Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Main God
Lord Shiva
Timings
Dawn to dusk
Location
Rudraprayag
Type
REGIONAL
Start from Ransi village and trek through forests and along the river valley. The first camp at Bantoli (12 km) sits in a magnificent alpine meadow surrounded by peaks. Tea and basic food may be available from seasonal shops.
From Bantoli, trek 12 km through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. The trail opens up to the high-altitude meadow where the temple sits, with Chaukhamba and Kedarnath peaks towering above.
Visit the ancient stone temple at 3,497m where Lord Shiva's navel (Nabhi) is worshipped. The temple is small and set in one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in the Himalayas. A priest maintains the shrine during the open season.
Trek 2 km further to Buda Madhyamaheshwar (Old Madhyamaheshwar) at approximately 3,900m for even more spectacular views. This is believed to be the original worship site.
Madhyamaheshwar, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246171
By Bus
Buses from Rishikesh to Ukhimath (170 km, 7-8 hours). From Ukhimath, taxi to Ransi village (24 km), the trek starting point.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km to Ransi village).
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station (200 km to Ransi).
trekInfo
24 km trek from Ransi to Madhyamaheshwar (1-2 days, usually with overnight at Bantoli). The trail passes through forests, river crossings, and opens up to the stunning Bantoli meadows. Moderate to difficult. Route: Ransi - Gaundhar - Bantoli - Madhyamaheshwar. Camping or basic shelter at Bantoli. Guide recommended but trail is better marked than Rudranath.
Local Transport
Shared taxis from Ukhimath to Ransi. Beyond Ransi, everything is on foot. Basic tea shops at Bantoli during season.
