Ukhimath Travel Guide (Char Dham)

Ukhimath is a holy place in Uttarakhand. It sits at a height of 1311 meters. The town is 41 km away from Rudraprayag. Ukhimath is the winter home for the main idol of Kedarnath Temple and Madhyamaheshwar. During winter, these idols are worshipped here. Both temples close in winter because of heavy snow.

This lovely place has many old temples. These temples are dedicated to gods and goddesses like Usha, Aniruddha, Shiva, Parvati, and Mandhata. The main priests of Kedarnath temple live in Ukhimath. People call these priests Rawals.

Story and Importance of Ukhimath

In winter months, priests bring the idols from Kedarnath temple to Ukhimath. People worship these idols here for six months. You can use Ukhimath as your base to visit nearby places. These include Madhmaheshwar (Second Kedar), Tungnath Temple (Third Kedar), Deoria Tal (a natural freshwater lake), Chopta, and many beautiful spots.

Long ago, Anirudh married Usha here. Anirudh was Lord Krishna’s grandson. Usha was the daughter of Vanasur. This place got its name from Usha. People called it Ushamath. Now everyone knows it as Ukhimath.

Places To Visit In Ukhimath

• Chopta: People call this place ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand and North India. Chopta has many different plants and animals. Thick forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees surround this place.
• Tungnath: This is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is one of the five temples in the Panch Kedar circuit.
• Karanprayag: This place is 22 km from Nandprayag. It sits where Alakananda and Pindar rivers meet. The height is 788 meters above sea level.
• Nanda Temple: This Hindu temple stands where two holy rivers meet – Alakananda and Nandakini. You can find it in Nandaprayag.
• Nandaprayag: This small town sits where Alakananda and Nandakini rivers join. People believe bathing here washes away all sins.
• Kedarnath: This is one of Uttarakhand’s most famous temples. It is part of the Chota Chardham circuit. Pilgrims trek 16 km to reach this holy temple.
• Chandrashila Trek: This trek starts from Chopta. The trek gives you beautiful views of snow-covered mountains.
• Dugalbitta: Dugal Bitta means the space between two mountains. It is part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Nature lovers enjoy this place.
• Gaurikund Temple: People worship Goddess Parvati here. She is Lord Shiva’s wife. Pilgrims going to Kedarnath Temple stop here to pray.
• Gauri Kund: People also call this Gauri Lake, Lake of Compassion, or Parvati Sarovar. Hindus consider this a sacred lake. They believe Goddess Parvati gave life to Lord Ganesha here.
• Sonprayag: This place sits where Mandakini and Vasuki rivers meet. It is on the way to Kedarnath Temple.

Char Dham Distance Chart From Ukhimath

Coming from Kedarnath and going to Badrinath during Char Dham Yatra? Take the Ukhimath-Chopta-Gopeshwar-Chamoli road. This is the best shortcut. This route saves lots of travel time. You can reach Joshimath easily.

Ukhimath to Yamunotri

• Distance: 305 km
• Time: 11 hours
• Route: Ukhimath – Augastmuni – Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Chinyalisaur – Dharasu Band – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri

Ukhimath to Gangotri

• Distance: 289 km
• Time: 10 hours
• Route: Ukhimath – Augustmuni – Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Naughar – Uttarkashi – Gangotri

Ukhimath to Kedarnath

• Distance: 65 km
• Time: 4 hours
• Route: Ukhimath – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

Ukhimath to Badrinath

• Distance: 169 km
• Time: 6 hours
• Route: Ukhimath – Chamoli – Pipalkoti – Joshimath – Govindghat – Pandukeshwar – Hanuman Chatti – Badrinath

Top 5 Places To Stay In Ukhimath

Few options exist for staying in Ukhimath during Char Dham Yatra. Here is the list of hotels, resorts, and guest houses in Ukhimath.

1) GMVN Ukhimath – Tourist Rest House, Ukhimath

This rest house offers budget-friendly rooms to travelers and pilgrims. It provides basic facilities with comfortable stay.
Address: GMVN Tourist Bungalow Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand – 246469, India.

2) Snow View

This is an affordable hotel in Ukhimath on Chopta Road. While staying here, you can visit nearby areas like Chopta, Tungnath, and Kartik Swami.
Address: Hotel Snowview Chopta, PothiBasa (Ukhimath), Uttrakhand 248001, India.

3) The Rudralok Hotel

This hotel is in Gopeshwar. All rooms are clean and have TV with cable channels, AC, wardrobe, and attached bathroom.
Address: 1 Gopeshwar Mandal Road, Chamoli Gopeshwar 246401.

4) Peaches And Pears

This is a Himalayan homestay run by a local family. They offer warm hospitality to guests. This lovely homestay lets guests experience local culture and natural beauty.
Address: Ghingran Road, Rauli, Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand.

5) Himalaya Resort

This resort is like a second home for Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila travelers. This is the best place for trekkers and backpackers looking for adventure in the dense forests of Deodar, Pine, and Oak trees.
Address: Ukhimath-Chopta-Gopeshwar Road, Chopta 246419 India.

How To Reach Ukhimath

Good roads connect Ukhimath, but the place has no airports or railway stations. You can easily travel here by public transport or by driving your own vehicle.

Route 1: Delhi to Ukhimath via Haridwar

By Road: Good roads connect Ukhimath from Delhi. Many regular buses run between Delhi and Ukhimath via Haridwar. You can also drive your car to Ukhimath.

Ukhimath has no railway station or airport. Tourists can reach Haridwar by train. Then hire a taxi, cab, or local bus to reach Ukhimath. The journey takes about 6 hours from Haridwar.

Route 2: Delhi to Ukhimath via Dehradun

By Road: Good roads connect Ukhimath from Delhi. Many regular buses run between Delhi and Ukhimath via Dehradun. You can also drive your car to Ukhimath.

Ukhimath has no railway station or airport. Tourists can reach Dehradun by train or plane. Then hire a taxi, cab, or local bus to reach Ukhimath. The journey takes about 7 hours from Dehradun.

FAQ’s on Visit Ukhimath During Char Dham Yatra

What is the significance of Ukhimath during the Char Dham Yatra?

Ukhimath is an important place on the way to Kedarnath. Pilgrims can stay here during their Kedarnath Dham tour. It also works as the winter home of Lord Kedarnath. Devotees visit Omkareshwar Temple here to seek blessings.

What is the road distance from Ukhimath to Kedarnath?

The road distance from Ukhimath to Kedarnath is about 50 km up to Gaurikund. Gaurikund is the last place where vehicles can go. From Gaurikund, pilgrims walk 20 km to reach Kedarnath Dham.

Are there good places to stay in Ukhimath during the Char Dham Yatra?

Yes, Ukhimath has many good places to stay for pilgrims during Char Dham Yatra Tour. Travelers find budget lodges, homestays, guesthouses, and comfortable resorts with basic facilities. Many hotels offer beautiful views and quiet surroundings. This makes Ukhimath a helpful stop for people going to Kedarnath Temple.

Which is the best hotel in Ukhimath during Char Dham Yatra?

Here are some of the best hotels in Ukhimath for pilgrims during Char Dham Yatra. These hotels offer comfort and convenience:

• Hotel Surya Palace
• Regenta Resort Madhuganga
• GMVN Ukhimath
• Belle Vue Cottages
• The Rudralok Hotel
• Peaches And Pears
• Devdarshan Hotel & Restaurant

What are the best places to visit in Ukhimath during Char Dham Yatra?

List of places pilgrims can visit in Ukhimath during Char Dham Yatra:

• Omkareshwar Temple
• Kalishila Temple
• Deoria Taal
• Chopta
• Tungnath
• Ransi Village

What is the Char Dham distance from Ukhimath?

Distances of Char Dham sites from Ukhimath:

• Kedarnath: 50 km (by road to Gaurikund) + 20 km walk
• Badrinath: 164 km
• Gangotri: 296 km
• Yamunotri: 322 km (by road to Jankichatti) + 6 km walk