Why Panch Kedar Yatra is a Must-Do Adventure – With Trip My Soul

After an early breakfast, embark on a short 30 km drive to Sonprayag. From here, transfer to Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. The 21 km trek is a combination of steep climbs, moderate stretches, and some level patches. The trail is well-marked and passes through dense forests, waterfalls, and small dhabas where you can rest and hydrate. You’ll encounter many fellow pilgrims and trekkers on this path, all with a shared purpose of reaching the sacred Kedarnath Temple. Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, the temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. The sight of the majestic temple nestled against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks is awe-inspiring. Upon reaching Kedarnath, check into your guest house or camp accommodation. Take some time to absorb the spiritual atmosphere. If energy permits, you can visit the temple for the evening aarti. Have a simple dinner and rest for the night to rejuvenate for the return trek.

Wake up early and visit the Kedarnath Temple for the morning darshan, when the atmosphere is most peaceful. After seeking blessings, begin the descent back to Gaurikund. The trek down is relatively easier but requires caution due to the steepness and rocky terrain. Upon reaching Gaurikund, drive to Ransi, a small, peaceful village located about 65 km away. The drive takes around 4 hours and offers beautiful views of the Mandakini River and surrounding forests. Ransi is the base village for the Madhyamaheshwar trek, another revered Panch Kedar shrine. This secluded hamlet, situated at around 2,000 meters, offers a serene and rustic Himalayan experience. Upon arrival, check into a homestay or local lodge. Spend the evening exploring the quiet village, interacting with the locals, or simply soaking in the tranquility. Have a hearty dinner and rest well as you prepare for the next leg of your spiritual trek.

Today marks the beginning of your trek to Madhyamaheshwar, the second temple in the Panch Kedar circuit. After breakfast, start your trek from Ransi to Bantoli, covering a distance of approximately 6 km. The trail descends gently through pine forests and follows the course of the river. As you walk, you’ll pass through the small hamlet of Gaundhar, where you can interact with local villagers and get a glimpse of their traditional way of life. The walk is pleasant and not very strenuous, with a mix of flat and descending paths. The sound of the river accompanies you along the way, making the experience peaceful. Bantoli is located at the confluence of the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga and the Martyenda Ganga rivers. It’s a serene spot surrounded by greenery and towering mountains. Upon arrival, set up camp and rest. The location is perfect for stargazing at night. Enjoy a warm meal around the campfire and spend the night in tents.

Today’s trek from Bantoli to Madhyamaheshwar is a challenging one, covering approximately 10 km with a steep ascent. After breakfast, begin your hike through dense forests and alpine meadows. The trail becomes steeper as you gain altitude, passing through charming settlements such as Khatra, Nanu, Moukheem, and Koon. These hamlets provide short breaks and offer glimpses into the local way of life. The last stretch is particularly tough and requires good physical stamina. However, the stunning views of snow-capped peaks and the surrounding valleys are rewarding. Madhyamaheshwar is situated at an altitude of about 3,289 meters and is revered as the place where the navel of Lord Shiva is worshipped. The temple itself is modest yet powerful in its spiritual energy. Check into a local guesthouse or campsite. Spend the evening visiting the temple and enjoying the panoramic mountain views. After dinner, rest well at this spiritually rich and scenic location.

After witnessing the serene sunrise and perhaps visiting the temple once more, start your descent back to Ransi. The return trek is easier but still requires careful steps on the steep slopes. Take your time, enjoying the natural beauty and silence of the Himalayas. Once at Ransi, board the vehicle and drive about 40 km to Chopta, a popular hill station known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India.' The drive is scenic, winding through thick forests and offering glimpses of snow-covered peaks. At Chopta, check into a lodge or campsite. Located at an altitude of 2,680 meters, Chopta is the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks. The surroundings are covered with meadows and forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron. Relax for the evening with hot tea and dinner, and rest well amidst the peaceful natural surroundings.

Today’s trek will take you to the highest Shiva temple in the world—Tungnath. After an early breakfast, begin the 4 km trek from Chopta. The trail is well-paved and gradually ascends through a stunning landscape of rhododendron and deodar forests. As you climb higher, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath Dome. The trek is moderate but can be tiring due to the altitude and gradient. It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach Tungnath Temple, situated at 3,680 meters. After darshan at the temple, take a short rest and soak in the spiritual energy of this ancient shrine. You can optionally trek another 1.5 km uphill to Chandrashila Peak (4,000 m), which offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. After spending time at the summit or the temple, descend back to Chopta by late afternoon. Enjoy a warm meal and spend the night amidst the tranquil setting of the meadows.

After breakfast, drive 30 km to Sagar Village, the starting point of the Rudranath trek. From Sagar, begin your 10 km trek to Panar Bugyal. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful alpine forests, passing through locations such as Pung Bugyal, Mauli Karak, and Luiti Bugyal. These lush meadows and moss-covered trails provide a magical setting, with wildflowers dotting the landscape and birds chirping in the background. The trek is moderate, with some steep sections that require effort. Panar Bugyal, your campsite for the night, is a scenic high-altitude meadow that offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Ghunti and Trishul. Upon reaching the bugyal, relax and enjoy the peace of nature all around. Set up your tents, have a hot meal, and stargaze in the clear night sky. This is a perfect place to connect with nature and prepare for your visit to Rudranath the next day.

Today’s trail takes you deeper into the high Himalayas, from Panar Bugyal to the sacred Rudranath Temple and back. The 8 km trek begins after breakfast and takes you through alpine meadows, ridge walks, and rocky trails. The path is a mix of gradual ascent and level walks up to Pitradhar, after which a steep descent brings you to Rudranath, nestled in a natural rock temple. Located at around 3,600 meters, Rudranath is one of the five Panch Kedar shrines and is unique because it enshrines the face of Lord Shiva. The temple is set amidst dramatic cliffs and forests, offering a deeply spiritual and serene experience. After darshan and some rest near the temple complex, retrace your steps back to Panar Bugyal for the night halt. The return journey gives you a different perspective of the landscapes, and the sunset from Panar is often magical. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

After breakfast, trek back from Panar Bugyal to Sagar Village. The descent is easier and quicker but still offers plenty of natural beauty. On reaching Sagar, board your vehicle and drive 60 km to Urgam via Helang. The drive winds through the Alaknanda valley, offering views of terraced fields, rivers, and traditional Himalayan homes. Urgam Valley, located at around 2,200 meters, is a peaceful and fertile area known for apple orchards, potato farming, and the Kalpeshwar Temple. Upon arrival, check into a homestay or guest house. Spend the evening relaxing or taking a gentle walk through the valley’s scenic trails. The calm of the village is a perfect counterbalance to the rigorous trek you’ve just completed. Enjoy a nourishing dinner and retire for the night, refreshed by the lush surroundings.

After breakfast, embark on a short 2 km trek to Kalpeshwar Temple, the final and most accessible of the Panch Kedar shrines. The trail gently ascends through farmland and forests. Kalpeshwar is unique among the Panch Kedar because it’s the only temple that remains open throughout the year. Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters, the temple is set in a rock cave and is where Lord Shiva’s jata (hair) is worshipped. After darshan and spending some peaceful time near the shrine, trek back to Urgam and begin your drive to Rudraprayag (110 km, approx 3 hours). The route offers scenic vistas of the Alaknanda River and surrounding mountains. Upon reaching Rudraprayag, check into a hotel. Spend the evening visiting the confluence point of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers or exploring the small market. Have a relaxed dinner and rest well.

On the final day of your spiritual and trekking journey, enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Rudraprayag before starting the 162 km drive back to Haridwar. The drive takes approximately 6 hours and retraces your route along the winding mountain roads and scenic river valleys. This return journey is a time for reflection on the incredible experiences of the past 12 days—from the high-altitude treks and sacred temples to the tranquil villages and stunning Himalayan vistas. Arrive in Haridwar by late afternoon or evening. You may choose to conclude your journey with a visit to Har Ki Pauri for the evening Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ceremony of lights and chants on the banks of the Ganges. This marks the perfect spiritual conclusion to your adventure through the Panch Kedar circuit. Proceed to your onward destination, taking with you unforgettable memories, newfound perspectives, and a deep sense of peace.