Panch Kedar Yatra: Uttarakhand is in the northern part of India, in the Himalayas. It is also known as Devbhumi. It is said that the gods have their special blessings on Devbhumi. From ancient times, many gods and goddesses have abode in DevBhomi, and among them, Bhagwan Shiv holds a prominent place. In the Garhwal region of the Himalayas, there are five such temples devoted to Bhagwan Shiva. These five pilgrimage sites are collectively known as Panch Kedar, and the names of these temples are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpnath.
This yatra is also known as Chota Char Dham Yatra, and there are many folklores about these five temples Panch Kedar Temples. According to one mythological story, which dates back to the time of Bhagwan Krishna in the era of the Mahabharata. When the Pandavas unjustly killed some Kauravas in the fierce war then they went to Bhagwan Shiva to atone for their sins. But as Bhagwan Shiva saw Pandavas, he took the form of a bull and entered the earth. Then, after this, Shiva appeared in the form of the Shiva linga at five different places in the Himalayas. And these Panch Kedar Temples are related to the body parts of Lord Shiva.
- The Kedarnath Shivling is in the form of the hump
- The navel is represented in the Madhyamaheshwar Temple
- His arms are symbolized in the Tungnath Temple
- The face is in the Rudranath Temple
- And the Kalpeshwar Temple is considered to be a form of Shiva’s matted locks.
All the temples hold their importance in the whole yatra, but Kedarnath Temple holds a prominent place among the five Shiva temples. Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Bhagwan Shiva. Many devotees from all over the world come to visit these temples, from the young to the elderly. Everyone can be found doing this yatra.
Itinerary for Panch Kedar Yatra
Day 1: Rishikesh to Guptkashi
Your Journey will start from the Yoga Capital of India – Rishikesh. You can reach here from Delhi or any other major city in the country. From here, you will move toward Guptkashi. On your way, you will be able to visit Dhari Devi Temple if time permits. You will reach your Destination in 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Drive from Guptkashi to Gauri Kund
Today, you will visit the holy shrine of Kedarnath. After having breakfast, leave GuptKashi early and drive to Sonprayag. From here, we will continue our journey in a Shared Taxi toward Gauri Kund. And the trek starts from Gauri Kund. Here you can also visit a small Maa Parvati Temple.
Day 3: Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Drive Back to Guptkashi
Wake up early in the morning, the Kedarnath Temple opens at 6 a.m. for pilgrims. Then you can have your morning Kedar Darshan, and then after breakfast, you can return to Gauri Kund. And then drive back to GuptKashi.
Day 4: Drive from Guptkashi to Ransi and trek to Gaundhar
Today, we will set out for the trek to Madhyameshwar. Today, we will be reaching Ransi via Ukhimath from GuptKashi. Waking up early in the morning after having breakfast, you will check out from your accommodation at GuptKashi and head toward Ransi and then trek toward Gaundhar.
Day 5: Gaundhar to Madhmaheshwar
Today, we will head toward the next part of our trek toward the Madhyamaheshwar Temple. The route ahead is well marked with multiple signboards indicating the distances. After reaching the temple and doing Darshan, you can also visit the nearby Amrit Kund.
Day 6: Madhmaheshwar to Ransi and drive to Ukhimath
On the sixth day, you will be on your way back to Ransi village, and then from there, you will head back to Ukhimath. Here you will spend a night. Have a good sleep and Dinner, tomorrow will be a busy day.
Day 7: Ukhimath to Chopta, trek to Tungnath, return to Chopta
Today, you will first be travelling to Chopta from Ukhimath, so wake up and start your day with an energetic breakfast. Then you will head towards Chopta by vehicle. This is the place from where you will start your trek to Tungnath. And after Tungnath Darshan, you will head back to Chopta.
Day 8: Chopta to Sagar and trek to Lyuti Bugyal
On the eighth day, you will start your journey from Chopta to Sagar Village. From this village, you will start for your Rudranath Trek. The trek will end at Lyuti Bugyal. And the Rudranath Trek is one of the peaceful treks with less crowd.
Day 9: Lyuti Bugyal to Rudranath and return to Lyuti Bugyal
Today, you wake up early and have your breakfast before you start the trek to the Rudranath Temple. As you approach the Temple, you will find wildflowers on the trail. The bells and flags indicate the distance between you and the temple. After completing your Rudranath Darshan, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunset view while moving back to Lyuti bugyal for a night’s stay.
Day 10: Trek from Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar Village and Drive to Pipalkoti
On the tenth day of the journey, your goal will be to reach Pipalkoti. This will be the last temple in the Panch Kedar Yatra. The fifth shrine will be Kalpeshwar Temple. In the morning, you get up early and have breakfast and start to descend from Sagar Village. And then a drive to Pipalkoti, and check into an accommodation to have your dinner and retire for the night.
Day 11: Drive from Pipalkoti to Kalpeshwar and Drive to Badrinath
Today, you will start your day early and then drive toward Urgam Valley. And then when you reach Devgram, you will trek a short downhill of 200m to reach Kalpeshwar Temple. This Shiva temple is open for pilgrims throughout the year from all the Panch Kedar in this yatra. And after the Kalpeshwar Mahadev Darshan. You will start your drive towards Badrinath Temple. Near Badrinath, you will be provided with accommodation and dinner. If time permits, you can join the Badrinath evening aarti.
Day 12: Drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh
This is your last day of the Panch Kedar Yatra, which marks the final leg of your spiritual journey. You will wake up early and, after breakfast, begin your long journey back to Rishikesh. And this concludes the sacred yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions for Panch Kedar Yatra
What is the best time to visit the Panch Kedar Yatra?
The best time to do Panch Kedar Yatra is in April, May, June and then after monsoons in September and October. The Panch Kedar offers a complete package for everyone.
What are the 5 Kedar Dham?
The five Kedar Dhams are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.
How many days for the Panch Kedar trek?
The package for Panch Kedar Yatra in Uttarakhand is for 12 Days.
How much time does it take to complete Panch Kedar?
Panch Kedar Trek takes around 12 to 13 Days to complete and cover all the temples.
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