A Sacred Sojourn: The Panch Kedar Yatra
The Panch Kedar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, encompasses five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples – Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar – are believed to be the places where the five forms of Lord Shiva (Panch Pandavas) appeared. This spiritual journey, amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, offers a profound experience for devotees. This itinerary, meticulously crafted by The Partner Holidays Vacation, ensures a fulfilling pilgrimage, blending devotion with the beauty of the Himalayas.
Your Panch Kedar Yatra begins with your arrival at Haridwar Railway Station or Dehradun Airport. Our representative will greet you and escort you to your awaiting vehicle for a scenic drive to Guptkashi, a town serving as a base for the Kedarnath leg of the pilgrimage. The journey takes you through winding mountain roads, offering glimpses of the changing landscapes. Check into your hotel in Guptkashi upon arrival.
After an early breakfast, drive to Sonprayag/Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. The trek is approximately 16 km long and can be covered on foot or by pony/palanquin. Upon reaching Kedarnath, visit the magnificent Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and offer your prayers. Overnight stay in Kedarnath (basic accommodations available).
After offering prayers at the Kedarnath Temple in the morning, begin your descent back to Sonprayag/Gaurikund. From there, drive back to Guptkashi for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Chopta, the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek. The drive is scenic, passing through lush green valleys and forests. Check into your guesthouse or camp in Chopta.
Early morning, begin your trek from Chopta to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trail is well-defined. Visit the Tungnath Temple. From Tungnath, continue to Chandrashila summit for panoramic views. Trek back to Chopta.
Drive from Chopta to Joshimath via Gopeshwar. Visit the ancient Gopinath Temple in Gopeshwar. Check into your hotel in Joshimath.
From Joshimath, you can either trek or take a combination of drive and trek to reach Rudranath. Rudranath is one of the Panch Kedars, known for its natural rock formation resembling Lord Shiva’s face. Overnight stay near the temple.
Trek from Rudranath to Madhyamaheshwar, another Panch Kedar, known for its navel-shaped lingam. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Overnight stay near the temple.
Trek from Madhyamaheshwar to a roadhead, from where you can take a vehicle to reach Kalpeshwar, the last of the Panch Kedars. Kalpeshwar is unique as it is the only Kedar that remains open throughout the year. Overnight stay near the temple.
Drive from Kalpeshwar to Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can proceed to Dehradun/Haridwar for your onward journey.
Pricing:
Limitations/Weather Conditions: The Panch Kedar trek is best undertaken during the specified months due to weather conditions in the Himalayas. Some treks may be challenging and require a good level of fitness.
