Panch Kedar Yatra & Trek Tour – Cost, Itinerary, Temples Map

• Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi
• Day 2: Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath
• Day 3: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Guptkashi
• Day 4: Guptkashi to Ransi Village
• Day 5: Trek to Madhmaheshwar
• Day 6: Trek back to Ransi Village
• Day 7: Ransi – Tungnath – Sagar Village
• Day 8: Sagar – Panar Bugyal
• Day 9: Panar Bugyal – Rudranath – Panar Bugyal
• Day 10: Panar Bugyal – Sagar Village
• Day 11: Sagar – Kalpeshwar – Urgam Village
• Day 12: Urgam Village – Haridwar

Panch Kedar Yatra – Discover the Divine Circuit of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas

Panch Kedar Yatra is your path to worship, strength, and personal transformation. You visit five important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva as you walk across the breathtaking, rough High Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. Many think that Lord Shiva appeared in several places, avoiding the Pandavas who hoped for forgiveness after the war. In the end, these spots were known as the Panch Kedar, including Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

Over many generations, saints, yogis and others have made their way along these paths. The same chance to feel divine power, admire natures beauty and strengthen your inner self can be found on the Panch Kedar Yatra today.

The Legend Behind Panch Kedar

According to the Mahabharata, the creation of the Panch Kedar is described. After finishing the war, the Pandavas made efforts to be forgiven and receive Lord Shivas blessings. After becoming upset by the violence, Shiva put on a bulls form and went into hiding in the Garhwal Himalayas. As Bhima saw his uncle and tried to seize him, the bull disappeared underground. At a later stage, the bulls parts were distributed throughout the region—its hump at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, navel at Madhyamaheshwar and hair at Kalpeshwar.

Every temple shows a different form, and all of them together are known as the Panch Kedar Yatra, a unique religious journey in India.

The Five Temples of Panch Kedar

1. Kedarnath – The Eternal Jyotirlinga

High in the Himalayas at 3,583 meters by the Mandakini River, Kedarnath is the most recognized of the Panch Kedar temples. Considered a Jyotirlinga by many, it attracts large crowds of devotees each year. Being next to large snow-covered mountains, the temple shows the devotion and spiritual authority of the people here.

2. Tungnath – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World

On a ridge at 3,680 meters, Tungnath is said to be the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This route is easily found by trekking from Chopta, a place sometimes dubbed the "Mini Switzerland of India." You will see incredible views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and Trishul while on the trek. Tungnath is peaceful and spiritual because of its lovely alpine meadows.

3. Rudranath – The Face of Shiva Amidst Wild Nature

At Rudranath, his devotees worship Shiva in his face manifestation. Chamoli districts forests are home to the temple, which travelers must reach after a difficult trek. This hiking path is beautiful, thanks to the wildflowers, stunning waterfalls, and thick oak and rhododendron woodlands that let those who walk it discover inner peace.

4. Madhyamaheshwar – The Abode of Shivas Navel

Madhyamaheshwar is situated at 3,497 meters above sea level and is placed between Kedarnath and Neelkanth on either side. At this place, worship is given to the navel of Lord Shiva. The temple is near the point where lush valleys meet icy peaks and the impressive night sky here regularly fills pilgrims with wonder.

5. Kalpeshwar – Shivas Eternal Hair Locks

All the other Panch Kedar temples are closed at some time, except Kalpeshwar, which is the only one that opens all year. The Urgam Valley is where a cave temple is found, with Lord Shiva being worshipped there as a small pile of hair. Because its usually uncrowded, Kalpeshwar gives people a peaceful and intimate setting to feel close to their faith alone.

Panch Kedar Yatra – A Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional Journey

The Panch Kedar Yatra is different from other yatras, as it is a pilgrimage for body, mind, and soul. Yet, the treks require a lot of stamina, but the clarity and strength of the mind and spirit you develop are too great to be measured. Its important to embrace the entire trek, find joy in basic living, and let nature and the divine touch you.

Highlights of the Panch Kedar Yatra Experience

• Climb and descend through clear valleys, thick woods, and be affected by snow.
• See real life in the Garhwal villages and absorb their traditionally welcoming environment
• Welcome the morning with Shiva Aarti and follow evening temple rituals.
• Relax your mind close to the ancient energy of the Himalayas.
• Listen to the highlights about each temple as told by trustworthy local guides
• Choose camps and homestays that care about the environment and enjoy local food during your stay.

Who Should Undertake Panch Kedar Yatra?

• Anyone looking for a way to grow spiritually
• Anyone looking for a different and worthwhile adventure
• Anyone wanting to draw closer to Lord Shiva
• Those interested in nature and looking for uncommon places in Uttarakhand
• Those interested in finding hidden temples, aside from the most famous ones

Best Time for Panch Kedar Yatra

• From May to October, conditions are best for mountain biking.
• Most temples, besides Kalpeshwar, are shut through winter because of snow.
• You will find fewer visitors and clearer skies in June and September.

Come, Be a Part of the Sacred Legacy

The Panch Kedar Yatra is not only a hiking trip—it is a way to experience Indias spiritual heritage, reflect during the walk, and learn to keep things simple. When you hike the Panch Kedar route, its like traveling through years of faith, stories about gods, and waves of sacred energy that have impacted others.

Are you prepared to follow the Himalayas special appeal?

Let yourself follow Lord Shivas path. Allow the mountains to help you feel stronger and more aware. Walk part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage – it leads everyone to inner peace.

Best Time to Visit Panch Kedar

April to November offer the best time for traveling to Panch Kedar. The temple remains closed between winter and spring due to the heavy dusting of snow.

Spring (April to June):

• Comfortable temperatures, flowers opening everywhere, and great weather.
• There is a temperature range of 5°C to 20°C in the area.
• The trek to the Panch Kedar Temples is now open to pilgrims.
• This month is at its busiest, and there are large crowds.

Autumn (September to November):

• Chilly weather and a clear view of the nearby mountains.
• Perfect for tourists visiting temples and doing sightseeing.

Monsoon (July to August):.

• Avoid hiking during this season because the rain makes the trail slippery.
• Risk of road blockage and Landslides.

How to Reach Panch Kedar

Plans must be prepared and routes checked before you go to Panch Kedar. Road, rail, and air services in major Indian cities give travelers many ways to get around. Taking our Panch Kedar Yatra package makes your journey simpler and more convenient.

Top 3 Ways to Reach Panch Kedar:

By Air: Many people fly to Dehradun since it is convenient, even though flights tend to be more expensive. Flights going directly to Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport are available. Cabs or buses are available to cover the 30 km distance between the airport and Dehradun. People beginning their journey in Haridwar can reach the corporate sector by flying to Jolly Grant Airport.

By Train: Trains are a great way to travel, because they are both convenient and comfortable. Nanda Devi, Kota Express, Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Vande Bharat are a few of the best trains to Haridwar.

By Road: Roads are cheaper than flights, but you will likely spend more time. Direct buses to Haridwar Bus Station from Volvo afford an economical trip. You can also book a taxi that will take you directly to Panch Kedar for comfort.

All our Panch Kedar Yatra Packages are complete travel packages. Services include organizing where you will stay and what you will eat, so your trip runs smoothly.

Detailed Itinerary for Panch Kedar Yatra

Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi

• Altitude: Haridwar (314 m) ? Guptkashi (1,319 m)
• Drive Distance: Approx. 210 km (7-8 hours)
• Trek Distance: None

Begin your religious tour by road from Haridwar to Guptkashi, which is a calm town situated in the Himalayas. The town of Guptkashi is the beginning for pilgrims to the Panch Kedar temples, all of which are near thick forests and incredible ancient temples. As you climb on the drive, you gain beautiful mountain views and prepare in every way for the hike.

Day 2: Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

• Altitude: Guptkashi (1,319 m) ? Gaurikund (1,980 m) ? Kedarnath (3,583 m)
• Drive Distance: Guptkashi to Gaurikund – 20 km by road
• Trek Distance: Gaurikund to Kedarnath – Approx. 16 km uphill trek

From Guptkashi to Gaurikund, travel by vehicle as early as you can. From Gaurikund, trek to Kedarnath, which is a tough journey but one that is very spiritually strengthening. Along the trek, you will cover pine forests, rocks, and end at the stunning Kedarnath shrine with snowy Himalayas towering behind and the Mandakini river flowing close by.r.

Day 3: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Guptkashi

• Altitude: Kedarnath (3,583 m) ? Gaurikund (1,980 m) ? Guptkashi (1,319 m)
  Drive Distance: Gaurikund to Guptkashi – 20 km by road
• Trek Distance: Kedarnath to Gaurikund – Approx. 16 km downhill trek

After darshan and prayer in the morning at Kedarnath, trek down all the way to Gaurikund. The trip down provides a new view of the nearby mountains and forests. Once you are done in Gaurikund, travel back to Guptkashi so you can stay there and get prepared for the next part of your journey.

Day 4: Guptkashi to Ransi Village

• Altitude: Guptkashi (1,319 m) ? Ransi Village (2,050 m approx.)
• Drive Distance: Approx. 45 km (mostly off-road)
• Trek Distance: None (or short walk to village center)

Get a chance to see beautiful mountain roads as you drive to Ransi in a jeep or vehicle from the beginning point at Guptkashi, where the Madhyamaheshwar trek begins. You pass through all kinds of beautiful parts of the countryside, from forests to terraced areas, and its all very raw.

Day 5: Trek to Madhyamaheshwar

• Altitude: Ransi Village (2,050 m) ? Madhyamaheshwar Temple (3,490 m)
• Drive Distance: None
• Trek Distance: Approx. 12 km uphill trek

Leave from Ransi for a tranquil hike toward Madhyamaheshwar Temple which stands in the shadow of Kedarnath and Neelkanth. You will walk through thick forests, open meadows, and fast-running streams on this trail. Because the area is so peaceful, visitors are encouraged to relax and be respectful.

Day 6: Trek back to Ransi Village

• Altitude: Madhyamaheshwar (3,490 m) ? Ransi Village (2,050 m)
• Drive Distance: None
• Trek Distance: Approx. 12 km downhill trek

Return to Ransi Village and notice the scenery looking in a different direction. Although it is less tiring to go downhill, you need to keep your feet steady. Relax tonight in Ransi, surrounded by the impressive peace of the mountains.

Day 7: Ransi – Tungnath – Sagar Village

• Altitude: Ransi (2,050 m) ? Tungnath Temple (3,680 m) ? Sagar Village (2,360 m)
• Drive Distance: Ransi to Chopta by road, approx. 15 km
• Trek Distance: Chopta to Tungnath – 3.5 km uphill trek; Tungnath to Sagar Village – approx. 5 km trek downhill

Go by car to Chopta and afterwards trek up to Tungnath, the topmost Shiva temple in existence. The route takes you through open meadows, forests and gives you a chance to see the Himalayan mountains up close. After getting the darshan, move down to Sagar Village for a quiet overnight experience.

Day 8: Sagar – Panar Bugyal

• Altitude: Sagar Village (2,360 m) ? Panar Bugyal (3,150 m)
• Drive Distance: None
• Trek Distance: Approx. 7 km uphill trek

Hike from Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal, where you will enjoy the view of snow-covered mountains all around. This wide area is peaceful for camping and has lovely views of the sunrise and the sunset. Enjoy being surrounded by less air pollution and the sight of night stars.

Day 9: Panar Bugyal – Rudranath – Panar Bugyal

• Altitude: Panar Bugyal (3,150 m) ? Rudranath Temple (3,660 m) ? Panar Bugyal (3,150 m)
• Drive Distance: None
• Trek Distance: Approx. 8 km round trip

Panar Bugyal serves as the starting point for treks to Rudranath Temple which is found inside thick forests. At this temple you can experience a personal connection with worship, surrounded by natures beauty. Drop by Panar Bugyal again for some rest before staying the night there.

Day 10: Panar Bugyal – Sagar Village

• Altitude: Panar Bugyal (3,150 m) ? Sagar Village (2,360 m)
• Drive Distance: None
• Trek Distance: Approx. 7 km downhill trek

Panar Bugyal serves as the starting point for treks to Rudranath Temple, which is found inside thick forests. At this temple, you can experience a personal connection with worship, surrounded by natures beauty. Drop by Panar Bugyal again for some rest before staying the night there.

Day 11: Sagar – Kalpeshwar – Urgam Village

• Altitude: Sagar (2,360 m) ? Kalpeshwar Temple (2,200 m) ? Urgam Village (2,100 m)
• Drive Distance: Sagar to Kalpeshwar – approx. 20 km by road
• Trek Distance: Kalpeshwar to Urgam Village – 3 km downhill trek

Make your way to Kalpeshwar, since its the only Panch Kedar temple accessible all year with a calm cave shrine. When darshan is over, move by foot downhill toward Urgam Village. You will find amazing landscapes, cultural sights and pleasant villages along this route.

Day 12: Urgam Village – Haridwar

• Altitude: Urgam Village (2,100 m) ? Haridwar (314 m)
• Drive Distance: Approx. 220 km (8-9 hours)
  Trek Distance: None

Now on your sacred yatra with a beautiful, yet extended drive to Haridwar. Remember the remarkable events in temples and the incredible scenery you have come across these days. Visit Haridwar and make sure to carry beautiful memories you will remember always.