Madhyamaheshwar temple of Panch Kedars, Madmaheshwar trek is an incredible journey through Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary with beautiful coniferous woodlands, meadows and villages that only adds more adventure! Plus, climbing Madmaheshwar is truly rewarding thanks to stunning panoramic views of Chaukhamba massif.
Madhyamaheshwar temple is one of the best treks in himalayas.
The trail
Ransi is situated about 20 kilometres away from Ukhimath which lies 202 kilometres from Haridwar. From here the journey leads up to Madmaheshwar on an elevation of 3489 meters over three days of trekking.
This article contains comprehensive details regarding a Madmaheshwar trek and can serve as an indispensable guideline for anyone planning an excursion!
Ransi is an idyllic little town near Ukhimath that serves as the starting point of Madmaheshwar treks, starting with well-marked routes starting from Madmaheshwar Ganga that flows through Ransi village and following it towards its source in Madmaheshwar Mountain. If unsure, local residents are always available to provide guidance or provide directions.
Lower Bantoli can be reached via an easy 7km descent that offers gradual change at a slow pace, giving plenty of time to appreciate its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Walking alongside this river allows plenty of opportunities to listen to water splashing against rocks in peace; by following it downstream to Bantoli you'll reach Bantoli after approximately 2.5 hours with not too strenuous footing (but potentially challenging knees!).
Hotels offering overnight stays include lodges or homestays that allow overnight stays; typically, this costs anywhere between INR 500-600 per guest. Take the opportunity to get some rest before an exciting day awaits!
Make sure to pack breakfast before leaving Bantoli early at 8 AM, as today you will trek uphill towards Madmaheshwar temple located 6.5 kilometers from Bantoli. Ascending slowly initially but eventually steeper as you climb higher, trees begin to appear along your journey and eventually vanish completely from view along your trail.
Breathtaking Himalayan landscape
Experience breathtaking vistas as you journey across the Himalayan landscape as you trek on a trail. Admire views of lush valleys, mountain ranges adorned with coniferous and grass trees, level places under tree canopies that provide welcome rest stops; along your journey may come across people offering snacks and beverages; stop for some refreshments to recharge yourself before continuing along your path.
At the conclusion of your trek, there is an easy and accessible path leading to Buda Madmaheshwar temple located far off in the mountains. From here you can witness stunning views of its interior as well as enjoy views of distant mountaintop temples. Additionally, there is a pathway which takes one towards Buda Madmaheshwar.
Once at the temple, take time to take in its surroundings before offering prayers at this peaceful location. No matter your religion or spiritual orientation, this temple can bring peace after an exhausting climb. When informing temple officials about your accommodation and food needs for the night.
At 4:45 AM in the morning, begin your climb towards Buda Madmaheshwar. The ascent is both thrilling and stunning as you pass breathtaking views from The Chaukhamba massif. Aim to reach the summit by 5:30 am for optimal viewing during golden hour as sunlight casts its radiant light over snow-covered Chaukhamba mountain - truly magical views await. Be aware that it is steep - two km.
As soon as you reach the summit at its pinnacle, an amazing lake surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains can be seen. Near the pond is where Buda Madmaheshwar's tiny shrine can be found owing to his old age.
Experience your surroundings and the beautiful reflections of the surroundings in the water as you return back to Ransi. Take in all its breathtaking scenery.
Highlights on This Trail
1. Trek through Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Trek through Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and experience its abundance of diverse animals and plants while walking. As you move through, enjoy taking in sounds and sights of flowers as well as bird song to enhance the journey's joy.
2. Scenic Views of the Chaukhamba Mountain Range
Buda Madmaheshwar's Chaukhamba Massif from Buda Madmaheshwar offers truly captivating scenery, as the sun casts its golden light over snow-covered peaks to create an extraordinary scene, while reflections in its lake further add beauty and depth to an already exquisite landscape.
3.Madmaheshwar Temple: A Sacred Site
Madmaheshwar temple, nestled within an idyllic mountain setting and offering close by small shops and homes is considered an important attraction. An evening Aarti performance can have a relaxing effect that improves both physical and mental wellbeing.
Obstacles on the Trail:
1. Inclines and Declines
Trail running involves long hours climbing up and down mountain paths, which can put considerable strain on ankles and knees. To minimize potential injury risks and ensure optimal aid on this journey, wear durable walking shoes along with trekking poles for maximum support and assistance.
Avoid trekking during wet and after-rainy seasons as trails may become treacherous and unsafe, employing a trekking pole as necessary to prevent slips and injuries from taking place.
Best time
March to June and September-October are ideal times for starting on this trek. In September-October, vibrant flowers bloom fully while foliage looks vast; while between March and June dense rhododendron bushes form an abundance canopy offering clear views across the trail.
Heavy snowfall during the winter can block off trails to Buda Madmaheshwar and prevent it from being reached at this time of year.
How to reach
Ransi There are various means available to reach Ransi's base; driving your own vehicle or using bus services will get you there quickly and reliably. Ukhimath town serves as an intermediate stop and serves as its nearest location.
Dehradun, situated 216 km away, is the nearest large town to Ukhimath.
Dehradun via:
Dehradun can be easily reached using Jolly Grant Airport, situated only 27 kilometers from its center. Regular flights departing from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad provide direct connections with Dehradun as well as connecting services between various other major cities.
Dehradun is just 257 miles away from Delhi and easily accessible via regular buses provided by both public and private businesses that serve this route between Ristreksh and Delhi, taking approximately 6-8 hours and costing anywhere between Rs 300 to Rs 700 for tickets.
Trains headed toward Delhi depart at Station
Janshatabdi Express, Mussoorie Express and Dehradun Shatabdi Express trains operate daily between Delhi and Dehradun; travel takes around seven hours with ticket costs ranging between Rs 200-1500 depending on which type of coach or train one chooses.
Journey from Ristreksh to Ukhimath:
Ristreksh to Ukhimath travel options consist of both state and private vehicles that take about 12-13 hours for the distance and tickets typically costing INR 300. There are also buses from Rudraprayag that go to Ukhimath; taxis can also be booked from Dehradun that go towards Ukhimath at costs in excess of INR 3500 depending on vehicle type chosen and number of persons travelling; additionally, there are shared cabs available from Ransi bus station for easy transfers between Ransi and Ukhimath bus stations with services available directly between both cities for Ukhimath residents if preferred.
