Popularly known as Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand truly justifies being the ‘Land of Gods’ while featuring some of the most sacred Hindu Temples sitting at high altitudes. One such pilgrim site is Madmaheshwar Temple which is part of the famous Panch Kedar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple lies in the Goundar village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. With a maximum elevation of about 11,450 ft., this sacred spot entices pro trekkers as well as first-timers. This moderate trek starts from Ukhimath village while passing through Ransi, and Bantoli. In this comprehensive Madmaheshwar Temple Trek Guide, check out all the deets to embark on a phenomenal trekking experience.
History of Madmaheshwar Temple
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Madhyamaheshwar is a Lord Shiva temple that is the fourth temple on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The other temples in the circuit include Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar.
As per the Indian epic Mahabharata, Pandavas were seeking Lord Shiva to achieve salvation after the bloodshed of the Kurukshetra war. The vexed Shiva was trying to evade the Pandavas while taking the form of a bull or Nandi. However, the strong-willed Pandavas sighted Shiva in the hills of Guptakashi and tried to forcibly hold him through his tail and legs. But the bull vanished and Lord Shiva reappeared in different parts at 5 separate places in Garhwal Region. The hump was raised in Kedarnath, arms appeared in Tungnath, stomach and navel came up at Madmaheshwar, a face emerged at Rudranath, and lastly, head and hair appeared in Kalpeshwar. Pandavas then built temples at these five Kedars and attained salvation with the blessings of Lord Shiva.
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About Madmaheshwar Temple Trek
Madmaheshwar Temple trek is among the incredible treks in India allowing you to visit one of the 5 Kedars.
Offering you to imbibe the charm of the Northern Himalayas, the Madmaheshwar trek lies in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary which is best known for its rich flora and fauna and especially the Himalayan Musk Deer. This adventurous trek takes you to a long-range, high altitude meadow, waterfalls, Alpine trees rivulets, and the alluring sanctuary area. The 5/6-day trek starts from Ukhimath Village and requires trekking of around 32 km through thick forests, and serene villages along the banks of the river Ganga. The route passes through UkimathVillage, Ransi, Bantoli, and ends at the Madhyamaheshwar Temple.
Besides this, there’s also Budha Madhyamaheshwar Temple lying at a 2 km trekking distance from Madmaheshwar Temple where you can witness a small lake and spectacular views of the peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Panchulli, Neelkanth, Kamet, Trishul, etc.
Quick Details on Madmaheshwar Temple Trek
Region: Garhwal
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty level: Moderate
Max elevation: 11,450 ft
Best time: April to June and August to September
Madmaheshwar Trek distance: 32 km approximately
Base camp: Ukhimath Village
Trek price: ₹7,000 approximately
Trek route: Rishikesh – Ukhimath – Ransi Village – Madhyamaheshwar
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun
Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway Station
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Things to do
Here are some activities you can try while enjoying Madmaheshwar Temple trek:
1. Trekking
Madhmaheshwar is around 16 km from Ransi Village where the last motorable road ends. From Ransi Village, you can start your trekking journey while passing by places like Goundar Village, Bantoli, Upper Bantoli, Khaddara, and Nanu
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2. Camping
As there are no hotels, resorts or other accommodation options at the temple, you can set up a tent/camp and bask in the natural charm of Madhyamaheshwar. Don’t forget to take some impeccable clicks on your camera during the early morning.
3. Attend rituals
Regardless of whether your journey is a pilgrimage or an adventure, you can perform or attend several rituals done at the temple. Especially, attending the morning and evening aarti is an experience that is worth going for.
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Best time to visit Madmaheshwar Temple
Madmaheshwar Temple in Uttarakhand is open only 6 months a year, usually from May to November. However, you can enjoy trekking whenever you wish to. Check out below the weather conditions in different seasons.
Summers (April to August): The place experiences pleasant weather during this time and the temperature oscillates between 20°C and 30°C. This is the perfect time to visit the temple and other nearby tourist spots.
Monsoon (September to November): While there are several breathtaking views to witness during these months, the heavy rainfall makes the trek a little risky. However, while taking extensive precautions, you can check and head out to explore some tourist places.
Winters (December to March): Although the temple remains closed during winters, you can still visit the destination to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan hills. The temperature hovers around 4°C with the minimum touching sub-zero levels.
Note: The temple opens from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. While the morning aarti is performed between 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., the evening aarti takes place around 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
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How to Reach
You can start the journey while taking a bus or taxi to Rishikesh and complete the 261 km distance in about 6 hours. The next spot is Ukhimath which is around 180 km from Rishikesh. To cover the distance, state board buses and private/shared taxis are easily available. The last motorable road is to Ransi Village from where your trek to Madhmaheshwar commences. There are several local taxis and jeeps available that will take you to Ransi Village. Furthermore, the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is around 235 km away, whereas the nearest railhead is Haridwar Railway station lying at a distance of 2024 km from Ukhimath.
Accommodation and Food
There are limited stay options in the area and hence small village home and lodges offer you a comfortable abode to rest and refresh for the trek. Moreover, you will find the locals to be quite hospitable as they will not only offer you a comfortable stay, but also filling meals to satiate your hunger pangs. Besides this, you can also carry your own tent to camp around the temple and also bring some ready-to-eat snacks as per your preference.
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Travel Tips
Here are a few tips that will help you enjoy an adventurous Madmaheshwar Temple Trek.
- Carry a mini first-aid kit with all the general medications
- Always carry your identity card
- Follow a fitness regime prior a month to the trek
- Be aware of altitude-related illnesses and learn local remedies
- Check the weather and road conditions before beginning the trek
- Go through Madmaheshwar Temple trek guide beforehand
- Stay hydrated during the trek
- Carry comfortable shoes that have apt soles for trekking
What to pack for Madmaheshwar Temple Trek
Check out this comprehensive list of some must-haves during your Madmaheshwar temple trek:
- Warm jacket, gloves, caps, and earmuffs
- Sunscreen, sanitiser, insect repellant, and other toiletries
- Comfortable trekking boots
- Torch and camera with extra batteries
- 1-2 litre water bottle
- Powerbank
- First-aid kit with general medicines
- Enough cash
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Trekking to Madmaheshwar Temple is no less than a rewarding experience that thrill-seekers must try. While you gear up for this exciting trek, keep this Madmaheshwar Temple Trek Guide handy and witness the untouched beauty of the mountains. Also, check out the best-selling Uttarakhand Packages by TravelTriangle to embark on a rejuvenating journey with your loved ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Madmaheshwar Temple Trek Guide
Is the Madmaheshwar trek difficult?
Madmaheshwar trek falls under Moderate grade and you can cover the entire trek in 5-6 days. Hence, this trek is perfect for beginners. It is advisable to maintain a fitness regime prior to a month of the trek.
Is it safe to visit Uttarakhand during the current Covid situation?
Yes, Uttarakhand is one of the best places to visit during Covid times. However, you need to take all the necessary precautions like wearing a mask in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining the required special distance.
When is the best time to visit Madmaheshwar Temple?
Since the temple opens from May to November, you can plan a visit anytime during these months. The temperature hovers around 15°C which creates the perfect setting to complete the trek smoothly.
How far is Madmaheshwar from Rudranath?
Madmaheshwar to Rudranath distance is approximately 113 km which required a 31 km trek.During the trek, you will cross Makku Math, Ukhimath, and Ransi Tarsali.
Which are the 5 Panch Kedars?
According to mythology, the 5 Kedars are the temples including Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath. All five sites are positioned in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How far is Kedarnath from Madmaheshwar Temple?
Kedarnath lies at a distance of around 93.5 km from Madmaheshwar Mandir. Notably, Kedarnath is one of the Panch Kedars apart from Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath.
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