Overview
Panch Kedar Yatra is a famous pilgrimage in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, to visit five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Highlights of the Subh Yatra
- Kedarnath Temple, which is a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
- Thrilling and adventurous trekking in Himalayas which passes through deep forests and challenging mountain terrain. Witness of reaching at the Tungnath Temple, which is the world’s highest temple of Lord Shiva.
- Charming villages in the Himalayas like Ransi, Sagar, and Chopta, offering a glimpse of Garhwali culture, and warm hospitality.
- Each temple represents a unique body part of Lord Shiva such as Kedarnath Temple- Hump, Madhyamaheshwar- Navel, TungnathArms, Rudranath- Face, and Kalpeshwar- Hair.
- Views of the Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath peaks.
- Sightings of rare Himalayan flora, such as Brahma Kamal.
Itinerary
Pickup: 6:00 am from Rishikesh
Max Altitude: Guptakashi; 1,400 m / 4,500 ft
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Only Dinner
- After leaving Rishikesh, catch your first glimpse of the majestic Garhwal Himalayas. If it's your first time in the Himalayas, you'll be awestruck by the sight of these towering peaks.
- Witness the stunning confluence of the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag.
- The Alaknanda River will accompany us throughout the journey, offering scenic views.
- Visit the Dhari Devi Temple, a powerful and revered shrine, which gained widespread attention after the Kedarnath tragedy
Drive: Guptakashi to Gaurikund; 35 km | 2-3 hrs.
Max Altitude: Kedarnath; 3,600 m / 11,700 ft
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
- Start the day with breakfast at Guptakashi before driving to Sonprayag, a key transit point for Kedarnath.
- Mandatory switch to a local vehicle at Sonprayag for the 5 km journey to Gaurikund, ensuring safety and managing pilgrim traffic.
- The 16 km trek to Kedarnath passes through pine forests, meadows, rocky terrain, and scenic waterfalls.
- Experience cascading waterfalls, clear mountain streams, and the sound of temple bells during the trek.
- According to legend, the temple marks the site where Lord Shiva’s hump emerged after he took the form of a bull to evade the Pandavas.
- The serene atmosphere is enriched by bells, chants, and the natural silence of the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight stay at Kedarnath in a guesthouse or a camp, with chilly mountain air and serene ambiance perfect for reflection and rest.
Drive: Gaurikund to Guptakashi; 35 km | 2-3 hrs.
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
- Begin the day with Kedar Darshan and some spiritual practices near the temple.
- After breakfast in Kedarnath start the 16 km descent to Gaurikund.
- The descent is less strenuous than the ascent but still requires careful navigation in certain areas.
- Enjoy stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and forests throughout the trek.
- Experience the transition in the environment as the air becomes thicker and the temperature rises, making the descent more comfortable.
- Upon reaching Gaurikund, a vehicle awaits to drive you back to Guptakashi.
- Relax and freshen up at your accommodation in Guptakashi, where you can enjoy a warm meal and peaceful surroundings.
Trek: From Ransi to Gaundhar; 6 km | 4-5 hrs
Max. Altitude: Gaundhar: 1,800 m / 5,800 ft
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
- Begin the day with breakfast and have a scenic drive from Gupkashi to Ransi village.
- After crossing the Mandakini River, witness the charm of the Madhmaheshwar Ganga River and traditional villages along the route.
- Ransi village, the starting point for the trek, offers a serene atmosphere and a glimpse of the traditional mountain lifestyle.
- Gaundhar, located by the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga River, serves as a tranquil base for the next leg of the trek.
- Trek from Ransi to Gaundhar, covering 6 km through lush forests and sparkling streams, with a moderate descent.
- Enjoy the company of chirping birds, the gentle flow of streams, and occasional surroundings with breathtaking views of hills and valleys.
- Spot locals engaged in farming and tending livestock, experiencing the simplicity of mountain life.
- Settle into a homestay at Gaundhar, surrounded by thick forests and rolling meadows, ideal for relaxation.
Trek: 10 km | 6-7 hrs
Max. Altitude: Madmaheshwar: 3,200 m / 10,600 ft
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Start the trek to Madhmaheshwar with an early breakfast at Gaundhar,
energized by the fresh mountain air and beautiful surroundings.
Ascend through dense oak and rhododendron forests, rich in flora and
fauna, with the sound of gushing water as a backdrop.
Pass through meadows and forests, where the views of the surrounding
mountain ranges grow increasingly spectacular.
Trek duration of 6-7 hours, progressively more challenging due to
altitude, but constantly rewarded by breathtaking scenery.
Reach Madhmaheshwar, a sacred site where Lord Shiva's navel is
worshipped, surrounded by awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks.
Spend time exploring the Madhmaheshwar Temple and relaxing in the
serene atmosphere of the valley.
End the day with an overnight stay in a homestay, embracing the
tranquility of the Himalayas.
Trek: Madhmaheshwar to Ransi; 16 km | 8-9 hrs
Drive: Ransi to Ukhimath; 23 km | 1 hr
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Begin the return trek from Madhmaheshwar to Ransi after breakfast,
descending from the sacred temple and alpine surroundings.
Experience a gradual descent through alpine meadows and dense
forests, with glimpses of the majestic peaks.
Navigate rocky and uneven terrain, requiring careful footing, while
enjoying the changing landscapes.
Transition into lower altitudes, where the terrain flattens into rural
villages and terraced fields, offering a glimpse of local mountain life.
Complete an 8-9 hour trek to Ransi, followed by a scenic 1 hour drive to
Ukhimath through winding mountain roads.
Spend the night in Ukhimath, a small town known for its ancient temples
and peaceful ambiance. It is a famous pilgrimage center and known for
its ancient temples dedicated to Usha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati,
Aniruddha and Mandhata.
Relax and unwind in your guesthouse, marking the end of a fulfilling day
of trekking and travel.
Trek: 7-8 km | 5-6 hrs (both way)
Max. Altitude: Tungnath; 3500 m and Chandrashila; 3,690 m
Drive: Ukhimath to Chopta; 30 km | 1 hr
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Start the trek early from Chopta, known for its lush meadows and
breathtaking Himalayan views.
Hike to Tungnath Temple (3,500 m), the highest Shiva temple in the
world. The trail is well-marked, adorned with rhododendron trees and
vibrant blossoms in spring.
Enjoy sweeping views of peaks like Kedarnath and Chaukhamba,
motivating every step of the ascent.
Explore the intricately carved stone architecture of the temple and
immerse in its serene, spiritual atmosphere.
Optional trek to Chandrashila Peak offers a challenging 1 km climb to
3,700 meters, revealing a 360-degree view of the Himalayan ranges,
including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba.
Descend back to Chopta and unwind in the tranquil ambiance of this
picturesque village
Drive: Chopta to Sagar; 35 km | 1 hr
Trek: Sagar to Lyuti Bugyal; 8 km | 6-7 hrs
Max. Altitude: Lyuti Bugyal: 3,000 m / 10,000 ft
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Begin your day with a scenic one-hour drive from Chopta to Sagar
Village, offering views of terraced fields, mountain ridges, and quaint
villages.
Sagar Village, a serene hamlet, serves as the starting point for the trek.
The trek to Lyuti Bugyal features a gradual ascent through dense forests
of oak and rhododendron, accompanied by the soothing sounds of
nature.
Encounter small streams crisscrossing the path, adding charm to the
forested trail.
Midway, the trail opens into patches of grasslands leading to Lyuti
Bugyal, an alpine meadow at 3,000 meters surrounded by towering
mountains.
Set up camp amidst the undisturbed wilderness of the meadow.
Enjoy a warm campsite meal while soaking in the serenity and cool
mountain air, preparing for the next day’s adventures.
Trek: 18 km | 10-12 hrs (both ways)
Max. Altitude: 3,550 m / 11,600 ft
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Trek to Rudranath begins early, navigating through dense alpine forests,
steep ascents, grassy slopes, and rocky patches.
Cross mountain streams and enjoy scenic vistas of the Himalayan
ranges, including peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
The final stretch to Rudranath Temple involves a steep climb, offering a
divine experience upon reaching the stone temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva.
Rudranath is unique as it worships Lord Shiva’s face and is surrounded
by serene meadows and snow-capped peaks.
The rocky terrain near the temple adds a sense of adventure and
accomplishment.
Spend time at Rudranath, soaking in the spiritual ambiance and
breathtaking natural beauty.
On the descent to Lyuti Bugyal, enjoy the golden hues of the landscape
as the day progresses
Trek: 8 km | 4-5 hrs
Drive: Sagar to Pipalkoti; 28 km | 1-2 hrs
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Descent from Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar Village takes about 4-5 hours,
offering a relatively easier walk compared to previous days.
The trail retraces your steps, passing through lush forests and rolling
meadows, providing another opportunity to immerse in nature.
Once at Sagar Village, enjoy a break from trekking as you switch to a
vehicle for a drive to Pipalkoti.
The drive to Pipalkoti lasts about 1 hour.
Drive: Pipalkoti to Kalpeshwar (35 km, 1-2 hrs) + Kalpeshwar to Badrinath
(66 km, 2-3 hrs)
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Start early after breakfast and drive from Pipalkoti to Urgam Valley (35
km, 1-2 hrs), passing through Hailang to reach the lush green terraced
valley of Urgam. The road is muddy and broken near Urgam.
Park at Devgram and hike 200m down to Kalpeshwar Temple to offer
prayers to Lord Shiva in the form of his sacred matted hair (जटा). The
temple is open year-round.
Admire the waterfall near the temple flowing into Kalp Ganga River.
Drive to Badrinath (2-3 hrs). Check in and visit Badrinath Temple for the
evening aarti.
Drive: 210 km | 10-11 hours (including midway stops; excluding delays
due to traffic or unforeseen circumstances)
Accommodation: Included
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner
The twelfth day of our Panch Kedar Yatra marks the final leg of the
spiritual journey. Wake up early and, if not done previously, seek
blessings at Badrinath Temple.
After breakfast, start the long drive back to Rishikesh via Joshimath,
Pipalkoti, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. Enjoy the scenic
landscapes of the Alaknanda River and its confluences along the way.
This concludes the sacred yatra to the Panch Kedar Circuit
Cost
Cost Includes
- Transport Support from and to Rishikesh
- Meals start from day 1 dinner to the last day breakfast
- Day 1 include only dinner and last day include only breakfast
- Total of 11 dinner and 11 breakfast are included
- Accommodations: Guesthouse and Camps
- Certified Guide
- First Aid Kit
Cost Excludes
- Transport to reach Rishikesh from and to your hometown
- Heli Services (If any)
- Porter or mule support for bag offloading
- Any service/s not mentioned in inclusions.
- Lunches, snacks and beverages during the tour
- Any type of VIP entry, special worship arrangements, or other temple- related activities
- Cost of emergency evacuation in case of bad weather, landslides, flooding, etc. Buffer day at a cost of additional 5,000/- per day basis.
- Travel/Adventure insurance
- 5% GST
FAQs
The Panch Kedar Yatra is a spiritual pilgrimage to five sacred Shiva temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. These five temples are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar—each representing a different form of Lord Shiva.
The ideal time is May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the temples are open to pilgrims. During winter (Nov–April), most of the temples remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
The full Panch Kedar Yatra typically takes 15 to 20 days, depending on your pace, mode of travel, and acclimatization. Each temple involves moderate to challenging trekking routes.
Yes, parts of the yatra involve trekking through high-altitude, rugged terrain. Pilgrims should be in good physical health and preferably have prior trekking experience or undergo basic fitness training beforehand.
Yes, basic accommodations like guest houses, dharamshalas, and camps are available along the route. Simple vegetarian food is served at most stops, especially near temples and villages.
