TREK to MADMAHESWAR 2012 by Amit Ghosh

TREK to MADMAHESWAR 2012

Route: Haridwar-Rudraprayag-Ukhimath-Uniyana-Bantoli-Madmaheswar-Bura Madmaheswar-Ukhimath-Chopta-Tunganath-Chopta-Rudraprayag-Haridwar.Madhmaheswar is the second temple in the series of holy Panch Kedar. Afterkilling 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. Therefore, he disguised in the form of a bull (Nandi) and disappeared into the ground with different parts of the body appearing at various places. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of navel - shaped lingum in Madhmaheshwar. According to the puranas, while the front portion of the Lord appeared

at Pashupatinath, Katmandu, the other five parts are worshipped at:

(1) Kedarnath for the Hump of the buffalo. (2) Tungnath for the Arms (bahu)

(3) Rudranath for the Face (mukh) (4) Madhyamaheshwar for the Stomach (nabhi) and

(5) Kalpeshwar for the Hair (jata)

Madmaheswar is a place, located in the Mansuna village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, situated at an elevation of 3,497 m (11,473.1 ft). Total trekking distance onward and return trek to Madmaheswar & back is 36 kms. The trek is very easy to complete up to Bantoli, but from Bantoli to Madhmaheshwar there is a steep ascent.

Darshan of Sandhya Arati at Har Ki Pauri and Enquiry about transportation for Ukhimath.Arrival at Ukhimath (06:30 pm) by Himgiri Express (Two seated Bus with limited stoppage from GMOU/HW stand at 09:30 am).

Target to reach Bantoli by 5pm. Zeeps are available at Ukhimath GMVN Tourist lodge, Porter and Horses are available at Uniyana. Guide is not necessary. Porters taking the bags will show the route.Start for Khadara (2100m) which is a 2km steep climb ahead and takes about 1hr to reach. The climb to Nanu (2360m) Committee is very steep and 2kms was covered in Dharmasala.about 45mins. Nanu to Moukhom is also a steep climb (one and a half km in 45mins) and Moukhom to Koon is steep climb and 1km is covered in about 45mins. Lodges are available at Nanu, Moukhom and Koon. These are the places to stay if you get late in the evening because the next 4kms are through dense forests and will take around 2 hrs. Koon to Madhmaheshwar (3289 m) is a beautiful trek.In the evening may trek to Bura Madmaheswar (3500m) a trek of about 1km steep climb. From Bura Madmaheswar the whole 360 degree panoramic view is available. The reflection of Choukhamba and Mandani at the water of the pond is great.

7AM: Trek If all is well, we may complete 18 Km At Ukhimath or Back from downward trek with limited stopping for Chopta.Madmaheswar Uniyana. To Ukhimath. Then by Zeep to Chopta. 6AM: Trek After a tough journey take a rest at Chopta or take part a trek to Tungnath. Rudraprayag.

to Tunganath After completing the trek to Tungnath, and then trek to we’ll proceed for Rudranath. Chandrashila.

Madmaheswar. 9 Km of really stiff climbing to reach Madmaheswar.In the evening we will try to trek (1.5Km) to Bura Madmaheswar, if health permits.

Carry i) Trekking shoe or sports shoe ii) A raincoat or windcheater iii)

A torch light iv) Early mornings and evenings are very cold. Moreover the climate is unpredictable and changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain. So you may need woolens.So please carry Track suit, Monkey Cap, Gloves, Jacket. Must Take: 1) Voter I. Card 2)

Personal Medicine 3) One Plastic sheet 6'X4'.

Some More Important Points you have to REMEMBER

It is important to observe discipline on the trek and keep moving slowly and steadily. Do not over strain on steep gradients: Do not relax at points where there are warning notices; don't break traffic discipline or try to overtake other on difficult stretches. Do not make any short cut. Don’t try to leave yourself alone or apart from your team members.

• Madmaheshwar Trek ITINERARY