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Chipla Kedar is considered one of the most sacred places to visit in India uttarakhand. Amidst towering cliffs, dense forests, and chilling winds that seem to tear through your body, it feels as though you are transitioning from the realm of mortals to the divine. Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Chipla Kedar Trek is no less than a major challenge for trekkers.
The Chhipla Kedar and Kund are revered and worshipped by the locals in the region. Chhipla Kedar is slowly gaining popularity among trekkers nationwide for its altitude and challenging trek conditions.
Best time for Chipla Kedar Trek
Though a challenging grade trek, this route offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The entire range of Kumaon's 6000-meter peaks such as Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, Rajrambha, Tri...
At the summit of Chipla Kedar, there is a small temple and pond that is considered highly sacred by the local inhabitants. Therefore, cooking, bathing, or staying overnight at this site is not permitted. Similar to the beliefs in the Neeti-Mana villages of Garhwal, the existence of deities is strongly acknowledged here.
The prevalent stories in communities civilized in these valleys are incomplete without the mention of deities. To reach Chipla Kedar, there are 2 to 3 different routes, each demanding almost the same amount of time and trekking effort.
Since Chipla Kedar is one of the most offbeat treks in Uttarakhand, this region is scarcely explored by trekkers and hardly anyone reaches here. Consequently, there are no facilities available for accommodation, food, etc. While some villages in Talhati might provide a place to stay, otherwise, bringing your tent or going...
How to reach Chipla Kedar Trek
Route Via Kathgodam: The distance from Kathgodam to Jauljibi is approximately 250 kilometers. From Jauljibi, it's about 30 kilometers to Bangapani, where a road turns towards Jarajibali. If you leave Kathgodam early in the morning, you might reach Bangapani by evening. You can take your vehicle up to Banari village after crossing Jarajibli. The trek to Chipla Kedar starts from Banari village.
1. Though there are other routes to reach Chipla Kedar, this route allows you to reduce trekking efforts since Banari village is already situated at a high altitude (2000m).
2. After trekking for 7 kilometers from Banari, you reach Sukhdo village (3100m), which serves as your first-day halt point.
3. On the next day, you cover a distance of 12 kilometers to reach Tejamkhaya (3700m).
4. On the third day, you trek 10 km to Chhipla Kedar temple (4700m) and Chipla Kedar Kund and return to Tejamkhaya.
Note: Taxi cabs and bikes are easily available on rent at Kathgodam. DIY travellers may consider renting a vehicle from Kathgodam for a more comfortable journey.
You can reach Banari also by local travel. For this, early morning buses or private taxis are available from Kathgodam to Jauljibi or Munsyari (buses with a destination of Dharchula or Munsyari, respectively). Shared taxis are available from both Munsiyari and Jauljibi to reach Banari via Bangapani and Jarajibli. Many additional night stays and patience will be required if using public transport.
KGM to KGM via Jauljibi/Munsyari: Kathogam => Jauljibi/Munsyari => Bangapani => Jarajibli => Banadi => Sukhdo => Tejamkhaya => Chipla Kedar Top and Return to Tejamkhaya => Sukhdo => Banadi => Jauljibi/Munsyari => Kathgodam
Route via Pithoragarh: One can also reach Jauljibi via Pithoragarh. Direct buses are available from Delhi to Pithoragarh, which takes almost a whole day (15 hours). Bangapani is almost 90 km away from Pithoragarh, and the rest of the route is the same as given above.
Nearest Railway Station: You can get a train to Kathgodam or Haldwani, as from these stations you can get private taxis and other road transport to Jauljibi with ease.
Nearest Airport: Get a flight to Pant Nagar (PGH) Airport as it is the gateway airport to Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
Chhipla Kedar: Located at an altitude of 4700 meters, Chipla Kedar is nothing short of heaven. Here, there is a small temple and a natural pond, which is said to have connections with deities. Locals consider this place divine and conduct their cultural activities here on special occasions.
The Himalayan mountain range of Kumaon, visible from the peak of Chipla Kedar, leaves one mesmerized. During May-June, there is a high possibility of encountering snow on this trek.
Munsyari: Munsiyari is considered the most beautiful part of the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. It's a small town located just 40 kilometers from Bangapani. Munsiyari is also the starting point for the Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp trek. Tourists often come here to spend time in solitude with their family or friends.
With the majestic view of Panchachuli in front, thousands of colorful birds, eagles soaring in the sky, and foxes running in the grassy meadows, Munsiyari is made perfect by nature. Many mountain poets have described Munsiyari as a place even more beautiful than imagination. Khaliya Top (trek), Thamari Kund (trek), Nanda Devi Temple, Eco Park, etc. are the most beautiful places to visit in Munsiyari.
Birthi Fall: While returning from Munsiyari, approximately 30 to 35 kilometers away, this waterfall is the main attraction here. The Birthi Waterfall is so massive that it can be easily seen from several kilometers away. Tourists can approach very close to the waterfall.
During the monsoon, its flow becomes extremely rapid, and the water splashes can be seen far away. The Birthi Waterfall viewpoint is located about 200 meters above the main road, and a pedestrian path has been arranged to reach here.
Almora: After leaving Munsiyari and passing by Birthi Falls, you can plan a halt at Almora. This is the main city of the Kumaon Himalayas where all kinds of civic amenities are easily available. Almora, nestled in the lower Himalayan ranges, is a beautiful town famous for its culture, youthful energy, and glorious history.
For overnight stays, there are luxurious resorts available apart from ordinary homestays. Before bidding farewell to this day, you can spend a few hours enjoying the Almora market.
Riding into the Himalayas: Tourists familiar with the Himalayas here thoroughly enjoy biking. Riding on winding roads amidst valleys feels like being on a swing. Sometimes along rivers, sometimes through dense forests, experiencing nature's beauty while moving forward brings a sense of tranquility that can hardly be expressed in words.
As you ascend, the sensation of heat decreases, making the journey even more delightful. Traveling by bus or car is also enjoyable, provided you have a front seat or at least a seat in the middle to avoid nausea.
High-Altitude Trekking: To reach Chipla Kedar starting from Banari, you need to trek for 3 days. Starting from an altitude of 2000 meters, you reach an elevation of 4700 meters, which can be considered a challenging elevation gain. This can prove to be a tough test of your willpower and stamina.
D.I.Y. trekking becomes doubly challenging for you as you have to carry your gear. You can also hire a local guide from Banari, Jarajibali, or Baram to help you carry your luggage. They will not only assist you in carrying your things but also prove to be helpful in not losing your way.
Taste Genuine Pahadi Cuisine: You must try Kumaoni delicacies such as Bhat ki Dal, rice, Bhang ki Chutney, Sarson ka Raita, green dried vegetables, etc. Himalayan delicacies will warm you from within, enabling you to withstand the cold here.
When you pay the bill for food in Kumaon, you will be surprised that despite being at such a high altitude and in remote locations, the food here does not strain your budget. The food served by the local eateries is akin to serving a meal to a guest, with elements of love always present.
Immerse into Nature and Divine Vibes: One should understand that the entire Himalayas are referred to as the land of the gods, and this is not without reason. Especially in Uttarakhand, the glory of the gods has been presented with great reverence.
Here, different deities reside in different regions, and not only protect their devotees but also help maintain justice in their society. The daily life here revolves around the deities. Whether it's cultural programs, festivals, or fairs, the invocation of the gods is central to all events. Therefore, in the Himalayas, one experiences not only the joy of nature but also the presence of divine beings.
Tips to consider while planning Chhipla Kedar trek:
● The weather at Chhipla Kedar changes rapidly and the trek is also very difficult, hence it is advised to be extremely careful.
● It is strongly recommended to either go with a reputable trekking agency or hire experienced professionals from local villages.
● Rent a room in Banadi or Jarajibli KMVN and leave extra baggage behind before starting the trek.
● Reach one day before the trekking day for acclimatization; it will help your mind and body adapt to that environment.
● Start trekking early in the morning every day to achieve the planned goals.
● Stay hidrated and keep important medicines to avoid unnecessary health issues during the trek.
● There are shepherd huts on the trekking route that can be used as stay options.
● Start hiking early in the morning to avoid human rush and increased flow of water streams.
● Be mindful of the environment and avoid littering.
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