An attempt to visit Pancha Kedar & Pancha Badari! Day 7.

Day 7: 05/08/2025 – Ransi to Ukhi Math, via Gupt-Kashi & Kali Math

Morning in Ransi

After a hearty breakfast of upma (we even shared a portion with our host for tasting), we bumped into a group of youngsters. Their optimistic tales of the Madhya-Maheshwar trek stood in stark contrast to Sourabh’s warnings the previous evening. Rather than change our minds, we chose a gentler path: a short climb to the hilltop above our hotel to visit Rakeshwari Devi Temple (a revered shrine dedicated to a form of Durga), while our luggage was bundled into the car.

Rakeshwari Devi Temple: Myth and Ritual

This ancient temple marks the traditional starting point of the Madhya-Maheshwar trek. Pilgrims seek darshan here before embarking on their journey. According to legend, the moon god Chandra performed penance at this site to lift a curse from his father-in-law Daksha - an act believed to explain the moon’s waxing and waning.

The temple also plays a ceremonial role: it’s the first stop for the Doli (palanquin) of Madhya-Maheshwar when the deity is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhi Math for the winter.

                        

                       

                                                     Rakeshwari Devi Temple, Ransi

Rituals: Ramayan Chanting, Pooja, and Aarti

Suma handed over the pooja items to the priest, who initiated the rituals and aarti with quiet reverence, his voice rising and falling in carefully memorized cadence. The air was thick with the scent of incense and clarified butter. 

Inside the temple, a group of women chanted verses from the Ramayan in chorus, with devotion and fervor. One of the most striking experiences was participating in Ramayan chanting – a practice with deep roots in Himalayan tradition and essential to the collective memory fostered in such temples. Reciting shlokas from the Ramayana is believed to connect practitioners with divine virtues, create tranquility within, and cement a sense of belonging to an unbroken tradition that stretches back millennia.

I was informed that the chanting of Ramayan verses happens across Uttarakhand during the holy month of 'Shravan'.

As the verses continued – sometimes taking the form of call-and-response, other times sung in unison – the aarti (ritual waving of lamps) commenced. The flicker of ghee lamps, swinging in rhythmic arcs, cast wild shadows across the murals and statuary. This ritual embodies the essence of Hindu temple worship: an act meant not simply to honor the deity, but to transcend the world and draw participants into a shared spiritual rhythm. The temple also housed other deities, including Mahadev, Vishnu, Ganesh, and Hanuman. Outside the sanctum, we admired the ancient stonework. 

It also housed a few arms and weapons of the Pandavas, believed to have been left behind here from that era. 

Today was a special day, and as the legend goes, the weapons of the Pandavas would be brought out to be cleaned, and a special pooja would be offered to them that day, before storing them for safekeeping again. Locals invited us to stay for a special evening aarti and langar. A temple clerk was busy recording the offerings villagers had brought for the communal meal. Regretfully, we had to decline and continue with our day’s itinerary.

Descending Through Valleys and Legends: Ransi to Gupt-Kashi

Having partaken in the morning’s rituals and received the blessings of Rakeshwari Devi, we continued our journey through a winding drive along the contours of hills and valleys. This segment between Ransi and Gupt-Kashi offers glimpses into the quietly bustling life of Himalayan villages and the ever-present Mandakini River, lifeblood of the region.

Gupt-Kashi: Temples of Duality

Our next stop was Gupt-Kashi, where we visited the famed Kashi Vishwanatha and Ardhanarishwara Temples. The climb to the temple complex involves about 100 steps, from the main road entrance, though local vehicles are allowed to take you to the door of the temple, for ₹50 per person, return.

     

                                         Manikarnika Kund         Idol of Bheema 

       

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Complex, Gupt Kashi 

These temples are steeped in legend and architectural beauty. For more on their significance, you can explore this earlier blog post.

In front of the main sanctum lies the Manikarnika Kund, a sacred pond into which spring waters representing the Yamuna and Bhagirathi (Ganga) flow – emerging from cow and elephant-shaped spouts, respectively. One can perceive the difference in taste between the two spring waters! 

Midday Interlude: Lunch at a Roadside Restaurant

As we climbed down the 100-odd steps to the roadside, the three of us (Radha, Suma, and I) remembered the instance of Sumitra and Dwarkanath hosting our lunch, the previous time we visited this place. It was their wedding anniversary, and that was the best we could ask for from them.

Hunger, sharpened by mountain air and morning devotion, led us to one of the many roadside eateries that serve locals and pilgrims along this route. 

Most establishments here boast a menu rooted in Garhwali and North Indian staples: steamed rice, lentil-based phaanu or chainsoo, vegetable curries, aloo ke gutke (spiced potatoes), and local flatbreads like mandua ki roti (finger millet bread). Some restaurants feature thalis (platters) that offer a bit of everything, perfect for hungry travelers and a great way to sample the region’s diverse flavors.

Given time and choice, we could have tried these local fares, but we stuck to the more common Aloo Parathas, Dal Makhni, and Curds, and I must say that it was really an excellent choice. 

Kali Matt: A Siddha Peetha by the River

We then headed to Kali Matt, nestled on the banks of the River Saraswathi. This powerful Siddha Peetha is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. According to legend, Goddess Kali vanished into the ground here after defeating the demon Raktabija. The temple marks this spot with a silver-plated Sri Yantra, opened only once a year during Navratri.

        

Main Shrine at Kali Math

    

        

                                                                                Long way down the steps 

      

         

Other Idols/Shrines in the Precinct of Kali Math and the glorious River Saraswati

You’ll find more on this sacred site in my earlier travelogue.

As in my earlier trip, I meditated here for some time, and since I had seen the other temple in these precincts, I decided to spend more time meditating while Suma and Sujata went around.

Ukhi Math: Winter Seat of the Deities 

Due to the off-season, we were able to park close to the Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhi Math, a majestic temple that serves as the winter seat for the deities of Kedarnath and Madhya-Maheshwar. The temple was quiet, yet imposing, and we had a peaceful darshana of Lord Shiva and other deities, too, which filled our sights.

Legend holds that this is the place where Aniruddha, grandson of Lord Krishna, married Usha, daughter of Banasura. The priests here belong to the Jangama sect of Karnataka, as do those in Madhya-Maheshwar.

           

             

Omkareshwar Temple & wedding  place of Usha-Anirudha

Other Idols in the temple premises and the Pancha Kedar Lingas 

A temple clerk was recording visitor numbers – just as we’d seen in Tunganath. And yes, I was lucky enough to retrieve my forgotten cap from the footwear shop!  

Return to Chopta House

With temples visited and hearts full, we retraced our route to Chopta House for a well-earned rest. The next day would bring fresh adventures and new trails, but for now, the hills whispered tales of divine encounters and timeless legends.

Synopsis:

Taking a cue from the trekkers, we decided to call off our day's trek to Madhya-Maheshwar, a wise decision looking at hindsight. Another day filled with visits to the famous temples starting from Ransi and ending at Ukhi Math. Well-deserved rest at our adda (haven) at Chopta rounded off today's events. We decided to take a rest on the following day.

Our next day's travelogue is in my Days 8 & 9 episode.

An attempt to visit Pancha Kedar and Pancha Badari! Days 5 & 6.

Days 5 & 6: 03/08 & 04/08/2025 – Restful Day while Tunganath Beckons: 

Change in Itinerary and a Rest Day

Originally, we had planned to reach Gauri Kund, en route to Kedarnath, today. Instead, we reached Chopta and spent the whole day resting. Our Chef Radha and Sous Chef Sujata dished out tasty ubiquitous pulav. Oh! We had bought some veggies as we normally do on such trips.

              

Chef Radha and Sous Chef Sujata with their creation! 

Kedarnath was still closed due to landslides, and my brother, Vasu, informed me that a cousin of his friend was still stuck in Kedarnath. 

A word about our Kedarnath Trip:

In all earnest, we had planned our itinerary to include the helicopter ride to Kedarnath on the 3rd August, and with an overnight stay there, to return by chopper the next morning, and thereafter move to our next trek - Madhya Maheshwar.

However, destiny made its move, and the chopper services were suspended and remain so, till 1st September, as there were 4 chopper crashes in 40 days. Coupled with this, landslides and the closure of roads between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, the main route to the Kedarnath trek, had been closed. Many tourists were stranded at Kedarnath and couldn't return. 

There goes our chance to visit Kedarnath this time, as nature struck a very hard blow to us. 

Arun had arranged our accommodation at The Chopta House, which was quite comfortable, amidst beautiful scenic mountains, and since there were no other guests due to the off-season, we had exclusivity here.

Chopta House, like many others in this area of Chopta, is an eco-friendly hotel with no traditional electricity and relies on Solar power for lighting and gas-powered geysers.  

          

      

Some of the views around Chopta House

Tunganath Beckons

The next morning, we set out for Tunganath, one of the revered Pancha Kedars, accessible only by trek or mule. Having learned from our experience with Rudranath, we opted for mules to ascend and planned to trek down. Radha and Sujata, however, chose to hike both ways.

Trek Snapshot

| Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Duration | Difficulty |  Height  |

|----------------|----------|----------------|----------|------------|-------------| 

| Base to Temple | 3.5 km | 3,300 ft | 2–3 hrs | Moderate | 12,073 ft |

Suma, Vidya, and I saddled up at the base camp. My sore muscles left me little room for debate. The gear this time was far superior to what we’d endured en route to Rudranath — padded handles, sturdy and comfortable saddles, and handlers who inspired trust. The trek is a moderate one, and even first-time trekkers could do it. The elevation gain makes the trek a reasonably tough one!

           

Yours Truly and Vidya at the midpoint to Tunganath         Info about Chandrashila

The ride came with its own economics: riders over 80 kg pay extra (₹300 one way, ₹500 round trip); standard fares stood at ₹900 and ₹1,300. The mules/handlers will wait for an hour after reaching the destination at the top, for your return journey. My handler, concerned for his mule’s load, double-checked my weight before we continued. 

On the Way Up

The day was cool, with misty veils sweeping across the slopes and a gentle drizzle now and then. The path was a delight – smooth, steady, and worlds apart from Rudranath’s bone-jarring trail.

At the halfway tea stall, we paused. Our request for custom-brewed tea was politely declined, but the sight of young couples, some with babies in arms, cheerfully trekking uphill, warmed the moment more than any beverage.

The Final Stretch

After forty minutes, the mules halted at their allowed limit. From there, the climb was ours — steep steps, flanked by small shops, selling souvenirs, pooja items, etc. At the temple precinct, I fetched fresh mountain water for abhisheka. The sanctum of Lord Tunganath, the third Kedar, welcomed us in its quiet, ancient embrace. By the time we stepped back into the mountain air, from the sanctum sanctorum, Radha and Sujata had arrived for their darshana.

Tunganath (The Lord of Mountain Peaks) represents the Chest Part of Lord Shiva.

Around the main shrine, statues of Maa Parvati, Veerabhadra, and other deities stood sentinel. A temple official diligently recorded pilgrim numbers, though the system seemed partial at best.

The formidable five with Tunganath Temple in the background

Darshan ticked off, we went back to the thela where we had left our footwear and ponchos. Our stomachs were looking towards heaven to see if anything was coming down to them. 😋 The chef was making parathas at this thela, and we couldn't resist it. We sat down, savouring the best of the parathas in the tour so far. A group of local women gave us company as we chatted a while before bidding farewell and resumed our downward trek. 

       

Local womenfolk at the thela waiting for their turn for parathas.

Chandrashila: The Summit Unreached

Chandrashila, the peak of this place, is another 1.5 km climb from the Tunganath temple. It takes between 1 to 2 hours for this trek. The altitude climb is about 1,350 ft in this short distance, making the trek a difficult one as the trail is steep and requires some physical stamina. Chandrashila is the highest point in Uttarakhand. It is said to have mesmerising 360° views of the majestic Himalayan peaks of Kedarnath, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi. 

That said, we couldn’t venture to trek there due to inclement weather and poor visibility.

Downhill Joy & Onward Roads

After capturing a few photos, we began our descent around noon. The downhill trek was a delight—almost enough to erase memories of our Rudranath ordeal. We reached the base camp in just over two hours, rain-soaked but content. We reached Chopta House, packed up, and aimed for Ransi, the base of the Madhya Maheshwar trek.

     

    

Some pics of the trekking track - 'Chalk and Cheese' compared to that of Rudranath.

By now, I’d had enough of trekking shoes; wearing sandals brought instant relief.

Ukhi Math – A Brief Pause

On the way, we stopped at Ukhi Math town, where Suma and I bought new footwear – costly due to mountain surcharge pricing, but understandable given the location. I realized later that I’d left my cap at the shop, hoping to retrieve it on our return.

Ukhi Math town is the home to Omkareshwar Temple, which is the place where the deities of Kedarnath and Madhya Maheshwar reside during winter closures. We planned to visit it on our way back.

The drive through the mountain passes was scenic yet demanding. A number of places where the mountain streams flow across the concrete roads require skilled driving. Mukesh, our driver, handled the terrain with remarkable patience and skill.

An Evening in Ransi

We reached Ransi before sunset and settled into Holiday Hills Home Stay. Clothes dripped dry on the balcony as hot tea chased away the chill. Dinner was a humble but satisfying mix of parathas, rice, and dal.

Later, a conversation with Sourabh – a solo motorbike trekker from Punjab – brought sobering news. The Madhya Maheshwar trail ahead was compromised: a collapsed bridge, a precarious trolley over a gorge, and rain-eaten paths. For our senior group, it was too risky.

Madhya Maheshwar represents the Stomach part of Lord Shiva.  

     

The Formidable Five                                              ....and with Sourabh

After a long discussion, we bowed to caution and called off the trek, planned for the next morning.

Synopsis of the two days:

A welcome rest on Day 5. Day 6 took us to the Tunganath trek, such a pleasant one, compared to Rudranath. We completed the second of five Kedars with this. Chandrashila, the highest point in Uttarakhand, remained elusive to us this time, due to weather factors. Reached Ransi, the base camp to Madhya Maheshwar, Day 6 evening, and taking a cue from the trekkers, we decided to call off our next day's trek.

Our next day's travelogue is in my Day 7 episode.

An attempt to visit Pancha Kedar and Pancha Badari! Day 4.

Day 4: 02/08/2025 – An Adventure Worth Remembering: 

A Morning of Magic and Mountains

Waking up at 5:15 AM, it appeared that our fatigue from the previous day had vanished without a trace. As we came out to a breathtaking sight - the sun rising over a horizon lined with snow-capped peaks and welcomed by the flawlessly azure, cloudless, and serene sky. We felt that the pains we underwent during the previous day were worth the trouble to capture such a sight in our natural, gigapixel cameras. We also captured the magic on our phones, each frame a tribute to the Sun God who seemed to smile down on us. With the warmth of the morning light, we took the chance to dry all of our damp clothes from the previous day.

     

      

Beautiful Pics of the Sunrise at Rudranath, early this morning.

Journey to Rudranath Temple

As we prepared for the temple visit, we gathered all the essentials that Suma usually carries for such occasions. Approaching Rudranath, we were awestruck by the temple’s entrance and its main structure, which jutted dramatically from the mountainside rock, housing the sacred Sanctum Sanctorum. We couldn't see this properly the previous evening due to the darkness.

Rudranath represents the face and the neck part of Lord Shiva. 

We took photos outside - photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited - both for our records and for our spirited team, “Teen Deviyan” (apologies to Radha, Sujata, and Vidya for the name!). Inside, we offered our prayers and handed over our offerings to the priest. A Sankalpa was performed in all our names for the abhisheka, though we couldn’t stay for the ritual due to time constraints.

      

A view of the Rudranath Temple embedded in the rocky mountain

     

                   Another view of the temple                   Rudranath (pic from the internet)

      

           The formidable Five                         The deity of Vanadevi 

                       

               

A view of many ancient undocumented temples in Rudranath. 

Breakfast and Kindness

Back at camp, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast of aloo paratha and tea. The group we’d met the previous day was there too. One of them, whose shoes had given way, gratefully accepted Suma’s spare footwear for the return trek - a small act of kindness that meant a lot.

The Descent Begins

We began planning our descent. Radha, determined and spirited, refused to ride her mule and joined a group of youngsters on foot. Her mule was repurposed to carry our backpacks, allowing us to travel light. Unfortunately, during the shuffle, we forgot to retain the essentials like torches and power banks - an oversight that would haunt us later.

Radha’s group started at 8:00 AM, and we followed around 8:30. Though advised to use mules till Pannar, Suma and Vidya chose to dismount at Pitrudhar, while Sujata and I rode on to Pannar. At Pitrudhar, we waited nearly half an hour before spotting Suma and Vidya, who were visibly upset due to issues with their mules and handlers. After a brief rest, they continued on foot.

A Scare and a Sigh of Relief

Sujata and I remounted and continued to Pannar. Upon arrival, Bijay helped me dismount, but Sujata’s mule, Tikki, suddenly bolted into the open meadow, giving us quite a scare. Bijay managed to rein her in, and Sujata, especially, breathed a deep sigh of relief. Shaken and also stirred (apologies, Ian Fleming), we paused to calm our nerves before continuing the trek downhill.

We were presumptuous in our thoughts of reaching the base camp by evening, and hence, we didn’t check for torches or power banks. My shoes, lacking proper grip, worried me—but they held up surprisingly well, and I didn’t slip once.

             

At Pitrudhar, with Bijay.

       

Some pics on our return from Rudranath.

Some pics of the trekking trail. [1]

Nature, Chanting, and Camaraderie

As we started to descend, we could see and feel the actual impediments in the form of asymmetrical stones in the pathway. Climbing downhill is always treacherous and exhausting. Yet we paused often to admire vibrant alpine flora and sweeping mountain vistas. The rain had ceased, and bright skies lifted our spirits.

We picked up the pace since our legs were used to walking now. We could see a lot of enthusiastic youngsters climbing and chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’, ‘Jai Bholenath’, and ‘Om Namah Shivay’, and we reciprocated. One memorable sight was a young girl carrying her adorable Maltese dog. A sweet moment amid the rugged terrain. Very cute!

Two girls with their Maltese Dog, Cute! Note the trekking terrain!

Tea Breaks and Local Trekkers

We reached Lwinti Kharak and paused for tea, waiting for Suma and Vidya to catch up. I had a small stick to guide me downhill, and we bought one for Sujata, paying ₹50, which helped us move faster.

The trail was bustling with locals, many of whom trek here regularly over weekends. It was Saturday, and the crowd reflected the popularity of this spiritual journey.

After waiting for over half an hour, we resumed our descent and reached Mauli Kharak. There, we rested, refreshed ourselves, and were soon joined by Vidya and Suma. Together, we shared our cuppa and the aloo paratha we’d carried from Rudranath - a simple meal that tasted divine in the mountains.

The Final Descent: A Test of Grit and Grace

Our descent began slowly, hampered by the rugged terrain and my role as unofficial marshal of the group - sometimes leading, often lagging - to ensure everyone felt safe. As the hours passed, we realized our phone batteries were draining fast, and network signals were unreliable. By 3:00 PM, the looming threat of rain and early darkness pushed us to hasten our pace as much as the trail allowed.

Despite the urgency, we didn’t miss the chance to soak in the beauty around us. The path, though scenic, was strewn with uneven stones that slowed us down considerably. At times, it felt like we were moving at barely one kilometer per hour. The absence of signboards and inaccurate campsite information added to our confusion, and Google Maps was of little help due to poor connectivity.

Vidya, struggling with knee pain, suggested calling the police for assistance. I reached out to Radha, who had already made it to base camp, and asked her to seek help. Frustrated by the lack of clarity, I urged her to act quickly. With my phone battery down to 2%, I managed to get through to the police control room and explained our situation in fragmented calls, hoping they understood the gravity of our predicament.

Around 5:30 PM, just as despair began to set in, Bijay and a few others arrived with mules. We were still 3 - 4 km from base camp. Vidya and Sujata mounted the mules, but Suma, upset with the handlers’ attitude, refused and walked away. I told Bijay I’d convince her and hurried after her. Near Pung Kharak, I caught up and persuaded her to ride, reminding her of the late hour and her recent slip on the trail.

Sujata had already left with Bijay and another mule, Kaali. One handler asked me to wait at Pung Kharak for Bijay to return. After 20 minutes, impatience took over, and I resumed trekking. Another handler arrived with a mule, but it bolted again. With darkness closing in, I conserved my phone battery and pressed on.

On any other day, a solo trek through the forest would have been a joy. But not now. As the light dimmed, Robert Frost’s lines echoed in my mind:

“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”

I fought off negative thoughts, prayed silently, and focused on the path. In that short span, I truly understood the weight of words like despair, loneliness, and helplessness.

A few hundred meters down, I reunited with Bijay - and to my surprise, Sujata. She shared her ordeal: Vidya had nearly fainted from low sugar or blood pressure and had to lie down. Sujata’s mule had returned with mine, but hers had also run off. Seeing her again was a huge relief.

The three of us continued on foot. My phone was nearly dead, and Bijay’s wasn’t far behind. We suggested he call for torches, but he said no one would come now. At one point, Sujata sat down, exhausted. We heard dogs barking and saw flashlights above us - hope surged. But it wasn’t a rescue team; it was a group of trekkers and a Nepali couple descending.

They were heaven-sent. One of them offered his torch, and the Nepali man offered to carry Sujata piggyback to base camp. I was hesitant, but Sujata bravely accepted. I prayed for her safety as she disappeared into the night.

With the borrowed torch, Bijay and I resumed our descent. He estimated another two hours to base camp. Suddenly, we heard the jingle of mule bells. In the dark, I got caught between them, and my hand was snagged in a belt. I was dragged a few feet before I managed to free myself, landing hard on my right side. My shoulder took the brunt, but thankfully, I wasn’t seriously injured.

Eventually, Bijay found the mule, and I mounted it with immense relief. Mules have remarkable night vision, and Bijay guided us with his flashlight. After what felt like an eternity, we reached the familiar Check Post. At a nearby shop, Sujata and the Nepali man were resting with the kind trekkers. We didn’t stop - Sujata resumed her piggyback ride, and we pressed on.

Finally, at 8:30 PM, we reached base camp. Sujata had arrived safely and thanked the Nepali man profusely. Officials from the Forest and Police Departments were already there, gathering details. I was touched by their swift response, triggered by my broken messages. The Inspector recorded my statement, and I did my best to explain the situation while shielding the mule handlers from blame. I later learned that even the local Tehsildar had called to check on us.

I must commend the exemplary service of the Police and Forest personnel, and especially Bijay, whose dedication went far beyond duty.

That night, we stayed in a homestay, had a simple dinner, and took painkillers for our aching muscles. In my separate room, I called my brother Vasu and recounted the entire saga. He had done this trek decades ago and could relate to every twist and turn. I don’t remember when I fell asleep - but I can say with certainty, it was the soundest sleep I’ve had in years.

Reflections on Rudranath

In hindsight, seasoned trekkers confirmed that the Rudranath trek is best done over 2-3 days starting from Sagar base camp, with breaks at campsites - especially if you’re not using mules.  

The trek from Sagar village, the popular starting point at around 2,200 meters (7,200 ft), to the Rudranath Temple involves a considerable elevation gain of about 1,400 (4,180 ft) to 3,600 meters (11,380 ft). This ascent is gradual but consistent, traversing diverse terrains, including dense forests, vibrant alpine meadows, and rocky paths. The elevation gain requires good physical fitness, stamina, and proper acclimatization.[2]

This trek is quite demanding as far as the physical fitness of the trekkers is concerned. Radha, a seasoned and avid trekker, said that this trek is one of the toughest and a bit heavy for beginners. Senior citizens are advised to exercise caution before embarking on this trek.

Fruits of labour, at the end of the trek up to Rudranath, are the lovely sights of snowcapped mountains, valleys, and wild flora, Rudranath Temple, Narada Kund, Saraswati Kund, lovely sunrise views, and perhaps a clear starry sky in the nights, fully justify the efforts of the trek.  

Below is the trekking map of Rudranath, just for reference: [3]

So much for our first long trek to Rudranath - an unforgettable journey of faith,  endurance, and camaraderie!

Synopsis of the day:

Except Radha, all of us were exhausted by the ordeal we underwent during the descent from Rudranath. Our knee-jerk reaction of dispatching our backpacks, without retrieving critical survival tools, exacerbated our speed and timing. 

Dog tired and with pains and aches all over, we were glad to hit the bed after dinner!?

Our next day's travelogue is in my Days 5 & 6 episode.

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[1] From the website https: https://www.shutterstock.com/search/rudranath-trek

[2] From the website https://www.poojn.in/post/19572/rudranath-trek-altitude-elevation-difficulty-guide

[3] https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/rudranath-photos.php