Updated: Tue, 09 Dec 2025 01:48 (IST) The department has started preparations to increase tourism of Timmarsain Mahadev (Baba Barfani) Cave in Neeti Valley of Chamoli District. Rs 26.85 crore … read more Devendra Rawat, Gopeshwar. The Tourism Department has started preparations for the visit to Timmarsain Mahadev (Baba Barfani) Cave in Neeti Valley bordering China in Chamoli District. Under this, construction of one and a half kilometer track, tin shed and parking is being done to reach the Timmersain cave at a cost of Rs 26.85 crore. Remove Advertisement Read only News Besides, beautification work is also underway around the cave. The intention of the government and the department is to connect the Timmersain cave with tourism and the pilgrimage route. In this cave, five to seven Shivalingas take ice form during winter. To reach Timmersain Cave on foot: From the country’s first village Neeti, one and half kilometer distance is reached on foot to reach Timmersain Cave, which is known as Baba Barfani Cave. During the winter, the inhabitants of the valley migrate to lower places. During this period only the Army and BRO roam around here and the responsibility of worshiping in the cave is also handled by the Army personnel. During the same period, between February and April, five to seven Shivalingas take ice form in the cave, and a large number of people come here to see them. Lord Shiva is believed to have meditated in this cave. Drops of water continuously drip on the Shivalinga present in the cave which makes it even more special. The length of the cave is about 50 meters. Local people have been visiting and worshiping at the Timmarsain Mahadev Cave for generations. But this place is still far away from the reach of devotees from all over the country and the world. Until now, even a formal itinerary has not been drawn up for this place. If the government keeps the Jyotirmath-Neeti highway running smoothly throughout the year, Baba Bafarni pilgrimages can be done in Neeti valley from February to April. This will give new dimensions to tourism and pilgrimage in the area. There will also be job creation at the local level. – Prakash Rawat, former head, Jyotirmath Baba gives darshan with Barfani family during winter season in Timmarsain cave. The department has drawn up a comprehensive action plan to connect this area with tourism facilities. According to this, a 1.5 km trek to the cave, construction of parking with a capacity of 40 vehicles and other works must be done. Apart from this, beautification work is also done around the cave, so that the devotees do not face any problem. – Arvind Gaur, District Tourism Officer, Chamoli