Panch Kedar Yatra

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About Tour Package

The state of Uttarakhand has been the abode of many gods and goddesses since ancient times, among whom Lord Kedarnath, or Shiva, holds a prominent place. There are five such revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Kedarkhand region (केदारखंड क्षेत्र) or Garhwal region of the Himalayas, where Lord Shiva is especially worshiped. These five pilgrimage sites are collectively known as Panch Kedar, and the names of these temples are – Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhmaheshwar (Madhyamaheshwar), Rudranath, and Kalpnath.

History of Panch Kedar
There are many mythologies and folklores about “why these five temples are considered famous as Panch Kedar Temples“. According to the most popular mythological story, “When the Pandavas (heroic characters from the epic Mahabharata) unjustly killed some Kauravas (their brothers from the opposite side) in the fierce war described in the ancient Hindu scripture Mahabharata, they went to Lord Shiva to atone for their sins. But on seeing the Pandavas, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull and entered the earth. After this, Shiva appeared in the form of Shiva Linga at five different places of the Himalayas.”

Region

Uttarakhand

Base camp

Rishikesh

Duration

12 Days

Grade

Difficult

Distance

128 km

Altitude

12,070 ft

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Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Sonprayag

Drive Distance: 205 km; 6-7 hours

Altitude: 1,829m/ 6,000 ft

Highlights: Visit the Dhari Devi Temple and witness the stunning confluence of the rivers Ganga and Alaknanda at Devprayag.

Your Panch Kedar Yatra starts from the Yoga capital of India– Rishikesh. You can reach here from Delhi or any other major city in the country. Take the NH 7 to drive towards Sonprayag. On your way, you will cross the Devprayag where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers merge. The Alaknanda River will flow parallel to our driving route and merge into the Mandakini River at Rudraprayag.

You will arrive at Sonprayag after a 7-8 hrs drive, where you can visit the Dhari Devi Temple if time permits. Check into your accommodation to have your dinner and spend the night.

Your path will lead you through several significant checkpoints, each holding its unique charm and significance.

Devprayag: Your first stop, Devprayag, is a place of profound spiritual importance. Here, the holy Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the sacred Ganga River, marking the inception of your Panch-Kedar pilgrimage. The divine confluence of these sacred waters sets the tone for your spiritual odyssey.

Rudraprayag: Your journey continues to Rudraprayag, where the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers offers another spiritually charged experience. Here, nature’s beauty combines with spiritual significance, providing another opportunity to connect with the divine through the merging of these holy waters.

Agastyamuni: Further along your route, you’ll reach Agastyamuni, a place resonating with the spiritual energy of Rishi Agastya’s meditation. It’s a site where the ancient sage delved deep into his spiritual practice, adding another layer of sacredness to your expedition.

Ukhimath: Your path then leads you to Ukhimath, a town known for its spiritual ambiance and serene surroundings. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in introspection and soak in the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas.

Guptakashi: Finally, you will arrive at Guptakashi, where you will rest for the night. Guptakashi holds its own significance in the Panch-Kedar pilgrimage. It’s the place where Lord Shiva concealed himself from the Pandavas, prompting Yudhishthira to give it the name “Guptakashi,” signifying the “Hidden Kashi.”

Day 2: Drive from Sonprayag to Gauri Kund and ascend to Kedarnath

Trek Distance: 17 km, 4-5 hours (Gauri Kund to Kedarnath)

Drive Distance & Time: 5 km – 30 min (Sonprayag to Gauri Kund)

Altitude Gain: 1,724 m/ 5,656 ft

Water and Refreshments: You will find many shops and tea stalls on your way.

Difficulty Grade Of Today’s Walk: Moderate

Major Highlight/s Of the Day: Visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of toughest trek of the Panch Kedar Circuit and is also a part of Chota Char Dham Yatra.

Today, you will visit the holy shrine of Kedarnath. After having breakfast, leave Sonprayag early and drive to Gaurikund. The distance is around 7.8 km, which will take 30 minutes to cover in a local jeep, depending on the traffic. Due to the 2013 Kedarnath tragedy, the movement of private vehicles ahead of Sonprayag is prohibited. Upon reaching, park your vehicle here and enjoy the scenic spot where Mandakini River and Son Ganga (Basuki) merge at Sonprayag.

Located at 1,982 m, Gauri Kund serves as the base camp for the Trek to Kedarnath Temple. Here, you will find a vibrant local market filled with pilgrims and dhabas where you can relax and have your lunch.

Visit the hot water spring of Gauri Kund and the small Maa Parvati Temple. A short walk towards the end of the market will take you to an entry gate to start your Kedarnath Trek. Enjoy the scenic landscape with the Mandakini River flowing below. After covering about 4 km, you will reach Jungle Chatti. Here, you will find many dhabas where you can have your refreshments.

Hiking further for 3 km will take you to Bheem Bali, our next stop. On your way, you will pass through many small waterfalls. At Bheem Bali, have snacks and fill your water bottle. Further, a 3.3 km hike will take you to Rambara, where you must cross a bridge over the Mandakini River. From Rambara to Lin Chauli, it is an uphill climb of about 1.5 km.

About 4 km of further hike via Chhani Camp from Lin Chauli will take you to Kedarnath Base Camp. You will encounter several small glaciers and a wide view of majestic mountain peaks. Here, you can stay at camps set up by GMVN for the pilgrims. The final 1 km hike to the Kedarnath Temple will enchant you with its spiritual aura and snow-laden landscape.The temple with the backdrop of towering Kedarnath Peak (6,940 m /22,769 ft) and Kedar Dome (6,831 m /22,411 ft) will mesmerize you with its beauty. It is said that Lord Shiva’s hump appeared at this site when he took the form of a bull to evade Pandavas. Offer your prayers to the temple and return to the Kedarnath base camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Drive Back to Sonprayag/Phata

Trek Distance: 17 km – Kedarnath to Gauri Kund

Drive Distance & Time: 5 km – 20 min- Gauri Kund to Sonprayag

Altitude Loss: 1,289 m/ 4,230 ft

Water and refreshments: Fill your water bottles at Kedarnath Basecamp and you can find dhabas at Gaurikund.

Difficulty Grade Of Today’s Walk: Easy to moderate descent

Major Highlight/s Of the Day: Visit Sonprayag, the meeting point of the Basuki and Mandakini Rivers.

Wake up early to witness the beautiful sunrise hitting the majestic mountains at Kedarnath. The temple opens for pilgrims at 6 a.m., so you can do the Kedar Darshan today and perform the pooja rituals. Return to the base camp for breakfast and descend to Gauri Kund.

The downhill hike is comparatively easier than the uphill climb to Kedarnath. Enjoy the lush landscape around you and take small pit stops for refreshments. Upon reaching Gauri Kund, take a shared taxi to Sonprayag.

Check in to your accommodation at Sonprayag to have your dinner and restful sleep.

Day 4: Drive from Sonprayag to Ransi and trek to Gaundhar

Trek Distance: Approx. 6 km (Ransi to Gaundhar)

Drive Distance & Time: 2 hr 30 min (63.0 km)

Altitude gain: Sonprayag and Gaundhar are at a Similar altitude of 1,800 m

Water and Refreshments: Carry at least two water bottles and fill them at Ransi before trekking to Gaundhar.

Difficulty Grade of today’ walk: Moderate to hard

Major Highlight/s of the day: Witness the beauty of Ransi Village with Madhu Ganga flowing in the valley. Venture through the trails amidst the lush Himalayan vegetation.

On the fourth day, we will set out for the trek to Madhyameshwar. Today, our goal is to reach Ransi via Ukhimath from Sonprayag. Check out from your accommodation at Sonprayag early after having breakfast. You can reach Ukhimath by taking a bus or a taxi. This spiritual town is home to Omkareshwar Temple, the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madhyameshwar shrine. From here, you can catch a bus or a shared taxi to reach Ransi.

Sonprayag to Ransi distance is about 63 km which will take about 2 hrs 30 min to reach. You will cross from where you can catch a glimpse of Ransi village and Madhyamaheshwar (Madhu) Ganga flowing below. After reaching Ransi, a narrow trekking route of 6 km amidst the dense Himalayan vegetation will take you to Gaundhar. The trail starts from Agtoli Dhar, 1 km ahead of Ransi with a downhill stone-paved path. You will cross dense forests, several river streams, and a waterfall called ‘Bheem si Gadera’. Take the bridge near the cascading waterfall to continue the slightly steep section of the trail.En route around 3.5 km from Agtoli, you can visit the Devi Dhar Temple. As you approach Gaundhar village, you can see the nearby water streams of the Madhu Ganga and Morkhanda rivers. You will find a few options for staying and dhabas in this village. Have your dinner at Gaundhar and stay overnight.

Day 5: Gaundhar to Madhmaheshwar

Trek Distance and Time: 11.3 km (5-6 hrs)

Altitude gain: 1,550 m/ 5,217 ft

Water and Refreshments: Fill your water bottles at the dhabas in Gaundhar and Vantoli before heading out for Madhmaheshwar.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Moderate to difficult

Major Highlight/s of the day: Catch the divine beauty of the second temple of the Panch Kedar Circuit– Madhmaheshwar temple.

Wake up early to the melodious chirpings of the birds and crisp air of the hilly village. Today, we will venture out on the next lap of our trek to Madhmaheshwar Temple. The route is well-marked with multiple signboards indicating the distances.

Have your breakfast and tea before descending towards Lower Vantoli. After an easy walk of about 0.5 km on the downhill trail, you can see the confluence of Madhu Ganga and Morkhanda River.

A further 0.5 km hike on the mud path will take you to Upper Vantoli. From here, the trail goes uphill toward Khaddra Khal. Relax here and do not forget to catch the green views of the valley below with the two rivers merging.

After some rest, continue your hike for 2km over the rugged and narrow path to reach Naanu Chatti. From here, the temple remains about 5 km away. From here, the trail section becomes very steep, with a zigzag path. You will pass through Maikhamba and Kun Chatti before reaching the holy temple of Shiva. After Kun Chatti, you will not find any shops on the trail, so fill your water bottle before you reach here.

Enjoy the rocky trail through the thick rhododendron forest that colours the valley pink and white. The last 0.5 km is a bit flat as you approach the Bugyal of Madhyamaheshwar and you can find a few hotels and tents 200 m before the Madhamaheshwar Temple. The scenic temple and its spiritual aura will fill your heart will all kinds of emotions.

It is said that the mid-portion or navel of Lord Shiva’s Bull form is worshipped here. Visit the nearby Amrit Kund in the temple premises which is said to receive water from Ganga. You can also offer your prayers in Maa Parvati Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Bhainrav Temple.

Enjoy the divine beauty of this holy shrine and its deep valleys. Have your dinner at Madhyamaheshwar and stay overnight at a nearby hotel/lodge.

Day 6: Madhmaheshwar to Ransi and drive to Ukhimath

Trek Distance and Time: 17.3 km; 8-9 hrs

Drive Distance & Time: 1 hr 41 min (41.0 km)

Altitude loss: 1,780 m/5,840 ft

Water and Refreshments: Refill your bottles at tea stalls near Madhmaheshwar and have refreshments at hotels in Ransi.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Moderate

Major Highlight/s of the day: Enjoy the scenic drive to Ukhimath and visit the Omkareshwar Temple..

Wake up early to enjoy the views of sunrise hitting the snow-clad mountains surrounding the Madhmaheshwar. If time permits, visit the Budha Madhmaheshwar Temple, located about 2 km on the northwest ridge of Madhmaheshwar meadow. You can enjoy the views of Chaukhamba-Mandani Peaks from the top. An interesting fact about this temple is that devotees offer biscuits and chocolates as prasad here.

Day 7: Ukhimath to Chopta, trek to Tungnath, drive to Sagar Village

Trek Distance and Time: 8.8 km (round trip); 4-6 hrs

Drive Distance & Time: 25.3 km; 1 hr (Ukhimath to Chopta)

Chopta to Sagar: 36 km; 1 Hour

Altitude gain: 2,369 m/ 7,772 ft

Water and Refreshments: Carry at least two bottles; refill them and have refreshments at dhabas and tea stalls on the trekking route.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Easy

Major Highlight/s of the day: Visit Tungnath, the highest temple of Lord Shiva situated at more than 11,300 ft.

Start your day early with an energetic breakfast. Today we will trek to Tungnath Temple, the shortest trek of the Panch Kedar circuit. Catch a bus or taxi to Chopta from Ukhimath. Enjoy the scenic 1 hr drive through the mountains.

As you approach Chopta, the height will make you feel like you are driving in the sky. The trekking route starts from the village through a big gate. If you want a horse or mule, you can hire them from Chopta. Start your trek after having refreshments at one of the dhabas in the village.

The trek starts through a well-marked cemented and stone-paved zigzag track through the dense forest. Tungnath’s switchback trail resembles a snake with 9-10 hairpin turns. Throughout the route, you can find small dhabas and Tapris to have tea breaks and fill water bottles.

The last leg of the trail takes you through a narrow stone path running between a vast meadow covered with velvet grass on both sides. As you approach the temple closer, you will find tea stalls and sweet shops. Tungnath translates to the lord of the peaks, justifying its name sitting atop a beautiful valley. The arms of Lord Shiva’s Bull form are worshipped here. Offer your prayers at the temple and let the beauty of the stone architecture mesmerize you. You can also find an adjoining temple of Lord Ganesha and idols of the Pandavas.

If you have some extra time, consider taking on the Chandrashila Trek (3,667 m). Its 1-1.5 km steep uphill trail starts from behind the main temple, taking you towards the summit. At the top, you will find a small Maa Ganga Temple which is said to be the place where Chandra Dev and Lord Rama meditated. This trek offers one of the best views, giving you the feeling of floating among the clouds. If the weather is clear, you can see the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Chaukhamba, Kedardome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, and Jahanukut.

Descend back to Chopta and then drive to Sagar Village. Unwind and relax at a homestay for the night in Sagar.

Day 8: Sagar to Lyuti Bugyal

Trek Distance and Time: 8-9 km; 5-6 hrs (Sagar to Lyuti)

Altitude gain: 597 ft/ 181 m(Chopta: 9403 ft; Lyuti: 10,000 ft)

Water and Refreshments: Dhabas and stalls are available at Sagar and other stopping points on the trekking route.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Difficult

Major Highlight/s of the day: Reach the Sagar Village to start the trek to Rudranath. Enjoy the quiet life of the mountain village and the lush grasslands at Lyuti Bugyal.

On the eighth day of our Panch Kedar Yatra, we will start for Rudranath from Sagar Village. Start your day early with a hearty breakfast and drive from Chopta to Sagar. The trekking trail for Rudranath starts from an entry gate in the village.

Day 9: Lyuti Bugyal to Rudranath and return to Lyuti Bugyal

Trek Distance: 12.4 km (round trip); 9-10 hrs

Altitude gain: 7,903 ft/ 2,410 m

Water and Refreshments: Carry at least 2-3 litres of water and refill them at tea stalls near Rudranath.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Moderate to difficult

Major Highlight/s of the day: Witness the divine aura of the fourth temple of Panch Kedar Yatra- Rudranath

Wake up early, have breakfast before you start your trek to Rudranath Temple. Fill your water bottles at Lyuti Bugyal, as after this point you may not find a dhaba or any water source. A 2 km uphill climb over the rugged path will take you to Panar Bugyal. The sheep grazing the soft grassland amidst the towering Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, and Bandarpunch will remove your weariness. The snow on the peaks shining like silver in the sunlight will give you a heavenly experience.

As you leave Panar Bugyal, the forests will convert into vast alpine meadows and the trail will go towards the ridge lined with wildflowers and big boulders in between. Moving forward, do not forget to look back to catch the breathtaking views of the Panar Bugyal below. Continuing on the trail, you will arrive at Pitradhar, the highest point of the trek.

From Pitradhar, the trail goes downhill for the next 6-7 km. On your way, you will encounter Panj Ganga or Panch Ganga, about 1-2 km from Pitradhar. It is named after five water streams that you will find flowing one after another on the trail. The trekking route here is very narrow but gives breathtaking views of the surrounding ranges.

As you approach Rudranath Temple, you will find colourful wildflowers on the trail resembling the beauty of the Valley of Flowers. The flags and bells indicate the proximity to the temple with hotels and dhabas lining the path. Offer your prayers at the Rudranath Temple where people worship Lord Shiva’s face in the bull form.Sit and immerse yourself in the spiritual vibe of the temple bells and religious chants at the Shrine. Enjoy the beautiful sunset falling on the majestic peaks as you descend back to Lyuti Bugyal for your overnight stay.

Day 10: Trek from Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar Village (Overnight Stay)

Trek Distance: 8-9 km; 5-6 hrs (Sagar to Lyuti)

Altitude Loss: 1,788 m/ 5,866 ft

Water and Refreshments: Fill your bottles at Lyuti and refill them at Sagar Village.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Moderate

By the tenth day of our Panch Kedar Yatra, we have visited the four sacred shrines of Lord Shiva’s bull avatar.

Wake up early and enjoy the greenery of Lyuti Bugyal before descending to Sagar Village. Retrace your steps on the downhill trail, witnessing the lovely views en route. The descent can be tiring, hence we recommend an overnight stay in Sagar.

Check into an accommodation to have your dinner and retire for the night.

Day 11: Sagar to Kalpeshwar and Drive to Badrinath

Drive Distance & Time: Sagar to Kalpeshwar (65 km, 2.5 hrs) + Kalpeshwar to Badrinath (66 km, 2-3 hrs)

Max altitude: Kalpeshwar – 7,290 ft (2,222m) | Badrinath – 10,827 ft (3,300m)

Water and Refreshments: Many tea stalls and hotels are available between Pipalkoti to Urgam Valley.

Difficulty Grade of today’s walk: Easy hike from Lyari/Devgram to Kalpeshwar

Major Highlight/s of the Day: Visit the last temple of the Panch Kedar Circuit – Kalpeshwar, enjoy the breathtaking views of Urgam Valley, and later drive to Badarinath (Badrinath), one of the holiest shrines of Lord Vishnu.

Start your day early after breakfast and drive towards Urgam Valley from Sagar. The 65 km drive takes around 2.5 hours, passing through Hailang before reaching the lush green terraced valley of Urgam. The road near Urgam Valley is muddy and broken with a few big and small boulders.

After reaching Devgram, park your vehicle and hike 200m down to Kalpeshwar Temple. Offer your prayers to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of his sacred matted hair (जटा). Unlike the other Panch Kedar temples, Kalpeshwar remains open throughout the year. Near the temple, admire the scenic waterfall that flows into the Kalp Ganga River.

After the temple visit, return to Devgram and start the drive towards Badrinath via Helang, Joshimath, and Govindghat. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, passing through scenic mountain roads. Upon arrival in Badrinath, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. If time permits, you can visit Badrinath Temple for the evening aarti.

Day 12: Drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh

Drive Distance & Time: 286 km; 12-13 hrs (including mid-way breaks, traffic, etc.)

The twelfth day of our Panch Kedar Yatra marks the final leg of the spiritual journey. Wake up early and, if not visited the previous day, seek blessings at Badrinath Temple.

After breakfast, begin the long drive back to Rishikesh via Joshimath, Pipalkoti, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. Enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Alaknanda River and confluences along the way.

This concludes the sacred yatra to the Panch Kedar Circuit.

Package Features List

Include Features

Transportation: 12 days private Transport from Haridwar/Rishikesh and back.
Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable stays during your trek with accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, or dormitories, offered on a triple, or dormitory sharing basis. When camping, rest in spacious tents on triple sharing basis.
Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner as per the itinerary. Note: On Day 3 (Kedarnath) only dinner will be provided (no breakfast, due to early temple visit)
Permits: All necessary trekking permits and camping fees are included in your package, ensuring a hassle-free trekking experience with no hidden costs.
Trek Leader: Certified and Experienced trek leader for the entire Panch Kedar Route.
First Aid: Fully equipped first aid kit is available along with an oxygen cylinder, ensuring quick and efficient care if any health concerns arise during the trek.
Certificate: Completion certificate for the Panch Kedar Trek.
T-Shirt: Exclusive Himalayan Dream Treks (HDT) T-shirt.

Exclude Features

Mules or Porters for Personal Bags: The cost of mules or porters to carry personal bags is not included in the package. However, this service can be arranged at an additional cost if required.
Emergency Costs: Any emergency-related expenses, such as medical treatments, evacuation, or unforeseen situations, are not covered under the package and will be the responsibility of the trekker.
Tips: While the trekking team strives to make your journey memorable, tips are not included in the package and are at your discretion.
Items Not Mentioned: Any costs not explicitly mentioned in the inclusion section (such as personal expenses, extra meals, or activities) are not covered in the package.
Stay at Rishikesh/Dehradun: The accommodation and meals in Rishikesh or Dehradun on the first and last day of the trek are not included in the package and should be arranged separately.
Lunch During The Trek: Lunch is not included in the package. You may purchase it on your own or make arrangements during the trek.
GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable and not included in the package.

Frequently Asked & Question

Which is the easiest and toughest Kedar in Panch Kedar?

During the Panch Kedar Yatra, you can witness stunning views of various Himalayan peaks, including Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, and more, depending on the temple you visit

You will come across ATMs in various towns during your Panch Kedar Yatra. However, it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash or make transactions in Rishikesh before embarking on the journey.

Charging points may be limited during the trek, so it’s recommended to carry a power bank for your electronic devices.

Yes, horses are available for trekking to Kedarnath and Rudranath temples. Other pilgrimage sites of Panch Kedar Yatra, such as Tungnath, Kalpeshwar, and Madhamaheshwar, do not require horses, as these temples can be completed with ease.