Madmaheshwar
2nd Kedar of Panch Kedar — Sacred Shiva Temple at 3,497m with Views of Kedarnath Peak
Travel Guide
Everything You Need to Know About Madmaheshwar
Overview
Madmaheshwar (3,497m) is the second of the five Panch Kedar temples in the Garhwal Himalayas, where Lord Shiva's navel (nabhi) is worshipped. Set in a hidden valley near the Rudraprayag-Chamoli border, the temple is surrounded by alpine meadows with unobstructed views of the Kedarnath massif, Chaukhamba (7,138m), and the Madmaheshwar valley's own dramatic peaks.
The trek begins from Ransi village (2,160m) near Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district and passes through small traditional Garhwali villages, dense mixed forests, and the expansive Bantoli and Kedo meadows before reaching the sacred temple complex. The distance of approximately 24km from Ransi makes it a 2–3 day trek, similar in effort to Rudranath but at a somewhat lower altitude and with better-developed camp infrastructure.
Madmaheshwar is particularly famous for the Kedar-shaped rock that emerges from the meadow near the temple — the first view of the Kedarnath peak visible from here is considered one of the most stunning in all of the Panch Kedar circuit. The nearby Budhha Madmaheshwar (Elder Madmaheshwar) temple at 4,000m is a worthwhile extension and offers close-up views of the entire Kedarnath massif including Kedarnath peak, Chaukhamba, and Kedardome.
How to Reach Madmaheshwar
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (225km to Ukhimath, 7 hours). Taxis available to Ukhimath.
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station (210km to Ukhimath, 6.5 hours via Devprayag and Rudraprayag).
By Road
Delhi to Ukhimath via Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag (430km, 11 hours). From Ukhimath, drive to Ransi village (5km). Regular buses from Rishikesh to Ukhimath.
Local Transport
Trek on foot from Ransi. Local guides from Ukhimath (₹700–₹900/day). Mule service available from Ransi to Bantoli.
Best Time to Visit
The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (May) and closes by Bhai Dooj (October–November). Best trekking conditions are May–June and September–October. Monsoon (July–August) makes trails slippery and leeches prolific. Winter (November–April) the valley is snow-bound and the temple is closed.
Best Open Closed
Distance from Major Cities
Why Visit Madmaheshwar?
- Madmaheshwar temple — 2nd Kedar, Shiva's navel enshrined, ancient and atmospheric
- Kedarnath peak view from the meadow — one of the finest in the Panch Kedar circuit
- Chaukhamba (7,138m) massif panorama from Budhha Madmaheshwar (4,000m)
- Bantoli and Kedo meadows — expansive alpine grasslands at 3,000–3,500m
- Kedar-shaped rock formation near the temple — geological and spiritual marvel
- Traditional Garhwali villages with stone houses along the trail
- Sacred Madmaheshwar Kund (lake) adjacent to the temple
Sample Itinerary
4-Day Madmaheshwar Plan
A suggested itinerary — customise with AI for your dates and preferences
Delhi → Ukhimath
- Drive from Delhi to Ukhimath (430km, 11 hours)
- Settle in hotel, rest and acclimatise
- Visit Ukhimath temple (winter seat of Kedarnath idol)
- Guide briefing and food preparation
Ransi → Bantoli Meadow
- Drive to Ransi (5km)
- Trek: Ransi → Bantoli meadow (12km, 6 hours)
- Pass through Garhwali villages and forest
- First meadow views of Kedarnath range
- Camp at Bantoli
Bantoli → Madmaheshwar Temple
- Trek: Bantoli → Kedo → Madmaheshwar temple (12km, 5 hours)
- Kedo Bugyal — expansive meadow with Chaukhamba views
- Arrive Madmaheshwar temple
- Evening puja and aarti at the temple
- Madmaheshwar Kund visit
Budhha Madmaheshwar → Descent → Ukhimath
- Morning: Budhha Madmaheshwar extension (4,000m) for Kedarnath massif views
- Return to main temple for morning puja
- Descend to Ransi (24km, 7 hours)
- Drive to Ukhimath
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Cost Breakdown
Madmaheshwar Trip Cost Per Person
Transparent budget guide for every type of traveller — from budget pilgrim to luxury helicopter yatra.
₹5,000–₹9,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Bus from Rishikesh to Ukhimath
- Basic hotel in Ukhimath
- Shared guide
- Self-catered food
- Dharamshala at Madmaheshwar
₹12,000–₹22,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Private vehicle from Rishikesh
- Hotel in Ukhimath
- Licensed guide and porter
- All meals
- Camp at Bantoli
₹28,000–₹48,000
per person (5-day trip)
- Private transport from Delhi
- Comfortable accommodation in Ukhimath
- Expert guide team
- Full camp setup with chef and porters
Temple entry is free. No forest department permit required. Mule hire from Ransi: ₹1,000–₹1,200/day. Dharamshala at Madmaheshwar: ₹100–₹200/night.
Live Updates
Travel Alerts for Madmaheshwar
Current Status
Route Status
Open — quiet
Best time: May to June & September to October
Latest Alerts
Where to Stay
Hotels & Accommodation in Madmaheshwar
Handpicked stays — from budget dharamshalas to comfortable mountain hotels
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Live Conditions
Current Weather at Madmaheshwar
Live temperature and wind data from Open-Meteo — updated hourly
☀️ Peak Season
May–June & Sep–Oct
8–18°C day / -2 to 5°C night
Best for pilgrimage and trekking. Clear skies, stable weather.
🌧️ Monsoon
July–August
12–20°C day / 5–10°C night
Heavy rainfall. Landslide risk on mountain roads. Check advisories.
❄️ Winter
Nov–April
-10 to 5°C day / below -15°C night
Temple/destination closed. Heavy snowfall. Not recommended.
Tips & Precautions
Travel Tips for Madmaheshwar
Travel Tips
- Ukhimath is a good base — comfortable hotels available and nearest medical facility.
- September–October is the best time — clear skies, no leeches, and lush post-monsoon green meadows.
- The trail from Ransi to Bantoli (first camp) is the most forested section — leech socks recommended in early season.
- Budhha Madmaheshwar extension (4,000m) is highly recommended for views — allow an extra half day.
- Carry sufficient water from Ransi — natural water sources are available on trail but should be treated.
- The temple priest performs puja daily — attend the morning and evening aarti at the temple.
Packing List
- Trekking poles
- Warm jacket and fleece
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag
- 3 days food from Ukhimath/Ransi
- Water purification tablets
- First aid with Diamox
- Leech socks (May–June)
Health Precautions
- Altitude 3,497m — mild AMS possible. Acclimatise in Ukhimath overnight.
- Sustained uphill for 2 days — pace yourself and avoid rushing altitude gain.
- Nearest hospital in Rudraprayag (45km from Ukhimath).
Safety Tips
- No mobile network beyond Ransi village — save emergency contacts offline.
- Trail becomes slippery in rain — use trekking poles on descent.
- Do not attempt Budhha Madmaheshwar (4,000m) without a guide.
Frequently Asked
Madmaheshwar Travel FAQs
Everything travellers ask before visiting Madmaheshwar
Madmaheshwar is the second of the five Panch Kedar temples where Lord Shiva's navel (nabhi) is worshipped. It is famous for its remote beauty, the extraordinary view of Kedarnath peak from the meadow, and the pristine alpine environment. It sees far fewer pilgrims than Kedarnath, making it a more personal spiritual experience.
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