Toughest Pilgrimages in India - Temples in India Which are Hard to Access

The vibrant country of India is full of uniquely spiritual wonders. The entire sub-continent is home to a number of ancient shrines and temples that beautifully showcases its secularity and peace. On an annual basis, a large number of people go on Religious trips to India the home of gods and goddesses which is an enlightening experience in itself. However, not all of these journeys are easy to do some of the pilgrimages will really test your mental and physical strength. No matter how tough the journey is the resulting experience is totally worth it. So here are some of the toughest pilgrimages in India:

Kedarnath Dham

Established by the great Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya during the 8^th century, at an elevation of 3,583 meters above sea level, this is one of the most distant and one of the toughest Char Dham Yatra portals. Dedicated to lord Shiva and located in the district of Rudraprayag pilgrims are expected to make their way through the steep trekking trail of 14 kms. Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty Kedarnath Dham displays the untouched beauty of the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas it is worth the tough trek.

Best Time to Visit – May to late June / Early September to October / November

Hemkund Sahib

Situated in the stunning district of Chamoli, this Sikh pilgrimage site which is situated at an elevation of 4,572 meters above sea level this shrine remained undiscovered for a long time. Surrounded by pristine mountain peaks and adorned with the high-altitude glacial lake this place requires the pilgrim to walk the narrow steep pathways of the rugged mountain for 14 kms from Govind Ghat. This is the place where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have meditated. It remains thronged with devotees from all over the world.

Best Time to Visit – May to June and September to October

Amarnath Yatra

Deemed one of the most remote pilgrimages in India, this massive cave shrine where Shiv Ji is worshipped in the form of a natural ice stalagmite formation. The trekking takes around 3 to 5 days to cover and you will be required to stay in tents amidst the uncertain weather conditions. The devotee will be covering a maximum of 48 kms and requires the full devotion of the pilgrim since the terrain is quite challenging.

Best Time to Visit – May to September

Shrikhand Mahadev

This shrine has to be undoubtedly one of the most difficult treks to do which is perched on an elevation of 5,227 meters above sea level. Due to its hostile location and rugged pathway, trekking is open only for a small window of 15 to 20 days. Situated in the district of Kullu in Himachal Pradesh this naturally formed Shivling stands tall above the cloud-covered valley below. A trek for one side will take 3 to 4 days for you to cover through steep mountains, narrow trails, and high altitudes which would be a testing experience for your mind, body, and soul.

Best Time to Visit – July when the trekking opens for 15-20 days (depending on the weather conditions.

Shikhar Ji

Literally translating into a venerable peak, this majestic peak is located on the Parasnath hill which is the highest mountain in Jharkhand. It is one of the most highly revered pilgrimage sites for the Jain community. The devotees are required to cover a walking distance of 28 kms which takes almost 12 hours to cover. The holy temple which is perched atop a hill has also found its mention in one of the holy Jain books. You will be making your way through the Madhuban forest and will cross the Gandharva Nala stream which will be an exhilarating experience. In case you are feeling more devotional then you can also go on a 54 kms of parikrama of the entire Parasnath hill.

Best Time to Visit – September to May

Vaishno Devi

Also lovingly referred to as Mata Rani Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Mata Adi Shakti. Located in Katra the pilgrims make their way up the steep distance of 13.5 km. this holy shrine is surrounded by the lush greenery and scenic beauty of the gently rolling hills. The routes remain thronged with tourists chanting the goddess’s name in great zeal and enthusiasm. Although the route is difficult but once you reach the temple all your pain seems to vanish.

Best Time to Visit – March – October

Phugtal Monastery

This unique beehive-looking monastery on a muddy cliff edge is more beautiful than any picture could say. Situated in the autonomous Himalayan region of Ladakh this is one of the most whimsical pilgrimage destinations in the world. Situated in the Zanskar valley this place remained away from the public eye or the outer world until recent times. A hub for the school of Tibetan Buddhism this place is surrounded by a surreal brown landscape this monastery is a must-visit if you have a taste for adventure and spirituality.

Best Time to Visit – March to October

Kanwar Yatra

This annual pilgrimage of Shiv devotees who are referred to as Kanwariyas makes their way from all over India to Haridwar, Gaumukh, or Gangotri glacier to fetch the sacred Ganga Jal. The offering which the Kanwariyas carry on their shoulder is dedicated to lord shiv addressed as Bholenath. It started as a small affair in the 1980s and turned into a full-fledged pilgrimage that gathered national and international attention with an estimate of over 12 million participants. The patience, dedication, and devotion of the pilgrims are tested on this sacred journey.

Best Time to Visit – July to August

Rudranath Temple

Perched at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea level and created inside a mountain rock structure is the 3^rd visited temple in the holy and difficult Panch Kedar Yatra trek. The devotees make their way from Mandal (12 km from Gopeshwar) to worship the presiding deity of Lord Shiv’s face. It is one of the most underrated yet tough pilgrimages that make you walk a difficult terrain of 24 km. the surrounding beauty of the temple is said to be protected by Vandevi. The spiritual vibe here remains unmatched anywhere else.

Best Time to Visit – May to July