The Panch Kedar Trek is a unique pilgrimage and trekking experience in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It takes you to the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva — Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar — each located in remote, breathtaking settings.
This trek is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a deeply spiritual journey through forests, valleys, rivers, and high-altitude meadows, believed to be the route taken by the Pandavas in search of Lord Shiva for redemption.
Reaching the Panch Kedar temples requires a mix of road travel and trekking through the scenic Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach each of the Panch Kedar temples:
1. Kedarnath – (Hump of Lord Shiva)
Base town: Gaurikund
Nearest railhead/airport:
Railway: Rishikesh (approx. 220 km)
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 235 km)
How to reach:
Drive to Gaurikund via Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Sonprayag.
From Gaurikund, trek 16–18 km to reach Kedarnath.
Pony, palanquin, and helicopter services are also available.
Tungnath – (Arms of Lord Shiva)
Base point: Chopta (also called Mini Switzerland of India)
Nearest railhead/airport:
Railway: Rishikesh (approx. 210 km)
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 225 km)
How to reach:
Reach Chopta via road from Ukhimath or Rudraprayag.
From Chopta, trek 3.5 km to reach Tungnath.
Option to trek further 1.5 km to Chandrashila peak for panoramic Himalayan views.
Rudranath – (Face of Lord Shiva)
Base villages: Sagar, Mandal, or Urkham
Nearest town: Gopeshwar
Nearest railhead/airport:
Railway: Rishikesh (approx. 240 km)
Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (approx. 260 km)
How to reach:
Drive to Sagar village (5 km from Gopeshwar).
Trek 20–24 km through forests and meadows to Rudranath.
This is one of the most challenging treks in the circuit.
Madhyamaheshwar – (Navel of Lord Shiva)
Base village: Ransi
Nearest town: Ukhimath
Nearest railhead/airport:
Railway: Rishikesh (approx. 210 km)
Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (approx. 230 km)
How to reach:
Drive to Ransi village via Ukhimath.
Trek 16–18 km from Ransi to Madhyamaheshwar through picturesque trails and villages.
Kalpeshwar – (Hair of Lord Shiva)
Base village: Helang
Nearest town: Joshimath
Nearest railhead/airport:
Railway: Rishikesh (approx. 270 km)
Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (approx. 290 km)
How to reach:
Drive to Helang, 13 km before Joshimath.
Then drive or walk 10 km to Urgam village, followed by a 2–3 km easy trek to Kalpeshwar.
Open year-round, unlike the other four.
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