Urgam Valley, the Land of Kalpeshwar Mahadev

Located remotely in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state, Urgam Valley also called as Shiva’s Mystical Land known for its fifth kedar “Kalpeshwar Mahadev” where lord Shiva’s dreads (hair) can be seen. The temple is open through out the year and situated under a huge mountain rock. Urgam named after Urvashi, son of king Puranjaya of Pandavas lineage meditated here and established a Vishnu Temple. Dhyan Badri temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is also a part of Panch Badri and Sapta Badri Temples, is located in this Valley. The valley is full of greenery, agricultural land, forests, meadows etc. The Kalp Ganga river coming out of mighty Chaukhamba peak flows between huge mountains and green fields of the Valley. From the Valley, major peaks like Brahmakamal, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Parvat, Pangarchula, Trishul etc are easily visible. The famous treks like Rudranath, Bansi Narayan, Fyula Narayan, Nandi Kund, Banga Pani etc starts from this Valley. In short this is the valley where you would like to stay for longer period and do yoga, meditation, temple visits, nature hikes/treks etc.

Places to Explore in Urgam Valley

Temples

Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple, one amongst Panch Kedars is 3.5 kms away and you can drive till the temple.
Urva Rishi Temple, nestled on the outskirts of the dense jungle and besides the Urva Rishi River.
Dhyan Badri Temple, one amongst Panch and Sapt Badri temples is in Barghinda village.
Fyula Narayan Temple trek of 4 kms from Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple. This trek is open through out the year.
Bansi Narayan Temple, which is the only Lord Krishna temple in entire Uttarakhand state.

Treks

Banga Pani Trek: A rejuvenating 1,5 km trek through the dense jungle until the Banga Pani water stream.
Mali Bugyal Trek: A half-day spicy hike with stop of at Urva Rishi Temple.
Kemkud Bugyal Trek: A jungle hike to the mountain top with a 360 degree view of the Himalayan range.
The famous Rudranath Trek: A 2-4 day hike of mountain villages, jungle and hills with unforgettable views.
Nandi Kund Trek: A 22 km hike performed by the villagers to collect Brahma Kamal and offerings to Lord Shiva.

Nearby Attractions

Joshimath town is 25 Kms away.
Badrinath Vishal Dham is 70 kms away.
The World famous Skiing destination Auli is 38 kms away from Urgam.
Valley of Flowers and Hemkunt Sahib is around 45 kms away.
Other Panch Badri Temples are Bhavishya Badri (60 Kms), Vridh Badri (35 kms), Aadi badri (108 kms).

Cultural Festivals & Celebrations

Raksha Bandhan Festival at Bansi Narayan Temple (August).
Ramman Festival in the Saloor Dungra village, a Unesco World Heritage Site (April).
Mahashivratri at Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple (February).

Where to stay in the Valley?

There are many homestays in Urgam Valley. If you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic pahadi village experience then visit this old, restored Himalayan Mudhouse. It has been renovated into a sustainable Eco Homestay, located at a trek distance of 1 km away from main Urgam village. The Eco Homestay gives 360 degree panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. From the balcony Brahma Kamal and Dronagiri Peak is clearly visible. There is a 4 Bed Dormitory, 3 Private Double Bed Rooms and a dedicated community workspace. Situate at the edge of the Himalayan forest, this place is perfect for Yoga & Meditation lovers.

How to reach Urgam Valley?

Take a public bus/ taxi from Rishikesh, Rishikesh Tapovan, Haridwar or Dehradun ISBT, going to Joshimath/Badrinath/Auli. Get down at Helang (Hotel Inder Palace) and take (another) shared Taxi to Urgam Valley. After approx. 40 minutes you will reach Urgam Village. Get off the taxi at Sri Dhyan Badri Temple.

Distance: 245 kms. Travel Time: 7 – 8 hours
Bus Fare: approx. 600 – 700 INR
Shared Taxi Fare: 1500 INR