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Home›Treks›Panch Kedar Circuit

Panch Kedar Circuit

Uttrakhand

A sacred Himalayan journey through five ancient temples of Lord Shiva

Highlights

Key features and unique experiences

Kedarnath (Hump of Shiva): The most revered Jyotirlinga, set against snow-covered peaks.
Tungnath (Arms of Shiva): The highest Shiva temple in the world, with an optional trek to Chandrashila for 360° Himalayan views.
Rudranath (Face of Shiva): A remote and mystical shrine surrounded by alpine meadows.
Madhyamaheshwar (Navel of Shiva): Peaceful temple in a high-altitude valley, ideal for deep meditation.
Kalpeshwar (Hair of Shiva): The only Panch Kedar open all year, accessible by road and short walk.
This circuit combines mythology, trekking adventure, and raw Himalayan beauty.
7
days

Duration

Complete journey time

Perfect length
12000 ft
m

Altitude

Peak elevation

High altitude
Hotel/Tents
nights

Accommodation

Stay arrangement

Comfort stays
Hard

Difficulty

Challenge intensity

Skill required

Detailed Itinerary

07:00 AM – 02:00 PM: Scenic drive to Guptkashi. Location: 190 km from Rishikesh. Description: Mountain drive along Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Duration: 7–8 hours. Cost: ₹1,500–₹3,000 per person (shared taxi). Tips: Start early, carry snacks and water. Evening (05:00 PM – 07:00 PM): Visit Vishwanath Temple and local market. Rest and acclimatization.

Inclusions

Accommodation in guesthouses / camps on sharing basis.

Daily breakfast and dinner (pure vegetarian).

All local transfers as per itinerary (Rishikesh to Rishikesh).

Trekking support and route guidance.

Temple Darshan assistance.

Basic first-aid support.

Experienced tour coordinator.

Camping equipment where required.

All government taxes.

Exclusions

Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled drinks, laundry, etc.).

Pony, doli, or helicopter services to Kedarnath.

Any kind of travel insurance.

Medical expenses or emergency evacuation.

Entry fees not mentioned in inclusions.

Meals during transit days and lunch.

Tips for guides, porters, or drivers.

Expenses due to landslides, weather delays, or road blockages.

Packing Essentials

1
Warm Layered Clothing
Thermal innerwear, fleece or woolen mid-layers, and a warm jacket to protect against cold temperatures, especially in Badrinath and Joshimath.
2
Rain Protection
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as sudden बारिश (rain) is common in the mountains, especially during monsoon months.
3
Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes or trekking shoes with good grip for temple visits and the short trek to Bhavishya Badri.
4
Personal Medicines & First Aid
Regular medicines, basic first-aid kit, pain relief spray, and medicines for altitude, cold, or motion sickness.
5
Identity Documents
Valid photo ID proof with a few photocopies, useful for hotel check-ins and emergencies.
6
Power Bank & Torch
Power bank for charging phones in areas with limited electricity and a small torch for night use.
7
Personal Hygiene Items
Toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, and towel for personal comfort during travel.
8
Cash and Small Backpack
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are limited, and a small day backpack for daily temple visits and short treks.

Safety Considerations

1
Fitness & Physical Preparation
A moderate level of fitness is required to handle the steep forest inclines. We recommend a preparation routine of jogging 5 km in 35-40 minutes and leg-strengthening exercises (squats/lunges) starting 2 weeks before the trek.
2
Weather & Temperature Management
The Himalayas are unpredictable; temperatures at the base camp can drop to -5°C even in non-winter months. Trekkers must use a 3-layer clothing system (base, insulation, and shell) to prevent hypothermia during cold nights.
3
Winter Trail Protocol
During winter (Dec-Feb), the trail above the Nag Devta temple often turns into hard ice or 'verglas'. The use of micro-spikes and gaiters is mandatory in these conditions to prevent slips on steep summit sections.
4
Altitude & Hydration
While Nag Tibba (9,915 ft) is below the typical threshold for severe AMS, rapid ascent can cause mild headaches or fatigue. Consuming 3-4 liters of water daily and ascending at a steady, rhythmic pace is crucial for acclimatization.
5
Camping & Amenity Reality
Expect basic wilderness camping with dry pit toilets and no electricity or running water. Trekkers should carry fully charged power banks and avoid wandering away from the designated campsite after dark to ensure group safety.
6
Wildlife & Trail Etiquette
The Nag Tibba range is a habitat for bears and leopards. Trekkers must stay with the group, avoid playing loud music, and ensure no food waste is left outside tents, as this can attract wild animals to the campsite.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal seasons and weather conditions

1
Pre-Monsoon Season (May to June)
This is one of the best times to undertake the Panch Kedar Yatra. Weather is pleasant, snow starts melting on high passes, and all major temples except in extreme conditions are accessible. Trek routes are clear and suitable for pilgrims and trekkers.
2
Monsoon Season (July to August) – CAUTION ADVISED
Heavy rainfall can cause landslides, slippery trails, and road blockages, especially on routes to Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar. Travel is possible but not recommended for inexperienced trekkers due to safety concerns.
3
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (September to October)
Considered the best season for Panch Kedar. Skies are clear, mountain views are sharp, and trekking conditions are stable. Weather is cool and ideal for long walking days, making it perfect for completing the full circuit.
4
Winter (November to April) – NOT RECOMMENDED
Most Panch Kedar temples remain closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold, except Kalpeshwar which is accessible by road. Trek routes are buried under snow and unsafe for travel during this season.

Physical Requirements

1
Difficulty Level
Categorized as Challenging/Tough (Level 6), involving technical glacier and pass crossings
2
Prior Experience
Mandatory completion of at least 2 high-altitude treks ranging between 3,500m and 4,500m
3
Fitness Level
Requires high cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and physical flexibility for technical terrain
4
Age Range
Typically recommended for fit individuals within the 18-48 years age bracket

How to Reach

1
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are the main starting points for the Panch Kedar Circuit.
2
By Rail
Haridwar Junction (HW) and Rishikesh Railway Station (YNRK) are the nearest railheads, well connected to Delhi and other major cities. From here, shared taxis and buses are available towards Guptkashi, Chopta, and other trek base points.
3
By Road
Rishikesh and Haridwar are well connected by road to Delhi, Dehradun, and other North Indian cities. From Rishikesh, the route goes via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi for Kedarnath and further toward Chopta, Sagar, and Helang for other Panch Kedar temples.
4
Local Travel Between Temples
Most temple routes involve a combination of road travel and trekking. Local taxis and shared jeeps are commonly used for inter-town travel, while trekking is required to reach Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Madhyamaheshwar. Kalpeshwar is accessible by road and a short walk.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking

The Panch Kedar Circuit is a sacred pilgrimage covering five temples of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Each temple represents a different part of Lord Shiva’s body and is linked to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

Usually 7 to 9 days are ideal, depending on weather, trekking speed, and road conditions.

The best time is from May to October. Most temples remain closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, except Kalpeshwar which is open all year.

The trek is moderate to difficult. It requires good physical fitness, as it includes long trekking hours, high altitude, and changing weather conditions.

Yes, with proper preparation and guidance. However, prior trekking experience and basic fitness are highly recommended.

Helicopter services are available only for Kedarnath. The other temples must be reached by trekking.

Basic guesthouses, GMVN rest houses, and camps are available. Luxury accommodation is not available in remote areas.

Simple vegetarian meals such as dal, rice, roti, sabzi, and tea are available. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited near temple areas.

No special permits are required, but carrying a valid government ID is mandatory.

The network is limited and unreliable. BSNL and Jio work in some areas, but do not depend on mobile connectivity.

Warm clothes and rain jacket, trekking shoes, torch and power bank, first-aid kit, water bottle and energy snacks, and personal medicines.

Yes, but it is safer to travel in a group or with an experienced guide due to remote terrain and unpredictable weather.

Yes, for Kedarnath and some other trek routes. Charges vary depending on distance and season.

Senior citizens with good health and medical clearance can attempt it, but the trek is physically demanding.

Kedarnath: 3,583 m, Tungnath: 3,680 m, Rudranath: 3,600 m approx., Madhyamaheshwar: 3,289 m, Kalpeshwar: 2,200 m.

It is not mandatory but strongly recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

It is one of the most spiritual pilgrimages in India, combining ancient mythology, physical endurance, and the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.

Children above 12 years with good stamina can join, but this trek is not recommended for very young kids.

The itinerary may be changed or delayed for safety reasons. Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly.

Yes, the itinerary can be customized based on your time, fitness level, and travel preferences.

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Major Attractions

Discover the must-visit places along your journey

9 attractions across 9 categories

Filter by Category

Kedarnath Temple

Religious/Jyotirlinga Shrine#1

Tungnath Temple

Religious/Highest Shiva Temple#2

Chandrashila Peak

Nature/Viewpoint#3

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Religious/High-Altitude Shrine#4

Rudranath Temple

Religious/Remote Shrine#5

Kalpeshwar Temple

Religious/Year-Round Shrine#6