There is a saying among the hill folks of India: “You do not climb the mountain; the mountain allows you to pass.”
For a spiritual seeker, the Himalayas are not just a geographical marvel but a living, breathing cathedral of energy. While many pilgrims rely on buses or shared jeeps to reach the popular Dhams, there is a different kind of magic in driving yourself. When you are behind the wheel, you control the pace of your pilgrimage. You can stop to listen to the wind whistling through the pine forests, or pause at a sharp bend simply because the view of the valley looks like a painting.
If you are planning a road trip that combines the thrill of high-altitude driving with deep spiritual resonance, this route through Uttarakhand is the perfect itinerary. Here is a guide to 5 sacred hill temples that form a beautiful, drivable circuit.
Preparing for the Ascent
Driving in the mountains is very different from driving on the plains. The roads are narrow, the curves are blind, and the weather changes in a heartbeat. Before you leave the foothills, your vehicle needs to be ready, both mechanically and spiritually.
It is a long-standing tradition for drivers heading into the Ghats to invoke divine protection. Before starting the engine at Rishikesh, take a moment to center yourself. Many travelers make it a point to install a ganesh idol for car on the dashboard. In the hills, where a single stone on the road can change your journey, having the Vighnaharta (Remover of Obstacles) riding shotgun provides a deep sense of psychological and spiritual reassurance.
Once your car is blessed and your gear is packed, start your engine. Here is the route that awaits you.
1. Surkanda Devi (Near Dhanaulti)
The Climb to the Goddess
The Drive: From Rishikesh, take the road towards Chamba and Dhanaulti. The drive is lush, green, and filled with the scent of Deodar trees.
Perched at an altitude of about 9,000 feet, Surkanda Devi is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Unlike many temples that are buried in towns, this one sits on the very top of a mountain peak. You drive up to the base at Kaddukhal and then walk (or take a pony) up the steep 1.5 km trail. The view from the top offers a 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan range. Standing there, with the wind hitting your face, the chaotic world below feels light-years away.
2. Dhari Devi (Srinagar, Uttarakhand)
The Guardian of the Char Dham
The Drive: Descend from Dhanaulti towards the Alaknanda River to reach Srinagar.
Dhari Devi is unique because it isn’t on a hill top, but originally sat right in the middle of the river gorge. She is considered the guardian deity of Uttarakhand. Locals believe that her anger causes floods, and her calm brings prosperity. The temple is accessible directly by road (a short walk from the highway). It is customary for every vehicle passing this route to stop and pay respects. It is said that no pilgrimage into the upper Himalayas is complete without her permission.
3. Kartik Swami (Rudraprayag)
The Hidden Gem
The Drive: From Srinagar, drive to Rudraprayag and take the road towards Pokhari.
This is a temple that tourist buses often skip, which makes it perfect for a personal road trip. Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (the son of Shiva), this temple stands alone on a narrow ridge of a mountain. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through small rhododendron forests. From the parking spot at Kanakchauri village, it’s a serene 3 km trek. At the summit, you are surrounded by nothing but snow-capped peaks. The silence here is so profound it almost hums.
4. Tungnath (Chopta)
The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
The Drive: From Rudraprayag, head up towards Ukhimath and then Chopta.
This is the crown jewel of the drive. The road to Chopta is often called the “Switzerland of India” because of its rolling meadows and pine forests. You park your car at Chopta and begin the trek to Tungnath.
Reaching the temple, which is over 1,000 years old, feels like an achievement. The air is thin, the bells ring clearly in the mist, and the energy is intense. If you have the stamina, hike a little further to Chandrashila peak for a view that will stay with you for a lifetime.
5. Triyuginarayan (Rudraprayag District)
The Eternal Flame
The Drive: On your way back down or towards Sonprayag, take a detour to this ancient village.
This temple marks the spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. The most fascinating feature here is the Akhand Dhuni, a fire that is said to have been burning continuously since the divine wedding took place eons ago. The village is quiet, the architecture is ancient stone and wood, and the drive there takes you through some of the most rustic parts of the valley.
The Return Journey
As you steer your car back towards the plains, navigating the winding turns with a little more confidence than when you started, you will likely feel a shift. The mountains have a way of humbling you.
This road trip is not just about the destinations; it is about the time spent inside the car, talking, listening to music, or just sitting in silence while the Himalayas watch over you. It is a reminder that the path is just as sacred as the prayer.
