Kalpeshwar Trek: Kalpeshwar, situated at an altitude of approximately 2,200 meters, stands as a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva within the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It holds the distinction of being the Fifth Kedar in the Panch Kedar circuit sequence. The other four sacred sites in this sequence are Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, and Rudranath. Notably, Kalpeshwar is the sole temple among the five that remains accessible year-round. In contrast, the remaining four temples close their doors for the winter season shortly after the Diwali festival.
Kalpeshwar, also known as Kalpnath, is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva, situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,217.8 feet) amidst picturesque surroundings.
You need to pass through Urgam valley before reaching Lyari village. Lyari village is actually a part of Urgam valley. We trekked this section by road, covering a distance of approximately 12 km from Helang.
Kalpeshwar Trek Distance
Trekking to the Kalpeshwar shrine entails an effortless 11km journey from Helang village, leading through picturesque valleys and verdant forests set amidst stunning natural landscapes. If you want to reach kalpeshwar via lyari it is approximately 2 Kilometer.
Embark on your journey from Helang to Kalpeshwar, covering a distance of approximately 10 kilometers. The path features moderate steepness, with captivating forests and villages along the way. Upon arrival at Kalpeshwar, explore the historic Kalpeshwar temple, devoted to Lord Shiva.
What is Kalpeshwar Trek Temple Famous For?
Kalpeshwar stands as the sole Panch Kedar temple accessible year-round. This modest stone temple, accessed via a cave passage, is where the matted tresses (jata) of Shiva are revered.
According to historical accounts, the Kalpeshwar temple was established by the Pandavas. Following their involvement in the Mahabharata war, where they defeated their own kin, the Kauravas, they sought counsel from Rishi Vyas. He advised them to seek absolution from Lord Shiva, as only he could cleanse them of their sins. However, Shiva eluded them by taking the form of a bull.
How to reach Kalpeshwar
It is linked to major states of the country through an excellent railway network. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent, and from there, you can hire a taxi to Joshimath or Urgam village. By road, Kalpeshwar can be accessed only through a trek from Urgam village, which is well-connected to the state’s road network.
Where to stay and what are the costs during Kalpeshwar Trek
In Devgram, there are several guest houses and lodges where you can find a room for around INR 300-400 for two people. The atmosphere here differs from the other four Kedar sites, with a relaxed vibe and friendly locals adding to its charm.
If you plan to return to Joshimath on the same day, there are various options available, including dormitory beds at GMVN for INR 300 per person. For those with a larger budget, luxury cottages and a few guest houses and resorts in Auli, located 25 km from Devgram, are also available.
That sums it up. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’ll respond as soon as possible. Stay safe and travel responsibly!
While returning from the Kalpeshwar temple, you can also visit the Dhyan Badri temple.
DHYAN BADRI TEMPLE
Located at Talla Badgingda in the Urgam Valley near the Kalpeshwar Temple in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Dhyan Badri temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the seven Sapt Badri shrines, with the Badrinath temple being the primary shrine followed by six others:
- Adi Badri
- Dhyan Badri
- Ardha Badri
- Yogadhayan Badri
- Bhavishya Badri
- Vridha Badri
- Badrinath
Also read : Nandi Kund Trek – A Wild Trek To Holy Lake