Complete Trek Guide to Yula Kanda Temple: The Highest Shree Krishna Temple

Yula Kanda Temple lies in the picturesque heights of Garhwal Himalayas. It is the highest temple for Lord Krishna, and their altitude is around 3,900 meters or 12,795 feet above sea level. It is an sacred destination but rarely visited, enhancing one spiritually and as fulfilling for a trekker. Known for its unparalleled beauty and serenity, a trek to the Yula Kanda Temple takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state of Uttarakhand.

This complete guide provides all information required to plan your trek to Yula Kanda Temple, right from the route, best time to visit, accommodation options, budget, and packing essentials.

1. Location and Significance of Yula Kanda Temple

Yula Kanda Temple is situated beside the Mana Village of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. It has immense religious importance as this place is associated with Hindu Epics. According to mythology, it is said that Lord Krishna took shelter in this region and so a temple was constructed to commemorate his stay. It is a temple of Yula Kanda, located amidst awesome snow-capped peaks and is offering a beautiful landscape view to visitors so that they can pray and meditate here quietly.

This temple is hidden inside the Himalayan range and is much less known than such valuable attractions like Kedarnath or Hemkund Sahib; it is a quiet, deserted place for those seeking spiritual peace amidst nature.

2. Introduction/Overview of the Trek: Distance, Duration, and Difficulty

The Yula Kanda trek is from Mana village, which is the last village on the Indian side of the Tibet-China border. The distance for trekking is around 12 kilometers from Mana to Yula Kanda Temple, and the average time is around 6-7 hours one way to cover.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging

Although not technically demanding, the altitude of the march and a steep slope could make it tiring for any first-time trekkers or persons not accustomed to the thinner high altitude.

Altitude: The trek starts from Mana at an elevation of 3,200 meters or 10,500 feet while the end point reaches an altitude up to Yula Kanda at 3,900 meters or 12,795 feet.

Trek Type: It is a point-to-point trek- You will start at Mana village and directly ascend to the temple

3. Best Time to Visit Yula Kanda Temple

The trek to the Yula Kanda temple is accessible almost throughout the year barring its unavailability in the severest winter months when the snowfall is too heavy, and hence, its path is not accessed. The best months are:

Summer (May to June): The temperatures are relatively mild, with winter snowfall melted away, making it easier to trek. The meadows and valleys surrounding are full of flowers and various greenery, making quite spectacular spots of alpine flowers and leaves.

Monsoon (July to September): Monsoons come with the threat of landslide and slippery pathways that make trekking very dangerous. Generally, it is not a good time to trek in the monsoon.

Autumn (September to October): Clear skies, breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, and quite moderate temperatures create an atmosphere that makes autumn the best time to take this trek. Post-monsoon season offers great visibility and optimum trekking conditions.

4. Detailed Itinerary

Here's an itinerary of details for you to organize your trek to Yula Kanda Temple:

Day 1: Arrival at Mana Village

How to Reach Mana Village:

Road: The closest accessible town is Joshimath and is well connected to the major cities like Rishikesh and Dehradun. From Joshimath, Mana village is a mere 3-hour drive (50 km) away.

Air: The Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport, in Dehradun and is a little about 290 km from Mana.

By Train: The nearest railhead is Rishikesh (about 275 km away).

On Arrival at Mana

One can explore the village that is known for its mythological significance and natural beauty. Mana is also the starting point for the famous trek to Badrinath.

Day 2: Trek from Mana to Yula Kanda

It leaves from Mana after an early breakfast. The trail is well-marked, and you pass through lush forests, alpine meadows, and narrow ridges. The approach going through the route in between Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kamet is breathtakingly beautiful.

As you ascend to a high altitude, landscape turns rugged and barren like any place on earth.

You will trek back to Yula Kanda Temple after having spent 6-7 hours. This temple will offer you sufficient time for praying and meditation.

Day 3: Return from Yula Kanda to Mana Village

You can return from Yula Kanda to Mana village after a peaceful morning while spending at the temple. It will take approximately about 4-5 hours to get back.

After reaching Mana, you may stay overnight or move ahead directly to Joshimath for your onward journey.

5. Budget Estimates

In this section, I break out a detailed cost estimation for the trek to the Yula Kanda Temple:

Travel Expenses:

Bus ticket (Rishikesh to Joshimath): ₹500 to ₹800 one way

Shared taxi from Joshimath to Mana: ₹100 to ₹200 one way

Private car rental: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, covering the whole journey from Rishikesh to Mana

Accommodation:

Joshimath Guesthouse ₹700 to ₹1,500 per night

Mana village homestays: ₹500 to ₹1,000 per night

Camping: You need to carry your equipment along. The expense of a tent would be roughly ₹ 500 to ₹1,000 per night.

Food Prices:

Dhabas and homestays in Mana have simple vegetarian meal options priced at ₹100 to ₹300 per meal.

There would be extra charges for packaged snacks and bottles of water. Always carry your own water bottle with a purifier to save on extra costs for it.

Guide and Porter Fees:

In case you want to hire a local guide, you would be charged anywhere between ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 for the entire trek.

Porters charge between ₹500 to ₹1,000 per day, depending on the weight of luggage.

Miscellaneous

Trekking permits or forest entry fees: ₹100 to ₹300 (if applicable)

Emergency and Contingency fund: ₹1,000

Total Estimated Budget : ₹5,000 to ₹8,000 per person (not including travel to Rishikesh or Dehradun)

6. What to Pack

Note: The items mentioned above are not exhaustive, so make sure to pack other personal essentials required for your comfort and safety.

Packing smartly is indeed the need of the day for a high-altitude trek such as Yula Kanda. Here's the list of must-haves:

Clothing:

Warm layers: thermals, fleece jackets, down jacket

Waterproof and windproof outer

Trekking pants

Hat, gloves, woolen socks

Trekking shoes with grips.

Trekking Gear:

Backpack-30-40 Liters

Trekking poles

Headlamp with spare batteries.

Trekking-Sunglasses

Sun-screen and SPF lotions.

First aid kit and personal medicines.

Camping Gear: (if required)

Tent, sleeping bag-someone that can take sub-zero temperature and sleeping mat

Portable stove, fuel if you cook

Food and Water:

Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits

Water bottle with purification tablets

7. Safety and Health Tips

Acclimatization: Since you will be hiking in a high altitude region, just take your time, and allow your body to acclimatize. Spend at least one day in Mana to acclimatize before starting the trek.

Hydration: Drink ample water to prevent dehydration, which most often takes place at high altitudes.

Pacing: Trek slowly and steadily to avoid developing altitude sickness. If you are experiencing headache, dizziness, or nausea, descend immediately.

Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before taking up your trek. High altitude weather conditions can change instantly, leaving one unprepared for quick temperature drops and strong winds.

8. Conclusion

The trek to the Yula Kanda Temple is one that stands unmatched in the world of spiritual adventure, combining the best of both worlds - it is a journey of its kind. Whether you're an old trekker or someone looking to find the haven of peace in the laps of nature, here is the most unforgettable journey waiting for you at Yula Kanda. From the panoramic views of Garhwal Himalayas to the divine atmosphere of the temple, every moment of this trek is sure to leave you in awe.