Rudranath Trek

On Day 3 of Rudranath Trek we begin our trek early in the morning. Before leaving Lyuti Bugyal, we make sure to refill our water bottles, as there are no water points until Panchganga, which is about 3 km before Rudranath temple. Carrying enough water is very important for this day.

Today’s trek covers around 12 km. The trail starts with a steep ascent towards Panar Bugyal, which is only about 1 km from Lyuti. As soon as we reach Panar, our eyes are greeted with one of the most breathtaking sights of the entire trek. The endless green slopes of Panar stretch in all directions, and in front we see an almost 120° view of snow-covered Himalayan peaks – from Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, and Dronagiri to Trishul and Bandarpunch.

As our founder Shiva Rana, a seasoned mountaineer, says: “I have been on more than 80 treks across the Himalayas, but Panar Bugyal stole my heart the very first time I saw it.” In the middle of the meadow, there is even a small forest chowki, which adds to the charm of Panar.

After breakfast, we continue along the ridge to the left of Panar Bugyal. Huge boulders stand to our left, and behind them, the white Himalayan peaks rise.

The trail climbs gradually and offers a picture-perfect view: green grass in the foreground, Panar Bugyal in the middle, and the snowy peaks forming the majestic backdrop.

As we move further, we spot Toli Tal, a beautiful alpine lake on the left side of the trail. This lake is part of an alternative route to Rudranath. Pilgrims from Urgam Valley, after visiting Kalpeshwar, use the Toli Tal route to reach Panar Bugyal. Villagers from Maikot, Dungri, and nearby places around Gopeshwar also follow this route. Though scenic, it is considered tougher and steeper than the Sagar-Panar route.

Following the ridge, we reach Pitradhar, a sacred spot where prayer flags and bells hang in the wind. A small stone temple here is dedicated to the pitra (forefathers) where people stop to offer prayers. Pitradhar is also the highest point on the trek at an altitude of around 4,000 m. It offers a 360° view of the mountains and deep valleys below. The peaceful energy of this place stays with you long after you leave.

From Pitradhar the trail descends steadily until we reach Panchganga. This is the point where the alternative trail from Mandal village joins the main route. Panchganga has a few water points, making it an important resting spot. From here, we get an even closer view of the Himalayan peaks. If we arrive around sunset, the sight is unforgettable – the golden alpine glow on Nanda Devi peak looks like the divine face of Maa Nanda Devi herself, a resemblance that only few people know about.

From Panchganga, Rudranath temple is just a few kilometers away. The final stretch passes through rhododendron covered trails. As we walk further, the temple finally comes into view. The first glimpse of Rudranath makes all the tiredness of the trek disappear.

Depending on our pace, if we reach by morning around 7.30 a.m., we can attend the Aarti. If we arrive later, we join the Sandhya Aarti in the evening. Both are powerful experiences. The sound of damru and bhankora (traditional instruments) echoing in the valley fills the air with devotion. Unlike other Panch Kedar temples, Rudranath still feels raw, untouched, and far from modern architecture influence.

The temple itself is a stone-carved shrine built in the traditional Uttarakhand Sthapatya Shaili.

Around the Rudranath temple are few sacred kunds – Surya Kund, Tara Kund, Chandra Kund, and Saraswati Kund. Behind the temple, a short 200 m trail leads to Saraswati Kund, surrounded by grass and wildflowers. A small temple here is dedicated to Maa Saraswati and other local deities. This hidden spot is often missed, but it is a must-visit.

We stay overnight in camps near Rudranath temple.