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

Panch Kedar Yatra The Spiritual Yatra of Lord Shiva in Himalayas

Panch Kedar Yatra is your way to deity adoration, power, and self-morphing. You trek through five significant temples devoted to the Lord Shiva across the awe arousing, steep High Himalayan terrain in Uttarakhand. It is believed that Lord Shiva came to sight at many places where he dodged the Pandavas who anticipated forgiveness following the war. Eventually, these five places were referred to as the Panch Kedar, that is, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

The paths are taken by saints, yogis and others of many generations. It is very much possible today to get the same opportunity of experiencing divine strength, the beauty of the nature and the strengthening of the inner self in the Panch Kedar Yatra.

The Legend Behind Panch Kedar

The Mahabharata accounts the formation of the Panch Kedar Tour. At the end of the war, the Pandavas tried to get pardoned and blessings of Lord Shiva. Shiva felt agitated at the bloodshed and he took the shape of a bull and disappeared into the Garhwal Himalayas. The bull went underground as Bhima noticed his uncle and was about to capture him. Later at a later period its parts were scattered all over the region with the hump at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, navel at Madhyamaheshwar and hair at Kalpeshwar.

There is no similarity between the temples which have a different structure and all of them, collectively, are referred to as the Panch Kedar Yatra which is a special religious pilgrimage in India.

Five deities of Panch Kedar

1. Kedarnath- The Eternal Jyotirlinga

Kedarnath is the most known of the Panch Kedar, the highest in the Himalayas at 3,583 m on the banks of river Mandakini. Many people consider it as a Jyotirlinga and huge numbers of devotes turn up every year. Next to the large snow -covered mountains, the temple reflects the devotion and spiritual rights of the people here.

2. Tungnath- This is the tallest temple in the world which is dedicated to Shiva

Tungnath is reputed to be the world highest Lord Shiva temple that is set on a ridge at 3,680 meters. This path can be located very easy because it can be walked through Chopta which is also called the Mini Switzerland of India. The sight of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and Trishul is so amazing that you will experience it during the trek. The alpine meadows are beautiful and this makes Tungnath quiet and religious.

3. Rudranath – The Face of Shiva Amidst Wild Nature

At Rudranath, his devotees worship Shiva in his face manifestation. The temple is located inside Chamoli districts forests and the visitors have to trek to access it. It is a beautiful hiking path, due to the wild flowers, amazing waterfalls, and dense woodlands of oaks and rhododendron, which allow the human beings walking through it find 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. Kalpeshwar is a serene and relaxed pilgrimage site where an individual can get an intimate environment with his or her religion, as people here are rarely intense.

Panch Kedar Yatra - A spiritual, Physical and Emotional Pilgrimage

Panch Kedar Yatra is not like the other yatras; it is a pilgrimage on 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. It is necessary to accept the whole hike, to enjoy simple life and be touched by the nature and God.

The best of Panch Kedar Yatra Experience

• Ascend and descend in the transparent valleys, dense forests, and impacted by the 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 Yatra

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

Spring (April to June):

• The area has a range of temperature that extends between 5 o C and 20 o C.
• Trek to the Panch Kedar Temples has been opened up to pilgrims.
• The month is the busiest and it attracts large crowds.

Autumn is a good time to visit as the weather is sunny, cool, and clear.

• Cold climate and a clear sight of the neighboring mountains.
• Perfect for tourists visiting temples and doing sightseeing.

July to August monsoon.

• Do not go hiking in this season since the rain causes the path to be 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 Tour 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 Package 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)
• Distance of Drive: 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. There is a drive up all the way to the top, where you can see beautiful mountains and be ready in every possible way to the hike.

Day 2: – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath

• Altitude: Guptkashi (1,319 m) – Gaurikund (1,980 m) – Kedarnath (3.583 m)
• Drive: 20 km
• Trek Distance: 16 km

From Guptkashi to Gaurikund, journey via automobile as early as you may. Trek to Kedarnath, that is a totally spiritually strengthening journey albeit, it is a very tough one. Through the excursion, you are going to walk within the pine forests and rock terrain and will eventually land inside the incredible Kedarnath temple, and the Himalaya Snow may be visible, the Mandakini river flows beyond the temple.

Day 3: Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Guptkashi

• Altitude: Kedarnath (3,583 m) –Gaurikund (1,980 m) – Guptkashi (1,319 m)
• Drive: 20 km
• Trek Distance: 16 km

Have darshan and prayer in the morning at Kedarnath then proceed as low as possible--trek down all the way to Gaurikund. To get down is a new sight of the close mountains and forests. As and when you have finished up in Gaurikund, you are to travel back towards Guptkashi so that you would be able to stay there and gear up to the next phase of your travel.

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)

Experience the beauty of mountain roads when you drive to Ransi on a jeep or vehicle after starting Madhyamaheshwar trek at the starting point of which Guptkashi is situated. You travel through all sorts of lovely sections of the country side including forests and terrassed 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

Depart Ransi after a peaceful trek up to the Madhyamaheshwar Temple which is located along the shadows of the Kedarnath and Neelkanth. On this footpath you have to go through dense forests, open meadows and fast flowing streams. Due to the peace of the region, tourists are advised to relax and behave properly.

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

Go back to Ransi Village where you will see a different scenery when you look in the direction. Cycling downhill is slimmer, but you have to maintain a firm stance with your feet. Sit down, relax in Ransi tom night, and be impressed with the spectacular tranquility 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
• Distance: Chopta to Tungnath – 3.5 km, Tungnath to Sagar Village – approx. 5 km

Drive to Chopta and then hike to Himalayan highest Shiva Temple Tungnath. The path is very spectacular as it moves in and out of open interiors and forests and you chance to encounter views of the mountains of Himalaya.

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

Trekking of Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal will provide you with views of snow-capped mountains all around you. The space is calm and attractive to camp in such a wide area and enjoy the beautiful view of the sunset and the sunrise. Enjoy the air pollution-free compound and the view 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 is the base of Rudranath Temple that is located in the depth of forests. This temple is one place where you can have a personal interaction with worship and be in touch with the beauty of nature. 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

Begin a scenic descent from Panar Bugyal to Sagar Village via dense forests and serene mountain trails. The course gives beautiful perspectives of the valley under, permitting you to mirror on the spiritual energy of Rudranath. Upon reaching Sagar, rest and put together for the journey to Kalpeshwar day after today.

Day 11: Sagar – Kalpeshwar – Urgam Village

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

Find your way to Kalpeshwar, as it is the only one of the Panch Kedar temples you can visit all year round and you can enjoy the peaceful cave shrine. After darshan finishes box downhill on foot to Urgam Village. You will get fabulous countryside, museums and sunny villages of this road.

Day 12: Urgam Village – Haridwar

• Altitude: Urgam Village (2,100 m) – Haridwar (314 m)
• 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.