Gopeshwar Temple – A Sacred Gem in the Garhwal Hills

Gopeshwar Temple, also known as Gopinath Temple, is an ancient Shiva shrine located in Gopeshwar town, Chamoli district. Built in the Katyuri style around the 9th–11th century, it is famous for its towering 50-feet Ashtadhatu (eight-metal) trident, believed to have been placed by Lord Shiva himself. Surrounded by scenic Garhwal hills, the temple is an important stop for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, Tungnath, and other Panch Kedar shrines. Best time to visit is from March to June and September to November.

Religious Significance

Gopeshwar Temple is an important pilgrimage site for devotees visiting the Char Dham Yatra and other sacred places in Uttarakhand. It is also connected to the Panch Kedar temples, as many pilgrims stop here before visiting Kedarnath, Tungnath, and other shrines.

Located

Gopeshwar Temple is situated in Gopeshwar town, the district headquarters of Chamoli in Uttarakhand. Nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of about 1,550 meters, the temple is surrounded by lush hills, valleys, and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

About the Temple

• Gopeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as Gopinath Temple.
• It is an ancient temple built in Katyuri architectural style, believed to date back to the 9th–11th century.
• The temple is famous for its 50-feet high trident (Trishul) made of a unique eight-metal alloy (Ashtadhatu).
• Local legends say that the trident was thrown by Lord Shiva himself and remains firmly fixed in the ground—no one has been able to move it.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (March to June): Pleasant weather for sightseeing.
• Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and festive season visits.
• Winter (December to February): Cold, but the temple remains open.

Nearby Places to Visit from Gopeshwar Temple

1. Chamoli Town (Approx. 1 km)

Chamoli is the district headquarters and a gateway to many treks, pilgrim spots, and scenic valleys. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, local markets, and panoramic mountain views.

2. Auli (Approx. 30 km)

Auli is a famous skiing destination with stunning views of Nanda Devi and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Visitors can enjoy ropeway rides, skiing in winter, and meadow walks in summer.

Auli

3. Tungnath Temple (Approx. 40 km + 3.5 km trek)

The highest Shiva temple in the world, Tungnath is part of the sacred Panch Kedar. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath passes through lush bugyals (meadows) and blooming rhododendron forests in spring.

Tungnath

4. Chopta (Approx. 36 km)

Known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”, Chopta offers mesmerizing Himalayan views, trekking routes to Tungnath and Chandrashila, and serene alpine meadows.

Chopta

5. Chandrashila Peak (Approx. 36 km to Chopta + 5 km trek)

A short but steep trek from Tungnath leads to Chandrashila Peak, offering 360° Himalayan views. Best experienced at sunrise for magical golden hues on the peaks.

6. Ukhimath (Approx. 70 km)

The winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, Ukhimath is home to the Omkareshwar Temple and offers a glimpse of Garhwali traditions and culture.

Ukhimath

7. Joshimath (Approx. 58 km)

A holy town and base for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib. Also famous for the Adi Guru Shankaracharya Math and Narsingh Temple.

Joshimath

8. Rudranath Temple (Approx. 25 km by road + 20 km trek)

One of the Panch Kedar temples, Rudranath offers a peaceful trekking route through dense forests and alpine pastures, with the temple nestled in a scenic meadow.

Rudranath

9. Karnaprayag (Approx. 56 km)

Located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, Karnaprayag is one of the five sacred confluences of the Alaknanda River, known as Panch Prayag.

Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothes even in summer as evenings can be chilly.

• If visiting in winter, check road conditions as snowfall can cause temporary closures.

• Photography is allowed around the temple but avoid disturbing worshippers.

• Combine your trip with Auli, Chopta, Tungnath, and Joshimath for a complete Garhwal experience.