Urgam Valley, the Land of Kalpeshwar Mahadev

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 Urgam 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 Urgam Valley the major peaks like Brahmakamal, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Hathi Parvat 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.

Places to Explore in Urgam Valley:

Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple, one amongst Panch Kedars is 3.5 kms away and you can drive till the temple.
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.
Banga Pani Trek of 1.5 kms is also open through out the year.
Trek of around 06 kms to Kemkud Meadow, the queen of all the meadows.
Trek of 10 kms to Bansi Narayan Temple which is the only Lord Krishna temple in entire Uttarakhand state.
The famous trek to Rudranath which is also one amongst Panch Kedar temples goes from Urgam Valley which is 35 kms of hike.
Villagers trek to Nandi Kund (22 kms) to collect Brahma Kamal which is offered to Lord Shiva.

Nearby Attractions:

Joshimath town is 25 Kms away.
Badrinath Vishal Dham is 65 kms away.
The World famous Skiing destination Auli is 35 kms away from Urgam
Valley of Flowers and Hemkunt Sahib is around 60 kms away
Other Panch Badri Temples are Bhavishya Badri (60 Kms), Vridh Badri (35 kms), Aadi badri (108 kms)

Where to stay in Urgam Valley?

There are many homestays in Urgam Valley, but if you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic pahadi village experience then we have restored an old Himalayan Mudhouse and rennovated into a sustainable EcoStay 1.2 kms away from main Urgam village. The EcoStay gives 360 degree panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. From the balcony Brahma Kamal and Dronagiri Peak is clearly visible. We have a 4 Bed Dormitory, 3 Private Double Bed Rooms and a dedicated community workspace. There is a separate kitchen where food is cooked. Being connected to the nature, this place is perfect for Yoga & Meditation lovers. Our motive is to bring genuine travelers who believe in sustainable and community living.

How to reach Urgam Valley?

1. Catching the Bus

There are regular buses going to Joshimath/Badrinath/Auli starting from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun bus stands. All buses pass through Tapovan. So, if you are already in Tapovan, catch a bus directly from there. It’s easier and time saving to catch a bus from Tapovan but to get a confirmed seat, it’s better to catch a bus from the respective start points. Approximate fare is 600 – 700 INR. Few Bus timings (please check timings from the respective bus stands):

Haridwar to Auli at 05:30 AM from Haridwar ISBT
Dehradun to Joshimath at 05:30 AM from Dehradun ISBT
Rishikesh to Joshimath at 05 AM from Rishikesh ISBT

2. Reaching to Hailang

Distance: 245 kms. Travel Time: 7 – 8 hours

You need to get off the bus in Hailang, a village located 13 kilometers before Joshimath. Precise drop-off location is Hotel Inder Palace.

3. Hailang to Urgam Valley

Distance: 13 kms. Travel Time: 30-40 minutes

From Hotel Inder Palace get a shared taxi and take a sharp left from NH7 road into Helang Urgam Road
After approx. 40 minutes you will reach Urgam Village and stop at Sri Dhyan Badri Temple.