In Feb'22 I had changed my work designation from Manager Operations to a fulltime Traveller & since then I'm travelling & meeting new people in new cities & loving it. As my Mcleodgunj solo trip had ended, I was heading towards Harsil with my friend who was a local from uttrakhand & while driving through some very scenic roads I asked him if there were any offbeat locations in uttrakhand. Then my friend gave me the whole geography of uttrakhand & planned my itineary which is as below :
Ukhimath : 2Nights/3Days
My friend Nishant had educated me about Ukhimath as Kedarnath ji's winter residence & about the doli of Kedarnath ji. I enquired the rest details for this year & found the doli will be departing on 02May'22 from Ukhimath. So then what ! upon his guidance I went to rishikesh on the 30th of Apr'22 & got a bus till Kund at 0500hrs in the morning on a local state bus which costed me I think Rs.240/person & reached Kund by 12:50 pm, now I was only 12kms away from Ukhiumath for which a local jeep was there for which I paid Rs.20/person & I had reached Ukhimath.
Here in Ukhimath there were few homestays available & the room rent what I paid for a room was Rs.1000/night for 03 guests. the other 2travellers were whom I had met on my way to the Kund & they were visiting the temple to travel with the Doli.
We visited the Omkareshwar Mandir in the evening which to my surprise was also being attended by the Army ceremonial Band where they played fine tunes & gave their respect. Outside the Mandir according to Hindu Mythology, the wedding of Usha (Daughter of Banasura) and Aniruddha (Grandson of Lord Krishna) was solemnized here. By name of Usha this place was named as Ushamath, now known as Ukhimath. King Mandhata had performed severe penances to Lord Shiva here. this is one of the famous temples of India located at 1311 meters above sea level.
The whole evening was spent in the mandir amid the artis & also all the main mahants of Kedarnath were present here to ensure the doli is departed in the morning with all the pomp & show.
In the next morning to my surprise it was more touching to see the actual doli of Kedarnath ji go but I did not forget to take all the blessings from the LORD.
The Doli had left the temple by 1230hrs then I had some langar & came back to my homestay.
I enjoyed the fresh air with no car horns to be heard & packed my bags for my next day travel to my next destination which was just 2-3 hours away from here.