PANCH KEDAR YATRA
OVERVIEW
One of the popular pilgrimage treks in Garhwal, Himalayan region, the Panch Kedar Trek stretches from an altitude of 2134 meters in Urgam, to a height of 3680 meters in Tungnath.
The entire stretch reflects the mythology of epic of Mahabharata where the Pandavas went to the Himalayas to seek penance from Lord Shiva who avoided the meeting due to Gau Hatya (Cow killing) and Brahmahatya(human killing) committed by the Pandavas. It is believed that in the struggle that followed, parts of Lord Shiva’s body that appeared in the form of a bull surfaced at various places in the Himalayas.
The forelegs that showed up at Pashupatinath in Nepal, the hump of the bull at Kedarnath, the torso including the navel at Madhyamaheshwar, the arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair at Kalpeshwar, thus forming the Panch Kedar in India (excluding Pashupatinath being in Nepal).
The Panch Kedar Trek not only covers the five shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva but also allows you to get acquainted with the remote villages that exhibit an ancient charm. The entire trail from Kalgot to Kedarnath en route to Rudranath, Mandal, Chopta, Gaundhar, Tungnath and Madhyamaheshwar offers immense opportunity to get enamoured by nature. The entire trail is blessed with snow-capped peaks surrounded by dense forest and lush green meadows
The Panch Kedar Yatra offers seekers an opportunity to connect with the elemental forces of nature and immerse in the profound essence of Lord Shiva’s abode. It’s a transformative expedition uniting adventure, faith, and transcendence.
PANCH KEDAR YATRA - DETAILS
DURATION : 14 NIGHTS/ 15 DAYS
Package Cost : INR 90,000/– per person (Minimum group of 4 persons)
Area: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 15 Days (12 days trekking and 3 days travelling)
Best Season: May – October (Except July and August)
Grade: Moderate
Total Trekking: 130 Km
PANCH KEDAR YATRA (DETAILED ITINERARY)
Day 01 – Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh (230 km / 5-6 hrs drive)
In the morning drive to Rishikesh. After arriving in Rishikesh, meet our guide who will help transfer and check into the hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02 – Rishikesh – Pipalkoti (1219 mts / 3998 ft) (218 kms / 7-8 hrs)
After the breakfast, we will drive to Pipalkoti via Panch Prayags (Four holy confluence in Garhwal, Himalayas) Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03 – Pipalkoti – Helang – Urgam (2134 mts / 7000 ft) (9 kms trek / 3-4 hrs)
In the morning, we will drive to Helang and from here begin trekking to Urgam Village. We will cross Alaknanda River via Road Bridge. We shall walk through the dense forests to reach Urgam Valley. Explore the valley, delectable dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 04 – Urgam – Kalpeshwar – Urgam (2 kms one side)
Early in the morning, we will trek up to the first Kedar- Kalpeshwar . Later, return trek to Urgam. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 05 – Urgam – Kalgot (2215 mts / 7265 ft)
After the breakfast, we shall trek towards the Kalgot Village. Arrive at the village in the evening and witness the culture of local people. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 06 – Kalgot – Rudranath (2286 mts / 7498 ft)
In the morning, trek to Rudranath temple from Kalgot. Dinner and overnight stay in Rudranath.
Day 07 – Rudranath – Sagar – Mandal (18 kms trek / 8 kms drive)
Post breakfast, trek down to Sagar Village by passing through the dense forest and meadows. Upon arrival at Sagar, drive to Mandal the same day. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 08 – Mandal – Chopta (2900 mts / 9512 ft) – Tungnath (19 kms /2 hrs / trek 3.5 kms)
After the breakfast drive to Chopta for the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek. Upon arrival at Chopta, trek to Tungnath (the third Kedar). After arriving at Tungnath Temple, visit the temple and then after relaxing a bit(one can meditate) , further trek to Chandrashila Peak at 4100 meters for a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Chaukhaba, Trishul & Nanda Devi. Dinner and overnight stay in Tungnath.
Day 09 – Tungnath – Chopta – Jagasu – Gaundhar
In the morning trek back to Chopta. Upon your arrival at Chopta, drive to Jagasu (45 kms / 2 hrs). From here trek up to Gaundhar. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 10 – Gaundhar – Madhyamaheshwar (3289 mts / 10788 ft)
Post early breakfast, we will begin trekking to Madhyamaheshwar (the fourth Lord Shiva temple of Panch Kedar). Upon arriving here, we will pitch our camp here. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 11 – Madhyamaheshwar – Gaundhar
In the morning, trek back to Gaundhar. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 12 – Gaundhar – Jagasu – Guptkashi
Today, we will trek about 12 km to reach Jagasu and from there drive to Guptkashi (30 kms). Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13 – Guptkashi – Gaurikund – Kedarnath (3584 mts / 11756 ft)
After the breakfast, we shall drive to Gaurikund. Upon arrival here, we will begin trekking to Kedarnath, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. On arrival, check in at guest house. Evening time is free for exploring the area. Dinner and overnight stay in guest house.
Day 14 – Kedarnath – Gaurikund – Rudraprayag
In the morning, we will visit Kedarnath temple and then trek down to Gaurikund and drive to Rudraprayag along the river Mandakini. On arriving at Rudraprayag, we will check into the hotel. In the evening, we shall visit the confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini River. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15 – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh (160 kms/4-5 hrs)
Post breakfast, we will drive to Rishikesh via Devprayag. On the way visit to Dhari Devi Temple, and Devprayag confluence visit. Later drive back to Rishikesh. Drop at Hotel, Airport or Railway station. Tour concludes here with sweet memories 😊
PANCH KEDAR YATRA – INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Cost Includes :
• Accommodation in Tourist rest House/Tents. While on trek Dome/Alpine tents will be provided.
• All road transfers by Mahindra Bolero car from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.
• On trek we will provide you all the meals. Meals will be freshly prepared by mix of Indian, Chinese and Continental.
• Camping equipment like tents, mattresses, Kitchen tent, camping stools, Table etc.
• Professional and experienced trekking guide.
• Cook, porters, mules, Camping Fees, Trekking permit fees , Driver allowances , Toll Tax, State Tax, Parking
Cost does not include:
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Liquor, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any expenses arising due to bad weather, landslides, etc.
• Travel insurance
You can also read the reviews for MAPPING THE HIMALAYAS on Tripadvisor – REVIEWS
Other spiritual trek – Do Dham with Chopta Trek