Panch Kedar Trek: A Spiritual and Adventurous Pilgrimage
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About the TourÂ
The Panch Kedar Trek is a sacred journey covering five revered Lord Shiva temples in Uttarakhand: Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. This trek is a perfect blend of spirituality, Himalayan adventure, and mythology, offering breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas along with divine blessings.
Tour Details
- Region: Garhwal, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: Up to 3,680 meters (12,073 feet)
- Duration: 15-16 Days
- Trek Distance: 100+ km
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Temperature: Day: 5°C to 18°C | Night: -5°C to 5°C
- Start & End Point: Rishikesh
Tour Challenges
- Long trekking distances and steep ascents.
- High altitude and cold weather conditions.
- Basic accommodation and limited facilities in some areas.
Tour Facilities
- Experienced trek guides and porters.
- Basic guesthouses and camping accommodations.
- Nutritious vegetarian meals.
- First aid and emergency support.
Food
- Simple vegetarian meals.
- Breakfast: Tea, parathas, porridge.
- Lunch: Dal, rice, chapati, vegetables.
- Dinner: Soup, roti, sabzi, dessert.
Who Can Participate?
- Trekkers with good physical fitness.
- Age limit: 15 years and above.
- Not suitable for people with severe asthma or heart conditions.
How to Reach Rishikesh?
Meeting Point: Rishikesh
Nearest Airport:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (21 km from Rishikesh).
Nearest Railway Station:
Rishikesh Railway Station.
By Road:
Regular buses and taxis available from Delhi and Haridwar.
Pick-Up and Drop-Off Information
- Pick-Up Point: Rishikesh
- Drop-Off Point: Rishikesh
Latitude and Longitude
- Latitude: 30.7346° N
- Longitude: 79.0669° E
Key Highlights
- Visit all five revered Panch Kedar temples.
- Trek through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
- Witness rich culture, spirituality, and mythology.
- Experience serene campsites and remote villages.
Embark on the Panch Kedar Trek and immerse yourself in the divine beauty of the Himalayas!
Included/Exclude
Inclusions in the Tour Package
- Accommodation: Camps (Sharing Camp for two people), Home Stay.
- Guides & Support Staff: Qualified & experienced Trek Leader, Guide, and Support staff to assist trekkers.
- Sleeping Gear: Sleeping Bags.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner – only vegetarian).
- Permits & Fees: Trekking Permits and Forest Fees.
- Trekking Equipment: Tent, Mattress, Sleeping Bag, Dining & Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Cooking Utensils, and Crampons (if required).
- Medical Assistance: First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
- Guide & Support Staff Expenses: Guide Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Potters: Potters will carry only trekking equipment.
- Potter's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Kitchen Staff: Included for cooking and meal preparation.
- Kitchen Staff Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Cook: Responsible for preparing meals.
- Cook's Expenses: Allowances, Food, and Stay.
- Transportation: As per the trek itinerary.
Exclusions in the Tour Package
- Any other facilities that are not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Potters for carrying your personal luggage.
- Extra meals like lunch during the journey by cab and stay at hotels (lunch is only provided during the trek).
- Personal expenses such as Water Bottles, Laundry, Phone Calls, etc.
- Insurance.
- Gaiters.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under "Inclusions."
Tour Amenities
Certified Trek Leader
Hassle-Free Permits
Warm Meals, Always
Itinerary
Overview
Drive Distance: 190 km (approx. 7-8 hours)
Altitude: 1,319 meters / 4,330 feet at Guptkashi
Detailed Plan
- Depart from Rishikesh early morning, driving through the scenic towns of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Srinagar.
- Arrive in Guptkashi by evening and check into a hotel.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Overview
Drive Distance: 30 km (approx. 1 hour)
Trek Distance: 16 km (approx. 6-7 hours)
Altitude Gain: 3,583 meters / 11,755 feet at Kedarnath
Detailed Plan
- Early morning drive to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek.
- Begin the trek to Kedarnath, following a well-defined path alongside the Mandakini River.
- Arrive at Kedarnath and check into a guesthouse or camp.
- Visit the Kedarnath Temple in the evening for prayers.
- Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
Overview
Trek Distance: 16 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Drive Distance: 30 km (approx. 1 hour)
Detailed Plan
- Attend the early morning 'Abhishek' ceremony at Kedarnath Temple.
- After breakfast, commence the descent to Gaurikund.
- Upon reaching Gaurikund, drive back to Guptkashi.
- Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Overview
Drive Distance: 45 km (approx. 2 hours)
Trek Distance: 19 km over two days
Altitude Gain: 3,497 meters / 11,473 feet at Madhmaheshwar
Detailed Plan
- Drive to Ransi Village, the starting point for the Madhmaheshwar trek.
- Begin the trek, passing through lush forests and picturesque villages.
- Overnight stay in a guesthouse or camp en route.
Overview
Trek Distance: 10 km (approx. 5-6 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Continue the trek to Madhmaheshwar Temple, situated at the base of Chaukhamba Peak.
- Arrive at the temple and participate in evening prayers.
- Overnight stay in tents or a guesthouse near the temple.
Overview
Trek Distance: 19 km (approx. 7-8 hours)
Drive Distance: 60 km (approx. 3 hours)
Altitude: 2,680 meters / 8,790 feet at Chopta
Detailed Plan
- Descend back to Ransi Village.
- Drive to Chopta, known as the 'Mini Switzerland' of India.
- Overnight stay in camps or guesthouses in Chopta.
Overview
Trek Distance: 8 km round trip (approx. 5-6 hours)
Altitude Gain: 3,680 meters / 12, 680 feet at Chandrashila
Detailed Plan
- Begin the early morning trek to Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
- After visiting Tungnath, continue the steep ascent to Chandrashila Peak, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Descend back to Chopta for an overnight stay in camps or guesthouses.
Overview
Drive Distance: 80 km (approx. 4 hours)
Trek Distance: 20 km (approx. 7-8 hours)
Altitude Gain: 3,559 meters / 11,676 feet at Rudranath
Detailed Plan
- Drive to Sagar Village, the base for the Rudranath trek.
- Start the trek, passing through alpine meadows and dense forests.
- Reach Rudranath Temple, set amidst breathtaking surroundings.
- Participate in temple rituals and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Overnight stay in camps or a guesthouse.
Overview
Trek Distance: 20 km (approx. 6-7 hours)
Drive Distance: 50 km (approx. 3 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Descend back to Sagar Village through scenic trails.
- Drive to Urgam Village, the base for Kalpeshwar Temple.
- Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Overview
Trek Distance: 3 km round trip (approx. 1-2 hours)
Drive Distance: 220 km (approx. 8-9 hours)
Detailed Plan
- Trek to Kalpeshwar Temple, the last of the Panch Kedar temples.
- Visit the sacred site where Lord Shiva’s hair is believed to have appeared.
- Trek back to Urgam and begin the long drive to Rishikesh.
- Arrive in Rishikesh by late evening, marking the end of the trek.
Important Notes
- Best Time to Visit: The trek is best done from May to October, avoiding monsoons.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult – requires good endurance and prior trekking experience.
- Weather Conditions: Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C during the day, dropping to near 0°C at night.
- Acclimatization: The trek involves high-altitude climbs, so proper acclimatization is necessary.
- Permits: No special permits are required, but registration at checkpoints is necessary.
- Eco-Friendly Trek: Follow Leave No Trace principles – respect nature and avoid littering.
- Essential Gear: Sturdy trekking shoes, warm layers, rain gear, trekking poles, and a water bottle.
- Network Connectivity: Mobile networks are available in some villages but limited in high-altitude areas.