The Panch Kedar trek includes all the five shrines associated with the Hindu legends. All of them are situated in the Kedar Valley. At Kedarnath, which is situated at the head of the Mandakini River, the Linga is a natural rock that resembles the hump of a bull. Madhmaheshwar, situated at the base of Chaukhamba Peak is at an altitude of 3500 m. Here the Linga is worshipped in the form of a navel. Tungnath, where the arm of Shiva appeared is the highest temple in Garhwal is situated at an altitude of 3810 m. 500 m above the temple at Tungnath is Chandrashila. The panoramic view of the Himalayas is breathtaking. Rudranath is where the face of Shiva is said to have appeared. Here is a natural rock temple in which the Shiva Mukha is worshipped. To reach Rudranath, one has to trek through alpine meadows and dense forests. Kalpeshwar is situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam. There is a cave temple here and Shiva is worshipped in his matted hair form.
Best Time : May-June & Sep-Oct.
Average Altitude : 2500mts
1. Kedarnath (3584 m)
2. Madhmaheshwar (3289 m)
3. Tungnath (3810 m)
4. Rudranath (2286 m)
5. Kalpanath (2134 m), sprawled over a vast area with altitudes ranging from 1500m to 3680m.
Day 01 : Arrival Delhi :On arrival meet to assistance drive to hotel for overnight.
Day 02 : Delhi- Haridwar- Rishikesh
Early in the morning catch the Shtabdadi Train to Haridwar, on arrival meet to local guide visit Har Ki Pauri and temples, drive to Rishikesh, check in hotel evening witness the Ganga Aarti (ceremony), overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Rishikesh - Pipalkoti (1219 mts) 218 kms/7-8 hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Pipalkoti via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 04 : Pipalkoti - Helang - Urgam (2134 mts) 9 kms trek/3-4 hrs
In the morning after breakfast drive 15 kms to reach Helang. From her we will start our trek up to Urgam Village. We will cross Alaknanda River via Road Bridge. The trek pass through the dense forest, murmuring water falls along with Kalp Ganga. Urgam Valley is famous for its apple orchard, terraced fields and potatoes. Evening free to explore the fascinating Urgam Valley. Dinner and night stay in tents.
Day 05 : Urgam - Kalpeshwar - Urgam (2 kms one side) 5-6 hrs trek
An early morning walk up to the first Kedar (one of Panch Kedar) during your trek. For this trek you have to prepare with packed lunch. The locks (hair) of lord Shiva worshiped in this temple. From here you will have the striking views of valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. Later return trek to Urgam. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 06 : Urgam - Kalgot (2215 mts) 6-7 hrs trek
After an early breakfast trek up to Kalgot Village through dense forest, lush green meadows. This is the tough day. Evening arrival at Kalgot village. Meet the locals, know their culture etc. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 07 : Kalgot - Rudranath (2286 mts) 5-6 hrs trek.
Morning trek up to the temple of Sri Rudranath, another form of lord Shiva. In this temple The face of the Shiva is worshiped. From here we can see a splendid view of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli and other group of peaks. You can also visit the Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund which is located nearby the temple. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 08 : Rudranath - Sagar – Mandal (3120 mts) 18 kms trek/8 kms drive
Morning after breakfast trek down to Sagar Village through the dense forest and meadows. Up on arrival at Sagar drive to Mandal. Mandal is also known Cherapunji of Garhwal. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 09 : Mandal - Chopta (2900 mts) - Tungnath (19 kms drive and /2 hrs trek)
Morning after breakfast drive to Chopta. Chopta is situated at an altitude of 2900 m from the sea level. The place provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas. Up on arrival at Chopta trek to Tungnath (the third Kedar) with packed lunch. Tungnath is situated at the height of 3680 mts from the sea level the highest in India. the trek is three kms upward. Enroute you will find lush green meadows and you can see the entire range of snow clapped Himalayan range. Upon arrival at Tungnath Temple and visit the temple. After relax one can trek Chandrashila Peak 1 kms ahead. Dinner and overnight stay in Chopta or Tungnath.
Day 10 : Tungnath - Chopta - Jagasu – Gaundhar
In the morning trek back to Chopta and from here drive to Jagasu (45 kms/2 hrs). From here trek up to Gaundhar. The confluence of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Makandya Ganga is the last place that is worth a visit before one reaches Madmaheshwar. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 11 : Gaundhar - Madhmaheshwar (3289 mts)
Morning after an early breakfast start trek (18 kms/5-6 hrs) up to Madhya Maheshwar (the forth Lord Shiva temple of Panch Kedar). It is believed that the navel mid part of the body reappeared at this shrine after disappearing at Kedarnath. On arrival set camp here. Here you see the magnificent view of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and the Neelkanth peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 12 : Madhmaheshwar - Gaundhar
In the morning trek back to Gaundhar. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 13 : Gaundhar - Jagasu - Guptkashi
After an early breakfast 12 km trek to Jagasu and from drive to Guptkashi (30 kms). Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 14 : Guptkashi - Gaurikund :
After breakfast drive to Gaurikund, rest of the time visit the temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15 : Gaurikund- Kedarnath (3584 mts)
Morning after breakfast 14 km trek up to Sri Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The trek is passes through beautiful surroundings. On arrival check in at guest house. Evening explore the surroundings. Overnight stay in Guest house.
Day 16 : Kedarnath - Gaurikund - Rudraparyag
Morning after breakfast visit Kedarnath temple, trek down to Gaurikund and drive to Rudraprayag through river Mandakini. Check into hotel. Evening visit the confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini Rivers. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 17 : Rudraparyag - Rishikesh (130 kms/4-5 hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh via Devprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. From here the Holy River Ganges starts). On arrival at check in hotel evening sharing the Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Day 18 : Rishikesh-Delhi :
Early after breakfast drive to Delhi 210 km/ 6-7 hrs. On arrival check in hotel for overnight.
Day 19: Delhi :
Full day combined New and Old Delhi sightseeing. Later in time dep. Transfer to onward destination.
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