“Panch Kedar” refers to five sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. They are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Each temple is associated with a different part of Lord Shiva’s body. The pilgrimage to these temples is a significant spiritual journey for devotees seeking blessings.
Panch Kedar
Trek Details
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Max Altitude
3583 m
Difficulty
HardBest Season
May to October
Start Point
Triyuginarayan
End Point
Urgam
Overview
Your Adventure at a Glance
About the Trek
Mythology, Best Time & More More
Mythology and Cultural
The Panch Kedar temples hold significant mythology and cultural importance in Hinduism. Associated with the epic Mahabharata, these temples are believed to have been established by the Pandavas to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Each temple represents a specific body part of Lord Shiva. Pilgrimage to these sacred sites is considered spiritually purifying and attracts devotees from all over. These temples are not just places of worship but also cultural heritage sites, hosting festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Best Time
The best time to visit the Panch Kedar temples is during the summer and early autumn months, from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for pilgrimage and trekking in the Himalayas.
Day-by-Day Plan
Trek Itinerary
Rishikesh to Triyuginarayan
Journey Begins: Start from Rishikesh, heading towards Triyuginarayan, a village known for its mythological significance, being the site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's wedding is believed to have taken place.
Explore Triyuginarayan: Visit the Triyuginarayan Temple and explore the eternal flame that burns in front of the temple, symbolizing the divine union.
Triyuginarayan to Gaurikund to Kedarnath
Drive to Gaurikund: From Triyuginarayan, proceed to Gaurikund, the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath.
Trek to Kedarnath: Embark on the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, a journey filled with breathtaking views and spiritual fervor.
Explore Kedarnath: Visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath to Gaurikund to Ukhimath / Mansuna / Ransi Village
Return Trek to Gaurikund: Trek back down to Gaurikund and then drive to Ukhimath, Mansuna, or Ransi Village, depending on your preference for the night's stay.
Ransi to Madhyamaheshwar
Trek to Madhyamaheshwar: Begin the trek from Ransi to Madhyamaheshwar, another sacred site that offers serene beauty and spiritual peace.
Explore
Explore Madhyamaheshwar: Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Madhyamaheshwar, visiting the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoying the majestic Himalayan landscapes.
Madhyamaheshwar to Ransi to Chopta
Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila: From Chopta, trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and further to Chandrashila peak for panoramic Himalayan views.
Return to Mandal: After the trek, return to Mandal for the night.
Chopta to Tungnath and Return to Mandal
Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila: From Chopta, trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and further to Chandrashila peak for panoramic Himalayan views.
Return to Mandal: After the trek, return to Mandal for the night.
Mandal to Anusuya Temple
Visit Anusuya Temple: From Mandal, visit the Anusuya Temple dedicated to Goddess Anusuya, known for its serene ambiance and spiritual significance.
Anusuya Temple to Rudranath via Navola Pass
Trek to Rudranath: Embark on the trek from Anusuya Temple to Rudranath via Navola Pass, experiencing the rugged beauty of the region and visiting another revered Shiva temple.
Rudranath to Panar Bugyal
Trek to Panar Bugyal: Continue your journey from Rudranath to Panar Bugyal, a beautiful high-altitude meadow offering splendid views.
Panar Bugyal to Toli Tal
Trek to Toli Tal: Trek from Panar Bugyal to Toli Tal, a serene lake surrounded by lush landscapes, offering a peaceful retreat.
Toli Tal to Dumak Village to Urgam
Trek to Urgam: From Toli Tal, trek towards Dumak Village and then proceed to Urgam, experiencing the traditional village life and the natural beauty of the valley.
Urgam to Rishikesh
Return to Rishikesh: Conclude your journey by traveling back to Rishikesh from Urgam, bringing with you memories of spiritual encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the serene beauty of Uttarakhand's sacred sites.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
- Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
- Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
- Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
- Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
- Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
- Non-veg meals are not served.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
- Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
- First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
- Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
- Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.
EXCLUSION
- All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
- Anything that we have not mentioned above.
- The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Getting There
How To Reach
Location
Trek Route Map
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
| Policy | Upto 30 days | 29–21 days | 21–15 days | 14–0 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Shifting | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Refund | 100% | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
Preparation
What To Pack
Clothing & Footwear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
- Down jacket (600+ fill power)
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
- Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
- Warm balaclava & beanie hat
- Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
Gear & Essentials
- 35–45L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
- UV-protection polarised sunglasses
- Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
- Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets
- Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panch Kedar trek difficult ?
Yes, the Panch Kedar trek can be considered difficult due to its remote location, rugged terrain, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions.
How many days is Panch Kedar Trek ?
It is a 13 Days and 12 Nights Trek starting from Triyuginarayan to Urgam .
Why is Panch Kedar famous ?
The Panch Kedar temples are famous for their significance in Hindu mythology and pilgrimage. They are revered as sacred sites dedicated to Lord Shiva and are visited by devotees seeking spiritual blessings and fulfillment.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
Is there mobile signals available on treks?
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
How do you manage toilets?
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
Do I need to carry trek equipment?
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.