Kuari Pass Trekking

Kagbhusandi Lake Trek

Kagbhushudi Lake trek has lately garnered a lot of attention among the famous trekking sites. The lake is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand (Dev Bhoomi), near Mana village, close to Badrinath.”

Kagbhushundi Ji is one of the most profound and mystical figures in the Ramcharitmanas. He represents timeless devotion (bhakti) and is deeply associated with Lord Shiva and the eternal narration of the Ram Katha.

In Uttarkand of the Ramcharitmanas, after Doha 61, the subsequent chaupais describe the dialogue between Sage Kakbhushundi and Garuda. These verses narrate:

"उत्तर दिसि सुंदर गिरि नीला। तहँ रह काकभुसुण्डि सुसीला॥"

According to the Ramcharitmanas, Lord Shiva directed Garuda to Sage Kakbhushundi and said that he continuously narrates the sacred story of Lord Shri Ramachandra. Birds of many noble kinds listen to this divine narration with deep reverence. By hearing it, the sorrow born of delusion would be removed. Following Lord Shiva’s guidance, Garuda went to the place where Sage Kakbhushundi lived, endowed with unwavering wisdom and perfect devotion. On beholding that mountain, Garuda’s heart was filled with joy, and all illusion, attachment, and anxiety vanished merely by its sight. There, aged birds had gathered to listen to the beautiful deeds of Lord Rama. On seeing that supremely pure hermitage itself, all of Garuda’s delusion, doubts, and various confusions were completely dispelled.

This section of Uttarkand forms the scriptural basis for the spiritual significance of the Kakbhushundi region and trek in the Garhwal Himalayas.

The Kagbhushundi Lake Trek is not only an adventure but also a spiritual journey. It is associated with Kakbhushundi Ji, the immortal crow-form devotee of Lord Rama, who resides on Neelkanth Mountain and has narrated the Ram Katha to Garuda Ji. Pilgrims and trekkers alike visit this sacred site to experience the divine energy, devotion, and serene Himalayan surroundings.

Badrinath Yatra

The Badrinath Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to one of Hinduism’s holiest shrines, the Badrinath Temple, situated at a breathtaking altitude of 11,268 ft on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Nestled between the snow-capped Nar and Narayan peaks of the Himalayas, the temple radiates spiritual serenity and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

2026 Opening & Closing Dates

• Opening Date: 24 April 2026 (Tentative) — the sacred Kapat opening ceremony marks the start of the pilgrimage season.

• Closing Date: 13 November 2026 (Tentative) — the temple closes for the winter season after Vijayadashami / Dussera rituals.

Note: Final dates are confirmed by the Badri‑Kedar Temple Committee based on traditional astrological considerations and may vary slightly each year.

Kapat Opening Ceremony (Temple Opening)
On the opening day (around late April), a grand traditional ceremony is held — the idol of Lord Badri Vishal is brought back from its winter abode in Narasimha Temple (Joshimath) with Vedic chants, devotional processions, and rituals. Following this, Maha Abhishek, Akhand Jyoti puja, Alankara darshan, and Vishnu Sahasranama Path take place before the temple opens for general devotees.

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya (8th century) established the temple and installed the idol of Lord Vishnu, making it a center of devotion and divine energy. Surrounding the temple are several thermal springs such as Tapta Kund, Narad Kund, and Surya Kund, renowned for their religious and remedial significance.

The Badrinath Yatra is not only a journey of devotion to Lord Vishnu but also a spiritual opportunity for pilgrims to perform Pitra Tarpan – offering oblations to departed ancestors, thereby seeking their blessings. This sacred expedition combines devotion, mythology, and the tranquil Himalayan landscape, making it a life-transforming experience for every devotee.

DhamDirectionSpiritual Meaning / Purpose

Badrinath- North- Moksha / Wisdom – guides the soul toward liberation and ultimate truth.

Rameshwaram - South - Karma & Bhakti / Action & Devotion – path of selfless service and surrender to God.

Dwarka - West - Dharma / Righteous Living – represents balance, duty, and moral life.

Puri - East - Life Journey & Awakening – symbolizes new beginnings, consciousness, and spiritual awakening.

Panch Kedar Trek

Panch Kedar trek is one the most beautiful treks in Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. It includes all the five shrines of Lord Shiva which are located in Kedar valley. It is believed that to Lord Shiva hid from Pandavas in Garhwal region and different parts of his body appear in five holy places. First among the Panch Kedar Trek isKedarnath, located at the top of Mandakini River is where the hump of Lord Shiva was seen. Second among the Panch Kedar,Madhyamaheshwar, located at the bottom of Chaukhamba peak, is the holy place where Lord Shiva’s navel and stomach surfaced. The amaong the Panch Kedar isTungnathwhich ranks as the highest Shiva temple in the world. At this place, hands of Lord Shiva were seen. Fourth isKalpeshwar, situated in beautiful Urgam valley is the place where Lord Shiva’s hairs were identified and the fifthis Rudranath, where Lord Shiva's face appeared. Apart from five shrines, the trek covers a lot of places like Kalgot, Panar, Chopta, Chandrashila, Ransi, etc. The difficulty level of Panch Kedar trek is moderate. Best time to visit these places is during summers from June to October.

Kuari Pass Trekking

Kuari Pass Trek is one of the most famous treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The trek provides a magnificent view of greater Himalayas, forests and alpine pasture lands. The difficulty level of the trek is easy to moderate.The best time for the trek is summer between the months of June to October. The vegetation of pristine rhododendron, oak and deodar forest can be seen during the trek. The trek passes through attractive scenic views of Neelkanth peaks, HathiGhodaParvat, Trishul, Mana, Dronagiri and twin peaks of Nanda Devi. Kuari Pass provides a splendid view of the Himalayas and that is why Kuari is also termed as “getaway”. The flowing tributaries of Ganges River can be seen, providing a mesmerizing sight for the eyes. The Kuari Pass Trek is an enthralling experience which every adventure loving person must try.

Dodital Darwa Pass Trek | Waytoindia

Dodital Darwa Pass trek is one of the best ways to escape to a fairy tale world by trekking in the Garhwal region of Uttrakhand. The main highlight of this trek is Dodital lake which is located at an elevation of 3310 m. above the sea level; and Darwa pass top which is located at an elevation of 4150 m.

Apart from the high altitude lake, you get to see a wide variety of flora and fauna, crystal clear water, dense alpine forests, tranquil surroundings, splendid view of Himalayan ranges, gurgling streams and much more.The trek covers places like Haridwar, Sangam Chatti, Bhevra, Dodital, Darwa Pass top and Uttarkashi.

The difficulty level of the trek is easy to moderate. The best time to go for Dodital Darwa Pass trek is from April to November.

Neelkanth Base Camp Trek

Vashudhara Waterfall and Neelkanth Base Camp trek is an adventure-filled exploration starting from the holy town of Badrinath in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.

Whether you are a pilgrim or trekker, you would be tempted to choose this expedition owing to its reputation of showcasing nature and mythology in a truly enthralling manner.

Attractions on the route include cave temples and ashrams, glaciers and rivers, meadows bedecked with rare wild flowers, footprints of Lord Vishnu and what not. The first instalment of the trek include visiting Vashudhara (or Vasudhara) Waterfalls which appear as a milky white trail from a distance and turn into a roaring vista when approached.

The second part takes you to the foot of the sky-reaching Neelkanth (or Nilkantha) Peak which impersonates Lord Shiva in the meditation pose. What’s even more exciting is that you would be visiting the holy Badrinath Shrine, one of the four foremost Hindu pilgrimage destinations (popular as Char Dhams).