Panch Kedar Yatra – Complete Guide

Panch Kedar Yatra – Complete Guide

 

 

The Panch Kedar Yatra is a spiritual journey through the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, nestled in the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas. The temples are: Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. This pilgrimage not only provides divine blessings but also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and tranquil trekking experiences.

Overview of Panch Kedar

1. Kedarnath (3,583 m / 11,755 ft)

• The most renowned of the Panch Kedar and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• Located near the Mandakini River, it is accessible by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund.

2. Madhyamaheshwar (3,497 m / 11,473 ft)

• Known as the “Belly of Shiva,” this temple is surrounded by lush meadows and snow-clad peaks.
• Accessible via a 16 km trek from Ransi Village.

3. Tungnath (3,680 m / 12,073 ft)

• The highest Shiva temple in the world.
• Part of the Chandrashila trek, known for stunning views of Himalayan peaks.

4. Rudranath (2,286 m / 7,500 ft)

• Known as the “Face of Shiva,” Rudranath is located amidst dense forests and beautiful meadows.
• Accessible via a challenging 22 km trek from Sagar Village.

5. Kalpeshwar (2,200 m / 7,217 ft)

• Known as the “Hair of Shiva,” this temple is the only Panch Kedar accessible throughout the year.
• Accessible via a 2 km trek from Urgam Village.

Why Visit Panch Kedar?

• Spiritual Significance: Believed to fulfil wishes and grant moksha (salvation).
• Trekking Adventure: Explore trails amidst pristine forests, rivers, and Himalayan ranges.
• Cultural Exploration: Immerse in the local Garhwali culture and traditions.
• Serene Beauty: Experience untouched landscapes and tranquillity.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (May – June): Ideal weather, clear skies, and comfortable trekking conditions.
• Monsoon (July – September): Risk of landslides, but lush greenery.
• Autumn (September – October): Crisp weather, fewer crowds, and scenic beauty.

Detailed Itinerary for 11 Nights / 12 Days

Day 1 – Rishikesh To Guptkashi [180 km, 7-8 hrs.

Pickup From Airport / Hotel Drive To Guptkashi. On the way visit Dhari Devi temple in Srinagar, then visit the famous Sangam Devprayag (confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi) After reaching Guptkashi, complete your check-in formalities at the hotel and relax. You are free to explore Guptkashi town for the rest of the day. Dinner and Overnight stay in Guptkashi Hotel.

Altitude: 1,319 m/ 4,327 ft.

Driving Distance: 180 km, 7-8 hrs.

Day 2 – Guptkashi to Kedarnath (30 km drive + 19 km trek, 3,583 m /11,755 ft)

After Breakfast Drive To Sonprayag 30 km 5km Drive a Local Taxi To Gaurikund Trek: Start the trek to

Kedarnath (approx. 16 km, 6-8 hours). Activities: Check into the guesthouse. Visit Kedarnath Temple and

attend the evening Aarti. Overnight Stay: Guesthouse in Kedarnath.

Drive: Guptkashi to Gaurikund (30 km).

Trek: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (19 km).

Highlights: Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, scenic Himalayan views.

Overnight Stay: Kedarnath.

Day 3 – Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptakashi (19 km trek + 30 km drive)

Trek: Kedarnath to Gaurikund (19 km).

Drive: Gaurikund to Guptkashi (30 km).

Highlights: Morning, Aarti at Kedarnath. The landscapes are beautiful.

Overnight Stay: Guptkashi.

Day 4 – Drive from Guptakashi to Ransi and trek to Gaundhar

Morning After Breakfast Drive To Rasi Village And trek to Gaundhar

Altitude(Gaundhar): 1830 m/ 6000 ft.

Trek Distance: 6 km | 5 hrs.

Driving Distance: 35 km | 1-2 hrs.

Day 5 – Gaundhar to Madhymaheshwar

Trek: Gaundhar to Madhymaheshwar Distance: 10 km | 6-7 hrs.

Altitude: 3,230 m/ 10,600 ft. Madhymaheshwar

Stay: Overnight stay in a guesthouse or camp in Madhymaheshwar

Day 6 – Madhymaheshwar to Ransi Village To Chopta

Trek: Madhymaheshwar to Ransi Village Trek Distance: 16 km | 8-9 hrs. Drive to Chopta: 50 km | 2-3

hrs. Stay: Overnight stay in Camp Stay in Chopta

Altitude (Chopta): 2,900 m/ 9,500 ft.

Day 7 – Chopta To Tungnath To Saggar Village 3 hr 25 min (108.0 km)

Early morning, start trekking to Tungnath. Visit Tungnath Temple. After Darshan, go back to Chopta.

Overnight stay at Chopta. drive to Sagar Village. Overnight stay in Sagar village.

Altitude: Sagar-1700 m/5,600 ft

Altitude(Tungnath): 3500 m/ 11500 ft.

Trek Distance: 8 km (Both ways) | 7-8 hrs.

Day 8 – Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal

Trek: Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal Distance: ~12 km Duration: 5-6 hours

Altitude: Sagar Village (1,950m) to Panar Bugyal (3,400m)Stay: Camp / Home Stay overnight in Panar Bugyal

Day 9 – Panar Bugyal to Rudranath and Back to Panar Bugyal

Trek: Panar Bugyal to Rudranath and back to Panar Bugyal Distance: ~12 km each way Duration: 6-7

hours each way Altitude: Panar Bugyal (3,400m) to Rudranath (3,400m) Stay: Camp overnight in

Panar Bugyal

Day 10 – Urgam Valley Trek from Panar Bugyal to Sagar village and drive Kalpeshwar –

2 hr 33 min (63.0 km)

After breakfast, start your trek to Kalpeshwar Temple which is almost 1 km. Take some blessings from

God at Kalpeshwar temple & Overnight Stay At Devgrm Urgam Valley

Altitude – Urgam 2,200 m (7,217.8 ft)

Day 11 – Devgram Village, Urgam To Haridwar ( 7 hr 21 min (247.1 km)

After Breakfast scheduled. Tour Ends.

Drive to Haridwar on the last day of the tour, you will be dropped at the Station as

1 Day Reserve

• Inclusions

1. Comfortable accommodations in guesthouses and camps.
2. Breakfast and dinner.
3. Local transportation by private vehicle.
4. Trekking guide and permits.
5. First-aid kit and oxygen cylinder.

• Exclusions

1. Pony, palanquin, or porter charges.
2. Personal expenses and tips.
3. Travel insurance.
4. Entry fees for attractions not mentioned in the package.

• Travel Tips

1. Trekking Fitness: Start preparing 2-3 months in advance with cardio and stamina-building exercises.
2. Clothing: Carry layered clothing, waterproof jackets, and sturdy trekking shoes.
3. Essential Gear: Backpack, trekking poles, flashlight, water bottles, and power banks.
4. Altitude Sickness: Stay hydrated and take regular breaks.
5. Respect Nature: Follow the “Leave No Trace” principle.

• How to Book?
• kedarnathyatra.com offers well-organized packages for the Panch Kedar Yatra with experienced guides and excellent services.
• Contact Us:
• Phone: +91-7579125988
• Email: info@kedarnathyatra.com