Machail Mata Temple

Machail Mata Temple, also known as Chandi Mata Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine located in Machail village in the Paddar Valley of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at about 9,500 feet in the Himalayas, it is dedicated to Goddess Chandi (Durga). The temple is famous for its annual Machail Yatra in August, attracting thousands of pilgrims who undertake a challenging 30-kilometre trek from Gulabgarh to seek blessings.

Visitors can expect a high-altitude Himalayan pilgrimage setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks, forests and the Bhut Nallah stream. The temple complex is small with a stone shrine housing the self-manifested Pindi of Goddess Chandi. Access requires a 30-32 km trek from Gulabgarh through rugged mountain trails, with pony and palki options during yatra season. During July-September, the area has temporary tented accommodations, langars, and medical camps with large crowds of pilgrims.