The beautiful monsoon season excites most travelers to explore the adventurous terrains, lush green mountains, and destinations with romance or serenity in the air.
“My Pet (Siri) and I both are huge travel buffs. Since we both love the hills, I decided to drive down to Rudranath Temple (Panchkedar). We trekked the mountains with full enthusiasm. There is something different about monsoons in the hills that makes everything look so alive and beautiful.
Haldwani to Rudranath
We started our journey from Haldwani to Sagar village (Chamoli, Uttarakhand) via Ranikhet, Dwarahat, Chaukutia, Karnprayag, Nandprayag, Chamoli, Gopeshwar. We reached by evening and camped at Mr. Pawan Negi Place (Restaurant owner). He made a delicious dinner for us.
The next morning, I take a bath in the Dhara (natural water resource) and am ready to start the wonderful trek to the Rudranath Temple.
Village Gwar
As per the suggestion of the local people, we started our trek from Gwar village instead of Sagar village. The trek from Gwar is natural and less explored.
Kailasha Camp
After walking 4 km we reached Kailash Camp. We had tea with Bisht Ji (caretaker in the camp) and got to know more about the place and the trek. Villagers have cowsheds in the surrounding areas. And after some rest, we again started our journey to heaven.
Jungle full of Leeches and Rhododendron
Now the forest is filled with rhododendron (बुरांश) and oak (बाज) trees. Since it is the rainy season, we faced leeches. Leeches are blood-sucking parasites that are found only during the rainy season. But do not worry about anything because the bite of a leech does not cause pain. And once you reach a certain height you won’t find any more. You must carry salt with you because the leech dies from salt.
Passing through dense forest and many water resources (waterfalls) we finally reached Lwiti. There you will find many camps to stay in and eat. Most people end the first day’s trek here so that they can start the next day’s journey from here.
Now, we are excited as our most awaited destination was just 1-1.5 km away. This is the place that was being discussed a lot. Since this is the bugyal we were waiting for.
Panar Bugyal
After walking for about 14 km, we reached the much-awaited Panar Bugyal. Beautiful meadow situated at an altitude of 3400 m. What a sight, a long field full of grass, Sheep everywhere. And the view of the valley below is spectacular. We had some food here and after taking some rest we started our last 8 km journey to Rudranath Temple.
Pitradhar
Now the trek along the Himalayas ahead was so wonderful as if it were a paradise. Walking through the narrow ridge we reached the highest point of the trek, Pitradhar temple (altitude 4000 m). Bells and flags were hanging all around the temple. Now the trail ahead is mostly downhill from Pitridhar to Rudranath.
Finally Rudranath Temple
Finally, we reached the temple. After a difficult but beautiful trek of about 22 km, it seemed very comfortable. I felt so amazing completing this trek that I can’t even talk. हर हर महादेव!
Accommodation and food are available near the temple for a nominal fee of ₹400 per person. Or you can also stay for free in Dharamsala.
*Note – If you want to know anything more then you can comment below I will be happy to help you.