Top Things to do in Rudra Prayag
Top Restaurants in Rudra Prayag
What to do and see in Rudra Prayag, India: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Rudra Prayag, India including Deoria Tal Lake, Khirsu Village, Tungnath Temple, Chopta, Triyuginarayan Temple, Dhari Devi Temple, Kandoliya Temple, Kartik Swami Temple, Koteshwar Temple, Rudranath Temple.
Restaurants in Rudra Prayag
1. Deoria Tal Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Dinesh S
Saari village is between Ukhimath and Chopta (30 mins drive from Ukhimath). Deoria Tal is 2KM trek from Saari village. It's a decent trek that can be complete in 2 hrs with frequent breaks. At the top, you can also stay in tents and that can be arranged easily in village. There are some basic stay option also available in Saari village. You don't need to plan much ahead and this can be arranged once you reach there (at least that's what locals told me). The Chaukhambha view is the prize at the top. The lake isn't big but it's clean and you can see a clear reflection of Chaukhamba in the lake. The top is really green and you can spend some time just absorbing the beauty. There isn't much to do so you can complete the whole thing in 4-5 hours. Staying at night is a different experience and that depends on personal taste.
2. Khirsu Village
3. Tungnath Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By AlokYad - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
Introduction
We are group of three friends who loves to visit Mountains during last week of December and able to keep up the tradition from last 8 years continuously. We have already been to most of the commercial hill stations and few offbeat locations; and chose Chopta for our this year endeavor largely due to distance from Delhi (Expecting less crowds as we need population detox), High altitude (expecting pure oxygen and excellent air for body detox) and plan to do some easy on feet treks (Not mountain expeditions).
Trek Information
The first stop we chose was Deoria taal (*feel free to read mine/others detailed review on Deoria taal and stay option on TripAdvisor) where we stay for overnight stay. Next was trek to Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak. We stayed in Magpie camp in Chopta (Detailed review in another post). Ideally it is advised to start your Tungnath/Chandrashila trek as early in morning as possible in Winter due to multiple reasons like black ice condition deteriorate as day progress, sunset early (around 5.30 pm) makes decent extremely dangerous and hard if there is dark, hard to find trek shoes suitable to your requirement and size as they were taken up by early groups etc (more on each point in below). All the pts above we learned in hard way as despite we had information, we started late largely due to one more group requested to join us.
We reach starting point/gate of trek crossing extremely beautiful dense forest area laden with very good freshly laid tarmac which is filled with snow in patches. The drive was relatively uneventful which is good thing considering decent snow on road to give you some panic attack or adrenaline rush depending on your mindset. The parking on Tungnath gate is limited but we manage to find parking space right on gate. The amount of vehicles or tourist was in absolute contrast of our need to avoid crowd as there was more than 4K+ people in various phases of trek. Big letdown for me personally. The entry gate is guarded by forest department though primarily there for ticketing purpose (Rs 150/- per Indian, Sorry fail to register cost for Foreigners). The trek to Tungnath is around 4 km and 5.5 km for Chandrashila peak. The route/trek is covered 70-80% with snow in December end week (when we travelled) in which 50% snow become Black/Dark ice (Due to huge number of people walking on them and snow melting in wake of fresh snow). This scenario made walking on trek extremely hard and dangerous as most of the tourist slipping while walking despite trek shoes and support sticks. No such issues during summer as learned from local/fellow trekkers. It also takes 3-4 hours to reach Tungnath template {Highest Shiva template on earth/ 3,680 m (12,073 ft)} depending on the trekker's physical ability. The view from route and especially from temple of adjacent peak is breath taking and worth the effort. One can see Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and Kedarnath peaks. Temple is ancient and small with simple architecture. It was closed as temple remain closed in Winter. I along with one of my friend decided to decent back to base/parking due to smaller time window before sunset and due to complexity involves in decent/walking down on snow laden trek which is much hard to climb down then up. Rest of the group was more courageous and decided to trek to Chandrashila peak. Decent though very hard but I manage to reach to base location without even a single fall/slip (Pat on my back) though not everyone face same fate and most of the people fall without major injuries and I find mostly people enjoyed it baring few.
In conclusion, trek is middle difficulty level in Winter and low difficulty level in summer. Views and ambiance is amazing. If one can start early and go slow, he/she can enjoy excellent flora of region as well as nature at its best.
Things to remember
1. Shoes – It is one of the most important tool in Trek especially in Winter. Try at least waterproof ones. One can bring their own as well as it is available on rent for Rs 200/- day. The quality of rented one is basic but will serve purpose. During high snow condition, try to find metal spikes which can be attached to shoe which will make ascent/decent very easy. Lot of camps in area can arrange them as part of your package so check and agree with them in advance during your package negotiation stage. Also, don't forgot to carry good quality stick especially one with sharp metal fitment as it will help a lot in trek.
2. Water & Food – In entire trek route especially in winter, there is not a single vendor/shop serving any water or food to anyone. I came to know that they do exist in summer when temple is open. Due to high altitude and steep ascent/climb, one can easily get thirsty or Hungary. Eating snow/ice for thirst is not a good idea as it may be adulterated/contaminated with fungus or bacteria. So, take plenty of water and some food with you. Also, do take lip balm with you as well as your lips will be dead dry in few hours due to temp, less oxygen and effort. NOTE – Oxygen is less due to high altitude (3800 meter) but will not cause any breathlessness or any high altitude sickness at least in any normal or healthy individual. Do check with doctors if you have any history of same.
3. Electricity/Light – The entire Chopta region still has no electricity supply (YES! in 2018) hence no lighting post in trek/route. So, please your trip accordingly as I strongly suggest not to decent in darkness in any time of year especially winters. My travel mates who chose to go to Chandrashila without respecting time frame had very hard time coming back to base location as one losing camera (broke during slip on snow) and other losing their bums/cloths while skidding on ice instead walking which is very hard if not impossible. So, please carry high intensity torches if you plan night travel as part of your trip to support you well better then mobile limit LED lights. Also, carry extra power banks for your mobiles as no enroute charging station.
4. Vehicle Parking – There is huge amount of snow in parking lot. Don't park you vehicle ever on snow especially engine bay area on it as due to snow melting during day and cold, it make your engine above it very cold as well and oils/lubricant can also affect badly leads to engine not able to start.
5. First aid – Carry your first aid with you as Shameless garhwal govt charges Rs 150/- per person for trek but there is not a single person/medical practitioner available in case of any mis-happening. I have seen worst on route (avoiding details so not to discourage others) so better prepared for any condition.
6. Mobile connecting/Internet – The mobile connection is available in patches and especially in upper part of trek. Internet connection is limited to 2G and sparsely available.
How to Ascent/Decent on Snow
Though I am not an expert and you can read on net to find better experienced trekkers guide but if it can help – Always walk in Penguin style on snow i.e. Very-2 small steps and lower feet of first leg touching firm and first on snow before lifting another leg. Use stick for balance. Never panic as it will increase anxiety and make your fall even worse. Chose to walk on fresh snow lying on side of path wherever available & possible. While decent, you can chose some off roading/mountain path but chose it carefully as if you fall, it will create greater injury then slipping on ice.
4. Chopta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By Bharat A - Kuwait
Chopta is one of the beautiful location of Garhwal region that is still undisturbed by human beings. Its single lane roads will take you to beautiful places offering panoramic views of Himalayan ranges.
5. Triyuginarayan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie K - Milton, Massachusetts
A beautiful ride to reach this wonderful little sacred temple nestled amongst the peaks. Totally uncommercial without the hoards of people and commercialism. Loved attending the aarti and placing the wood on the eternal flame at Shiva and Parvati's marriage site. Had clean, comfortable , and cheap lodging on the left just before you enter the path to the temple just before the vendor who sells puja plates. Has upstair balcony rooms: five dollar rooms with 5 million dollar views. A place to remember!
6. Dhari Devi Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By ShaileshSoni - Mumbai, India
Maa Dhari Devi Temple is one of 108 shakti sthals in India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda river on the way to Kedarnath very close to Srinagar in Uttarakhand.
Temple houses the upper half of an idol of the goddess Dhari that, according to local lore, changes in appearance during the day from a girl, to a woman, and then to an old lady. The idol's lower half is located in Kalimath, where mata is prayed in Kali roop.
The temple now has been raised from it's original position in the middle of the river due to the contruction of the Hydro Power Plant.
One has to go downhill from the road. The path to the temple decorated with numerous bells and give very divine feeling. Inside the temple one can perform pooja with the help from the local pundits.
7. Kandoliya Temple
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By sanjay s
Kandoliya devta temple z very famous temmple. it z situated on Kandoliya hill. this temple is surrounded by deodar trees.There z a park near it where children can play. Kandolia devta z a god of justice like that of Golu devta of Chitai,Almora. dont visit after sunset as leopards are sighted after that.
8. Kartik Swami Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Abhijeet_Asm - Pune, India
Not many people know about Kartik Swami Temple situated at 40km from Rudraprayag. It is a 3 km trek from KanakChauri village and most of the trek route passes through woods and tree cover. Kartik Swami Temple on the top is beautiful sight and offers panaromic views of Himalayas on a clear day (we missed the view due to bad weather). Trek is not that hard and is manageable to most. Do visit this hidden gem.
9. Koteshwar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By AryaOL - New Delhi, India
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. While the temple itself is inside a cave, the surroundings offer mind-blowing visuals of nature. The cave is on the banks of the River Alaknanda. Koteshwar is believed to be one of the many avatars of Lord Shiva.
Visit this place in day, not after sunset else you can't enjoy the the nature creativity.
You have o walkdown 300mt from the road. Koteshwer Cave is close to Alkananda River.
10. Rudranath Temple
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By KaushikRC - Kolkata, West Bengal, India
We went down to this temple. A small temple and the went further down to a small strech of rocks where the two rivers Alakananda and Mandakini meets. It was sunset and the light was fading slowly as we watched two rivers gushed and roared on both side to meet in front of us.
Then locals arranged for bhajan and Sandha arati. we watched that for an hour before returning to our hotel. An evening to remember for sure.
