Ukhimath

Ukhimath is a small town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is important for religious reasons, especially in Hinduism. During winter, when the famous Kedarnath temple is closed because of heavy snowfall, the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Ukhimath. Here, the idol is worshipped until Kedarnath reopens. Ukhimath is also the winter home for the deities of the Madhyamaheshwar temple.

Temples in Ukhimath:

• Omkareshwar Temple: This is the main temple where the deities from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are worshipped during the winter. The temple architecture is simple but holds immense spiritual value.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple: While this temple is located a little further away from Ukhimath, it is one of the Panch Kedar temples. The deity is brought to Ukhimath in winter for worship.
• Various small temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Parvati, and other deities can be found in and around Ukhimath.

Natural Beauty:

• Ukhimath offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including peaks like Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, and others.
• The town is surrounded by dense forests, rivers, and scenic landscapes, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors who enjoy nature.

Nearby Attractions:

• Deoria Tal: A beautiful high-altitude lake, about 12 km from Ukhimath. It’s a popular spot for trekkers and campers because of the clear reflections of the surrounding mountains in the lake’s waters.
• Chopta: Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a picturesque hill station close to Ukhimath. It serves as the base for treks to Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple) and Chandrashila peak.
• Tungnath Temple: It is part of the Panch Kedar temples and is considered the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila starts from Chopta, about 29 km from Ukhimath.