Ukhimath Travel Guide
The winter home of Lord Kedarnath — the deity's idol is enshrined here from Diwali through Akshaya Tritiya each year.
- Altitude
- 1,311 m
- Best season
- Year round
- From Dehradun
- ~195 km
- Category
- Pilgrimage
Why visit Ukhimath
- Sacred town where the idol of Kedarnath — one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — resides for six winter months when the high-altitude temple closes under snow.
- The Omkar temple complex in Ukhimath houses not just the Kedarnath deity but also the idols of Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, and Usha-Aniruddha — a rare concentration of Panch Kedar energy.
- Winter snowfall transforms Ukhimath into a serene, little-visited hill retreat with genuine Garhwali village life, far from the Char Dham crowds.
- Spectacular views of the Kedarnath range, Chaukhamba massif, and surrounding snowpeaks from the ridge above the town.
- Base for offbeat treks to Deoria Tal and for the Chopta–Tungnath route on the opposite ridge.
- The town preserves ancient Garhwali temple traditions performed continuously for centuries, making it a living centre of Shaivite culture.
Every winter, when heavy snow makes Kedarnath inaccessible, the panch-mukhi (five-faced) idol of Lord Kedarnath is ceremonially carried from Kedarnath and installed at the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath, where it remains for approximately six months. Pilgrims who cannot make the summer trek to Kedarnath can have darshan here during the winter months — a tradition observed for centuries.
Ukhimath sits on a forested ridge above the Ukhimath-Chopta road in Rudraprayag district. In addition to the Omkareshwar temple, the town has shrines to Usha (daughter of Banasura) and several other deities associated with the Mahabharata. The Chopta meadows and Tungnath temple are 28 km further up the same road.
Explore around
Places near Ukhimath
Meadow base for Tungnath trek; "Mini Switzerland" of Uttarakhand
Stunning lake reflecting Chaukhamba; excellent camping
Trailhead village for Deoria Tal trek
Nearest major town with hospitals and ATMs
Kalimath18 kmImportant Shakti temple; Kali worshipped without idol
Madmaheshwar54 km + 24 km trekFourth Panch Kedar at 3,497 m
What to do
Activities at Ukhimath
Omkar Temple Darshan
The Omkar temple complex is the focal point of Ukhimath. During winter months (November to April) the Kedarnath deity idol rests here, and the puja performed daily replicates the Kedarnath rituals exactly — giving devotees a chance to receive the blessings without the high-altitude trek.
Deoria Tal Trek
A 3 km moderate hike from Sari village (13 km from Ukhimath) reaches Deoria Tal at 2,438 m. The lake's glassy surface reflects the Chaukhamba peaks at dawn, creating one of the most photographed vistas in Garhwal. Camping beside the lake overnight is permitted.
Chopta & Tungnath Day Trip
Drive 26 km to the Chopta meadows and hike 3.5 km up to Tungnath — the world's highest Shiva temple at 3,680 m. Continue to Chandrashila peak (4,000 m) for a full 360-degree Himalayan panorama if fitness permits.
Winter Snow Experience
Ukhimath receives moderate snowfall between December and February, transforming the town and surrounding forests into a quiet white landscape. Unlike the higher snow-bound valleys, roads remain accessible, making it one of the easiest places in Rudraprayag district to experience winter snow without risk.
Kalimath Visit
The Kalimath temple (18 km) is unique in that Goddess Kali is worshipped without an idol — only a sacred yantra in a dark sanctum. One of the 108 Shakti Peethas by some traditions, it is a powerful and atmospheric shrine rarely visited by outsiders.
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Tours covering Ukhimath
Before you go
Ukhimath travel tips
- Ukhimath is a small town; restaurant options are very limited. The GMVN rest house has a dining hall — confirm meal availability at check-in.
- If visiting in winter to see the Kedarnath idol, arrive a day before the scheduled puja — the most important ceremonies happen at dawn.
- Roads from Ukhimath toward Chopta can be icy and sometimes closed December–January; carry snow chains or hire a local vehicle whose driver knows the road conditions.
- Deoria Tal is best visited on a clear day; carry water and snacks as no stalls operate at the lake itself.
- Mobile connectivity is weak in Ukhimath; BSNL has the most reliable signal. Inform family of your plans before leaving for higher treks.
Getting there
How to reach Ukhimath
From Rudraprayag (42 km) take the road via Augustmuni and Kund. Shared jeeps and some buses run on this route. The road is motorable year-round though snow can cause temporary closures near Chopta in deep winter.
Rishikesh (182 km via Rudraprayag) is the nearest railhead. No direct bus from Rishikesh; change at Rudraprayag.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~220 km) is the nearest airport. Helicopter services from Phata helipad (35 km) operate during Kedarnath season — primarily for Kedarnath, not Ukhimath.
Where to stay in Ukhimath
- GMVN Tourist Rest House in Ukhimath offers reliable, clean accommodation with a canteen.
- A few private guesthouses and dharamshalas cater to pilgrims visiting the Omkar temple during winter — basic but adequate.
- Camping at Deoria Tal is a popular option for trekkers; carry your own tent or rent from Sari village operators.
Food & dining
- Dhabas in the main bazaar serve simple vegetarian Garhwali meals. Options expand marginally during the Kedarnath idol residence period when more pilgrims visit.
- The GMVN canteen is the most reliable source of decent meals; order in advance if you are a large group.
- Local specialties include mandua roti and jhangora (barnyard millet) kheer — both are traditional Garhwali winter foods worth seeking out.
Background
History of Ukhimath
Ukhimath's role as the winter seat of the Kedarnath deity is ancient — the practice of moving the idol to a lower, warmer valley during the Himalayan winter is recorded in the Skanda Purana and has been maintained without interruption by the Rawat (Joshi) priestly families for centuries. The formal procession (Doli Yatra) that carries the idol down from Kedarnath each November and returns it in April or May is a major ritual event.
The Omkar temple complex contains multiple shrines, reflecting Ukhimath's status as a consolidated winter pilgrimage site for several of the Panch Kedar deities. The Usha-Aniruddha temple here is one of the few places in northern India where this mythological couple — grandson of Krishna and daughter of the demon Bana — is worshipped together, pointing to the deep and eclectic religious heritage of the Garhwal valleys.
The area came to wider attention in the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, when Ukhimath served as a major relief camp and coordination centre as thousands of stranded pilgrims were evacuated from higher valleys. The town's position at a relatively safe elevation and its established infrastructure made it a critical node in the rescue operations.
Plan your trip
Suggested Ukhimath itinerary
- Day 1Arrive from Rudraprayag. Omkar temple darshan. Village walk and evening views of the Kedarnath range. Overnight Ukhimath.
- Day 2Early drive to Sari village (13 km). Trek to Deoria Tal (3 km, ~1.5 hrs). Spend 2 hours at the lake. Return to Sari and drive to Chopta (26 km from Ukhimath). Sunset from Chopta meadows. Overnight Chopta or return to Ukhimath.
- Day 3Tungnath and Chandrashila trek from Chopta (3.5 km + 1 km). Return by afternoon. Drive to Rudraprayag or continue toward Kedarnath valley.
Common questions
Ukhimath FAQ
- Why does the Kedarnath idol move to Ukhimath in winter?
- Kedarnath temple at 3,583 m is under several metres of snow from November to April. The deity's idol is ceremonially brought down to Ukhimath — considered the god's winter home — where daily worship continues uninterrupted through the cold months.
- Can I visit Ukhimath without trekking?
- Absolutely. The town is fully accessible by road and the Omkar temple, village walks, and valley views require no trekking. Deoria Tal (3 km moderate hike) is the only physical activity that involves a walk.
- Is Ukhimath open in winter?
- Yes, and it is actually more meaningful to visit in winter (November–March) when the Kedarnath idol is present. Roads remain open, though the Chopta stretch above may be snowy. Carry warm clothing as nights drop to near freezing.
- What is the distance from Ukhimath to Tungnath?
- Ukhimath to Chopta is 26 km by road. From Chopta the Tungnath trek is 3.5 km (about 1.5–2 hours uphill). Chandrashila peak is a further 1.5 km from the temple.
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