Below is the travel guide to Chandrashila Trek day by day.

Chopta Distance ChartDistance in Km
Delhi to Chopta451 Km
Ukhimath to Chopta29 Km
Meerut to Chopta368 Km
Rishikesh to Chopta200 Km
Pauri to Chopta126 Km
Haridwar to Chopta225 Km
Dehradun to Chopta246 Km
Mussoorie to Chopta212 Km
Devprayag to Chopta130 Km
Tehri Garhwal to Chopta151 Km
Kotdwara to Chopta229 Km
Srinagar to Chopta96 Km
Joshimath to Chopta96 Km
Kedarnath to Chopta64 Km
Gopeshwar to Chopta41 Km
Badrinath to Chopta136 Km
Rudraprayag to Chopta136 Km

From Chopta the Chandrashilla trek distance is approximately 5 Km.

Day 1: Rishikesh to Chopta

Take a Bus from Rishikesh to Ukhimath that will follow the route via Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath or via Rudraprayag – Karanprayag – Chamoli – Gopeshwar. It will take around 8 to 10 hours to reach Ukhimath or Gopeshwar, from where you can take a taxi to Chopta. Here you can find hotels and resorts, and camps in Chopta for a night stay.

Day 2: Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashilla – Chopta

Wake up early in the morning and after breakfast get ready to trek to Chandrashila. On the way to Chandrashila, you will see the beautiful meadows, wild animals, shepherds, Himalayan birds and rare species of flora and fauna. After trekking for 3.5 Km you will reach Tungnath temple which is the highest Shiva temple in the world at an elevation of 3,680 meters. Stay at the temple and relax there and commence the short 1.5 Km trek to Chandrashilla peak.

On reaching Chandrashilla enjoy the beautiful and stunning 360-degree view of snow covering the Himalayas. Trek back to Chopta and take your lunch. Enjoy the beauty of Chopta and overnight stay in Chopta, Ukhimath.

Day 3: Departure from Chopta

If you are a traveller from Delhi, NCR, so you have to catch a train or flight otherwise you can also take the bus from Ukhimath to Rishikesh and Rishikesh to Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate).

Travel Tips for Chandrashilla Trek

If you are planning to trek Chandrashila, make sure that you are physically fit because the site is at a high altitude of 4000 meters so you can trek the route easily.

Hire a travel guide during winters, this is the time when the trek to Chandrashilla is completely covered with snow.

As Chandrashilla is a Summit itself, it is inhabitable. Facilities like petrol pumps, ATMs etc are not available here, even at Chopta. One has to go from the Gopeshwar route to find these facilities.

Accommodation in Chandrashilla Trek

Chandrashilla is the summit of Chandranath Parvat. There are no accommodation facilities available here, also camping at Chandrashilla is not allowed. One has to trek down 1.5 Km to Tungnath Temple to find accommodation, but there are only a few rooms in an Ashram and cannot be pre-booked. The best is to find a place to stay at Chopta and trek to Chandrashilla via Tungnath.

What is Chandrashila Trek famous for?

Chandrashilla trek is famous as Temple, Easy grade trek, Snow trek, Chandrashilla summit, beautiful Himalayan views, and winter trek.

Chandrashilla trek is a recommended location for Corporate, Couples, Kids, Groups, Foreigners, families and Solo.

Chandrashilla trek is popular for the following – Adventure, Peaks and Mountains, Trekking, Winter destination, Himalayan views and Temple.

Chandrashilla Trek overview

  • Temperature: 10(Maximum) and 6(Minimum) in August month
  • Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal
  • Trek distance: 6 Km
  • Trek grade: Easy
  • Starting point: Chopta
  • Altitude: 4000 meters
  • Nearest railway station: Rishikesh, 209 Km
  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun 226 Km
  • Famous for: Trekking, Snow trek, Himalayan views, Temple