Nandi Kund Trek

Mountain Summits and Pure Lakes

Nandi Kund is a high-altitude lake believed to be as deep as it is and stretches to a size of 1 ½ kilometers. It originated from the lake facilitating the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga; the river’s trekking trail contains several streams through which travelers trek. These woods are mythologically correlated to the Pandavas, the heroes of the ‘Indian epic’, Mahabharata, which makes the atmosphere of the lake a little mystic.

Challenging yet Rewarding

The Nandi Kund Trek falls under moderate to difficult trek mostly because of steep inclines. It comprises slopes, declines and trackless areas and therefore the walkers have to be physically strong and preferably accompanied by a guide. It is not technical; however, one has to be in good physical condition and possess map and compass skills, particularly from Kachni Khal to Pandavsera.

Mythology: Places Which Have Importance in the Ancient Religion

More than a nature trail, this trek is a mythology trail, a walk through the narrative weaved by the gods of the Hindu pantheon. Initially, the path to Nandi Kund is said to be the same path on which Pandavas had to walk. The trek includes visits to two important temples of the Panch Kedars: Sensed a peculiar ecstasy in visiting two of the twelve Jyotirlingas namely Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar both having their tales to tell. The kshetra is also having a sacred tank known as Nandi named after the bull of Lord Shiva for the benefit of the devotees.

Ghiya Vinayak Pass: An interesting story

Notably, this segment is particularly fascinating; Ghiya Vinayak Pass, which has an elevation of 15,500 feet. This route over the Roch’s moraines is quite dangerous but spectacular and provides a wonderful view of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and other giants. This pass links Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar and crossing the pass is considered quite an accomplishment by the trekkers.

Picturesque Bugyals and Meadows

It also traverses some of the most virgin but most beautiful meadows such as the Barma Bugiyal, Manpai Bugiyal, and the Kachni Bugyal. These have a more enhanced natural beauty to offer and preventing you from the arduous climbing, the grass-carpeted terrains can be a reprieve. 

Advisory:

Going by the nature of this trek I do not recommend that one does it singly especially if one is a first-time trekker or has no prior experience in such treks. A local guide is an important aspect during the hiking since the castles’ location is a bit tricky especially due to the steep region

Additional Attractions:

Joshimath

One of the holiest places for Shaivite pilgrimage, Joshimath was founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. A place of religious significance it encompasses the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh.

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar temple is another temple of Lord Shiva and is one of the Panch Kedar and it is located at Urgam valley. Located at an altitude of 2134 meters this temple gives a peaceful and spiritually charged experience.