Chipla Kedar Trek
4 Days · 3200m · Remote Shiva Shrine · Dense Kumaon Forest · Pithoragarh
📅 4 Days
🛕 Shiva Shrine
🥾 Forest Trek
🥾 Moderate
4 Days · 3200m · Remote Shiva Shrine · Dense Kumaon Forest · Pithoragarh
Chipla Kedar is a remote Shiva temple at around 3200 metres in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon, accessible by a forest trek from the Kapkote or Berinag area. The temple is set in a quiet forested environment far from the popular pilgrimage circuit and is visited primarily by local devotees and a small number of trekkers. The surrounding forest of oak, rhododendron, and conifer is dense and rich in wildlife.
The route to Chipla Kedar takes the trekker through thick forest with minimal development. The Himalayan views from the ridge sections near the temple include Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and other Kumaon peaks. Chipla Kedar is particularly special because it sees very few visitors — the forest approach has genuine wilderness character with good chances of seeing wildlife and undisturbed birdlife.
For those who want to explore less-known pilgrimage and forest trek destinations in Kumaon away from the commercial trail, Chipla Kedar is an excellent option. Dev Yatra organises Chipla Kedar trek packages from Haridwar with transport to the base village, local guide, forest camping, and all meals. The trek can be combined with Berinag sightseeing and views of the Panchachuli range.
Ancient Shiva temple visited by local pilgrims in the deep Kumaon forest. Peaceful and spiritually charged.
Oak, rhododendron, and conifer forest. Very few visitors. Good wildlife and birdwatching.
Panchachuli (five peaks) and Nanda Devi visible from ridge sections near the temple.
Rarely featured in commercial trek routes. Genuine local pilgrimage experience.
SPRING-SUMMER
Rhododendrons in April. Clear Panchachuli views in May-June. Good forest colour. Best overall.
AUTUMN
Post-monsoon clarity. Forest lush. Good Panchachuli views. Slightly cold in November.
WINTER
Snow possible at temple. Forest atmospheric. Road may be difficult in January-February.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
Haridwar Railway Station — overnight trains from Delhi take 5-6 hours.
Delhi ISBT to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect to all base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). Pickup from Delhi/Dehradun on request.
Chipla Kedar is a local pilgrimage, not a tourist trekking destination. The temple sees mainly village pilgrims from the surrounding Saryu valley area. If you visit, do so with the appropriate attitude — you are a guest at a community religious site. The forest approach from Kanda village is quiet and pleasant. The value here is the forest, the quietness, and the authenticity — not dramatic scenery or adventure. Combine with Bageshwar (40 km) or Kausani (60 km) itinerary to make it worth the detour.