Panch Kedar Trek 2026: Complete Itinerary, Cost & Travel Guide

Your journey begins from the yoga capital, Rishikesh. Drive to Kalpeshwar — the only Panch Kedar temple accessible year-round — for a quick darshan of Lord Shiva's divine locks (Jata). Continue driving to Sagar Village near Gopeshwar, settle in, rest, and prepare for the mountain days ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sagar Village | Meals: Dinner | Distance: 328 km | Elevation: 2,100 m

After breakfast, your trek begins. Walk through dense forests and meadows toward the beautiful Lyuti Bugyal — a wide alpine meadow with sweeping Himalayan views. The trail gradually climbs as you gain altitude. Arrive by afternoon, set up camp, and enjoy the golden hour over the mountains.

Today you reach Rudranath — the third of the Panch Kedar, where Lord Shiva's face is worshipped. The trail is scenic and spiritually charged. Arrive in time for the evening aarti, with temple bells echoing through the Himalayas in an experience you'll carry forever.

Wake early for the morning aarti and darshan at Rudranath, take the temple's blessings, and begin your descent. A 22 km downhill stretch — challenging on the legs, but the views make it worthwhile. Reach Sagar Village by evening, check into the hotel, and enjoy a warm dinner and well-earned rest.

A relaxed buffer day. Drive to Chopta — often called the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand" — through winding forest roads. Check into your camp, explore the surrounding meadows, breathe in the pine-scented air, and take in the Himalayan panorama. This rest day prepares you for the Tungnath summit push.

An early morning trek to Tungnath — the world's highest Shiva temple and the 3rd Kedar — covering 4 km uphill. From there, continue an additional 1.5 km to Chandrashila summit for breathtaking 360° Himalayan views, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. Return to Chopta by evening, then drive 70 km to Ransi for an overnight stay in a cosy homestay.

An early start around 6:30 AM, trekking through Gaundar, Bantoli, and Maikhamba — a classic Himalayan route through forests and high-altitude meadows. Reach Madmaheshwar Temple, the 4th Kedar, where Lord Shiva's navel is worshipped — a deeply sacred spot set in a stunning valley.

An early morning trek to the ancient Old Madmaheshwar Temple for a peaceful darshan amid complete Himalayan silence. Return to the main temple, pack up, and descend back to Ransi Village. In the evening, drive approximately 48 km onward to Phata or Guptakashi (Phata is 14 km further but closer to the Kedarnath helipad). Check in and rest — tomorrow is the big day.

Drive from Phata/Guptakashi to Sonprayag, then take the Sharing Cab Shuttle Seva to Gaurikund, the official trek base. Begin the trek to Kedarnath by 6–7 AM — an 18 km ascent through stunning Himalayan terrain, waterfalls, and alongside the roaring Mandakini River. Arrive at Kedarnath — the 1st and most revered Panch Kedar — in time for the soul-stirring evening aarti.

Rise before dawn for the divine morning aarti and Kedarnath darshan — the highlight of the entire journey. After breakfast near the temple, begin the 18 km descent to Gaurikund. The downhill is gentler on the lungs but steady on the legs. Take the shuttle back to Sonprayag, then drive to Phata/Guptakashi. Rest and celebrate — you've completed the toughest stretch.

After a hearty breakfast, begin the final drive back to Rishikesh (~179 km). The journey concludes here — but what a journey it has been. You've completed all five Panch Kedar temples in a single epic trip, with Lord Shiva's blessings guiding every step of the way.