The Panch Kedar Trek in Uttarakhand is a rare blend of spirituality and adventure, taking pilgrims and trekkers through the five sacred shrines of Lord Shiva—Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. Each temple is set in breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, from snow-covered peaks and alpine meadows to dense forests and tranquil valleys. Believed to trace the path of the Pandavas in search of Lord Shiva’s blessings, the journey is not only a physical challenge but also a deeply spiritual experience. With Hodophile Tour and Travel, this trek becomes seamless and enriching, offering expert guides, safe transport, comfortable stays, permits, and local insights.
1. Kedarnath – Hump of Lord Shiva
Base Town: Gaurikund
Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (approx. 220 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 235 km)
How to Reach with Hodophile Tour and Travel:
Private cab from Dehradun/Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund, a 16–18 km trek takes you to Kedarnath. Pony, palanquin, and helicopter services can also be arranged.
🌲 2. Tungnath – Arms of Lord Shiva
Base Point: Chopta (Mini Switzerland of India)
Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (approx. 210 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 225 km)
How to Reach with Hodophile Tour and Travel:
Comfortable drive to Chopta via Ukhimath or Rudraprayag.
From Chopta, trek 3.5 km to Tungnath. Optionally, continue 1.5 km to Chandrashila peak for breathtaking views.
🏔️ 3. Rudranath – Face of Lord Shiva
Base Villages: Sagar, Mandal, or Urkham
Nearest Town: Gopeshwar
Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (approx. 240 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (approx. 260 km)
How to Reach with Hodophile Tour and Travel:
Drive to Sagar village (5 km from Gopeshwar).
Trek 20–24 km through dense forests and alpine meadows. This is the most challenging trek in the Panch Kedar circuit.
🧭 4. Madhyamaheshwar – Navel of Lord Shiva
Base Village: Ransi
Nearest Town: Ukhimath
Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (approx. 210 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (approx. 230 km)
How to Reach with Hodophile Tour and Travel:
Drive to Ransi via Ukhimath.
Trek 16–18 km through scenic trails and charming Himalayan villages to reach the temple.
🌿 5. Kalpeshwar – Hair of Lord Shiva
Base Village: Helang
Nearest Town: Joshimath
Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (approx. 270 km)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (approx. 290 km)
How to Reach with Hodophile Tour and Travel:
Drive to Helang (13 km before Joshimath), then continue to Urgam village.
Trek 2–3 km to Kalpeshwar. This is the only Panch Kedar temple open year-round.
🚩 Why Travel with Hodophile Tour and Travel?
With Hodophile Tour and Travel, your Panch Kedar journey is more than just travel — it’s a safe, comfortable, and deeply spiritual experience, backed by:
Expert local drivers
Well-maintained vehicles
Trekking support and permits
Accommodation arrangements
And guidance every step of the way
Guptkashi (13 km from Ukhimath) – A spiritually significant town, home to the ancient Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple. Pilgrims often halt here before heading to Kedarnath.
Chopta (30 km from Ukhimath) – Also called the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” Chopta is famous for its lush meadows, rich birdlife, and as the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks.
Ukhimath (12 km from Guptkashi) – Known as the winter seat of the deities of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar when snow blocks access to the main temples.
Gopeshwar (40 km from Chopta) – A serene town offering scenic views of the Garhwal Himalayas, dotted with a revered Shiva temple.
Joshimath (46 km from Rudraprayag) – A religious hub and base for Auli, Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badrinath.
Auli (16 km from Joshimath) – A world-class skiing destination offering mesmerizing views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dron Parvat. The Auli Ropeway is a must-experience.
Rudraprayag (40 km from Guptkashi) – Famous for the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, an important stop on the Char Dham route.
Valley of Flowers (around 50 km from Joshimath, via Govindghat) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this alpine valley is adorned with colorful wildflowers and is a paradise for trekkers and photographers.
Kartik Swami Temple (38 km from Rudraprayag) – A scenic trek leads to this temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, offering 360° views of the snow-clad Himalayas.
Reach by train or flight (Jolly Grant Airport – Dehradun).
Rest and prepare essentials.
Optional: Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
Distance: ~200 km by road (~8–10 hrs)
Night stay in Guptkashi or Ukhimath (base for Kedarnath & Madhyamaheshwar).
Drive to Gaurikund (~35 km)
Trek 16–18 km to Kedarnath
Evening Darshan of Lord Kedarnath
Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
Morning darshan or sunrise at temple.
Trek back to Gaurikund, then drive to Ukhimath.
Rest overnight.
Drive to Ransi village (~25 km)
Trek 16–18 km to Madhyamaheshwar
Evening darshan. Night stay at simple lodges.
- Morning darshan.
- Trek down to Ransi, then drive to Chopta (~3 hrs).
- Rest in Chopta for Tungnath trek.
Trek 3.5 km to Tungnath (highest Shiva temple)
Optional: Continue 1.5 km to Chandrashila peak (sunrise spot)
Return to Chopta. Overnight stay.
Drive to Sagar village via Gopeshwar (~6–7 hrs)
Start of Rudranath trek
Overnight in Sagar or trek partway (e.g., Panar Bugyal)
- Trek 18–20 km via Panar Bugyal & Pitradhar
Evening darshan at Rudranath
Stay in basic huts or tents near temple.
Trek back to Sagar, then drive towards Helang (on Badrinath road)
Overnight at Urgam village
Easy 2–3 km trek from Urgam
Visit Kalpeshwar temple (only Panch Kedar open year-round)
Darshan and return to Joshimath or Auli for night stay
Long drive (~250 km / 10–12 hrs)
Option to stay overnight in Rishikesh
Depart from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun by train or flight
Panch Kedar refers to the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand — Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. These shrines are linked to the legend of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
All five temples are located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, nestled in high-altitude areas amidst the Himalayas.
According to mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Shiva, avoiding them, disguised as a bull. When Bhima recognized Him, the bull vanished into the earth, and His body parts appeared at different places, which are worshipped as Panch Kedar.
Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, situated at an altitude of about 3,680 meters.
The trek ranges from moderate to challenging, depending on the route. Kedarnath and Tungnath are relatively easier to access, while Rudranath and Kalpeshwar involve longer and tougher treks.
