With the Kedarnath Temple now closed for the winter season, the Utsav Murti of Lord Kedarnath will be shifted to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Uttarakhand. The temple will serve as the deity’s winter residence for the next six months, allowing devotees to continue offering prayers and seeking blessings even after the annual Kedarnath Yatra concludes.
For those who could not visit Kedarnath during the summer pilgrimage season, Omkareshwar Temple offers another opportunity to have darshan of Baba Kedarnath. Here is everything you need to know about the temple, its location, visiting hours and travel options.
Where Is Omkareshwar Temple Located?
Omkareshwar Temple is situated in Ukhimath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It holds special religious significance as the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheshwar.
During the winter months, when heavy snowfall and extremely cold weather make the high-altitude temples difficult to access, the deities’ ceremonial idols are brought to Omkareshwar Temple. Devotees can visit the temple in Ukhimath to offer prayers and seek blessings during this period.
How to Reach Omkareshwar Temple from Delhi?
Travellers can reach Ukhimath from Delhi by road, train or air. Depending on the chosen mode of transport, the journey requires additional travel from nearby transport hubs.
By Road: The distance between Delhi and Ukhimath is approximately 415 km, and the journey takes around 9–11 hours. The route passes through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Guptkashi before reaching Ukhimath.
Travellers can hire a private cab directly from Delhi. Alternatively, they can take a bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh and continue towards Ukhimath using local bus services.
By Train: Rishikesh and Haridwar are the nearest railway stations for reaching Ukhimath. After arriving at either station, visitors can hire a private taxi or take a local bus to complete the journey.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun is the nearest airport. From there, travellers can hire a private cab or use bus services to reach Ukhimath.
Omkareshwar Temple Timings and Best Time to Visit
Devotees planning a visit should keep the temple’s daily darshan timings in mind.
- Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The most suitable months to visit Omkareshwar Temple are March to June and September to November. These periods generally offer favourable conditions for travelling to Ukhimath and exploring the surrounding region.
Visitors are advised to plan their journey in advance and check local weather and travel conditions before departure.
Why Does Lord Kedarnath Stay at Omkareshwar Temple During Winter?
Kedarnath Temple is located in a high-altitude Himalayan region that experiences severe cold and heavy snowfall during winter. These conditions make the temple inaccessible for several months.
To ensure that daily worship and religious traditions continue throughout the year, the Utsav Murti of Lord Kedarnath is brought down to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath through a ceremonial procession. The temple then becomes the deity’s winter residence, where devotees can continue their prayers and seek blessings.
For those who missed the Kedarnath pilgrimage during the summer season, a visit to Ukhimath offers an opportunity to have darshan of Baba Kedarnath during winter. Along with its religious importance, the destination also provides a chance to experience the peaceful surroundings of the Himalayas.