Madhyamaheshwar
The second of the Panch Kedar, deep in the forest.
- Altitude
- 3,497 m
- Trek & start
- 16 km from Ransi
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Time needed
- 2–3 days
- Best months
- Late May–Jun · Sep–Oct
Why go
Madhyamaheshwar is the second of the Panch Kedar temples, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of the navel. It sits in a high meadow ringed by forest, far quieter than Kedarnath.
Above the temple, the short climb to Budha Madhyamaheshwar opens onto the Chaukhamba massif — one of the finest views in the Kedarnath valley for those with the legs for it.
The trek
The road head beyond Ukhimath, reachable by car from the Guptkashi side of the valley.
The trail drops to the river and climbs through villages and forest. Most walkers spend the first night at Gaundar or Bantoli.
A steady forest climb via Khatra to the temple meadow at 3,497 m; 16 km in all from Ransi.
This is a multi-day trek with simple village homestays on the way — plan nights, not hours. The temple is open from late May to about November, and the trail is steep and muddy after rain.
FAQ
Two days up and one down is comfortable: Ransi to Gaundar or Bantoli on day one, the temple on day two, and back to Ransi on day three.
Yes. Both sit on the Ukhimath side of the valley, and Ransi and Chopta are a few hours apart by road. Many trekkers do Madhyamaheshwar first, then drive to Chopta for Tungnath.
The trail is well used in season, but a local guide or porter from Ransi is a good idea for first-timers and in poor weather.
More places to explore
- Chopta sideTungnath & ChandrashilaSunrise above the clouds at 4,000 metres.
- Kedarnath sideVasuki TalA glacial lake beyond Kedarnath, at 4,135 metres.
- Chopta sideDeoria TalAn emerald lake mirroring the Chaukhamba peaks.
- Chopta sideChoptaMeadows and forest — the base for Tungnath.
- Kedarnath sideTriyuginarayanThe eternal flame where Shiva and Parvati wed.
- Kedarnath sideGaurikundThe trailhead where the walk to Kedarnath begins.