The Himalayas are home to countless scenic destinations. That’s an unavoidable fact beyond dispute. Then there are places that are beautiful and equally sacred. One such hidden gem tucked away in the Himalayan embrace is Budha Kedar – a wonderful spiritual destination in Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, India. It is a prominent pilgrimage site of Northern India, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses one of the largest Shiva Lingams in the country. The temple sits by the confluence of Balganga and Dharmaganga rivers.

The Budha Kedar Trek is an excellent blend of breathtaking beauty, divinity, spirituality, serenity, and adventure. It is one of the lesser-explored trails that take you through thick forest patches, lush-green meadows, peaceful traditional villages, and spectacular snow-laden peaks of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.

Budha Kedar is an easy trek that is perfect for beginners and families/friends. It is revered by devotees to such an extent that sometimes it is also referred to as the fifth Dham of Uttarakhand other than the primary pilgrimages – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

Story of Budha Kedar Temple

The Budha Kedar Temple has profound spiritual significance and is frequently visited by pilgrims who seek true peace of mind. The story of the temple goes like this: Pandavas set out on a quest to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings to cleanse their sins of killing kins in Kurukshetra War. To test their patience and fortitude, Shiva hid from them for a long time, then eventually materialized as an old man meditating at this same place. Finally, before vanishing, Lord Shiva left behind a huge Shiva Lingam – one of the largest in Northern India.

The story reestablishes the belief that Budha (old) Kedar is the place that represents an ancient and authentic meditation spot of Lord Shiva. The history of this place is believed to predate the holy Kedarnath shrine.

Detailed Itinerary of the Budha Kedar Trek

• Altitude: 2,277 meters (7,470 ft)
• Time Taken: 4 to 5 hours
• Distance: 8 to 9 km (approx.) one way
• Trek Gradient: Easy

Day-1: Budha Kedar Village to Budha Kedar Temple

• The trek begins at Budha Kedar Village at around 7:30 to 8:00 AM after having breakfast. If you want to avoid the afternoon heat, you can start much earlier just after the sunrise.
• The trail is easy to walk and starts with a gradual ascent through traditional villages and terraced fields. As you walk past a couple of villages, you make your way through thick forests of oak and rhododendron.
• As you proceed through the landscape, the trail becomes steeper but properly marked. The clearings along the route offer remarkable views of Madhyamaheshwar range and adjoining valleys. You can take water/snack breaks after every 30 to 40 minutes.
• After a peaceful and comfortable walk, you will arrive at the Budha Kedar Temple at around 1:00 PM. Relax for a few minutes, then have your lunch near the temple or wherever makes you feel comfortable.
• There are a few places near the temple complex that you can explore for the rest of the day. The mountain stream beside the temple is a great place to relax. Additionally, the nearby villages offer you a great opportunity to experience the Himalayan culture.
• The evenings are a bit colder due to the rivers flowing nearby. So, make sure you have enough layering and proper insulation. Besides, this place serves as a great camping spot. After having dinner, it’s the sleep time to embrace this holy destination.

Day-2: Return to the Base

On the next day of this short trip, you have to return to the base. So, after having breakfast, you can start trekking back. Again, if you don’t want the afternoon sun to bother you much, start as early as possible in the morning and retrace your steps. It’s a gradual descent all the way down to the Budha Kedar Village and you can easily reach here in the late morning.

Best Time to Visit Budha Kedar Trek

Budha Kedar is a relatively easier and enjoyable trek that looks stunning during most of the year. Yet the best time to visit this trek is from April to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and panoramic Himalayan views. April to June is ideal for blooming flowers, while September to November provides post-monsoon lush green landscapes.

With the arrival of the spring season, rhododendron flowers spruce up the entire forested areas of this region. The trails are decorated both sides by these flowers with an enchanting smell sweeping the landscapes. The day temperature ranges from 15 to 25 -degrees that feels soothing and pleasing. The autumn season is equally pleasant with clearer views and more crisp air blowing all around you. The autumn months are also attractive because of vibrant colors prevailing in the surroundings.

How to Reach Budha Kedar Trek

To reach the Budha Kedar Trek from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other regions of the country, you can opt to travel by train, bus, or taxi to either Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. After arriving at any of these three crucial junctions, you can board a bus to Ghansali Village or hire a cab. From Ghansali, you have to take a local taxi to reach Budha Kedar Village.

• By Train: If you are planning to come by a train from New Delhi, there is an overnight service (Nanda Devi Express) that runs from Delhi to Dehradun. It reaches around 6:00 in the morning.
• By Bus: Direct buses for Tehri or Rishikesh are available from Kashmiri Gate ISBT, Delhi.
• By Flight: If you are coming by air, you can catch a flight from New Delhi Palm Airport to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. From outside of this airport, you can book a taxi to Tehri or Ghansali.

Prominent Route: Delhi → Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar → Tehri → Ghansali → Budha Kedar.

Essential Items to Carry

• Trekking shoes with good grip
• 2–3 liters of water
• Packed lunch & energy snacks
• Light jacket/rain cover
• Basic first aid kit
• Trekking pole (optional but helpful)

FAQs

1. Where is Budha Kedar Trek located?

Budha Kedar Trek is located at an altitude of 2,277 meters (7,470 ft) in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It is an easy and short duration trek that can be conveniently completed by beginners and kids as well.

2. What is Budha Kedar famous for?

This trek is known to be one of the most ancient resting places of Lord Shiva. It houses the biggest Shivling in Northern India. It is also called the fifth Dham.

3. What is the best time to visit Budha Kedar Trek?

The best time for this trek is from April to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and panoramic Himalayan views.

4. Should I have the previous experience before going on this trek?

As it is an easy and relatively lower elevation trek, you don’t necessarily need to have the previous trekking experience. If you have experience, then it’s well and good; if you don’t you’ll still complete it comfortably.