Panch Kedar Trek
The Panch Kedar
The Panch Kedar refers to a group of five sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Uttarakhand state of India. Each temple is associated with a different part of Lord Shiva's body, as mentioned in Hindu mythology.
The story behind the Panch Kedar dates back to the time of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. After the great Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas (the five heroic brothers) were overwhelmed with guilt and remorse for the loss of lives incurred during the war. They sought Lord Shiva's forgiveness for the bloodshed and sought his blessings for salvation.
Lord Shiva, being pleased with their devotion, decided to test their sincerity. He transformed himself into a bull and went into hiding in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The Pandavas, with their determination, set out on a challenging journey to find Lord Shiva.
The first temple they reached was Kedarnath, which represents Lord Shiva's hump. However, Lord Shiva, in the form of a bull, dived into the ground to escape them. The Pandavas managed to catch hold of his hump, and the remaining parts of his body appeared at different locations. They installed the remaining four body parts of Lord Shiva as lingams (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) at four different places, creating the Panch Kedar temples.
The five temples that form the Panch Kedar are:
Kedarnath Temple (3,583 m):
Located in Kedarnath, it is the most famous and important temple among the Panch Kedar. The temple houses the hump of Lord Shiva.
Tungnath Temple (3,680 m):
Situated in Tungnath, it represents Lord Shiva's arms. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and a popular trekking destination.
Rudranath Temple (3,559 m):
Situated in Rudranath, it symbolizes Lord Shiva's face. The temple is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and offers a serene atmosphere for devotees.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple (3,490 m):
Located in Madhyamaheshwar, it represents Lord Shiva's navel. This temple is known for its scenic beauty and the trekking trail leading to it.
Kalpeshwar Temple (2,200 m):
Situated in Kalpeshwar, it signifies Lord Shiva's hair. The temple is known for its mystical aura and the tranquility it offers to visitors.
Pilgrims and devotees embark on the Panch Kedar Yatra, a spiritual journey that involves visiting all five temples. This pilgrimage is considered highly sacred and is believed to cleanse one's sins and bestow divine blessings. The Panch Kedar temples continue to attract thousands of devotees and trekkers who seek spiritual solace and adventure amidst the stunning Himalayan landscapes.
Duration : 16 Nights / 17 Days
Departures from : Delhi - Rishikesh - Pipalkoti - Helang - Urgam - Kalpeshwar - Urgam - Kalgot - Rudranath - Sagar - Mandal - Chopta - Turgnath - Jagasu - Gaundhar - Madhmaheshwar - Guptkashi - Kedarnath - Rurapryag - Rishikesh - Delhi
Region :Garhwal Himalayas
Base : Rishikesh
Best Time to Visit : May to November
Nature of Trek : Moderate
ITINERARY
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Upon Arrival in Delhi, you are met and transferred to your pre-booked hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 : DELHI - RISHIKESH (230 KMS/6-7HRS)
After an early breakfast drive towards Rishikesh, en route glimpses of Ganga Ghats & Temples in Haridwar later proceed to Rishikesh. Upon arrival check into your pre-booked hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 03 : RISHIKESH - PIPALKOTI (1219 MTS/3998 FT) 218 KMS/7-8 HRS
After an early breakfast drive towards Pipalkoti via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, and Nandprayag. Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 04 : PIPALKOTI - HELANG - URGAM (2134 MTS/7000 FT) 9 KMS TREK/3-4 HRS
After breakfast, a 15 km drive to Helang. Trek start from here to reach Urgam Village. We follow the Road bridge to cross the Alaknanda River. It passes through the dense forest, murmuring waterfalls along with KalpGanga. Urgam Valley is known for its Apple orchard, terraced fields, and Potatoes. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at camps.
DAY 05 : URGAM - KALPESHWAR - URGAM (2 KMS ONE SIDE)
Today morning trek up to first Kedar(one of the Panch Kedar) carry your packed lunch along with. The Locks(hair)of Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple. You will have a panoramic view of the valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. Later come back to camp. overnight at Camps.
DAY 06 : URGAM - KALGOT (2215 MTS/7265 FT)
An early breakfast today we trek to Kalgot Village crossing the dense forest, lush green meadows. Upon arrival at Kalgot village interact with local people and experience their culture. Overnight at Camps.
DAY 07 : KALGOT - RUDRANATH (2286 MTS/7498 FT)
Today morning go for a trek up to Sri Rudranath, one form of Lord Shiva. Here the face of Lord Shiva is worshiped. You can see a splendid view of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli, and another group of mountains from here. Here we also visit some temples like Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund which is located nearby the temple. Overnight at Tented accommodation.
DAY 08 : RUDRANATH - SAGAR - MANDAL (18 KMS TREK/8 KMS DRIVE)
After finishing with an early breakfast trek down to Sagar Village passing through dense forest and meadows. Later drive towards Mandal from here. This place has a huge amount of rain around the year, that's why we also call it “Cherapunji” of Garhwal. Overnight at Camps.
DAY 09 : MANDAL - CHOPTA (2900 MTS/9512 FT) - TUNGNATH (19 KMS/2 HRS/TREK 3.5 KMS
Early breakfast and drive to Chopta, located at an altitude of 290 mt above sea level. This place has an outstanding view of Himalayas ranges and the beautiful surrounding areas. Carry your packed lunch along with and trek towards Tungnath (the Third Kedar). It is placed at an altitude of 3680 mt above sea level. While trekking you will find lush green meadows and get to see the snow-clad Himalayan range. Upon arrival at Tungnath visit the Temple. After relaxing a bit, you can trek up to Chandrashila peak one kilometer ahead. Overnight at Tungnath.
DAY 10: TUNGNATH - CHOPTA - JAGASU - GAUNDHAR
Today morning comes back to Chopta by trek and later drive towards the Place called Jagasu (45 kms/2 hrs). Here is very significant and worth seeing the confluence of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Makandya Ganga, the last place before reaches Madmaheshwar. Overnight at Camps.
DAY 11: GAUNDHAR - MADHMAHESHWAR (3289 MTS/10788 FT) After finishing with an early breakfast start trekking up to Madhya Maheshwar(The forth Lord Shiva Temple of Panch Kedar) taking 5-6 hrs by covering about 18 km). It is believed that the navel mid part of the body reappeared at this shrine after disappearing at Kedarnath. Upon arrival, you get to see the panoramic view of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth Peaks. Overnight at Tents.
DAY 12: MADHMAHESHWAR - GAUNDHAR
Morning trek down to Gaundhar.Overnight at Tents.
DAY 13: GAUNDHAR - JAGASU - GUPTKASHI
After finishing with an early breakfast, trek to Jagasu up to 12 km trek. Later drive Guptkashi (30 Kms). Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 14: GUPTKASHI - GAURIKUND - KEDARNATH (3584 MTS/11756 FT)
After breakfast drive to Gaurikund and proceed for trekking up to Sri Kedarnath, (one of the 12th Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva). Upon arrival check-in and evening free at leisure and can also explore the beauties of the region around. Overnight stay.
DAY 15: KEDARNATH - GAURIKUND - RUDRAPARYAG
After finishing an early breakfast, trek down to Gaurikund and drive to Rudraprayag alongside river Mandakini. Later check into your pre-booked hotel. You can also have glimpses of the significant confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini Rivers. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 16: RUDRAPARYAG - RISHIKESH (130 KMS/4 HRS)
After breakfast in the morning, drive down to Rishikesh via Devprayag(confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi), River Ganges begins from here. Upon arrival in Rishikesh check into your pre-booked hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 17: DELHI DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast, drive back to Delhi. Evening departure transfer to International Airport to board flight for onwards journey.
