Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath (Winter seat of Kedarnath)

Renowned as the winter seat of Kedarnath, this temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, with sanctums also honoring Goddess Parvati, Usha, Aniruddha, King Mandhata, and representations of the Panch Kedar.

The temple’s architecture follows the traditional Nagara (North Indian) style, reflecting the spiritual heritage of the Himalayas. Pilgrims visiting Omkareshwar Temple can participate in various poojas and rituals conducted in Sanskrit and Hindi.

The temple opens for darshan from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM until 8:00 or 9:00 PM. The daily schedule includes Mangal Aarti and morning darshan from 5:00 AM to 12:20 PM, followed by a midday break, and resumes with afternoon and evening darshan until 8:30 PM.

Special poojas such as Rudrabhishek, Laghu Rudrabhishek, and Archana are also performed. Entry for darshan is free, allowing devotees to experience the divine ambiance without any fee.

The temple is especially vibrant during festivals like Maha Shivaratri (February–March), Kedarnath Doli Utsav during the winter transition (October–November), Akshaya Tritiya for the summer re-entry procession (April–May), and Shravan month celebrations (July–August).

Community meals and bhandaras are organized during major festivals and deity transition events, and simple dry prasad is distributed to devotees. For those planning a visit, the best time is during winter (November to February), early mornings, evening aarti, or festival seasons.

The dress code encourages traditional or modest attire for both men and women, maintaining the sanctity of the temple environment. Reaching Omkareshwar Temple is convenient via major transit hubs such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.

From Rishikesh or Haridwar, travelers follow NH 7 to Rudraprayag, then NH 107 to Kund, and finally ascend to Ukhimath. The temple is a short walk from the Ukhimath market or bus stand.

The nearest railway stations are Yog Nagari Rishikesh (175 km) and Haridwar Junction (195 km), while the closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (195 km). Parking is available in roadside or small designated spots near the market, with a moderate uphill walk to the temple.

Accommodation options in Ukhimath include GMVN Ukhimath guest house, Regenta Resort Madhuganga, Hotel DevBhumi, Hotel Om Palace, and various local guest houses and homestays.

Nearby attractions such as Deoria Tal Lake, Guptkashi, Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek, and Kalimath Temple offer additional spiritual and scenic experiences. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the sanctum, but respectful photography of the outer premises and Himalayan views is allowed.

For more information, online darshan, or official updates, visit the temple’s website at https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/ or contact +91 135 274 1600.