Kalpeshwar Rudranath Trek

Day 1: Arrival at Devgram

Altitude: 6,627 ft | Travel Time: Approx. 11 to 12 hours in a car plus 1-hour hike | Travel route: Ristreksh – Helang to Urgam District – Devgram (Final 2km by the foot)

1. The three phases of travel that make travel include Driving From Ristreksh towards Helang (Approx. 8-9 hours), then taking Shared Jeeps starting from Helang up to Urgam (Approx. 1 hour) & trekking towards Devgram (2 km)
2. The path begins with a stunning stone walkway that winds through the lush valleys.
3. When you reach the town, the road turns into a road made of concrete and opens up to vast fields of terraced land and small settlements.
4. An unusual attraction along the way is a spring designed to resemble a cow’s head, which flows through the day.
5. Near Helang Near Helang, look at the spectacular combination of the Alaknanda River and the Kalpganga Rivers.

Day 2: Acclimatization Trek to Kalpeshwar

Altitude Gain: 7,217 ft | Duration: Approx. 3 hours | Today Trek Grade: Easy | The source of water: Carry a 1-litre bottle and refill it at the middle stream

1. It begins with an easy ascend for between 20 and 25 minutes. This is followed by a straight section before an easy 10-to-15-minute stair climb.
2. The path winds through towns and farms before entering the lush valley in 15 minutes.
3. An undiscovered waterfall appears on the way to Kalpganga River.
4. The bridge is crossed, and you can climb one final step to get to Kalpeshwar Temple.
5. Return to Devgram by taking the same scenic route and enjoy the colourful nature and birds.

Day 3: Trek from Devgram to Bansi Narayan

Altitude Gain: 6,667 ft – 11,482 ft | Distance: 12 km | Time: 8-10 hours | Today Trek Grade: Moderate | The water source: Available at Bansa village (1.5 hours into) as well as Bansi Narayan Temple (4 hours in)

1. Go through the rajma and potato farms. There are early glimpses of Urgam Valley settlements.
2. Take a trip to Bansa village, which houses the peaceful Urvashi Temple and is a natural freshwater source.
3. Find a well-marked trail that leads to a ridge. Then, you will enter a dense forest dotted with muddy trails.
4. Lunch at an idyllic boulder-laden clearing.
5. You can climb through the oak forest to reach an open ridge that offers breathtaking Himalayan views.
6. You will arrive at Bansi Narayan Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and surrounded by enormous stones on top of the hill.
7. You can camp near a river or inside a cave large enough to hold 30-40 persons.

Day 4: Trek from Bansi Narayan to Dumak

Altitude Change: 11,482 ft – 7,874 ft | Distance: 10 km | Time Taken: 5-8 hours. | Probability: Easy, with a gradual decline | Water sources: Water sources are available 15 minutes, one hour, and 1.5 hours into the hike.

1. Ascend slowly through the forests dotted with ferns, chestnut trees, and occasional fallen logs.
2. Go through Kalgoat village before arriving at Dumak through a marked track.
3. Explore an old Mahadev temple at Dumak.
4. Enjoy a stay in the Bhandari Guesthouse or camp next to waterfalls for a truly immersive adventure.

Day 5: Trek from Dumak to Panar via Toli

Altitude Change: 7,874 ft – 11,155 ft | Distance: 6-8 hours | The Water Sources Many streams are found along the entire route

1. Start with a leisurely 25-minute stroll before an uphill 45-minute descent.
2. The Rudra Ganga River uses a beautiful bridge. It is the perfect resting spot.
3. You can climb through thick forests and traverse several streams.
4. In the summer, you will arrive at Toli Meadows, a huge, lush green expanse featuring an alpine lake and livestock grazing.
5. Then, it continues uphill for a few hours until Panar whi, home to a tourist lodge and a shepherd’s village.
6. Take amazing panoramas from Nanda Devi Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Bandarpoonch Massive.
7. Camp close to the stream of water under the tourist Hut.

Day 6: Panar to Rudranath and Back

Altitude Change: 11,155 ft – 11,811 ft (Rudranath) – 11,155 ft | Distance: 12 km | Time Taken: 6-8 hours | Today Trek Grade: Moderate, gradual ascent | Sources of water: No up to Rudranath (carry at minimum 2 two litres)

1. The ridge is awe-inspiring and offers panoramas of snow-capped peaks and the beautiful Panar meadows.
2. The massive boulders are challenging to traverse, and you can walk through meadows brimming with beneficial plants.
3. Arrive at Rudranath Temple, surrounded by rock walls and four sacred ponds: Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Manas Kund.
4. Enjoy lunch near the temple before returning to the path towards Panar.

Day 7: Panar to Sagar

Altitude Change: 11,155 ft – 6,561 ft | Distance: 12 km | Time: 4 hours | Today Trek Grade: Easy descent | Water sources: Two bottles are required to refill your bottles with water at streams on the way

1. You can walk past Lunti Bugyal, an alpine scenic meadow with a spectacular view across the valley.
2. You will continue through thick forests, passing small bridges and streams of water.
3. Stop at tea stalls, shelters and cafes serving pilgrims before reaching Sagar Lake.
4. Take a trail that is paved with stone along sandstone steps until you reach Sagar Village.
5. Discover Sakleshwar Mahadev Mandir before catching a jeep bus for Gopeshwar or Chamnoli, which connects to Haridwar and Ristreksh.