Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple Uttarakhand

Kalpeshwar Panch Kedar is considered the last Temple of this circuit. It is believed that here the matted hairs (Jata) of lord shiva appeared. Shivling here at Kalpeshwar is also known as Jateshwar Maharaj.

Kalpavriksha at Kalpeshwar Dham

A wish-fulfilling divine tree located at the Kalpeshwar temple is well known as the Kalpavriksha. This holy tree has been found in many ancient holy scriptures and holds great importance in our culture and tradition. 

As per the mythological story, the prayers offered near the Kalpavriksha with faith and purity of intent are blessed by Lord Shiva. 

Head Priest at Kalpeshwar Dham

The head priest of Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple is always selected from the Dasnami and Gosain orders. They are believed to be the disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. They are the ones who have been protecting and maintaining the serenity of this temple for thousands of years.

Kalpeshwar Temple History

Kalpeshwar temple is located in a natural cave with basic ancient Himalayan architecture from the outside. This temple represents meditation, ascetic and natural connection rather than grandeur constructions. Such cave sanctuaries are historically associated with early Shaivite ascetic communities rather than royal patronage.

There is no epigraphic evidence which shows the foundation of this temple. It is believed that this temple was established and maintained by the local customs and traditions. This temple has no shikhar or any modern construction. It was built with natural slabs and minimal mortar. 

This temple has no evidence of state-sponsored construction, and its current shape is the result of continuous use of the temple over centuries.

How To Reach Kalpeshwar Temple

Reaching the Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple involves trekking and travelling via air, train, or road. Here is a detailed description of how to reach Kalpeshwar, Uttarakhand. 

By Road

Step 1: The road journey is the most scenic way to reach Kalpeshwar. Firstly, you need to travel to the major cities of Uttarakhand, like Haridwar and Rishikesh (the nearest major transport hubs). From there, take a bus or taxi to Helang, which is located along the NH-7 road (Rishikesh-Badrinath Highway).

Step 2: From Helang, you need to change vehicles, as private cabs/taxis or buses are not allowed due to the uphill and narrow road. Take a taxi or jeep to reach Urgam Village, the last motorable point and base camp for Kalpeshwar temple. 

Step 3: After reaching the Urgam village, move further for a 1 km trek to reach the Kalpeshwar temple. 

Kalpeshwar Road Distance From Major Cities

Route	Distance	Travel time
Delhi to Kalpeshwar	490 km	14-16 hrs.
Haridwar to Kalpeshwar	270 km	8-10 hrs
Rishikesh to Kalpeshwar	250 km	6-8 hrs
Kalpeshwar to Rudranath	38 km to the base camp	40 minutes
Tungnath to Kalpeshwar	100 km to the base camp	3-4 hrs

By Train

Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations to Kalpeshwar. So you can take a train from your city to Haridwar/Rishikesh. After that, take a bus or taxi to Helang. From Helang, hire a shared jeep or taxi to reach Urgam village and then head on a trek to Kalpeshwar. 

By Air

The Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kalpeshwar. From the airport, you can easily find a taxi or a bus to Helang and head on a trek to Kalpeshwar. 

The Kalpeshwar Temple route, which helps to reach:

• Haridwar/Rishikesh to Joshimath (270-280 km)

• Josimath to Helang (around 12 km)

• Helang to Urgam Village (10 km)

• Urgam village to Kalpeshwar temple (2-3 km)

Kalpeshwar Temple Trek Distance

• Kalpeshwar Trek Distance: The Kalpeshwar trek starts from Urgam village, which is located at a distance of 1 km from the temple. The trekking route passes through beautiful meadows, apple orchards, and river valleys, with panoramic views of the peaks. And it takes around one hour to complete the round trek with darshan in the temple. 

• Difficulty level: The trek is considered to be very easy, as the Kalpeshwar trek distance is just 1 km, and the route is well-marked with stairs on some portions of the trek. It is very easy and idle even for kids 5 years of age.

• Kalpeshwar trek Time: Trekking to Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple is allowed between the time frame of 5 AM to 8 PM. After this temple closes and no pilgrims are allowed to trek after 8 PM. Also, make note that there is a recess from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, so avoid reaching the temple during this time slot.

Kalpeshwar Weather

The weather in Kalpeshwar Mahadev varies significantly by season. Here is the full Kalpeshwar temperature and weather forecast season-wise.

Summer season (May-June)

The most pleasant time of the year is summer, with comfortable weather and mild temperatures. 

• Temperature: from 15°C to 25°C

• Conditions: Clear skies, views, and surrounding scenery are blooming, an ideal time for temple visiting and sightseeing.

Monsoon Season (July-August)

Marked by moderately heavy rain and high humidity.

• Temperature:  12°C to 20°C

• Conditions: Cloudy skies provide poor visibility, high risk of landslides due to heavy rainfall. Not ideal for visiting. 

Post-monsoon (Sep-Oct)

In the post-monsoon season, the weather becomes pleasant again, and the surrounding scenery blooms at this time. 

• Temperature: 10°C to 18°C

• Conditions: clear skies, chilly evenings and mornings. The landscape becomes lush greenery, making it an ideal time for exploring and sightseeing.  

Winter Season (Nov-April) 

Winter in Kalpeshwar is cold and harsh but calm.

• Temperature: 0°C to 10°C, sometimes dropping to sub-zero. 

• Conditions: The valley and temple are covered with snow, especially during December and January. 

Best Time To Visit Kalpeshwar

The best time to visit the Kalpeshwar temple is between September to June. This temple remains open throughout the year, so you can visit here anytime as per your convenience. 

This region observes heavy rainfall during the monsoon season in July and August. So it is the most unfavourable time to visit to Kalpeshwar temple.

Ideal Months : 

• May to June and September to October are the most ideal periods to visit Kalpeswar, as these months offer pleasant weather, accessible trails, and excellent visibility, making travel easier. Most of the devotees prefer to club it with the Do Dham Yatra Package or Char Dham Yatra Package . So this region observes maximum tourists during this time.

• You can also visit during the winter, from November to March, for a peaceful experience and to witness snow. But it’s not suitable for everyone. 

Months to Avoid : Monsoon, from July to August, as it brings heavy rain that leads to landslides and road blockages, making the trails slippery, travel risky or difficult.

Things to do around Kalpeshwar 

Riverside walk: explore the confluence of the Kalpganga and Alaknanda rivers beside the temple. 

Nature walks: Explore the Urgam valley and the flora and fauna of nearby villages.

Explore the local culture: Immerse yourself in the rich Garhwal culture of Urgam and Helang village. 

Trek to Rudranath: Rudranath, another temple of the Panch Kedar, is located 50 km from Urgam village. It is accessible by a 20 km trek from Sagar village. You can explore it by road journey via the Urgam village. 

Meditation: The serene environment of the shrine allows meditation and self-manifestation. It helps them to connect with nature and enrich their souls. 

Places To Visit Near Kalpeshwar

Bansi Narayan Temple

Constructed in the 8th century in the Urgam Village of Uttarakhand, the Bansi Narayan Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is in an isolated area, around 10 km ahead of Bansa village. 

No settlements are available near this temple, an ideal place to meditate. In addition to pilgrimages, this place is also visited by trekking enthusiasts. Himalayan peaks like Nanda Gunti, Nanda Devi and Trishul are some of the highlights of this trek.

Badrinath Temple

Badrinath is located just 66 km away from the Kalpeshwar Mahadev temple, which is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Uttarakhand . It is also considered the temple of Satyuga and is believed to vanish at the end of Kalyuga. 

This is the last temple after which the Pandavas proceeded toward heaven. Every year, millions of travellers visit this place to seek the blessings of lord Badri (Vishnu). This temple is part of the Do Dham Yatra and the Char Dham Yatra .

Kedarnath Temple

Another famous temple of Uttarakhand is the Kedarnath Temple , which is about 215 km away from the Kalpeshwar Temple. This temple is part of Panch Kedar, 12 jyotirlingas in India , Chota Char Dham Yatra and Kedarnath Yatra . 

Every year, millions of people take the Kedarnath tour package to visit the Kedarnath Dham . It is also considered heaven on earth due to its beautiful location and miracles.

Narshingh Temple

A divine temple of lord vishnu, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand near Joshimath. It serves as a winter residence for the Badrinath temple and is also a key part of the Sapt Badri circuits. 

The features of the temple are a statue of Lord Narsingh (an incarnation of lord vishnu) and the surrounding scenery. The temple is accessible by road via Helang village, and it is just 27 km from Kalpeshwar.

Rudranath Temple

Rudranath temple is another part of the Panch Kedar circuit, located 50 km from Kalpeshwar by road. It is a feature for worshipping the “Face of lord shiva” while the other Panch Kedar temples represent the different parts of lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by dense oak forest and snow-covered peaks, and it’s accessible by a 20 km trek from Sagar village. 

Auli

Auli is a popular hill station, known for winter skiing, and is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters above sea level, and surrounded by panoramic Himalayan peaks. It is accessible by a cable car ride from Joshimath town. Offers a view of the Himalayas and an opportunity for trekking and skiing.    

Mana Village

Mana village is a picturesque village, renowned as the first indian village and known for its unique culture and natural beauty. It is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at a distance of around 3 km from the Badrinath Temple. 

It is characterised by Bheem Pul , Ganesh Gufa , Vyas Gufa , and views of Nar-Narayan peaks. It is accessible by a shuttle walk and a short drive from the Badrinath temple .

Vasudhara Falls

Vasudhara , a cascading waterfall of 400 feet, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and significance. It is believed that the water of Vasudhara falls only on virtuous people. 

It is accessible by a 6 km trek from Mana village. The trek is considered moderately challenging and passes through the river valley and dense oak forest. 

Why Visit Kalpeshwar Temple?

Kalpeshwar Temple is a perfect blend of spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty. It is the place where lord shiva matted hair is worshipped in a naturally formed cave. The temple is also famous for its all-year accessibility.  

The Kalpganga River, behind the temple, offers a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for spiritual seekers and nature lovers. Visit Kalpeshwar to witness the unique worship of Lord Shiva's hair, seek the divine blessings of the deity, and feel the sacred aura of the shrine. 

The place also offers a riverside walk and a nature walk in nearby villages. Explore the local culture in the Urgam Valley and combine your journey with nearby attractions such as Badrinath Dham, Rudranath, Auli, and more.  

What are the accommodation options near Kalpeshwar?

Kalpeshwar provides numerous accommodation options in nearby villages, like as Helang and Urgam. So you can find hotels easily there. Urgam and Helang villages provide basic lodges, homestays, and basic hotels. For more comfort options, you can find hotels in the nearby town of Joshimath. 

Some suggested options are—

• Anurag Homestay in Urgam

• Krishan palace

• Shiv Bhavani Homestay

Pro Tip: Urgam village offers a more authentic experience at an affordable price; you can stay there. 

Travel Tips For Kalpeshwar Temple

• Pack warm clothes : Even if you travel in summer or Autumn, the region experiences cool, pleasant weather.
  
  

• Check weather & accessibility : Before visiting, check the weather, as it changes rapidly in the Himalayas, making accessibility difficult. 
  
  

• Carry essentials : Pack wisely with essential things to carry, including snacks, medications, cash, clothes, personal items, and more
  
  

• Respect the Environment : Don’t throw plastics inside the valley or near the temple; keep the valley clean. 
  
  

• Stay calm and updated:  since mobile networks after the Helang village are limited. Don’t panic, and stay updated.

Kalpeshwar Temple FAQs

1. Is the Kalpeshwar trek difficult?

   No, the Kalpeshwar temple trek is not difficult. In fact, it is one of the easiest treks among all the Panch Kedar temples. Trekking for this temple will start from Urgam village, which is located just 1 km from the temple. Most parts of the temple are well-marked and consist of stairs.
   
   

2. How long is the Kalpeshwar trek?

   Kalpeshwar trek is just 1 km long. It starts from Urgam village and passes through scenic views and river crossings. It is one of the easiest trek among all the Panch Kedars.
   
   

3. Can we reach Kalpeshwar Temple in Uttarakhand by car?

   Yes, you can reach Kalpeshwar Temple in Uttarakhand by car. You can drive up to Devgram or Urgam, which are about 500 meters to 1 kilometre from the temple. Make sure to use a car with good road clearance, because some sections of the road are rough. If your vehicle is small, you can also hire a shared taxi or jeep from Helang villages to reach the Urgam or Devgram.

4. Which Kedar is Kalpeshwar?

   Kalpeshwar Dham is considered the last Kedar of Kedar Khand or Panch Kedar Temple . Shiva’s matted hair (jata) is being worshipped at this location. Shivling at Kalpeshwar is also known as Jateshwar or Jatadhar.

5. How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple?

   Kalpeshwar Dham is the easiest kedars among all the Panch Kedars. 12 km before Joshimath, one road will be divided for the Urgam Valley. This road will go to the fifth kedar, i.e Kalpeshwar Dham. This is a road journey of 28 km by which you can take till Devram, which is just 500 meters away from the most awaited Kalpeshwar temple.
   
   

6. What is the Kalpeshwar temple famous for?

Kalpeshwar temple is famous for the matted hair of lord shiva, which is being worshipped at this place. This temple is also known as Jaleshwar or Jatadhar.

7. Which part of Shiva is in Kalpeshwar?

   Hair lock or Matted hair of lord shiva is worshipped at Kalpeshwar temple. As per the holy scriptures and legends, it is believed that after getting divided at Kedarnath, lord shiva got divided into five body parts, which appeared at five different locations. Out of which, hair appeared at this location.
   
   

8. What is the altitude of Kalpeshwar?

   Kalpeshwar temple is located at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level

9. What is the temperature in Kalpeshwar during the summer months?

   In the summer(April to June), the Kalpeshwar temple has pleasant weather. The temperature usually ranges between 15°C and 25°C. 

• Pleasant weather

• Clear skies 

• Serene and scenic views

10. What is the weather like in Kalpeshwar in all seasons?

• In the summer months (April to June), the weather is mild and pleasant, offering clear skies. The temperature ranges between 15 °C and 25°C, making it the best place to visit. 

• In the monsoon season (July to September), the heavy rains make the path slippery. In this sense, trekking is riskier. 

• In the winter season (December to March), cold temperatures make the journey challenging. Also, you can witness the snowfall in the winter months at the Kalpeshwar temple.

11. What is the distance from Kalpeshwar to Rudranath Trek?

    The distance from Kalpeshwar to Rudranath is around 20 km. The trek is challenging to moderate, and takes 2 days to complete, with an overnight rest.

12. Does it snow in Kalpeshwar?