UTTRAKHAND BEYOND CHARDHAM PART ONE

This is my second blog, my first blog was ,

Mesmerizing Himachal Pradesh (link https://www.tripoto.com/trip/experience-india-5eef9a5c199b1).

We, Dr Deepali V Gupta (+91-9870062428 ) and Dr Vijaykumar G Gupta,decided to go for religious tour in uttrakhand which we couldn't complete in 2021.In 2021 we completed Kedarnath ,trekked 44km but due to natural disaster had to conclude the tour.

I thought of writing the blog because when I spoke to my friends and relatives it came to my notice that they were aware only about Yamnotri Temple, Gangotri Temple , Kedarnath Temple and Badrinath Temple in Uttrakhand. There are any places to explore along with the above Shrines. We have tried to cover few of them in our tour.

Route for the Tour

Mumbai---Haridwar --- Joshimath--- Badrinath ----Satopanth ---Mana---Joshimath--Urgam (Kalpeshwar ) --- Sagar village (Rudranath)--Chopta(Tungnath)--Ransi(Madhmaheshwar)--Karnaprayag--Gangolihat--Haridwar--Dehradun--Haridwar---Mumbai.

We chose to go anticlockwise i.e usually people go Kedarnath--Madhmaheshwar--Tungnath--Rudranath--Kalpeshwar. Since we had planned for Satopanth trek we took the anticlock route (we would recommend readers to do Satopanth trek first,so that Panch Kedar becomes easy to trek).

Satopanth Trek 44km.

Kalpeshwar 500mt.

Rudranath 36km.

Tungnath 8km plus Chandrashila 4km.

Madhaheshwar 29km plus Budha Maheshwar is 4km.

Kedarnath 44km(we had done the trek in Oct 2021).

Things to keep in mind-

Since the 80% of the tour was trekking maintaining good health was the priority before and during the tour .

One should practice walking daily 10km for at least 2 to 3 months prior to the tour for building the stamina.

Registration is must for visiting Chardham temple (do it either online or offline).

If we travel the usual route of Kedarnath--Madhmaheshwar--Tungnath--Rudranath--Kalpeshwar there are chances of getting state buses or share vehicles to commute.In our route especially from Sagar to Chopta and from Chopta to Ukimath we had to do private taxi as were traveling in the opposite direction.

Cost of homestay or hotels is around 1000-1500 rs and of food is 100-150 rs (rates are of the season we traveled).

The information mentioned in the blog is gathered from Goggle, YouTube and residents of Uttrakhand.

Trekking Tips-

Don't take long breaks,if you are tired take break for a minute or two .

Don't sit down to relax,take break in standing position as far as possible.

Walk slow but continuous.

Carry a stick ,it makes your trek easier.

Keep yourself hydrated and eat some light snacks.

Last but not the least ,don't forget to enjoy the scenery.

DAY ONE (19th September)

We left from Mumbai for Haridwar on 19th September 2023 by train.

DAY TWO (20th September)

Reached Haridwar at 11am on 20th September as train was delayed. We immediately left for Joshimath by share vehicle.Charges were 1000rs per person (one can either stay back and rest for a day in Haridwar ( Shri Chintamani Ashram-9897106563 / 8178642504=700 rs for non ac room) and leave early morning by bus to Badrinath - prior online booking of bus is recommended).

On our way from Haridwar to Joshimath we came across Karnaprayag (place where Karna had Meditated so the place was named Karnaprayag). Prayag is the confluence of two rivers. Karnaprayag is the confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar Rivers. Clean water is Alaknanda and the other is Pindar.

We reached Joshimath at night by around 9pm and checked in Rupali homestay which is in the main market (Anuj- 9897364301, 7817948818 is the host).

DAY THREE (21st September)

We got up early in the morning and went for darshan of Lord Narsingh.Narsingh temple was around 500 meters from our homestay. Jagatguru Shri Adi Shankacharya had established all temples of Lord Vishnu in Joshimath and Badrinath (Joshimath was previously known as Jyotirmath). It is seen that Lord Narsingh's left hand is getting thinner each day and and it is believed that once that hand breaks from the main idol of Lord Narsingh the road to Shri Badrinathji temple will be closed forever.After that, Shri Badrinathji will be worshiped in Bhavishya Badri (which is in Joshimath). One can witness the thinning hand idol in morning when God is been given Abhishek (bath) at 7am. In winter season , when Shri Badrinathji temple gets closed for 6 months, Lord Vishnu is worshipped in Shri Narsingh temple for those 6 months.

Shri Adi Shankaracharya Math is on the way to Shri Narsingh temple .

We visited the math and headed for Badrinath by share vehicle (share vehicles available till 3pm at cost of 200 rs per person). Reached Badrinath by 1pm ( Joshimath to Badrinath distance 45km). Checked in Hotel Thuma Palace (Sandeep Sharma- 9149346158 / 8755690599). Had lunch in Urvashi restaurant- 9634773016 (try their Sarso ka saag and Makai roti), the restaurant is on the way to Shri Badrinath temple.

Than, we headed towards Charan Paduka which is 3km (one way) ascend trek road besides Shri Badrinath temple.It is believed to be Lord Vishnu's footprints on stone. Charan Paduka darshan time is till 5pm only.

After taking darshan of Charan Paduka , Akhand jyot and Prasad of holy Tulsi kada we came down for darshan of Shri Badrinathji (Badri Vishal-is the First Badri out of 6 Badri temples of Uttrakhand). Also had holy bath in Tapt kund near the temple.

After having dinner we came to the hotel and slept early,as we had planned for Satopanth trek the next day .

Satopanth means path of truth leading to heaven. Only way you can reach Satopanth is by trekking.No horse,no helicopter.

DAY FOUR (22nd September)

We had to leave early to reach our base village from where we could start our trek.

Tour operator name :Devbhoomi Adventures and Trekkers (Manish -9012732281).

Tour duration : 5days 4nights.

1st day Mana village to Laxmivan 10kms.

2nd day Laxmivan to Chakrateerth 8kms.

3rd day Chakrateerth to Satopanth lake 6kms.

4th day Satopanth to Balapatti 13kms.

5th day Balapatti to Mana village 11kms.

Level of trek : Moderate to difficult Trek.

Charges: 12000 per person + porter charges for luggage (1000 rs per day divided in number of people he will carry the baggage).

Stick charges 100rs ( must for trek,so carry one).

The trek starts from Mana village. Mana village is five kilometers from Badrinath. This distance is covered by car (included in 12000 rs). Mana village is the first village of Bharat.

There is a story related to the trek,which goes as below :

After Mahabharat war, the Pandavas along with Draupadi ascent to heaven.On the way they were accompanied by a dog.

Our trek started around 9 am, Mata Murti temple (mother of Lord Badrinath) was around 500-600 meters from the starting point of the trek.

Trek from Mana to Laxmivan was scenic with greenery,river and mountains around (if we go in the later season for the trek the terrain becomes barren and also colder if we go in the earlier season there are chances of rainfall ,so this was the best time to trek).

Sahadev left his soul in Laxmivan (as he was proud of his wisdom) this was our first destination of the trek. We reached Laxmivan by around 4pm.Had our evening snacks than mouthwatering dinner and slept in tent.It was raining heavily at night.

Trek was easy to moderate.

DAY FIVE (23rd September)

We got up early,had light breakfast and left by 8am for our next destination which was Chakrateerth. Bhim left his Gada (गदा) at this point while going towards Satopanth, it is called as Bhim Shila. After Bhim shila we came across place called Sahastradhara (which means 1000 waterfalls). Nakul left his soul at Sahastradhara (as he was proud of his beauty).

Arjun left his soul in Chakratirtha (as he was proud of his archery). We reached Chakrateerth by 3pm had evening snacks and dinner and went to sleep. Night experience at Chakrateerth was awesome as it was surrounded by snow cladded mountains. It was raining heavily at night .

Trek was Moderate.

DAY SIX (24th September)

Early morning view at Chakrateerth.

After breakfast we left for our last destination Satopanth lake.Trek had many challenges of the tough terrain. Bhim left his soul at Satopanth lake (as he was proud of his strength) reached Satopanth by 2pm. Had delicious lunch and most of us went to take holy bath in the lake .The lake is triangular in shape and it is believed that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh bath in the holy lake every Ekadashi(every 15days). The height of Satopath lake is 15100 feet.

Trek was Moderate to Difficult.

From Satopanth we were able to see the Swargrohini mountain and appreciate the steps from where Yudhistir and the dog (who accompanied them) went to heaven.

DAY SEVEN (25th September)

Return journey towards Balapatti.Started from Satopanth lake at 8 am and reached Balapatti at 6pm.

DAY EIGHT (26th September)

Returned to Mata Murti Temple.The day we returned there was celebration at the temple on occassion of Vaman Dwadashi, when Lord Vishnu comes to meet his mother Mata Murti ,all villagers were dressed in their traditional outfits to celebrate the event.

DAY NINE (27th September)

Our last day at Badrinath. All were tired after the long trek ,but were enthusiastic to visit the first village of Bharat. At G20 summit event 2023, the delegates had visited the village.The village was decorated by paintings on the walls enhancing the Uttrakhand culture and history.

We get share or private vehicles from Badrinath stand to go to Mana.Private vehicle charged us 600 rs return.The vehicle left us at the base of village from where we have to trek. There are Pithu's and horse available for people who cannot trek. On the way we come across local shops where we can buy local drinks (Buransh),local warm clothes,eateries and other local items.

First we reach the Ganesh Gufa or cave where Lord Ganesha sat and wrote Mahabharat which was narrated by Shri Guru Vyas from Vyas Gufa or cave (located 1km away from each other).1km ascend from Ganesh Gufa is Vyas Gufa The roof of Vyas gufa looks like pages of books

From Vyas Gufa there is a descend towards Saraswati udgam or origin of Saraswati river .There is statue of Mata Saraswati and near the statue there is a small pipe from which there is a flow of water (it is believed that water comes directly from Mount Kailash Mansarover).

When you go forward you come across Bheem pul or Bridge which is believed that on the way to Satopanth there was valley which Pandavas and Draupadi had to cross .Bheem placed the huge rock to make bridge ,hence it is named as Bheem pul or bridge.We can see imprints of fingers on the huge rock placed as Bridge to cross the valley.Looking at the imprints we can make a guess how huge and strong Bheem must have been .

There is a road near to first shop of Bharat or near Bheem pul ,which goes to Vasudhara (waterfall) which is at distance of 7km trek (one way). It is believed that the water doesn't fall on the person who has done sin in his life even if he stands below the waterfall.

On the way to Vasudhara there is temple of Mata Tripur balaa sundari.Draupadi had left her soul here (as she was biased towards Arjun among Pandavas).

Returning from Bheem pul we had delicious lunch at Sangam view restuarant ate their local dish-rice and chousa.Than we left for Joshimath by state bus.Stayed in Rupali Homestay.

DAY TEN (28th September)

We left early morning after booking a private vehicle which costed us around 2000rs. You can get share or private vehicles from taxi stand which is 300 meters from Rupali Homestay.

Yog badri is 17km from Joshimath on route to Badrinath.On the same route is Shri Hemkund sahib ( helicopter service available at rate of 3000rs per person till Ghangharia or Govind dham) and Valley of flowers (we skipped it,this time).

Yog badri(2nd Badri of the 6 Badri) is situated in Pandukeshwar. It was build by King Pandu and is the winter,house for Shri Kuberji.

On the way from Shri Yog badri to Shri Bhavishya Badri (3rd Badri of the 6 Badri)we come across Vishnu Prayag which is a confluence of Alaknanda and Dhauliganga and Shri Hanuman shila ( mountain has taken shape of Shri Hanumanji's face).

Bhavishya Badri is the temple where stone has self manifested and started taking shape of a idol.It is believed that in future when Badrinath road will be closed Shri Badri Vishalji will be worshipped at Shri Bhavishya Badri.

While returning back our Host Anuj who was accompanying us showed us some off beat places like Shri Narayan topi,Hot water spring,Gauri kund.

Shree Narayan topi ,was in bushes, where one place had taken a shape of topi ie cap it is believed that Shri Narayan had sat in this place and took rest for sometime so that place has formed impression of his head .

Hot water spring

Gaurikund ,there is self erupted (swayambhu )Lord Ganeshji 's impression on wall and Lord Shiva temple.Also there is hot spring and Shri Hanuman kund.The mountain surrounded is the Kalika mountain. There is a story that the demon Kalika stopped Shri Hanumanji from carrying Sanjeevani and God cursed Kalika and the demon turned into a mountain .

Than we visited Shri Adi Shankacharyaji's temple / gufa, Bhavishya Kedar and Kalpavrish which was 200 meters from our Homestay.

In Joshimath there is an canteen 50 meters from Rupali Homestay where they serve fresh food at reasonable price from 8am to 10pm(Raghveer Singh -8267931121)

DAY ELEVEN (29th September)

After having breakfast in canteen we left for our sightseeing - 300 meters from Rupali Homestay there is taxi stand where we get share taxis for sight visit, to go to Chamoli,Haridwar,Urgam etc. Since it was off season we didn't get any share so did private vehicle for our sight seeing.Charges were 2000 rs (Anil Bhandari - 9639718288). We had planned to visit 2 Badri dhams and one of the Panch kedar. Shri Vruddh Badri was on the way to Urgam village.To visit Shri Vruddha badri we have to desend down around 800 meters.

Shri Vruddha badri(4th Badri of the 6 Badri).

After our darshan we left for Urgam village.First we did darshan of Shri Dhyan badri(5th Badri of the 6 Badri), it is 300-400 meter away from the road one need to walk to visit the temple.Pandu won the Mahabharata but were guilty for the death of their own brothers, so he requested Lord Shivs to meditate for their welfare.

I would like you to know that apart from Kedarnath there are 4 other Shiva temples .They all are called as Panch kedar .The following is the story behind Panch kedar. When the Pandavas were looking for Lord Shiva to free them from the sin of killing their brothers (Kavravas in Mahabharat war), Lord Shiva took form of a bull and mingled with the herd of bulls nearby. When Bhim recognized him and went to catch Lord Shiva,Lord Shiva disappeared in the earth and his body parts appeared in 5 different places.

Back appeared - Kedarnath, Rudraprayag.

Umbilicus- Madhmaheshwar, Ransi.

Arms - Tungnath,Chopta.

Face - Rudranath,Sagar village.

Hair- Kalpeshwar,Urgam village.

No photos of the idol allowed in any of the Panch kedar.

After visiting Shri Dhyan badri,we proceeded to Shri Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple (5th Kedar of Panch Kedar).It is around 500 meters from the car parking area.If we go by share vehicle from Joshimath taxi stand they charge you 300 rs per seat ,but they leave you 2 km away from where one needs to trek.

If anyone plans to stay in the village,down is the detail of the Homestay.

From Urgam village there is way to reach Shri Rudranath temple,which takes around 3 days.On the way one crosses the famous Dodhital lake .

DAY TWELVE (30th September)

We left for our next destination Sagar Village .It is located in Chamoli district, Sagar village(base village for Shri Rudranath). To reach Sagar village one will get share vehicle from Joshimath taxi stand to Chamoli(350 rs per seat). At Chamoli we need to change to another share vehicle to reach Gopeshwar (150 rs per seat )and from Gopeshwar we get share vehicle for Sagar village(20 rs per seat). We reached Sagar by 2pm .

We had booked our stay at Kartikey homestay -9897610192(at 1000 rs per day) There is another option Krishna homestay besides Kartikey Homestay at same tariff. We had our lunch and dinner at Krishna Homestay.Sarita bhabhi,host of Krishna homestay and her son Shivam both were very friendly and food was delicious too.After lunch we went to explore Sagar village ,where we came across ancient Shri Sakaleshwar Mahadev Temple which was birth place and workplace (karm bhoomi) of Raja Sagar ,who was ancestor of Shri Ram .

We visited the temple .We went to sleep early as we had to trek to Rudranath temple next day.

DAY THIRTEEN (1st October)

We got up early by 4:30am and left our homestay by 5:30am to start the trek. We carried just essential luggage and rest we kept with our homestay owner. One needs to take forest officers permission to go to the trek by paying 200rs per person.(Horses available at rate of 8000 per person).Trek is 36 km return. Most scenic but difficult trek to do.

Caution : Carry cash as internet range varies.

First 10km you will find eating and staying options after that no stay or eating options for next 8km.On the way you get bugyals i.e open places after every 4km,4km and 2km respectively. Pung bugyal, Lutti bugyal and Pannar Bugyal.

Level of trek Moderate in nature.You get water streams on the way.

One can complete the trek in a day where you can reach Shri Rudranathji by evening 6-7pm or do a break journey. We opted for break journey wherein we stayed at Lutti bugyal.We started the trek at 6am and reached Lutti by 2pm.Had our lunch and opted to rest as we heard there was tremendous crowd at the temple due to long weekend.Stay was decent,bed cost was 700rs with dinner included. Toilet facility was good.Food was simple but tasty.

DAY FOURTEEN (2nd October)

After a good sleep at night and delicious breakfast we left next morning for Pannar bugyal, than Pithradhar and destination Rudranath temple.

Though it was 8km.It seemed tougher than previous day as there was no shade it was an open terrain.Nature around was eye-catching and making the journey soothing.Every piligrim or trekker heading was encouraging the other.At last we reached our destination at 2pm Our fatigue of the journey vanished when we got darshan of Shri Rudranathji(4th Kedar of the Panch Kedar ).Behind the temple there is Saraswati kund where one can take bath in the sacred water.Stay options are limited in Rudranath.Private tents are also limited. Expectations must be nil as there are no toilets and no water in government dharamshala (it is like buffalo tabela with n0 facility,they just provide you 2 blankets by depositing your adhar card and paying 100rs each for blanket, that too after 8pm. Arti at Rudranath is a must to attend at 7pm and 7am .Temple is closed between 1pm to 3pm.

DAY FIFTEEN (3rd October)

We left early morning by 5:30 am from Rudranath as we planned to reach Sagar village the same day. We reached Sagar village by 4pm, and at 5:30pm we left for Chopta by private vehicle(charges 1500rs) arranged for us byAmar resort host Mr Balbir (in between Sagar village and Chopta there is Mandal village where one can visit Atri Muni cave and Anusaya Devi temple.(we missed it this time).Few trekkers also trek from Mandal village to Rudranath now a days.But the shortest route is from Sagar village.There is state bus which goes from Sagar to Mandal in the evening).We reached Amar resort- 8963933710 / 9720197572 by 9pm.Balbirji arranged for dinner and we slept as we had plan to trek to Shri Tungnathji next morning.

DAY SIXTEEN (4th October)

We got up late this morning as temperature was around 5 degree in Chopta. After having breakfast we left for Tungnath trek point which was 2km away from Amar resort. Tungnath trek is approx 8km (to and fro).Shri Tungnath (3rd Kedar of the Panch Kedar) temple is worlds highest Lord Shiva temple.It is well demarcated and steep trek.(H0rse charges 900 one side and 1200 both sides).We started to trek by around 10am and reached the temple by 12:30 pm.If you go before 1pm, you get darshan of the inner temple (garbhagrah) and also get opportunity to touch the Shiva Ling.1pm to 2pm the temple is closed for offering food and decorating the Shiva Ling,after that you cannot get into the inner temple where Shiv Ling exists.

There is a place called Chandrashila ,which is 2 km trek from Tungnath temple gate.This is the place where Chandra devata meditated to Lord Shiva to get rid of his tuberculosis.From Chandrashila if the weather is clear one can see peaks of all the surrounding mountains.

After darshan we came down and walked to Amar Resort.Took rest and slept after having dinner.

Level of the trek is Easy to Moderate.

DAY SEVENTEEN (5th October)

We left for Ukimath by private car(charges 1500rs) arranged by Balbirji.Reached Ukimath by 12 noon. At Ukimath taxi stand you get taxis to go to Ransi Vilage (base village for Madhmaheswar trek). Charges are 100-120rs per seat,try to reach before 1pm after that frequency of share taxis gets less. Ukimath Omkareshwar temple is the winter home (place of darshan) for Shri Kedarnath and Shri Madmaheshwar when the main temples get closed due to heavy snow fall.We reached Ransi Village by 2pm and stayed in Hotel Mount View (7668792068 /7500916242 --basic facility available with view of Madhmaheshwar valley,owner is humble person).Slept early as we had to start the trek by 6am.

DAY EIGHTTEEN (6th October)

After breakfast we left for Madhmaheshwar trek which was 14.5km one side.We started our trek at 6am.Initial 9.5km of the trek was covered within 4.5 hrs,as the trek has both ascends and descends, but the rest of the trek was very steep and it took around 2:30pm for us to reach the destination.

In the start of the trek after few km you come across beautiful waterfall.

The first village was Gondhar, than lower Vantholi, Upper Vantholi you can get plenty of homestay in the above villages,also many restuarants are available. I would recommend you to drink Buransh in the shop which is between upper Vantoli and Khaddar, that person adds tinch of salt to the drink and it really taste awesome.Try to start your journey as early as possible because after Nanu stop, the trek becomes steeper and as day progress trek gets much more difficult due to heat.Last stay option is at Nanu.

Level of the trek is Easy.

There are various stay options at Madhmaheshwar private and few Samithi rooms,the people there deny allocating Samithi rooms giving varied reasons.The temple of Shri Madhmaheshwarji(2nd Kedar of the Panch kedar) remains closed from 1pm to 6pm,but in case anyone wants to seek darshan(if he is not willing to stay) on request the main pandit opens the temple for darshan(this is the good gesture that is seen in the temple).Evening arti is at 7 pm everyday. Private stay charges you around 1000-1200 for private room and 300 rs per bed for dormitory.

Level of the trek is Easy to Moderate.

DAY NINTEEN (7th October).

Early morning by around 4am we trekked to Budha Maheshwar temple situated 2km above Madhmaheshwar temple.The view is Mesmerizing .There is a small lake and at sunrise you can see mirror image of mountain Chaukhamba.

Level of the trek is Easy.

At 8am we returned back to attend the abhishek of Lord Madhmaheshwar.I request people not to miss it.The Shiv Ling is tilted at angle of 60-80 degree. (usually we see perpendicular Shiv ling).

At 9am we started our return journey to Ransi village,had lunch at Upper Vantoli and reached Ransi by 5pm.As we had to leave for Karnaprayag next day we decided to stay near the bus stand in Ransi village so we shifted to Hotel Holiday Hills-9027036151(Uttrakhand government has started a new state bus from Ransi to Rudraprayag every day at 7am).We visited Mata Rakeshwari Devi temple which was 100meter from our hotel.Also, try samosa from the hotel below Holiday Hills (Amit -7820040095 -he also runs a homestay named Panch Kedar Homestay).

(If you have plan to trek from Kedarnath to Badrinath contact Dhirendra tour manager -9389928990).

DAY TWENTY (8th October)

We left by the bus to Rudraprayag (in Kanakchauri.Rudraprayag one can visit Lord Kartikey temple) and than caught another bus to Karnapryag.We reached Karnaprayag by 1pm and stayed in Hotel Prayag Inn.After getting fresh we left for Shri Adi Badri (6th and the last badri).We get share taxi to go to Adi Badri opposite Hotel Prayag inn which charges are 50 rs per seat or contact driver Surinder -9917183175.When in Karnaprayag have food in Gopal Bhojnalaya which is near to Hotel Prayag Inn.

After Adi badri darshan we came back to Karnaprayag and in the evening we visited Maa Umadevi temple.

Next day we wanted to go to Gangolihat which is in Pithorgarh District of Uttrakhand.There are two ways to go to Gangolihat one way is Nanital and other is Bageshwar,Nanital route is longer route.So we opted to go by Bageshwar route.There is only one taxi that everyday leaves for Bageshwar from Karnaprayag (Raghu driver -8958471120--need to book seat with him in advance) or there is a bus from Dehradun which goes to Bageshwar,it goes through Karnaprayag by around 5pm.

DAY TWENTY ONE (9th October)

We left for Bageshwar with Raghu driver at 7am ,he left us at Bageshwar and arranged for next taxi which took us to Chaoukari and than we caught bus to Gangolihat.We went to Gangolihat as we wanted to visit Patal Bhuvneshwar cave.(one can either stay at Gangolihat or Patal Bhuvneshwar-14 km from Gangolihat).We opted to stay at Gangolihat.We stayed at Maa Kaushlya Hotel (8859904722 --basic stay) or one can stay at GMVN.(There is also a bus that leaves from Bageshwar to Gangolihat at 10 am).

DAY TWENTY TWO (10th October)

We left early by 9am to go for Patal Bhuvneshwar by private taxi (charges 500 return journey, you can also get share taxi ).First visit Shri Vruddh Bhuvneshwar ,Mata Chandika devi temple, Shri Hahnuman temple(Lord Shani sitting at his feet).It is said that these temples were build in one night.There is story of Shri Vruddh Bhuvnehwar (attaching the youtube link kindly go through it)the Ling present is also a self manifested (Swayambhu).

https://youtu.be/7jJ973iFaOw?si=k9FbQQVJ9p8sdDZ_

Than we proceeded to the Patal Bhuvenshwar cave (video not allowed ,will share the youtube link kindly go through it, it gives the detail explaination of what is seen in the cave).This cave was also found by Shri Adi Shankaracharyaji. The cave is 90feet deep, 100 meter long and has low oxygen levels,so people with oxygen issue like heart disease, asthma,anxieties, old age are asked to avoid going into the cave.

Go through the below link to know what is in the cave:

https://youtu.be/mpWF6dVx2DM?si=ht9dvcwIl3KwDRVd

After visiting Patal Bhuvneshwar we came back to Gangolihat and visited the Kalika Mata temple, which is under the care of Kumaon army. The villagers told us that when in war the army was stuck, the army soliders were helped by the power of Kalika mata, since then they have taken responsibillty to take care of the temple.

DAY TWENTY THREE (11th October)

We left from Gangolihat to Haldwani (via Nanital )by share vehicle (800 rs per person Driver -Ramu- 7302725930)(there is daily bus from Gangolihat to Haldwani at 6am ). We had to take this route as Honourable Prime Minister had visited Pithorgarh on 11th October,so the routes were closed.(One an visit Neem Karoli Baba Ashram in Haldwani,have a night stay and catch a train or bus to Haridwar next day morning --we missed it this time).We left for Haridwar by bus from Haldwani and reached Haridwar late night at 11pm and resided at Shri Chintamani Ashram.(We had first planned to take Bageshwar route,visit few temples in Bageshwar and leave next morning by Bageshwar Dehradun bus that leaves early at 5 am. There is a bus which leaves from Gangolihat to Bageshwar daily at 6:30 am and -For stay at Bageshwar you can contact Hotel Prashant-6265912623 / 9927787777).

DAY TWENTY FOUR (12th October)

We went to Hari ki pauri,had Holy Dip at Ganga Ghat.

DAY TWENTY FIVE (13th October)

We planned to visit Dehradun.One can either go by train or by bus (will recommend to go by bus as trains are not on schedued time).The below places can be visited by local bus or share taxis.

Forest Research Institute

Tapkeswar Cave Temple.

The name Tapkeshwar is because water keeps falling on the Shivlinga.The temple is also the Sadhana Sthal of Guru Dronacharya and his son Ashwatthama.

Photo not allowed inside the temple.

Robbers Cave

Clock Tower

Dehradun Market

We returned back to Haridwar by 10pm.

DAY TWENTY SIX (14th October)

We left for visiting the Sapta Rishi ashram by share rickshaw(70 rs per seat) and than Kankhal Temple(40 rs per seat).

Went to Hari ki Pauri and Haridwar market at night.

DAY TWENTY SEVEN (15th October)

It was 1st Navratri day.So we visited the Mansa devi temple,Chandi devi temple and Maya devi temple.One can visit by ropeway too.We walked to Mata Mansa devi (6km return),Mata Chandi devi (8km return--steep ascend)and Mata Maya devi(500mt).

In the evening visited temples in Hari ki Pauri and attended Ganga arti at 6:00pm.