Trek to Pandavkholi Uttarakhand: Discover History & Importance

During the Mahabharata period, the sons of Pandu, during exile, they spent many days at numerous places in Devbhoomi, that is Uttarakhand today. Various historical evidences and stories are proof of this fact. In Almora, on the Dronagiri mountain range is situated Pandavkholi, which is famous for Hindu pilgrimage.

It is believed that in the Dwapar Yuga, the sons of Pandu spent the last phase of their exile here. They meditated. Practiced yoga. In the course of time, Mahavatar Baba at this very place revived the ‘Kriya Yoga’ related to Mahabharata. Since this mountain peak also bestows Brahma-knowledge, therefore it is also called Brahma Parvat.

Dronagiri mountain

The great sage Garga, or Guru Dron, or King Bharat performed the penance at this place and  numerous sages and seers has been visited this place, in the ancient time it was known s  Dwarka, that is present-day Dwarahat.  It is the ancient cultural, spiritual, and religious city of Kumaon, it is a showcase of laboratory of unique architectural art of the Himalayas.

in old time, it was known Dwarka of Krishna’s dreams,  Shyamacharan Lahiri received initiation of ‘Kriya Yoga’ from Mahavatar Baba in Pandavkholi itself.

Pandavas arrived Pandavkholi

According to mythological  tales, after losing everything in gambling, the Pandavas went in exile.  It is said that when the Pandavas, crossing the boundary of their capital Hastinapur (present-day Uttar Pradesh), reached Uttarakhand in the attire of sages, they crossed the Garg river (present-day Gaula river), then crossed the mountain boundary (the fort of Kotkharra of Katyuri and Chand dynasty), that is the present entry gate of present Kumaon is Kathgodam further  they started climbing the mountain through Ranibagh .

It is said that crossing the peak of Gagar, via Ramgarh and Mukteshwar, the Pandavas walked through  Garampani, Ranikhet and Bagwalipokhar on the bank of Gagas (Rishi Gargi) river.

The Visit of Kauravas 

Following the Pandavas footprints , the Kauravas also reached behind. At Bagwalipokhar, the Pandavas suddenly changed their path quickly and directly proceeded towards the peak of Bharatkot ( the penance place of Rishi Gargi). The Kauravas, tired and exhausted, stayed back at Bagwalipokhar.

There, they became engrossed in gambling play. On the other side, the Pandavas, passing through the summit of Bharatkot ( the penance place of King Bharat) moved  towards that peak of Dunagiri where in the Treta Yuga, god Hanuman, carrying the Sanjeevani herb for Lakshmana, went to Lanka further by aerial route.

Origin Kauravchhina

Meanwhile, the spies of the Kauravas conveyed the message of the presence of five sages at the foothill of the Dunagiri mountain range. Crossing the Gargi river, the Kauravas, while chasing, and reached the foothill of Dunagiri at a village is called Kauravchhina. But they could not proceed further.

That is why this place, about 22 km ahead from Dwarahat, came to be named Kauravchhina (in local language Korichhina or Kukucchina). According to local belief, the Kauravas and their army could not able to advance further from here.

The Pandavas in Exile 

There were many paths lead to the foothill of Dunagiri mountain range, that is why, the Kauravas became confused and could not move ahead. Then the Pandavas crossed the great medicinal forest and reached  mountain peak of Brahma Parvat which is now called the cave of the Pandavas, that is Pandavkholi.

In the course of time, the devotees of the Pandavas, created a symbolic stone representation of Pandavas, today known as  Vir Khambh (hero pillars) to prove the presence of the five sons of Pandu. Even after centuries, today these still stand on the summit of Pandavkholi, giving testimony to the penance place of the Pandu sons Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul and Sahadev.

The quilt of Bhim 

It is said that in the cave of Pandavkholi, Bhim used to cover his body to keep warm during meditation, often spread his quilt to dry on the mountain summit. This amazing entire field is even today known by the name of Bhim’s quilt (Bhim ki Gudari).

 Vajradanti

It is also believed that the grass  which the Pandavas used to brush their teeth is still present today as the plant species Vajradanti. People, November and December takes place the fair and festival to mark the presence of the Pandavas ,  and, after festival when they go back to home, carry Vajradanti from Bhim’s quilt, that is Bhim’s field.

Pandukholi Trek

Pandukholi trek jut above Mahavatar Babaji Cave- the Legends believe that the Kauravas had also come here in search of the Pandavas, but could only reach till Kauravchina now called Kukuchina, as they were unable to traverse the harsh terrain.

Pandavkholi or Pandukholi is perched at a height of 8,000 feet above sea level, and the terrain can get a little rough as you climb higher and higher. Yet, the entire trail and the view from the top are definitely worth the effort.

You have take 3 km long trek route from Kukucchina village, the trek route is moderate, safe to go up there, if you choose to go through Mahavatar Babaji cave, will be adventurous and difficult and some point trails is risky, chance to fall down in the valley. So better to follow the trail of Kuckucchina village.

Pandukholi Trek In The Meadows

• Pandavkholi also has a large meadow called a Bugyal. The Bugyal is also called Bhimn-ki-Saiya, and it is completely barren. It is believed that the great Bhim once laid his Gudri on this meadow.
• There are four caves located directly beneath this Bugyal, and there are several mysteries that surround the Bugyal and these caves. Just slowly walk around this meadow and you will be able to hear the sound of your footsteps due to the hollowness deep inside the Bugyal.

The Serene Ashram

• The wonderful Ashram is located at the very top of Pandavkholi. The ashram also has an adjoining temple dedicated to the great Swami Balwantgiri.
• This ashram was built by Swami Balwantgiri’s disciple who is also fondly called Babaji. The small shrine accompanying this temple has a lovely idol of Balwantgiri and also of Babaji. There is another large shrine still in the construction process just beside the Dharamshala.

How to go for Pandukholi Trek

• To reach the top of the temple, you will have to break from Kukuchina, and it is not an easy walk. 3 km long trek to reach the top.
• Once you reach the top you will be amazed by the stunning landscape that reveals in front of you. Right against this backdrop, there is a little temple and the Dharamshala.
• At the end of the temple, there is a watchtower that stands proudly at the top. You can climb up there and watch the entire valley complete with the mountains. The view is truly astonishing and picturesque.

Accommodation & Facilities

Accommodation & Facilities

• The Dharamshala is not at all fancy, on the contrary, it is extremely humble and modest. You will find the most basic facilities here, yet something is reassuring and peaceful about the Dharamshala.
• The toilets are common and there is no running water. Every day you will give to fetch your water from a tank located nearby.
• The Ashram believes in being environmentally sustainable, and thus, they only use rainwater. The rainwater is collected in different tanks and is used for everything including, laundry, taking a bath, and watching dishes. The same water is purified using a filtration system for drinking purposes.

The kitchen uses ashes to clean the dishes, instead of soap.

• You will get three meals a day, and the meals are so delicious. Even though the food is simple, the way it has been cooked shows a lot of love and care, making it feel hearty.
• The food is cooked directly in the fireplace, and you have to sit around the place where is the food is prepared. The wood fire adds so much to the food, and it feels pure and warm.
• The Ashram also grows its fruits, herbs, and vegetables and they have cattle for milk and bees for honey. The ashram also has some artifacts that were once used by Mahavatar  Babaji.
• There is also a souvenir store that sells local herbs, masalas, and many flavored salts. There are also other temples in the vicinity. One of them is dedicated to the Pandavas, while the others are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman.

Dwarahat Town 

• While on your trip to Pandavkholi, you can also visit other nearby places like the regal Dwarahat. The historic town of Dwarahat is located in the state of Uttarakhand.
• It was once the land of the Katyuris, and now it rests in the lap of nature. Located about 17 km from the lovely hilly town of Dunagiri, Dwarahat is a great place to not just spend an idle weekend, but also to catch up on some much-needed history that has been long swept under the carpet.

Why Pandavkholii?

What makes Pandavkholi so unique are the caves that are scattered at the Doonagiri Hills. These caves are like hidden treasures waiting to be found and explored. Pandavkholi is also known for the wonderful and holy ashram that is located at the top, and you must stay at the Dharamshala once to detox and cleanse yourself completely.

 Things To Do In Pandavkholi

 Explore The Babaji Caves

• One of the most interesting and thrilling things to do here at Pandavkholi is to just follow your instincts and explore as many caves as you can. Some of these caves were inhabited by great sages, and you might just find some amazing anecdotes and stories right inside the caves.
• These caves are also great haunts for just spending some time in isolation. You can go inside them and sit for as long as you want. Just close your eyes and meditate. You will feel so calm and peaceful from within you. Undoubtedly these caves have some magical aura.