Welcome to the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, which is home to snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and sacred rivers! Known for its spiritual aura, it houses some of the most revered Hindu temples. With a rich blend of mythology, tradition, and natural beauty, the Garhwal shrines attract millions of pilgrims and travellers every year. Here are 10 popular temples that you must explore when visiting the Garhwal Himalayas.
1. Kedarnath Temple
This is a must-visit for Shaivaites as it is not only part of the Chhota Dham circuit but also an esteemed Jyotirlinga and a Panch Kedar! The temple Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in the entire Hinduism and is one of the toughest ones too. Pilgrims have to brave the harsh Himalayan cold and undergo arduous trek of about 16 km to reach the holy shrine.
Originally, the Pandavas built it, but it was later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Located in the majestic peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, this sacred Shiva sanctuary warrants a visit at least once in your life!
Location: Rudraprayag District
Altitude: 3,583 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
2. Badrinath Temple
This is yet another pillar of the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this shrine is not only spiritually significant but also very visually stunning, thanks to its captivating colourful façade. Moreover, the backdrop is equally amazing, with the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges flanking it and Neelkanth Peak standing tall in the background!
The present temple that we see today was enshrined by Adi Shankaracharya after he discovered a black stone idol of Badrinarayan in the Alaknanda River that flows nearby. Also, the temple is famous for its strong, tangible spiritual aura. Visiting here is a must for every devout Hindu!
Location: Chamoli District
Altitude: 3,133 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
3. Gangotri Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Ganga, this serene temple impresses devotees in a heartbeat with its pristine white granite architecture! As per the legends, it’s believed that King Bhagirath underwent intense penance here to bring the Ganga down from the heavens. Owing to this huge significance, the temple was established as a part of the Char Dham circuit.
And just 19 km up the trek from here lies the Gaumukh, the real source of the River Ganges!
Location: Uttarkashi District
Altitude: 3,100 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
4. Yamunotri Temple
The temple is considered to be the source of the holy River Yamuna and is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna. This is also the first visited temple by pilgrims on their Chardham Yatra from Haridwar. Perched high in the Himalayas, devotees have to undertake a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to reach here. It’s said that whoever visits the temple gets protected from untimely and painful death. Enshrined within the temple is the black marble idol of the Goddess, symbolizing divine grace and protection!
Location: Uttarkashi District
Altitude: 3,293 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
5. Tungnath Temple
Located on the way to the famous Chandrashila Peak, this is the highest Shiva temple in the entire world! Being part of the Panch Kedar circuit, this temple is highly spiritually significant. It’s believed that Lord Shiva’s arms appeared when he tried to escape the Pandavas after he took the form of a bull. Moreover, coming here gives the pilgrim an enriching trek experience with panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas!
Location: Rudraprayag District
Altitude: 3,680 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to November
6. Rudranath Temple
This is yet another temple from the Panch Kedar circuit! It stands out among the other Kedars as here the face of Lord Shiva appeared and is worshipped in the same way. However, being located deep in the wilderness, the Rudranath Yatra makes pilgrims go through a challenging trek across dense forests and meadows. However, the devotees are thoroughly rewarded through pristine beauty and solitude of the forests, and at the end with a peaceful, divine Darshan at the temple!
Location: Chamoli District
Altitude: 3,600 meters
Best Time to Visit: June to September
7. Madhyamaheshwar Temple
This one is the third temple in the Panch Kedar chain. And as the name suggests, Lord Shiva’s navel appeared here. This Yatra again requires trekking. However, it’s not as difficult as Rudranath’s. The pilgrims get to pass through picturesque villages and alpine meadows among lush green valleys en route to the shrine. And what impresses the devotees most is the spiritually resonant design displayed through inner sanctum and an outer sanctum of the temple. Devotees, especially, love the soul-stirring views of the Neelkanth peaks from here!
Location: Rudraprayag District
Altitude: 3,289 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
8. Kalpeshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva’s hair (jata), this is the only hilly Shiva temple that stays open throughout the year. This shrine is . Moreover, unlike other temples, pilgrims can easily reach here, owing to easy road accessibility and a comparatively short trek. Situated in the beautiful Urgam Valley, this last of the Panch Kedar temples is famous for being a quiet and meditative spot – ideal for travellers looking for solitude and scenic charm! Moreover, tourists also enjoy the apple orchards and waterfalls that surround the area!
Location: Chamoli District
Altitude: 2,200 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
9. Dhari Devi Temple
This sacred shrine is dedicated to the guardian deity of Uttarakhand – Goddess Dhari Devi. What pilgrims love the most about this temple is its unique location! The temple is perched on a rock in the Alaknanda River that impresses the visitors in no time. Another fascinating thing about the shrine is that it only houses the upper half of the deity, and the lower half is believed to reside in Kalimath.
Location: Between Srinagar and Rudraprayag
Altitude: 650 meters
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
10. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Just about a 32 km drive from Rishikesh, lies the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – surrounded by dense forest cover. This place is believed to be the very site where Lord Shiva consumed the poison (halahala) during the Samudra Manthan, which turned his throat blue. The temple receives footfall throughout the year and gets especially crowded during the Shivratri festival. Pilgrims also admire the lush greenery and waterfalls in the surroundings!
Location: Near Rishikesh
Altitude: 1,330 meters
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Conclusion
Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or a spiritual traveller, the divine aura and breathtaking scenery of these temples offer an experience like no other. Each temple holds a unique place in Hindu mythology and serves as a gateway to inner peace and divine realms. Hope this guide helps you gain an insight into the Garhwal temples!
