About Nandi Kund Trek
The Himalayan Mountains of India beckon both national and
international Mountain Trekkers to enjoy the thrill of trekking, the
snow-clad glaciers, lush green meadows, crystal-clear water flowing in
rivers with abundance of scenic beauties and a serene atmosphere.
Nandikund Trek is one of them. But the difference is, in addition to
the pleasure of trekking mountain-paths, the trekkers can also visit
en-route heritage and Hindu mythology-related places, temples and
monuments.
The Hindu mythology believes that Lord Shiva is wielding His divine
powers from the high-peaks of snowy Himalayan Mountains. In Nandikund
Trek, one can get the chance of visiting Madhyamaheshwar – one of the
five places, where Lord Shiva appeared for giving Darshan to Pandavas,
the legendary five brothers of Mahabharat. Folklore stories go to show
that Lord Shiva did not want to oblige Pandavas first, since they had
committed sins of killing their own brothers; disappeared from his
shrine; and re-appeared from ground, in five parts of the body in which
Madhyamaheshwar is the central part of his navel and stomach, in the
form of Lingam.
Actually Nandikund is a high-altitude lake located at 15748 ft. above
sea-level. It is located in the Chaukhamba group of peaks and is of 1.5
kms wide. It is frozen during winter and the entire Nandikund Trek is
changing by seasons. In summer, you can walk through beautiful meadows,
breathtaking sceneries and dense forests, rare species of wild-life and
flora and fauna all the way. At the same time, this Nandikund Trek is
somewhat strenuous, to cross steep climbs and downslides, narrow ridges,
and sharp-turns to augment the thrill of adventure-lovers. The popular
trail preferred by many trekkers covers Madhyamaheshwar; Kachani Dhar;
Pandavsera; Nandikund; Ghiya Vinayak Pass; Bansinarayan and Kalpeshwar
temples.
Before commencing the Nandikund Trek, you have to reach Ukhimath from
Rishikesh. Ukhimath is famous for its Omkareshwar Temple, the
winter-abode of the idols of Lord Shiva – Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar.
From here you can reach Uniyana by vehicle and get dropped 2 to 3 kms
before Ransi, on a climbing uphill to reach this village by walk. From
Ransi, the trail continues ascending sometimes and descending
thereafter, till you reach the scenic place, Gaundhar. From there the
trail continues to Bantoli and Nanu. On the ascending trail, you can
view the beautiful sight of the rivers Madhyamaheshwar Ganga and
Martyenda Ganga.
From Nanu to Madhyamaheshwar, the ascending trail on paved path is
easier, journeying for 6 kms. The trail passes through green forests,
full of grown-up trees, singing birds and rare-wildlife specimens. Till
you reach Kachanidhar, you can see variety of flowers like Neelkamal,
Brahmakamal and Swarnakamal etc. Kachanidhar to Pandvasera is also
easier. At Pandvasera local people believe that the Pancha Pandavas
resided here for long, and they dug a canal and transformed the lands
into fertile ones. From Pandavsera the ascending trail will be
difficult, but the lush-green meadows, scenic beauties and snow-laden
glaciers viewed from here make you forget your troubles. Reaching
Nandikund you can see a big and deep lake. It is the origin of
Madhyamaheshwar river. Here in a small-temple for Devi Nanda, you can
see swords believed to be that of the Pandavas. Overall, from start to
finish you will relish the thrilling experience of Nandikund Trek.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 13 Days (4 day travel/9 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 4805 mts/15755 ft
Total Trekking : 120 K.M
Nandi Kund Trekking Tours Highlights
- Relish the view of Panpatia glacier (4,200 meters), Neelkanth (6,596 m), Chaukhamba (7,138 m) and Mandani
- Get awed by the beauty of Nandi Kund
- Ramble over the meadows of Barma Bugyal and Manpai Bugyal
- Seek blessings of the God Shiva at Madhyamaheshwar, which is also an important temple of Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit
- Experience the thrill of trekking to one of the toughest trek of the Garhwal region
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Nandi Kund Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – October).
Summer: The weather of Nandi Kund Trek remains salubrious and
pleasing during summers. The Himalayas are distinctly visible and the
cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carry woolens with you.
Post Monsoon: Serenity and solitude are at its best during
post monsoon at Nandi Kund Trek. The region is blessed with snowfall
during winters. You can see the best of Nandi Kund Trek during post
monsoon as it looks like Heaven on earth.
Where is the Nandi Kund?
Nandikund is a beautiful high altitude lake, located at an elevation
of 14,500 feet. Spread over an area of 1.5 km; the lake is nestled amid
the green meadows and the snow covered Chaukhamba group of peaks and
Mandani Parbat.
How to Reach?
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Nearest Rail Head: Haridwar Railway Station
By Road: Ukhimath, an important stopover point for
the trek, can be reached by bus or taxi from the important cities of
Garhwal region like Haridwar (202 km), Rishikesh (183 km), Dehradun (222
km), Devprayag (109 km), Srinagar (74.5 km) and Rudraprayag (35.3 km).
Nandi Kund Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning catch an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:30 hrs, here meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh by road, check into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh - Ukhimath - Mansuna
In the morning after early breakfast drive to Mansuna via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. The distance between Rishikesh and Mansuna is approx 230 km. We shall stop for lunch at Srinagar. Overnight stay in hotel/ Guest House.Day 03: Mansuna – Uniana - Bantoli
Post breakfast, we will drive to Uniana, which is 15kms from Mansuna. This will also be our first day of our trek in which we will walk 11 kms to reach Bantoli. Lunch will be provided on the way. Overnight stay in Guest house/ Tent.Day 04: Bantoli - Madhyamaheshwar - Budha Madhyamaheshwar
Today after the breakfast at 8.00AM, we will trek 8kms to reach Madhyamaheshwar. Arrival at Madhyamaheshwar by 12:00 Noon. We shall then go and visit Budha Madhyamaheshwar and Evening Puja at the temple. Overnight stay in Guest house/ Tent.Day 05: Madhyamaheshwar - Kachani Dhar
At 8.00AM after having breakfast, we will trek 10kms to reach Kachani Dhar. Packed Lunch will be carried along. Overnight stay in a camp in Kachani Dhar.Day 06: Kachani Dhar - Kachani Tal - Kachani Dhar - Pandav Shera
Today, we will trek 2kms to Kachani Tal and then Pandav Shera, which is 14kms away. Packed Lunch will be carried along. Overnight in tents at Pandav Shera.Day 07: Pandav Shera - Nandi Kund
After the breakfast, we shall head to Nandi Kund, which is at a distance of 6 kms. Overnight stay in tent at Nandi Kund.Day 08: Nandi Kund - Dwari Gad
Our trek after the breakfast will be towards Dwari Gad, which is 12kms away. Packed lunch will be carried along. Overnight stay in tents at Dwari Gad.Day 09: Dwari Gad - Dhaula Udiyar
Today after the breakfast, we will trek to Dhaula Udiyar, which is 13kms from Dwari Gad. Packed lunch will be carried along. Overnight stay in camps in dinner.Day 10: Dhaula Udiyar - Bantoli
In the morning after the breakfast, we shall trek 14kms to reach. Packed lunch will be carried along Overnight stay in Guest house/ Tent.Day 11: Bantoli - Ukhimath
Our trek today will be 11kms long and will be headed to Uniana. Packed lunch will be carried along 35 km. On arrival in Uniana, we shall drive to Ukhimath. Overnight stay in a hotel in Ukhimath.Day 12: Ukhimath - Rishikesh
We shall drive to Rishikesh, which is 200kms from Ukhimath. Lunch will be at Srinagar.Day 13: Rishikesh - Delhi
Wake up early morning and transfer to Haridwar railway station to catch AC train for Delhi at 06:10 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 11:45 hrs.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Nandi Kund Trek
- Windproof jacket
- Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve
- Woolen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
- Woolen cap, Woolen gloves
- Woolen socks and regular socks (3-4 pairs)
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Sturdy Water bottle
- Cap / Hat
- Sun glasses
- Walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Personal medications
- Personal toiletries
