Gwaldam is a small village famous for its quaint hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, in the Chamoli district. Situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters, Gwaldam proved to be a perfect small paradise with nature’s gifts of dense forests and an unending view of the Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. This wonderful place near Rishikesh and Dehradun is famous for its calm and unspoiled scenery. Gwaldam is also the starting point of several trekking areas, so tourists passionate about mountain climbing will love the place. The small town is also a devotees’ centre; one can find several temples there, including the famous Badhangarhi Temple. For those who would love to have a break from the hustle and bustle of life and wander amid nature with the possibility of some spiritual quest, Gwaldam is the perfect place to be.
About Gwaldam
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Gwaldam is a charming hill station in the Chamoli district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located at an average height of 1,700 meters above sea level. Tourists and travellers can see the splendid blue eyes of Nanda Devi and Trishul mountain, which is surrounded by a valley and green forests. Gwaldam is believed to have been one of the principal trade centres between Tibet and the plains of India.
This little town can be a base for many trekking trails, making it ideal for those who like trekking. The area is also historical, with temples, religious beliefs, and myths surrounding it.
Must Read: Bagini Glacier Trek
Places To Visit Near Gwaldam
Getting to Gwaldam means stunning views along the way. Here is a list that has been made specially for you so that you can visit these places:
1. Baijnath Temple:
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Baijnath Temple is in the town of Baijnath in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. He is one of the prominent pilgrimage centres for the Hindus as a temple devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple was built in 1204 AD by two merchant brothers, Ahuka and Manyuka, but the building represents the features of the Nagara style. Situated beside the Gomati River, its environment is calm and religious. The core area of the temple contains Shivalinga, which is Out of 12 Jyotirlingas, which are regarded as the most sacred sites of Lord Shiva. Stone carvings and other sculptural decorations are observed to denote the quality of workmanship that was evident in the period.
Location: Teh, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh
Best time to Visit: Between October and May
2. Kausani:
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Kausani is a small, beautiful hill station in the state of Uttarakhand in India, which has everything travellers need to search for a serene environment. Located at about 1,890 meters above sea level, Famously referred to as the ‘‘Switzerland of India’’, the place offers visitors beautiful picture-perfect scenes of landscape and greenery; this area is covered with forest and tea gardens. The walks to Pinnath, Pindari Glacier, and Rudrahari Falls are suggested for lovers of active exploring. Here in the Anasakti Ashram, Mahatma Gandhi lived and wrote his exegesis of the Bhagavad Gita, which proclaims the gospel of Action, and his words still echo in the quietude of the Ashram.
Location: Gopalkot Peak, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
Best time to Visit: From April to June and October to February
Suggested Read: Kedarnath In October
Things To Do Here
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Gwaldam is a beautiful place for lovers of staycations and enthusiastically adventurous tourists. Its calm and beautiful environment, lofty trees, and stunning views of the Himalayas make it a perfect location for those in search of some quiet time away from the noise and crowds of the cities.
- Trekking in Gwaldam: Trekking is one of the most dominant exercises any tourist would love to engage in while in Gwaldam. The most famous one is the Gwaldam to Roopkund Trek or Roopkund High Altitude Trek, which involves crossing lovely meadows, dense forest tracts, and picturesque high-altitude lakes.
- Bird Watching: The next attractive place for bird watching is Gwaldam, which boasts a variety of plants and animals. These forests are home to many species of birds, some of them include, the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Uttrakhand. This brightly feathered bird is most likely to be seen early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Nature Walks: To encourage visitors to engage in activities like relaxed walking, the village presents several nature trails that will give them a good view of the landscape. These trails lead through pine and oak trees, and visitors can see breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Timings & Location Of Gwaldam
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Gwaldam is situated nearly 150 Km away from Dehradun, which is the capital of the state of Uttarakhand. The town is easily accessible by road; one can land in Gwaldam by road by hiring buses or taxis from Dehradun, Almora, or Nainital.
Though it can be visited at any time of the year, it is best visited from April to June and then from September to November. These periods are relatively best in terms of climate, for the sky is clear, and one is likely to get a vast view of the Himalayas.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Uttarakhand with Family
Activities For Adventurers
If you are looking for some fun and adventure, then there are a few activities in Gwaldam that will give you an adrenaline rush. The place also offers possibilities for trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, and river rafting.
- Rock Climbing: Rock climbing can be fun here because of the rocky terrains around Gwaldam. Some local adventure companies provide guided rock climbing, ranging from first-timers to advanced ones.
- Paragliding: Treat yourself to paragliding and get high while touching the roof of India over Gwaldam. The absence of tall buildings and trees and the fact that winds blow hardest here suggest visiting Gwaldam as a good place in this regard.
- River Rafting: Several rivers are nearby, and one can embark upon a venture of white-water rafting in and around Gwaldam. The torrents of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers offer the most exciting event for rafting fans.
Further Read: Yamunotri In Winter
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see the Golden Temple of Dambulla, make sure you plan your trip to Uttarakhand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gwaldam
Is there an entry fee for Gwaldam?
No. travellers are not required to pay anything when they enter Gwaldam except for toll taxes and location charges when they visit specific places such as amusement parks.
What should be worn in Gwaldam?
Pack light woollens for summers and warm, heavier ones for winters along with comfortable trekking shoes for your time in Gwaldam to ensure a safe and warm travel.
Are there rules to follow in Gwaldam’s temples?
Travelers are expected to dress modestly, not litter the place and respect the culture of the natives when visiting temples in Gwaldam. Along with this, they must also be sure not to photograph religious locations if prohibited.
When should I visit Gwaldam?
April to June and September to November are ideal months for a visit to Gwaldam to ensure you are not there during months of rough terrain or heavy snowfall.
Can I take photographs in Gwaldam?
Travelers are generally allowed to take pictures of most places but certain locations especially religious areas prohibit the same so be sure to check first!
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