Toughest Pilgrimages in India

1. Kedarnath

Sitting in the laps of Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is the prominent site of Chota Chardham Circuit in Uttarakhand. The divine temple of Kedarnath is one the twelve Jyotirlinga and Panch Kedar temples. Devotees very religiously worship Lord Shiva as ‘Lord of Kedarkanth’ at the Kedarnath temple. On the 14 km trek trail from Gaurikund to Kedarnath pilgrim not only rejoice the spiritual atmosphere but also the enclosing peaceful nature of the region.

Opening & Closing Date of Kedarnath

2. Kailash Mansarovar

Perched at a height of 6,638 meters; Mt. Kailash is a renowned holy site of India that is located in Tibet. The scenic land of Mansarover is located at a distance of 20 km away from the Mt.Kailash. People of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bon culture take the Kailash Mansarover Yatra to find solace in the beautiful setting of this place. The yatra is incomplete without taking a holy dip in the Mansarover Lake and parikarma of Mt. Kailash. Mansarover Lake is the main attraction of Kailash Mansarover that leave people spellbound.

3. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

One of the prominent cave temple in India, Amarnath Cave temple looms at an elevation of 3888 m. It is situated in Jammu & Kashmir. Devotees very religiously pay homage to the magical Shiva Linga, which is formed naturally out of snow. Being one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas makes Amarnath Cave temple more glorious. People in full swing take the tough Amarnath Yatra annually.

4. Hemkund Sahib

The star shaped gurudwara, Hemkund Sahib is the highest Gurudwara of Sikh tribe that is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This Sikh pilgrimage site is surrounded by dense greenery in the splendid backdrop of Himalayas. Hemkund Sahib remains closed for winter period from October to April. Devotees take holy dip in the freezing cold water of the Hemkund lake. From the month of May the pilgrimage tour to Hemkund start in which devotees from all around the globe come and seek ashirwad of Guru Gobind Singh.

Opening & Closing Date of Hemkund Sahib

5. Shikhar Ji Temple

The beautiful architectural temple of Shikar Ji is located atop Parasnath Hill of Giridih district of Jharkhand Indian state. It is one of the most paramount pilgrimage site (Jain Tirtha) for Jains. It is believed that at this hallowed place twenty out of twenty four Jain Tirththankaras obtained Moksha. To reach the temple devotees take the tedious 28km trek route full of steep slopes from Maduban (base camp for the trek).

6. Phugtal, Ladakh

Wrapped in the serene surroundings of Zanskar Region of Ladakh, Phugtal or Phuktal is a Buddhist Monastery that is reachable only on foot. The monastery is fabricated around a natural cave and it is believed that in the past many scholars, sages and monks resided at this cave. Phugtal is a very soulful pilgrim spot for people looking for spiritual retreat and peace.

7. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

The holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is placed in Katra in Jammu region of Indian state Jammu & Kashmir and is devoted to Indian Goddess. Maa Vaishno Devi is enshrined in the cave as pindis (stone representation). Devotees take the Vaishno Devi Yatra every year with high devotional spirit. The temple is accessible by arduous trek of 13 km from base camp Katra. Ponies, palkies/horses and even helicopter services are also available.

8. Shrikhand Mahadev

Located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the famous pilgrimage sites in India that is close to the heart of Lord Shiva devotees. The 75 feet Shivalingam enshrined here is one of the five Kailash (Shivling). Shrikhand Mahadev trek is tough but full of adventure and thrill. On the trek trail pilgrims enjoy the lavish greenery amidst the charming Himalayas.

Hard yet the feeling of witnessing these pious sites is incredible!