Ukhimath is considered to be Pilgrimage Destination located in Rudraprayag District in State of Uttarakhand in North India. Ukhimath is also written as Ukhimath. Ukhimath is situated at an elevation of 1317 meters above sea level and an important pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. Ukhimath can be used as a central destination for visiting different places located nearby, i.e Madhmaheshwar (Second Kedar), Tungnath Ji (Third Kedar), and Deoria Tal (a natural freshwater lake), and many other picturesque places. Ukhimath Temple is Perched at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag District. Ukhimath is at the center location for visiting various beautiful places, such as Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Deoria Lake, and many others. Omkareshwar temple of Ukhimath is the winter abode of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar idols.
Mythological Importance Of Ukhimath
During winter due to heavy snowfall, the Temple is closed and no one stays in Kedarnath. For six months (November to April) the Palki of Lord Kedarnath is transferred to a place near Guptakashi called Ukhimath and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the month of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who gather from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage.
History and Legends Of Ukhimath
It is believed that the name of the Ukhimath Pilgrimage site is after Banasur’s daughter Usha. It was named Ukhimath that eventually converted into Ukhimath. It is said that this is the wedding Place of Anirudh and Usha. Winter is the best season to visit Ukhimath when idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are brought here. Ukhimath is the home Place of the various temples such as Usha Temple, Mandhata Temple, Parvati temple, and the temple of Mahadev with five heads in Ukhimath.
Place To See In Ukhimath
- Deoria Lake : Deoria Lake is situated on Ukhimath- Chopta road at an elevation of about 2387mts high above the sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered hills of the Chaukhamba range. Deoria Lake is an attraction for trek-lovers and for one who loves camping.
- Kedarnath: Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and is the most important of Panch Kedars. According to Hindu belief, after the Mahabharata war, Pandavas wanted to meet Lord Shiva to get absolved of their sins. Lord Shiva became displeased and changed himself into a bull. The bull dug himself into the land. The hump of the bull is found in Kedarnath according to the Hindu mythological belief. Shiva’s behind is worshiped in Kedarnath.
- Madyamaheshwar: Madhyamaheshwar is the fourth temple in the circuit of Panch Kedar dedicated to worship Lord Shiva in the form of navel and stomach surfacing. The Madhyamaheshwar temple remains closed for six months. The silver idol of Shiva is shifted in the Ukhimath temple during the winters.
- Tungnath: Tungnath is an ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tungnath is the second temple in the circuit of Panch Kedar located in the Rudraprayag district. Tungnath means the lord of the peaks. Shiva’s arms are worshipped in Tungnath.
- Chopta: Chopta is situated on Gopeshwar- Ukhimath road at an altitude of 2900 mts. It is about 4 km far from Ukhimath.
Ukhimath During Char Dham Yatra
If you are coming from Kedarnath and heading towards Badrinath during your Char Dham Yatra tour package 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.
Car Rental For Char Dham Yatra
Car rental service for Char Dham Yatra or for individual Char Dham Temples (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), Here you will find all types of the latest information about Cabs/Taxi Rental Services with rates from your city. We have some of the best car rental operators offering the quality & efficient Car Hire service for pilgrimage tours in Uttarakhand.
Char Dham Distance Chart From Ukhimath
| |
Distance |
Time |
Route |
| Badrinath |
169 kms |
6 hrs |
Ukhimath -> Chamoli -> Pipalkoti -> Joshimath -> Govindghat -> Pandukeshwar -> Hanuman Chatti -> Badrinath |
| Kedarnath |
65 Kms |
5 hrs |
Ukhimath -> Guptkashi -> Sonprayag -> Gaurikund -> Kedarnath |
| Gangotri |
289 kms |
10 hrs |
Ukhimath -> Augustmuni -> Rudraprayag -> Srinagar -> Naughar -> Uttarkashi -> Gangotri |
| Yamunotri |
305 kms |
11 hrs |
Ukhimath -> Augastmuni -> Rudraprayag -> Srinagar -> Chinyalisaur -> Dharasu Band -> Barkot -> Jankichatti -> Yamunotri |
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:- Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand.
2) 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.
3) 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:– PothiBasa (Ukhimath), Uttrakhand.
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:- Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand.
5) 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.
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 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.
Route 2:- 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.
