Include Lahaul-Spiti’s Udaipur village in your travel bucket list now! Here's why

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Bet you have never thought of packing warm clothes for your trip to Udaipur! You may never need warm clothes for Rajasthan’s Udaipur, but for the one in Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, you will most definitely need more than a pair.

Located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, is the picture-perfect hamlet of Udaipur. The mountain village of Udaipur was once known as Markul because of the famous Markula Devi Temple. Later in 1695 AD, it was given the new name Udaipur, in honour of King Udai Singh, the ruler of Chamba.

Also read: Beautiful Indian hill towns to practice slow living


Udaipur is not your typical tourist destination as there are no hotels or restaurants in the village. The village is, however, a great camping destination, frequented by adventure seekers. Needless to say, carry your own food and water supply when exploring Udaipur. If camping is not your cup of tea, Keylong is your next best choice. Keylong is just 54 km from Udaipur.
Udaipur is literally a change of scenery. We all know Lahaul-Spiti as rough and barren terrain, Udaipur, however, is a refreshing green pocket.


What you also need to know about this beautiful mountain village is that this is one of the important places of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. And this is mainly because of the Triloknath Temple, located just 9 km from Udaipur. The temple is the only temple in the world where both Hindus and Buddhists come to worship. The main temple deity is Shiva, as worshipped by the Hindus; for Buddhists, the same deity is Arya Avalokiteshwar.

Fun fact: There are columns in the temple which people believe that you will not be able to cross if you are a sinner. Body size does not matter.


Markula Devi Temple is another reason why Udaipur is an important pilgrimage site. The temple is considered as one of the holiest sites in the district. It is believed that the temple site is where Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura, thus making it a shaktipeeth.
Several pilgrims from all over the country include this shaktipeeth in their pilgrimage itinerary.


In Udaipur, come for the faith, and stay for the beauty of the place.

1. When is the best time to visit Udaipur in Lahaul-Spiti?
   The best time to visit is between July and September.
2. Is it possible to visit Himachal Pradesh’s Udaipur in winter?
   Winter travel to Udaipur might be difficult because most of the time Rohtang Pass, which is the gateway to Udaipur, stays closed due to heavy snowfall.
3. Which are the two most popular temples in Udaipur, Lahaul-Spiti?
   Triloknath Temple and Markula Devi Temple.