Buda Madmaheshwar Trek

The Enchanting Himalayas has been known to be Shiva’s abode. “Shiva” the Indian deity has many names and forms. Madmaheshwar is yet another name of Shiva. A temple dedicated to this Avatar is located at an height of 3497 mts in Garhwal Himalayas and makes an excellent trekking destination as it offers magnificent views of the surrounding Chaukhamba peaks from the top of this mountain. One can reach Madmaheswar temple by trekking 16 kms from Ransi. The trail passes through enchanting Alpine meadows and dense greenery most time of the year. This temple is also significant in Hindu culture and is one of the temples visited in the Panch Kedar circuit. The camping experience at Madmaheshwar is fascinating for trekkers due to the surrounding green wooded forest on one side and gorgeous alpine meadows on the other with Chaukhamba snow clad peaks view being the highlight from this point.Chaukhamba is a mountain massif in the Gangotri Group of the Garhwal Himalaya. Chaukhamba has four summits, along a northeast-southwest trending ridge.

History / Mythological Significance Of Madmaheshwar Temple

After the epic battle of Mahabharat, the victorious Pandavas who defeated their cousins Kauravas seeing the massive destruction caused decided to atone their sins. They left their kingdom and went in search of Shiva to seek forgiveness and his blessings. But Shiva wanted to avoid them as he was deeply affected by the death and destruction which happened. Pandavas after unsuccessful in finding Shiva at Varanasi reach the Garhwal region to look for him. Bhima one of the Pandava brothers saw a bull grazing in Guptakashi region and recognized him to be Shiva caught hold of it but the bull formed Shiva disappeared into the ground and later appeared in parts in 5 different places. The hump in Kedarnath, Face in Rudranath, Arms in Tungnath, Navel and Stomach in Madhmaheshwar and hair in Kalpeshwar. At all these five places the Pandavas build a Shiv Temple thus freeing from their sins. These 5 temples are a part of Panch Kedar. Madhmaheshwar is one of the five places where Shiva reappeared. The temple apart from its scenic location is a sought-after place by those seeking spiritual solace. 

Highlights of Buda Madmaheshwar Trek 

• Buda Madmaheshwar Temple - it is believed that during winter months Lord Shiva would reside here. The sunrise view of the Chaukhamba peaks from this temple is breathtaking and truly divine.
• Chaukhamba Peaks – from Budamadmaheshwar temple one can see the   Chaukhamba snow clad peaks view which is a sight to behold esp during sunrise. Chaukhamba is mountain massif in the Gangotri group of mountains in the Garhwal Himalayas. Chaukhamba has four summits, along a northeast-southwest trending ridge.
• Madmaheshwar Temple - Madmaheshwar temple is a pert of Panch Kedar, one of the five places where Shiva reappeared. His navel and stomach were found here and Pandavas built a temple of Shiva at this place. The temple apart from its scenic location is a sought-after place by those seeking spiritual solace. 

Difficulty Level Of Buda Madmaheshwar Trek

Buda Madmaheshwar Trek is situated at an altitude of about 11500 feet or 3497  mts and is considered to be a moderate difficulty trek of about 32 kms which can be done over a long weekend or 4 days.

The trek starts at Ransi village and goes upto the Madhmaheshwar temple. The trek offers green wooded forest on one side and gorgeous alpine meadows on the other with Chaukhamba snow clad peaks view being the highlight from this point. Due to its high altitude along with rocky terrain and final steep ascent it is a moderate difficulty trek where a certain degree of physical fitness is necessary. The trek is not suitable for families with very young kids less 9-10 yrs old due to its uneven terrain and long walking hours. Acclimatization is also crucial as nights at high-altitude can be colder than expectations. During summer time, temperatures are comfortable but unpredictable weather can add difficulties.

For climbing technicalities, there are no major technical sections, so no particular mountaineering skills are required but a prior trekking experience is beneficial while undertaking this trek. The guidance of a professional mountaineer or experienced guide is important here. Solo trekking is not advisable. Trekkers should make the preparations after seeing all perspectives.

Best Time To Visit Buda Madmaheshwar Trek

The summer months of May – June and Late September October is the best time to trek to Buda Madmaheshwar Temple. During these months the weather is pleasant and accessible for trekking. The day time temperature ranges from 10- 20 degree C and night time temperature can fall as low as even 0 degree owing to its high altitude.

Months of monsoon July – August early September should be avoided due to danger of landslides and slippery terrains due to heavy rainfall in the region.

This trek is not advisable during winter months due to extreme cold temperatures with heavy snowfall and icy terrains.

How To Reach For Buda Madmaheshwar Trek

The starting point for the Buda Madmaheshwar trek is Ransi. You will be picked up from Dehradun and dropped back there. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport which is in Dehradun itself. From Dehradun it is 8-9 hr drive to Ransi which is nearly 242 kms in distance.

Dehradun is well connected to all major cities of Uttarakhand and major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.

Buda Madmaheshwar trek starts from Ransi and it is a 32 kms trek and takes about 4 days.

Things To Carry For Buda Madmaheshwar Trek

As with all treks one should pack all the trek essentials like a study backpack, good quality trekking shoes, comfortable yet warm clothing including waterproof jacket, thermals which can be easily layered according to your needs. Apart from this one should also carry a headlamp, torch, sunglasses and sunscreen. Some provisions of food and water must also be taken care of before beginning the trek.  A first aid kit should definitely be included in your backpack which should include all your basic medicines and even specific medicines if you take it on regular basis. A government Id proof like Aadhar Card must also be carried whilst trekking. All permits and necessary permissions must be taken and sorted before the trek starts.

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