Nandi Kund Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Location, Best Time, How to Reach and Itinerary

One of the most difficult treks in the Himalayan Garhwal region, the Nandikund Trek which ranges from an altitude of 3,497 meters to 4,800 meters, is one of the least explored treks in the Indian Himalayan belt. Nandi Kund is located in Madhyamaheshwar – kalpeshwar trail.

The trail offers great views of lush green meadows and high snow-capped peaks. It is the source of the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga river. The hiking path leads to this revered lake marked by streams coming from above, and you have to cross these streams to reach Nandi Kund.

History of Nandi Kund Trek

Nandikund is one of the most divine and picturesque high altitude lakes in the world located in Garhwal Himalayas. The lake is very sacred according to the Hindu faith and is named after Nandi the bull of Shiva, who was a disguised avatar of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva had taken the avatar of the bull to hide from the Pandavas, who sought him to attain Moksha (freedom from the cycle of life and death and worldly bonds) after the cruelties of the Kurukshetra war.

In this trek, walk on the same paths of the mythical Pandavas and touch 2 important temples of Panch Kedar, a unique journey of the Hindus to free themselves from the bonds of the world. It is believed that the Pandavas, who according to mythology lived during the Vedic period, built 5 temples to worship Lord Shiva, after which they released their lives near Swargarohini.

The bull that Bhima captured in Guptkashi disappeared and fragmented into 5 parts where the Pandavas built Panch Kedar temples to worship Lord Shiva. These are the face (Rudranath), the arms (Tungnath), the hair (Kalpeshwar), the navel (Madhyamaheshwar), and finally the bull Boss where the revered Kedarnath was built.

Highlights of Nandi Kund Trek

Location of Nandi Kund Trek

Nandi Kund is located in the upper Garhwal Himalayas extending from an elevation of 3,497 meters to 4,800 meters above sea level in the Madhymaheshwar – Kalpeshwar Trail. The pristine Lake Nandikund covers an area of ​​one and a half kilometers. The Nandi Kund is the source of the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga river.

Best Time to Visit Nandi Kund Trek

The best time to go to Nandi Kund Trek is in summer (May – June) and after the monsoon (September – October). The climate of Nandi Kund Trek remains healthy and pleasant during the summers. The Himalayas are visible and the cool breeze adds charm to the vacation.

Serenity and seclusion are at their best after the monsoon at Nandi Kund Trek. The region is blessed with snow during the winters. You can see the best of Nandi Kund Trek during the post-monsoon, as it feels like heaven on earth.

How to Reach Nandi Kund Trek

By Air:-

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can take a taxi from the airport to Ukhimath.

By Train:-

Rishikesh is the nearest railway terminal which is located at a distance of 204 km from Ukhimath. From there, taxi and bus services are available to reach Ukhimath.

By Road:-

Many bus and taxi services are available from Delhi to Haridwar and Dehradun, from there you can change buses or take a taxi to Ukhimath.

Itinerary of Nandi Kund Trek

Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar Rishikesh

In the morning take an AC train to Haridwar at 6:50 am. Arrive in Haridwar around 11:30 am and reach Rishikesh by road. The evening is free for recreational activities. Night at the hotel.

Day 02: Rishikesh – Ukhimath – Mansuna

In the morning departure for Mansuna via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath. The distance between Rishikesh and Mansuna is approximately 230 km. Will stop for lunch in Srinagar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Mansuna – Uniana – Bantoli

Go to Uniana, which is 15 km from Mansuna. It will also be our first day of trekking during which we will walk 11 km to reach Bantoli. Night in a tent.

Day 04: Bantoli –  Madhyamaheshwar – Budha Madhyamaheshwar

Today early in the morning, walk 8 km to reach Madhyamaheshwar. Arrive in Madhyamaheshwar around noon. Then go to visit Budha Madhyamaheshwar and the Puja evening at the temple. Night in Tent.

Day 05: Madhyamaheshwar – Kachani.

Today walk 10km to reach Kachani Dhar. Overnight in a camp in Kachani Dhar. 

Day 06: Kachani Dhar – Kachani Tal – Kachani Dhar –  Pandav Shera 

 Today walk 2 km to Kachani Tal then to Pandav Shera which is 14 km away. Night in the tent at Pandav Shera. 

Day 07: Pandav Shera – Nandi Kund 

Drive to Nandi Kund which is 6 km away. Night in a tent in Nandi Kund. 

Dhumdhar Kandi Trek

Day 08: Nandi Kund – Dwari Gad 

Today your trip will be to Dwari Gad which is 12 km away. Night in tents in Dwari Gad. 

Day 09 : Dwari Gad – Dhaula Udiyar 

 Walk to Dhaula Udiyar which is 13 km from Dwari Gad. Night in the fields with dinner. 

Day 10: Dhaula Udiyar – Bantoli 

 In the morning, walk 14km to reach Bantoli . Night in Guest House / Tent. 

Day 11: Bantoli – Ukhimath 

Today, walk 11 kilometers and head towards Uniana. The packed lunch will be transported over 35 km. Upon arrival at Uniana,  head to Ukhimath. Overnight in a hotel in Ukhimath. 

Day 12: Ukhimath – Rishikesh 

Drive to Rishikesh which is 200 kilometers from Ukhimath. Lunch will be in Srinagar. 

Day 13: Rishikesh – Delhi 

Wake up early in the morning and travel to Haridwar station to catch the AC train to Delhi at 6:10 am. Arrival in Delhi at 11:45 am. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Nandi Kund Trek