Rudranath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It is the third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
Temple Description:
Rudranath is a rock temple where the face (mukha) of Lord Shiva is worshipped. Surrounded by dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, the temple stands at an elevation of about 3,600 meters (11,800 feet). The natural rock formations and the serene environment add to the mystic charm of this shrine.
Temple Speciality:
Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Neelkanth Mahadev (face form).
It is the only Panch Kedar temple where Shiva's face is worshipped.
The temple is located amid breathtaking Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Ghunti.
Pilgrimage involves a strenuous but scenic trek, offering a spiritual and adventurous experience. Temple Address:
Rudranath Temple, Gopeshwar - Rudranath Trek Route, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand - 246424, India.
Temple Location (Latitude, Longitude):
30.5162° N, 79.3250° E
Temple Timings:
Opening Months: May/June to October (subject to weather)
Daily Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Temple Sevas:
Daily Aarti and Pooja
Special Shravan Maas poojas
Rudrabhishek during festivals
Annual opening and closing ceremonies
Traveling Facilities:
Trekking is the only way to reach Rudranath Temple. Trek routes begin from:
Sagar Village (20 km trek)
Lyuti Bugyal or Panar Bugyal routes
Shared taxis and jeeps are available from Gopeshwar to trek starting points.
Food Facilities:
Basic vegetarian food available at trekking base villages like Sagar and Gopeshwar.
Limited food stalls or dhabas on trek routes (seasonal).
It’s advisable to carry dry food/snacks and water.
Budget guesthouses and dharamshalas in Gopeshwar.
Limited tents and shelters at Panar and Lyuti Bugyal (during yatra season).
Pilgrims often carry their own camping gear.
Nearby Railway Station:
Rishikesh Railway Station – approx. 215 km from Gopeshwar
Nearby Airport:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun – approx. 258 km from Gopeshwar
Nearby Bus Station:
Gopeshwar Bus Stand – Regular buses to/from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Chamoli
Bus Routes to Temple:
Rishikesh → Chamoli → Gopeshwar → Sagar (trek start)
Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Gopeshwar
Train Routes to Temple:
Major Trains to Rishikesh or Haridwar from Delhi, Dehradun, Mumbai, etc.
From Rishikesh/Haridwar, proceed by road to Gopeshwar → Sagar village
Airways to Temple:
Fly to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)
Take a taxi or bus to Gopeshwar (~10-12 hrs by road)
Nearby Cities to Temple:
Chamoli (~60 km)
Joshimath (~80 km)
Rudraprayag (~100 km)
Gopeshwar (main base town)
Nearby Visiting Temples & Other Places:
Kalpeshwar Temple (Panch Kedar)
Gopinath Temple, Gopeshwar
Tungnath Temple (Panch Kedar)
Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Nanda Devi National Park
Valley of Flowers (in season)
Preferable Visiting Season:
Mid-May to Early October
Best time: June and September
Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and slippery trek paths
Shopping Famous For
Woolen items (handmade shawls, sweaters)
Local herbs and organic products
Traditional Garhwali handicrafts
Religious souvenirs and rudraksha malas
