Trek to Rudranath and Kalpeshwar
Rudranath and Kalpeshwar are the sentinels of Uttarakhand. They stand guard over the devout on pilgrimage. They offer a challenging trek into their vicinity. This vacation, plan for a trek to Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. You will cherish the trek experience and the beauty of the Himalayas.
Ideal season to trek Rudranath and Kalpeshwar :It is from October to November.
Location of Rudranath and Kalpeshwar :The geographical location is in Chamoli district in Garhwal Himalayas.
Rudranath and Kalpeshwar trek
- Helang-Devgaon-Kalpeshwar-Devgaon
Cross Helang at Alaknanda. A metalled track snakes along Kalpaganga, Alkanada's feeder. Climb through the forest. A two hour walk will take you to Urgham. Now the path climbs and you reach Devgaon (2500m). Here you get shelter at two guest houses. To camp, move to Kalpeshwar.
- Devgaon-Dumak
From the village, the path climbs south, nearly perpendicular to Kalpaganga. Trailing through the heights, you reach Urgham Temple. From here, enter the forest. Head south-west. Climb to a little temple there. Stop to relax. Now move down to Kalgote. Alaknanda valley welcomes you as you reach the village. A couple of climbs from here take you to Dumak. If you want to camp, do it above the stream, at a safe distance from the Dumak village.
- Dumak-Panar
A narrow path plunges down to the Rudraganga River. Climb for some kilometers and you arrive at Toli. As you proceed, take a guide with you to avoid losing the way. After 2 and a half hour you are welcomed by a meadow having lightening-struck trees. Be on your left and climb till the meadows of Panar (3800m) to the cave where pilgrims take shelter.
If you can find shelter in the army hut, you can see the beautiful Bandar-poonch peak, Trisuli peak, Nanda Ghungti, Nanda Devi.
- Panar- Rudranath-Panar
This path is oriented due west. There is a narrow ridge between the Mandal forests to your left. And high peaks to your right. The trail is usually ascending for the first 3 kms. Then you come across a pile of stones with burnt-out incense sticks and their packets. This marks the high point of your trail. This is the spot where pilgrims make a halt to pay homage to their ancestors.
After 2 kms. approximately, the path climbs to the left. It paves way over the Nayla Pass from Anusuya Devi. You need not access this. March down to reach Rudranath. Climb down further. The ridge to your left obstacles the western aspect. To north and east, the Bandarpoonch Range towers some 3000m above. Return the same way and camp at Panar.- Panar-Sagar
Sagar seems inviting but inaccessible. Depending on your speed to walk, it takes minimum of 3 hours to reach a leveled ground. The outskirts of fields in Sagar begin shortly and the path threads to a series of rocky steps through the village. The road from Mandal to Gopeshwar is not very trafficked. There is a bus shelter and a jeep-taxi will give you a ride for 5 kms. to Gopeshwar bus and taxi stand.
When you start to your home, you keep capturing the beautiful memories and picturesque views in your eyes and camera both which you had during the trek to Rudranath and Kalpeshwar.