Vital Information:
Location: Kalpeshwar Village, Urgam Valley, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India
Altitude: Approximately 2,200 meters (7,217 feet) above sea level
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (as Jatadhari or in the form of matted hair)
Significance: Fifth temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit
Open: All year round (Unlike other Panch Kedar temples which close during winter)
How to Reach:
• Nearest Airport: Jollygrant (Dehradun)
• Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar/ Rishikesh
• Nearest Road Point: Helang (on Rishikesh–Badrinath highway) can be reached from Haridwar or Rishikesh travelling a distance of 278 Kms or 253 Kms by local transport likes of bus/ taxi/ hired taxi etc.
• Trek: 2–3 km from Helang via Devgram village
• Nearby Town: Joshimath (approx. 10 km)
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The trail winds through picturesque landscapes and tranquil forests.
Trek & Accessibility:
• Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year.
• It can be reached by a short trek of 2–3 km from Helang village, which is located on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway, about 10 km from Joshimath.
• A well-maintained trail passes through scenic landscapes, deodar forests, and beautiful Himalayan villages like Devgram and Urgam.
Nearby Attractions:
• Badrinath Temple – 44 km
• Joshimath – Spiritual and trekking base. Tourists spot Auli too can be visited from Joshimath,
• Urgam Valley – Stunning terraced fields and streams
• Dhyan Badri – One of the Sapta Badris
Mythological Significance:
In Hindu mythology, Kalpeshwar Temple has great religious and spiritual significance. According to legend, the Pandavas pleaded Lord Shiva for forgiveness for killing their relatives during the Kurukshetra war. To get away from them, Lord Shiva took the shape of a bull and vanished underground. Thereafter he reappeared in different forms at five places in the Garhwal Himalayas, which came to be known as Panch Kedar. At Kalpeshwar, his hair (jata) appeared, hence the name Jatadhar or Jateshwar.
Spiritual Significance:
Kalpeshwar Temple is the fifth temple in the revered Panch Kedar pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Jatadhar (the Lord with matted hair). This is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year.
Spiritual Aura and Vibe:
Despite being modest, the temple has a strong spiritual influence. It is surrounded by tranquil surroundings and has a calm and quite ambience that is ideal for introspection and meditation. A sacred Kalpavriksha (mythical wish-fulfilling tree) is said to exist near the temple, enhancing its mystic appeal.
Reasons to Visit Kalpeshwar:
Year-round pilgrimage site
Scenic Himalayan tree.
Peaceful and spiritually enriching
Offbeat and less crowded
Visit the sacred Kalpavriksha, the mythical wish-fulfilling tree
Meditate in the peaceful surroundings
Explore local Garhwali villages & culture
Combine your visit with Badrinath or the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahab.
A visit to Auli from Joshimath. Auli is one of the most beautiful tourist spot of Uttrakhand.