What is Panch Kedar?
The Panch Kedar ("five Kedars") are five sacred Shiva shrines nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. According to the Mahabharata, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to atone for the sin of killing their kinsmen. Shiva, unwilling to forgive them, transformed into a bull and dove into the earth. His body parts appeared at five different locations — each now venerated as a distinct Panch Kedar temple.
Completing the Panch Kedar Yatra — which involves significant trekking — is considered one of the most spiritually and physically demanding pilgrimages in India.
| # | Shrine | Body Part of Shiva | Altitude | Trek from Road |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kedarnath | Hump (Kunda) | 3,583 m | 16 km from Gaurikund |
| 2 | Tungnath | Arms (Bahu) | 3,680 m | 3.5 km from Chopta |
| 3 | Rudranath | Face (Mukh) | 2,286 m | 20 km from Sagar village |
| 4 | Madhyamaheshwar | Navel (Nabhi) | 3,497 m | 24 km from Ransi |
| 5 | Kalpeshwar | Hair (Jata) | 2,200 m | 1 km from Urgam valley |
1. Kedarnath – The Hump of Shiva
Kedarnath is the most famous and highest of the Panch Kedar, enshrining the hump (kunda) of the divine bull. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India and one of the four Char Dham shrines. The ancient stone temple at 3,583m has withstood centuries of Himalayan winters and the devastating 2013 floods.
- Trek: 16 km from Gaurikund (6–8 hrs up)
- Altitude: 3,583 m
- Open: May – November
- Helicopter: Available from Phata, Sirsi, Guptkashi (7–10 min flight)
- Base camp: Gaurikund / Sonprayag
2. Tungnath – The Arms of Shiva
Tungnath is the world's highest Shiva temple at 3,680m and is enshrined with the arms of the divine bull. Situated above the Chopta meadows, it is the most accessible of the Panch Kedar with a short 3.5 km trek. Many pilgrims continue further to the Chandrashila summit (4,130m) for panoramic Himalayan views.
- Trek: 3.5 km from Chopta
- Altitude: 3,680 m (Tungnath) / 4,130 m (Chandrashila summit)
- Open: May – November
- Best for: Day treks, photography, winter snow camping
- Base camp: Chopta (accessible via Ukhimath or Gopeshwar)
3. Rudranath – The Face of Shiva
Rudranath enshrines the face (mukh) of Lord Shiva — and is considered the most challenging of the five Kedars to reach. The trek passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, alpine meadows (bugyals), and snow-covered trails to a high-altitude temple at 2,286m. The surrounding Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve makes this one of the most scenic treks in Uttarakhand.
- Trek: 20 km from Sagar village (near Gopeshwar)
- Altitude: 2,286 m
- Open: May – November
- Trek duration: 2 days up, 1–2 days down
- Campsite: Pitradhar and Panar bugyal (alpine meadows)
4. Madhyamaheshwar – The Navel of Shiva
Madhyamaheshwar (also called Madmaheshwar) enshrines the navel (nabhi) of Lord Shiva. The temple sits in a high-altitude valley surrounded by glaciers and offers some of the finest views of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth peaks. The 24 km trek from Ransi village passes through the stunning Bantoli and Nala Chu meadows.
- Trek: 24 km from Ransi (Ukhimath area)
- Altitude: 3,497 m
- Open: May – November
- Trek duration: 2 days up (camp at Bantoli), 1–2 days return
- Base village: Ransi (30 km from Ukhimath)
5. Kalpeshwar – The Hair of Shiva
Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple that is accessible year-round. It enshrines the hair (jata) of Lord Shiva and is located in the scenic Urgam Valley of Chamoli district. The short 1 km trek from the roadhead makes it uniquely accessible, though its remote valley location preserves an atmosphere of peaceful isolation. The temple features a natural cave entrance carved out of rock.
- Trek: 1 km from Urgam village
- Altitude: 2,200 m
- Open: Year-round (the only Panch Kedar open in winter)
- How to reach: Joshimath → Helang → Urgam (14 km off NH-7)
- Best combined with: Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib (same base at Joshimath)
Panch Kedar Yatra – Suggested Itinerary
| Day | Route | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Haridwar / Rishikesh | Rishikesh |
| Day 2 | Rishikesh → Joshimath | Joshimath |
| Day 3 | Joshimath → Kalpeshwar darshan → return | Joshimath |
| Day 4 | Joshimath → Gopeshwar → Sagar → Rudranath trek Day 1 | Panar Bugyal (camp) |
| Day 5 | Rudranath darshan → return to Sagar | Gopeshwar |
| Day 6 | Gopeshwar → Chopta → Tungnath trek | Chopta |
| Day 7 | Optional Chandrashila → Chopta → Ukhimath → Ransi | Ransi |
| Day 8 | Ransi → Madhyamaheshwar trek Day 1 | Bantoli (camp) |
| Day 9 | Madhyamaheshwar darshan → return to Ransi | Ukhimath |
| Day 10 | Ukhimath → Sonprayag → Gaurikund | Gaurikund |
| Day 11 | Kedarnath trek → darshan | Kedarnath |
| Day 12 | Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Rishikesh / Haridwar | – |
Best Time for Panch Kedar Yatra
- May – June: All temples open, clear trails; Kedarnath and Tungnath may have snow patches
- September – October: Post-monsoon; best weather, clear Himalayan views, lesser crowds
- November – April: Only Kalpeshwar remains open; all other Panch Kedars closed due to snow
- Monsoon (July–August): Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar trails can be slippery; not recommended
Trekking Tips
- The full Panch Kedar circuit requires 10–12 days minimum — plan accordingly
- Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar involve significant trekking; acclimatize at Joshimath (1 night) before starting
- Carry a quality sleeping bag for high-altitude camps (temperatures drop below 5°C at night)
- Register at forest checkpoints — carry a photo ID
- Hire a local guide for Rudranath trail — the path through bugyals can be confusing in clouds
- Combine with Panch Badri at Badrinath and Joshimath for a complete Garhwal circuit