5 Toughest Pilgrimage Destinations in India

India is an extremely spiritual land which is dotted with innumerable holy sites and uncountable big and small temples. From being perched up in the snowy mountain peaks to being settled in an island, a number of these pilgrimage sites are located at inaccessible locations. Devout Hindus take up these Yatras and journeys to feel closer to the divine power which they worship. India is also the centre for various big and small pilgrimages like, the all India Char Dham Yatra, Chota Char Dham Yatra to the smaller Rath Yatra and Kanwar Yatra among a plethora of others. During the procession season all these locations spring to life with color, vibrancy, rhythmic chanting and deep spiritualism. It truly is a sight to behold.

Here are the 5 toughest pilgrimage destinations in India:

Amarnath Yatra (Jammu and Kashmir)

Camp for Amarnath Yatra

Located at a whopping elevation of 3,888 metres above sea level, this Yatra is considered to be one of the toughest pilgrimage journeys in India. People from far and wide throng this holy cave in order to pay respect to the iced stalagmite Lingam form. The entire length of the mountainous trekking route, which is of 43 km, pans through the eerie valleys, extremely narrow routes and the wildly thrashing river. Every year the number of Hindu pilgrims taking up this journey is increasing making the Yatra even more treacherous due to the loss of trekking space. Apart from the path the weather at Amarnath remains extremely cold the entire time making the journey even more treacherous.

Open Months - June to August

Hemkund Sahib (Uttarakhand)

Hemkund Sahib Yatra

Located at an elevation of 4,633 metres above sea level, Hemkund Sahib is one of the most trying pilgrimage treks in India. This holy shrine of Guru Gobind Singh remains inaccessible due to thick snow covering during the months of October to April. The trekking route tests every pilgrim’s physical abilities due to the rugged, stone laden narrow path. Although the entire route is extremely scenic and filled with picturesque views on every turn, one still has to be careful since the paths are slippery and paired with a difficult uphill trek and will take almost 4 to 6 hours to cover.

Open Months - May to October

Phugtal Monastery Trek (Zanskar, Ladakh)

Trek to Phuktal Monastery

Located in one of the remotest valleys in India, Lungnak Valley, the location of this monastery resembles an interwoven honey comb - like structures. The pilgrims are expected to walk all the way up to the monastery location for a day which will commence from Dorzang (the end of the road starting from Padum). The entire trekking path is made on the crumbling and rugged rocks. The monastery has been delicately carved out from the face of a mountain making the route even more treacherous and deadly. If you are looking for an adventurous journey and to tread on the road less taken then Phugtal monastery trek is the place to be.

Open Dates - March to October

Kedarnath Trek (Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand)

Kedarnath Yatra Trek

The trek to the main shrine of Kedarnath is the toughest one to cover among the other Chota char Dham Yatra locations. Located at an elevation of 3,553 metres above sea level making the oxygen content in the air low, the trek to Kedarnath dham is very testing mentally as well as physically. The 16 km trek which commences from Gaurikund on foot takes a grueling 5 to 6 hours of walking on narrow, landslide prone mountain paths. There are comfortable and tension free helicopter service to Kedarnath also available, however the weather condition is also drastic with the temperature going below zero.

Open Months - April to October

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Trek (Tibet autonomous region, Tibet)

On the way to Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

One of the holiest destinations for four religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Bon and Jainism, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra witnesses a throng of pilgrims and Yatris during the pilgrimage season. Considered to be one of the most arduous pilgrimage treks in India because of its freezing temperatures, dangerously rugged terrain and jagged trekking trails. The entire trekking takes place at an altitude of 5,943 metres above sea level. This Yatra is not recommended for children below the age of 17, senior citizens above the age of 70 and people suffering from various ailments since the route is extremely testing in nature.    

Open Dates - February to September