Places to Visit Nearby Chamoli

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Chamoli, in the Central Himalayan region, is surrounded by pure greens, undulating valleys, spectacular panoramas, breathtaking landforms, and a diverse range of flora. It is the birthplace of the Chipko Movement and appeals to both nature enthusiasts and religious adherents. Chamoli was carved out of the ancient Garhwal district in 1960, according to legend. It is essential to try local and traditional cuisine when in Chamoli. The recipes, which are primarily grain and cereal-based, are simple and healthful, and use fresh local food. Chamoli is a shopper’s paradise, with stores selling pickles and preserves, decorative and utilitarian goods, handloom crafts, and warm clothing made of Angora wool, which is derived from the Angora rabbit found here. Apart from breathtaking places to visit in Chamoli you can also see places nearby Chamoli which are so beautiful that you cannot afford to miss them. Let’s check out the list of nearby places in Chamoli.

1. Mandal Village
2. Urgam Village
3. Gopeshwar
4. Kalpeshwar
5. Pipalkoti
6. Nandaprayag
7. Chopta
8. Joshimath
9. Auli
10. Tungnath

1. Mandal Village

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The Mandal Village is a small, isolated hamlet in Uttarakhand, located in the Chamoli district. It is one of Uttarakhand’s lesser-known yet must-visit villages. Mandal Village is nestled in the pristine grandeur of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas. You will find yourself immersed in the stunning topography of Uttarakhand at Mandal.

2. Urgam Village

Urgam Village is a charming hamlet hidden at a height of roughly 2100 metres in the gorgeous Urgam Valley near Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Urgam Village is located in Urgam Valley, which is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas and surrounded by deep woods, farmlands, and apple orchards. Urgam Valley is a universe unto itself, far off from modern life. The ancient Shiva temple Kalpeshwar Temple, one of the respected Panch Kedar, is well-known in the area. Urgam Village is only 2 kilometres away from Kalpeshwar Dham.

3. Gopeshwar

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Gopeshwar, nestled between tall and majestic mountain ranges and possessing scenic terrace farms and little waterbodies, is one of Uttarakhand’s lesser-known tourist spots. The lovely town of Chamoli, which serves as the district capital, is located at an elevation of 1,308 metres above sea level. Local legend has it that the town’s name, Gopeshwar, is related to Lord Krishna. Lord Shiva is said to have been moved by the tune of Lord Krishna’s flute as he was performing at a maharaja (a music and dance event) in Vrindavan. The gatekeeper barred the lord from entering, claiming that only one man – Lord Krishna – was permitted to enter the maharajas, which were populated solely by gopi (female devotees of the lord).

Lord Shiva changed into a gopi and entered the maharajas in order to see Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna recognised Lord Shiva and greeted him as ‘Maharaj Gopeshwar.’ The primary attraction here is the old Gopinath temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is visited by thousands of visitors all year. Non-vegetarian food is not provided here because of the town’s religious links, but visitors can enjoy local pahadi (mountain) cuisine, which is very tasty. Other areas of significance include Vaitarni Kund, an old Shiva temple, and a series of temples sans idols. Pilgrims pass via Gopeshwar on their journey to Badrinath. Tourists can buy handcrafted pickles, jams, craft and ornamental goods, and handloom products in this market.

4. Kalpeshwar

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The Kalpeshwar temple is a Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva. It is the fifth and last temple visited by worshippers on the Panch Kedar Yatra, which includes five highly respected Lord Shiva temples across Uttarakhand. The only Panch Kedar temple that is open all year is Kalpeshwar. This temple is considered sacred by Hindus since here is where Lord Shiva appeared in the shape of Jata (the Hair) and the Pandavas erected a shrine to honour Lord Shiva. It is also known as the Kalpeshwar temple.

The distance between Urgam and Kalpeshwar is only 2 kilometres. Tourists will enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley, terraced fields, and beautiful green woodlands from this temple. At Urgam village, travellers can observe Boodha Kedar temple and Dhyan Badri temple. Rudranath temple is a hike away from Kalpeshwar temple.

5. Pipalkoti

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For travellers travelling the heavenly Char Dham Yatra, Pipalkoti serves as a resting point or a night stay halt. Rishikesh is the nearest railhead to Pipalkoti, and it is well connected to other important Uttarakhand cities such as Haridwar, Chamoli, and Dehradun. Nature Trails– This is a perfect location for adventure seekers who want to enjoy hiking and trekking while taking in the gorgeous views of the surroundings. Village tourism– when visiting Pipalkoti, you can learn about the town’s local culture and traditions, as well as Garhwali traditions and cultures.

6. Nandaprayag

Pipalkoti provides a resting place or a night stay halt for pilgrims on the holy Char Dham Yatra. The closest railhead to Pipalkoti in Rishikesh is well connected to other significant Uttarakhand cities including Haridwar, Chamoli, and Dehradun. Nature Trails– This is an ideal site for adventurers who want to enjoy hiking and trekking while taking in the breathtaking scenery. When visiting Pipalkoti, you can learn about the town’s local culture and traditions, as well as Garhwali culture and traditions.

7. Chopta

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Chopta (at an approximate altitude of 2,608 m) is a slice of heaven tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas and is popularly referred to as Uttarakhand’s “little Switzerland.” Chopta, surrounded by bugyal or soft meadows and immaculate snow-capped peaks, is a year-round vacation spot: pleasant in the summer, rain-fresh in the monsoon, and a snow-covered fairyland in the winter. The Panch Kedar – the state’s five most revered Shiva temples – is centred at Chopta.

The temples of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar are on the left, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar are on the right, and the Tungnath temple is directly above it. Over 240 kinds of birds, including native and migratory species such as Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and others, may be found in Chopta. The finest spots to see our feathery companions nearby are Dugalbitta, Mandal village, Makkumath, and the Tungnath hike path. National and international conservation and ecological organisations have designated Chopta as an important bird-watching destination.

8. Joshimath

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Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is Lord Badri’s winter residence and is consequently considered a sacred site in Uttarakhand. Joshimath is located in the Chamoli District and is home to one of the four ‘Maths’ founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The sacred Kalpvriksha, which is reported to be 1200 years old, may also be seen in Joshimath. The city also has a number of temples, such as Narsimha and Gaurishankar, that attract a large number of devotees. As a result, this city in Uttarakhand is unquestionably one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations.

9. Auli

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Auli, India’s leading ski resort destination, is a small but picture-perfect village. Auli’s skiing slopes, which were originally built as a paramilitary outpost, are popular with both visitors and pros. Auli conducts a number of snow adventure events during the winter. Ski lessons are also available (https://gmvnonline.com/skiing). Auli, which stands at roughly 2,800 metres and is surrounded by acres of oak and coniferous forests, provides panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, the country’s second-highest mountain (7,816m). It also serves as a gateway to the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, which include the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, as well as prominent hiking locations including Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan. Aside from Auli, Uttarakhand boasts a number of other ski resorts, including Dayara Bugyal, Mundali and Munsyari.

10. Tungnath

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The Chandrashila Parvat in the Tungnath mountain range in Uttarakhand is home to the Tungnath Temple. It is perched at a dizzying 12,073 feet above sea level. Tungnath Temple is a celestial dwelling whose name means “God of the Mountain Before.” It is not only the highest temple of Lord Shiva but also the highest of the PanchKedar temples, set against the most gorgeous landscape. We’ll learn more about this amazing place of worship later, but first, let’s review the Panch Kedar temples.

These five temples (PanchKedar) are holy shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and so Hindu pilgrims hold them in great regard. Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Madhyamaheshwar are the temples that should be visited in the following order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Madhyamaheshwar. Among the PanchKedars, Tungnath is the Tritiya Kedar (3rd).