Hidden Gems on Do Dham Yatra route: Chopta-Tungnath & Mana Village

Introduction

The Do Dham yatra involves visiting two divine shrines: Kedarnath and Badrinath, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas at a very high altitude. The high Himalayan region serves as the gateway to many spiritual, scenic, and serene spots, including Chopta-Tungnath and Mana Village, which are located on the route to Do Dham.

These gems offer a more immersive cultural and spiritual experience to travellers. The Do Dham yatra, which leads to salvation (moksha) with Hidden gems, offers a deep spiritual and nature connection. In this guide, you will know about two must-visit Himalayan spots, including the Tungnath temple and Mana Village, while visiting the Do Dham Yatra. 

Do Dham Yatra with Hidden Himalayan Gems:

Kedarnath: The first stop of the Do Dham Yatra

Kedarnath, the abode of lord shiva, is located in the Rudraprayag of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 11,755 feet above sea level. The temple is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River and surrounded by the high Himalayan ranges. It is associated with great mythology, which says that the temple was built by the Pandavas.

It is accessible by a 16 km trek, which starts from Gaurikund and leads to the temple. The trek passes through Deep valleys, snowy landscapes, and high peaks, which offer scenic views of the Himalayas. The Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, Bhairavnath temple, Rudra Gufa, and Vasuki Tal are the main attractions of the temple.  

Chopta-Tungnath: A perfect trekking spot near Kedarnath Temple

The Chopta-Tungath region is located in Ukimath town of Uttarakhand, which is about 80-100 km from Kedarnath and accessible by a short motorable trip. Chopta is surrounded by alpine meadows and apple orchards. It serves as the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashilla trek. The Tungnath temple (the world's highest Shiva temple) is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River at an altitude of 12,073 feet above sea level.

The trek distance is around 3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath and 1.5 km from the Tungnath temple to Chandrashilla peak, which takes 5-6 hours to complete, demanding good physical health. The trek passes through alpine green meadows and deep valleys, which offer 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi peaks. The meadows, peaks, and apple orchards are the main Highlights of this place. 

Badrinath: The abode of lord Vishnu

The Badrinath temple, dedicated to lord Vishnu, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 10,279 feet above sea level. The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and surrounded by the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges. This temple is part of Panch Badri and 108 Divya Desam.

The legend says that Lord Vishnu paid penance here, and Devi Lakshmi took the form of a Badri tree to protect lord vishnu from the harsh climate, and the temple got its name “Badrinath.” The Charanpaduka (stone foothills of lord vishnu), Brahma Kapal, and Tapt Kund (natural water bodies) are the main highlights of the place.

Mana Village: A serene Village near Badrinath Dham

Mana village is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 10,200 feet above sea level, and it is considered the last inhabited village. This village is 3 km from the Badrinath Temple and surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks. This village holds huge mythological significance and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty.

Mythology says that the Mahabharat was composed by sage Vyasa at this village, and some other legends say that the Saraswati River originates here. This village also serves as the gateway to Vasudhara Falls and Bheema Pul.

The Vyas gufa, Ganesh gufa, Bheema pul, Mata murti temple, and Vasudhara falls (6 km away from Mana village) are the major attractions of the place. This village is ideal for cultural and nature walks, as it offers the stunning views of Neelkanth peaks and Badrinath valley.

Best time to visit: The summer (May-June) and the Autumn months (Sep-Oct) are ideal months to visit the Do Dham yatra, as they offer favourable weather conditions and accessible trails.

Accessibility: The journey to Do Dham with Chopta-Tungnath and Mana Village is accessible by road, air, train, and shuttle-trek. The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest, and the Haridwar/Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest stop to the Do Dham.

Conclusion

Many travellers overlook the hidden Himalayan gems on the route to the Do Dham yatra and think that this is just a journey to visit two shrines, but it is more than just visiting temples, as it is a perfect blend of spiritual fulfilment and adventurous experience.

The Chopta-Tungnath trek near Kedarnath and the Mana village near Badrinath offer an opportunity for cultural immersion and nature walks. The lush meadows, deep valleys, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks offer panoramic views. These gems offer a more immersive Himalayan experience beyond the temples.