Chopta is a picturesque hamlet which is still unexplored by travelers, is also famous as “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand“. Wake up with cool salubrious breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta which is a far cry from the blaring horns of the cities and other hill stations, morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of sun kisses the snow-laden Himalayas.
This hushed abode is enclosed by the dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons and other conifers that can be found in this region, which makes Chopta rich in flora and fauna.
Kedarnath Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva. Located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, Kedarnath is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open to the general public only between the months of April and November. Kedarnath is 43.5 km away from Gopeshwar.
The name of the Badrinath tirtha originates from the local word badri which is a type of a wild berry. It is said that when Lord Vishnu sat in penance in these mountains, His consort Goddess Laxmi took the form of a berry tree and shaded Him from the harsh sun. It is not only the dwelling place of the Lord Himself but also home to countless pilgrims, saints and sages, who meditate here in search of enlightenment.
Ukhimath is situated at an elevation of 1317 mts above sea level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. Ukhimath is also written as Okhimath sometimes. Ukhimath is the home of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during winters. Worship is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple here during winters, when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed.
Ukhimath is mainly inhabited by the Rawal’s who are the head priests (pundits) of Kedarnath. Snow capped peaks of the splendid Himalayan range are distinctly visible from Ukhimath.
The Rudranath temple is believed to be established by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandavas came to the Himalayan mountains in search of god Shiva, to redeem them of the sins of killing in the epic Kurukshetra war.
Madhmaheshwar is the second temple in the series of holy Panch Kedar, first one being Kedarnath. After killing their cousins at the war, Pandavas started their journey to visit Lord Shiva to wash their sins. Lord Shiva wanted to avoid them as he was deeply incensed by the death and dishonesty at the Kurukshetra war.
Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. It’s surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, plus the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains. A long cable car links Auli to the town of Joshimath. North of Auli are the colorful Badrinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and the Valley of Flowers National Park, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes.
Later, its body parts appeared in different places. It is said that the ‘Jata’ or the locks of Shiva appeared at Kalpeshwar. While the other Hindu legend tells that sage Durvasa, known for his rage meditated under the Kalpavriksha tree, a wish-fulfilling tree located in the surroundings of the Kalpeshwar temple.
It is one of the Panch Kedars and is believed to have belonged to an ancient era almost 1000 years old. The foundation of this temple was laid down by Arjuna who was the third of the Pandava brothers. It was built in the North Indian style of architecture and has a dozen shrines of other Gods surrounding the temple.
Valley of Flowers National Park is an Indian national park, located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh, in the state of Uttarakhand and is known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the variety of flora.
It is close to the Chinese border and Niti is the last village in the valley before the border with south Tibet. The Niti Pass was an ancient trade route between India and Tibet, and it was sealed after the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Since then, the border has remained sealed.
Mana village holds a huge religious significance for the Hindus, as the place is related to the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas (the five mythological characters from the epic Mahabharata) passed through Mana Village when they made their final journey to heaven.
The Ghughuti Himalayan Homestay
Ghariya Bhawan, Ruali gwar Gopeshwar Chamoli Uttrakhand 246401
Tel.: +91 8126956575
info@theghughuti.in