Everything you need to know about Panch Kedar trek in Uttarakhand is here in this detailed guide. Panch Kedar trek spanning 170 Km which takes around 15 days to cover all these five temples.
Panch Kedar Yatra
The Panch Kedar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage covering five revered temples of Lord Shiva: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to Hindu mythology, these temples mark the places where different body parts of Lord Shiva appeared when he eluded the Pandavas. Each temple has its own distinct significance and requires trekking through the pristine Himalayas.
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Interesting fact about Panch Kedar
The Panch Kedar story is a fascinating tale about Lord Shiva. Once, after the battle of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the war’s sins. However, Lord Shiva didn’t want to forgive them easily and took the form of a bull to avoid them.
The Pandavas chased the bull, and as it tried to escape, it vanished into the ground. Different body parts of the bull appeared in five different locations, which became the Panch Kedar temples.
Source from Wikipedia
Name of Panch Kedar Temples
- Kedarnath Temple: The hump of the bull appeared here.
- Tungnath Temple:The arms of the bull appeared here.
- Rudranath Temple: The face of the bull appeared here.
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple: The navel of the bull appeared here.
- Kalpeshwar Temple: The hairs of the bull found here.
Over time, these temples gained immense significance as pilgrimage sites, and pilgrims visit there to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and to complete the spiritual journey known as the Panch Kedar Yatra.
Panch Kedar Temple Opening Dates 2025
| Panch Kedar | Opening Dates |
| Kedarnath | 02 May 2025 |
| Rudranath | 18 May 2025 |
| Tungnath | 10 May 2025 |
| Madhyamaheshwar | 20 May 2025 |
| Kalpeshwar | Open Round the Year |
Kedarnath Temple
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 3,583 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Kedarnath is the most significant among the Panch Kedar temples and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. According to Hindu legend, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness here for their role in the Mahabharata war. Built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya, the temple stands against the majestic Kedarnath range, making it a revered pilgrimage site.
Tungnath Temple
Location: Chopta, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 3,680 meters
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is believed to enshrine Lord Shiva’s arms. According to mythology, the Pandavas built this temple as part of their repentance journey. The trek to Tungnath from Chopta passes through dense forests and verdant meadows, with the Chandrashila peak offering panoramic Himalayan views.
Rudranath Temple
Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 2,286 meters
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Rudranath is the mystical temple where Lord Shiva’s face is worshipped. The journey to Rudranath involves a challenging 29-km trek through untouched forests and meadows. The temple is surrounded by sacred water sources like the Vasuki Kund, adding to its spiritual ambiance.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 3,490 meters
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Madhyamaheshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s navel. According to mythology, it is here that the Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings. Set amidst the Chaukhamba mountain range, the temple is accessible via a breathtaking trek through alpine landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Kalpeshwar Temple
Location: Urgam Valley, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 2,200 meters
Best Time to Visit: Open year-round (September to November recommended)
Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple that remains open throughout the year. It is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva’s matted hair (jata) appeared. Carved into a rock, the temple is nestled in the lush Urgam Valley, known for its apple orchards and serene surroundings.
The Panch Kedar Yatra is an awe-inspiring journey, blending spirituality, adventure, and the Himalayan grandeur. Each temple holds immense religious significance and offers a deeply enriching experience for pilgrims and trekkers alike.
Best Time to Visit Panch Kedar
- Panch Kedar opens for a period of 6 months.
- The best time to experience Panch Kedar is in the month of May, June, September and October.
- Except Kalpeshwar, accessibility to the other four temples is restricted due to heavy snowfall (during November to April).
Weather Conditions at Panch Kedar
What to Expect in May-June?
This is the best time to visit Panch Kedar as temperatures are still moderate, providing a comfortable pilgrimage and trekking experience. The snow starts melting, allowing access to higher altitudes.
What to Expect in July-August?
It is not recommended to travel to Panch Kedar between July and August due to substantial rainfall, which can create difficult and hazardous trekking conditions.
What to Expect in September-October?
Post-monsoon offers clear skies, beautiful scenery, and it is also considered the best time for Panch Kedar trek.
Panch Kedar During Winters
In winter season, the temples become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. The revered Shiva idol from Kedarnath is worshipped at Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. Similarly, the symbolic idols of Tunganath, Rudranath, and Madhyamaheshwar are venerated at Mokumath, Gopeshwar, and Ukhimath, respectively. Only Kalpeshwar remains accessible year-round.
Experienced winter trekkers can explore, but they need proper gear and food. Winter unveils a unique, stunning landscape with different plants and beauty.
Panch Kedar Route Map
Prepare for a 15-day long adventure to Panch Kedar! But before you go, gather all the essential travel information on Panch Kedar route map.
Short Itinerary of Panch Kedar from Haridwar
DAY 01: Haridwar – Joshimath
- Start your journey from Haridwar.
- Drive to Joshimath.
- Check-in to your hotel in Joshimath and rest for the night.
DAY 02: Joshimath – Kalpeshwar – Sagar Village
- Drive to Urgam Village.
- Trek to Kalpeshwar Temple.
- After Kalpeshwar, start trek to Sagar Village.
- Overnight stay in Sagar Village.
DAY 03: Sagar Village – Panar Bugyal
- Begin the trek from Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Bugyals (alpine meadows).
- Overnight stay in tents at Panar Bugyal.
DAY 04: Panar Bugyal – Rudranath Temple – Panar Bugyal
- Trek to Rudranath Temple.
- Explore the temple and the surrounding areas.
- Return to Panar Village for an overnight stay.
DAY 05: Panar Bugyal – Sagar Village
- Trek back from Panar Bugyal to Sagar Village.
- Overnight stay in Sagar Village.
DAY 06: Sagar Village – Tungnath Temple – Chopta
- Drive to Chopta from Sagar Village.
- Trek to Tungnath Temple (3680 m), the highest Shiva temple.
- Return to Chopta for an overnight stay.
DAY 07: Chopta – Ransi Village
- Trek from Chopta to Ransi Village.
- Overnight stay in Ransi Village.
DAY 08: Ransi – Madhyamaheshwar Temple
- Trek to Madhyamaheshwar.
- Explore Madhyamaheshwar Temple and the surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Madhyamaheshwar.
DAY 09: Madhyamaheshwar Temple – Ransi
- Trek back to Ransi Village.
- Overnight stay in Ransi.
DAY 10: Ransi – Guptkashi
- Drive from Ransi to Guptkashi.
- Check-in to your hotel in Guptkashi and rest.
DAY 11: Guptkashi – Kedarnath
- Start the trek to Kedarnath Temple.
- Visit the sacred temple.
- Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
DAY 12: Kedarnath – Guptkashi
- Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund.
- From Gaurikund, drive to Guptkashi.
- Check-in to your hotel in Guptkashi.
DAY 13: Guptkashi – Haridwar
- Drive from Guptkashi to Rishikesh.
- Reach Rishikesh, where you can explore the city or attend the Ganga Aarti.
- Overnight stay in Risikesh.
Short Itinerary of Panch Kedar from New Delhi
DAY 01: New Delhi – Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Start your journey from New Delhi.
- Drive to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Check-in to your hotel and rest for the night.
DAY 02: Haridwar – Joshimath
- Start your journey from Haridwar.
- Drive to Joshimath.
- Check-in to your hotel in Joshimath and rest for the night.
DAY 03: Joshimath – Kalpeshwar – Sagar Village
- Drive to Urgam Village.
- Trek to Kalpeshwar Temple.
- After Kalpeshwar, start trek to Sagar Village.
- Overnight stay in Sagar Village.
DAY 04: Sagar Village – Panar Bugyal
- Begin the trek from Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of Bugyals (alpine meadows).
- Overnight stay in tents at Panar Bugyal.
DAY 05: Panar Bugyal – Rudranath Temple – Panar Bugyal
- Trek to Rudranath Temple.
- Explore the temple and the surrounding areas.
- Return to Panar Village for an overnight stay.
DAY 06: Panar Bugyal – Sagar Village
- Trek back from Panar Bugyal to Sagar Village.
- Overnight stay in Sagar Village.
DAY 07: Sagar Village – Tungnath Temple – Chopta
- Drive to Chopta from Sagar Village.
- Trek to Tungnath Temple (3680 m), the highest Shiva temple.
- Return to Chopta for an overnight stay.
DAY 08: Chopta – Ransi Village
- Trek from Chopta to Ransi Village.
- Overnight stay in Ransi Village.
DAY 09: Ransi – Madhyamaheshwar Temple
- Trek to Madhyamaheshwar.
- Explore Madhyamaheshwar Temple and the surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Madhyamaheshwar.
DAY 10: Madhyamaheshwar Temple – Ransi
- Trek back to Ransi Village.
- Overnight stay in Ransi.
DAY 11: Ransi – Guptkashi
- Drive from Ransi to Guptkashi.
- Check-in to your hotel in Guptkashi and rest.
DAY 12: Guptkashi – Kedarnath
- Start the trek to Kedarnath Temple.
- Visit the sacred temple.
- Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
DAY 13: Kedarnath – Guptkashi
- Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund.
- From Gaurikund, drive to Guptkashi.
- Check-in to your hotel in Guptkashi.
DAY 14: Guptkashi – Haridwar
- Drive from Guptkashi to Rishikesh.
- Reach Rishikesh, where you can explore the city or attend the Ganga Aarti.
- Overnight stay in Risikesh.
DAY 15: Haridwar – New Delhi
- Drive from Haridwar to New Delhi.
- Tour ends at New Delhi.
Important Things to Know Before Planning Panch Kedar Trek
- Physical Fitness: The trek demands good physical fitness due to its challenging terrain and high altitude.
- Weather Conditions: Check weather forecasts as conditions can change rapidly in the Himalayas, especially during monsoons and winters.
- Proper Gear: Equip yourself with suitable trekking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, and a reliable backpack.
- Altitude Sickness Awareness: Be aware of altitude sickness and acclimatize properly. Ascend gradually to avoid health issues.
- Guides/Local Assistance: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a trekking group for better navigation and safety.
- Adequate Supplies: Carry ample food, water, and emergency supplies since facilities might be limited along the trekking route.
Remember, thorough planning and preparation contribute to a safe and enjoyable Panch Kedar trek. Always stay informed and adapt to the changing conditions during the journey.
