Sem Mukhem Temple in Mukhem, Uttarakhand

About Attraction

About Sem Mukhem Temple

Perched high on a mountain crest at an altitude of 2,903 meters (9,524 feet) in Tehri Garhwal district, Sem Mukhem Temple (Sem Mukhem Nagraja Mandir) is the premier center of serpent worship (Nagraja) in Uttarakhand. Situated roughly 64 kilometers from New Tehri and 30 kilometers from Lambgaon on the way to Mukhem, the shrine is regarded in Hindu belief as the earthly abode of Lord Krishna in the form of King of Serpents (Nagraja).

Sem Mukhem Temple Nagraja Temple Tehri

Mythology relates that Lord Krishna settled on this peak after subduing the venomous serpent Kaliya Nag in the Yamuna river at Vrindavan. The central temple houses a naturally smooth egg shaped stone rock (called the Nag Shila) representing the serpent deity, alongside brass idols of Lord Krishna playing the divine flute.

The final ascent involves a scenic 2 kilometer forest trek starting from Khamba Khal through towering oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees. The mountain summit rewards pilgrims with striking panoramic views of the Bandarpoonch, Gangotri, and Chaukhamba snow peaks.

How to Reach Sem Mukhem Temple

By Road / Trek: Located 64 km from New Tehri. Mountain motor road reaches up to Khamba Khal village, followed by a 2 km paved uphill hiking trail (45 minutes walk). Accessible via shared jeeps and local buses from Lambgaon (30 km).
By Train: Rishikesh and Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Stations (150 km) offer broad gauge rail connectivity.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (165 km) connects via direct daily flights from New Delhi.

Best Time to Visit Sem Mukhem Temple

April to June: Clear sunny days with cool mountain weather (10°C to 22°C) and blooming red rhododendron trails.
Sem Mukhem Mela (November): Grand biennial religious fair drawing thousands of pilgrims for sacred night vigils and folk dances.
October to November: Crisp autumn air with spectacular panoramic vistas of snow capped Himalayan ranges.

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Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Sem Mukhem Temple

Essential visitor information regarding timings, entry tickets, location, nearby attractions, and travel guide in Mukhem.

01 Where is Sem Mukhem Temple located?

Sem Mukhem Temple is situated at an elevation of 2,903 meters in Tehri Garhwal district, roughly 64 kilometers from New Tehri and 30 kilometers from Lambgaon.

02 Which deity is worshipped at Sem Mukhem Temple?

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna worshipped as Nagraja (the King of Serpents), who according to belief made this mountain his eternal home.

03 Is trekking required to reach Sem Mukhem Temple?

Yes. After reaching the motor roadhead at Khamba Khal, visitors hike up a 2 kilometer paved forest trail through oak and rhododendron woods.

04 What is the Nag Shila at Sem Mukhem?

The Nag Shila is a sacred natural stone rock inside the sanctum that represents the hood and form of the serpent king Nagraja.

05 What are the visiting hours for Sem Mukhem Temple?

The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Devotees are advised to begin their descent back to Khamba Khal before sunset.

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