Panch Kedar Circuit from Kedarnath
Planning 5 days in Kedarnath? This 5-day itinerary takes you from Kedarnath through the remaining Panch Kedar temples—Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar—combining high-altitude treks, sacred darshan, and Himalayan scenery in Uttarakhand. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.
Day 1: Arrival and Kedarnath Darshan
Day 1
Begin your journey with an early trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16-18 km) or take a helicopter from Phata/Sersi to the helipad near the temple. After checking into your lodge, visit the Kedarnath temple for darshan and explore the samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya behind the main shrine.
Activities
- Trek or helicopter to Kedarnath from Gaurikund/Phata
- Darshan at Kedarnath Temple (open till evening)
- Visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi behind the temple
- Short walk to Bhairav Nath Temple (guardian deity) for panoramic views
Meals
- •Breakfast at Gaurikund (simple Indian thali)
- •Lunch at a guesthouse in Kedarnath (dal, rice, roti)
- •Dinner at your lodge (hot soup, vegetarian curry)
Day 2: Gandhi Sarovar and Descent to Gaurikund
Day 2
Wake up early to trek to Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal), a glacial lake about 2 km above the temple, surrounded by snow peaks. After returning and having lunch, begin your descent to Gaurikund, where you'll stay overnight to prepare for the next leg toward Tungnath.
Activities
- Sunrise trek to Gandhi Sarovar (glacial lake)
- Morning aarti at Kedarnath Temple (if timing permits)
- Trek down to Gaurikund (approx 6-7 hours)
- Rest and overnight at Gaurikund
Meals
- •Breakfast at Kedarnath (poha, upma)
- •Lunch en route (packed parathas or snacks)
- •Dinner at Gaurikund (dal, sabzi, roti)
Day 3: Tungnath and Chopta
Day 3
From Gaurikund, drive to Chopta (about 3-4 hours via Ukhimath) and trek 3.5 km to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680m. After darshan, return to Chopta for an overnight stay in a tented camp or guesthouse.
Activities
- Scenic drive from Gaurikund to Chopta via Ukhimath
- Trek to Tungnath Temple (3.5 km, moderate)
- Darshan at Tungnath and explore the ancient stone architecture
- Optional short trek to Chandrashila peak (1.5 km) for sunset views
Meals
- •Breakfast at Gaurikund
- •Lunch at Chopta (local Garhwali thali)
- •Dinner at camp (hot meal with soup and veggies)
Day 4: Rudranath and Sagar Village
Day 4
Drive from Chopta to Sagar village (via Mandal) and trek 4 km through dense forests to Rudranath Temple (2,290m), known for its natural rock lingam and tranquil setting. Return to Sagar village for a homestay experience with local Garhwali hospitality.
Activities
- Drive to Sagar village (approx 3 hours)
- Trek to Rudranath Temple (4 km, forest trail)
- Darshan at Rudranath and explore the surrounding meadows
- Overnight in a village homestay
Meals
- •Breakfast at Chopta
- •Lunch at Sagar village (local dal, rice, and greens)
- •Dinner at homestay (traditional Garhwali dishes)
Day 5: Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar, and Return
Day 5
Drive from Sagar to Ransi (via Guptkashi) and trek 8 km to Madhyamaheshwar Temple (3,490m), dedicated to Shiva's navel form. After darshan, trek back to Ransi and drive to Kalpeshwar (via Helang) for a short walk to the cave temple, then return to Guptkashi or Rudraprayag for the night.
Activities
- Trek to Madhyamaheshwar Temple (8 km, steep climb)
- Darshan at Madhyamaheshwar and enjoy the alpine scenery
- Drive to Kalpeshwar and visit the cave temple
- Return drive to Guptkashi/Rudraprayag for overnight stay
Meals
- •Breakfast at Sagar village
- •Lunch at Ransi (simple thali)
- •Dinner at Guptkashi/Rudraprayag (hotel restaurant)
Detailed Timeline
Day 1
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at Gaurikund
Start early with a simple Indian thali (puri, sabzi, tea) at a local eatery near the trek start. Cost around ₹100-150 per person. Carry light snacks for the trek.
Begin trek or helicopter transfer
If trekking, start from Gaurikund (6,500 ft) on the 16-18 km trail to Kedarnath. The path is well-marked but steep; hire a mule (₹2,000-3,000) or palanquin (₹4,000-5,000) if needed. If taking a helicopter from Phata or Sersi, report at least 1 hour before departure (cost ₹3,000-4,000 one-way).
Afternoon
Arrive at Kedarnath and check in
Reach Kedarnath (11,755 ft) by noon if trekking (6-8 hours) or by 8:30 AM if flying. Check into a lodge or GMVN guesthouse (₹1,500-3,000 per night). Rest briefly to acclimatize.
Lunch at guesthouse
Enjoy a simple meal of dal, rice, roti, and seasonal vegetables at your lodge (₹200-300). Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated at altitude.
Darshan at Kedarnath Temple
Visit the ancient Shiva temple (open till 7 PM). The queue can take 1-2 hours; VIP darshan passes (₹500-1,000) are available for faster entry. Photography inside is prohibited.
Visit Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Located just behind the temple, this is the site where the great philosopher attained samadhi. A short walk and a moment of quiet reflection are recommended.
Evening
Short walk to Bhairav Nath Temple
Climb about 500m to the temple of the guardian deity. The 30-minute hike offers panoramic views of the Kedarnath peak and the valley. Entry is free; carry a torch if returning after dark.
Dinner and rest
Return to your lodge for a hot soup and vegetarian curry dinner (₹250-350). Sleep early to prepare for the next day's trek.
Day 2
8 activities
Morning
Sunrise trek to Gandhi Sarovar
Start early for the 2 km uphill trek to Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) at 13,200 ft. The trail is rocky; allow 1-1.5 hours. The glacial lake reflects the surrounding peaks—a stunning sight at sunrise.
Return to Kedarnath and breakfast
Descend back to Kedarnath and enjoy breakfast of poha or upma at a local eatery (₹100-150). Rest briefly before the morning aarti.
Morning aarti at Kedarnath Temple
Attend the morning aarti (around 9 AM) if timing permits. The chants and bells create a divine atmosphere. Arrive 30 minutes early to get a good spot.
Begin descent to Gaurikund
Start the 16-18 km downhill trek to Gaurikund. The descent takes 6-7 hours. Use walking sticks and take breaks at tea stalls en route. Carry water and energy bars.
Afternoon
Lunch en route
Stop at one of the many dhabas along the trail for packed parathas or maggi (₹80-120). Enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend.
Arrive at Gaurikund and check in
Reach Gaurikund by late afternoon. Check into a budget hotel (₹1,000-1,500). Take a hot shower and rest your legs.
Evening
Evening walk to Gauri Devi Temple
Visit the small temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri, located near the hot springs. The hot water pools are a great way to relax (entry ₹50).
Dinner and overnight at Gaurikund
Enjoy a dinner of dal, sabzi, and roti at your hotel (₹200-250). Prepare for the next day's drive to Chopta.
Day 3
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at Gaurikund
Have a hearty breakfast of aloo paratha or upma at your hotel (₹100-150). Pack some snacks for the journey.
Drive to Chopta via Ukhimath
Hire a shared taxi or private cab (₹2,500-3,500) for the 3-4 hour drive to Chopta (9,000 ft). The route passes through Ukhimath, a sacred town known for the Omkareshwar Temple.
Afternoon
Lunch at Chopta
Arrive in Chopta and have lunch at a local restaurant serving Garhwali thali (₹200-250). Chopta is a small meadow with basic facilities.
Trek to Tungnath Temple
Start the 3.5 km trek from Chopta to Tungnath (11,980 ft). The trail is moderate and well-defined, with stunning views of Himalayan peaks. Allow 2-3 hours. You can hire a mule (₹1,500) if needed.
Darshan at Tungnath Temple
Visit the highest Shiva temple in the world (3,680m). The stone architecture is ancient and unique. Spend time exploring the temple complex and surrounding meadows.
Optional trek to Chandrashila Peak
If time and energy permit, continue 1.5 km to Chandrashila (13,000 ft) for a 360-degree view of the Himalayas. The sunset from here is spectacular. Return to Tungnath before dark.
Evening
Descend to Chopta and check in
Trek down to Chopta (1 hour) and check into a tented camp or guesthouse (₹1,500-2,500). Some camps offer bonfires in the evening.
Dinner at camp
Enjoy a hot meal of soup, veggies, and rice at your camp (₹300-400). The night sky is ideal for stargazing.
Day 4
7 activities
Morning
Breakfast at Chopta
Have breakfast at your camp or a local eatery (₹100-150). Carry a packed lunch for the trek.
Drive to Sagar village via Mandal
Take a taxi (₹2,000-3,000) for the 3-hour drive to Sagar village (5,900 ft). The route passes through Mandal, known for its ancient temples. The road is scenic but winding.
Arrive at Sagar and start trek to Rudranath
From Sagar, begin the 4 km trek to Rudranath Temple (2,290m). The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron and oak. Allow 2-3 hours. The path is shaded but can be slippery after rain.
Afternoon
Lunch en route or at Rudranath
Enjoy a packed lunch of parathas or local snacks at a rest point. If you reach the temple by lunchtime, some small dhabas may offer simple meals.
Darshan at Rudranath Temple
The temple houses a natural rock lingam and is set in a serene meadow surrounded by forests. Spend time in prayer and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Explore the nearby meadows and waterfalls.
Return trek to Sagar village
Trek back down to Sagar (1.5-2 hours). The descent is easier but take care on steep sections.
Evening
Check into homestay and dinner
Stay in a local Garhwali homestay (₹1,000-1,500 including dinner). Enjoy traditional dishes like chainsoo (black dal), gahat (horse gram) soup, and jhangora (millet) pudding. Experience warm village hospitality.
Day 5
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at Sagar village
Have a hearty breakfast at your homestay (included). Pack light snacks and water for the trek.
Drive to Ransi via Guptkashi
Take a taxi (₹3,000-4,000) for the 3-hour drive to Ransi (8,500 ft). The route passes through Guptkashi, a town with the famous Vishwanath Temple. The roads are narrow but scenic.
Start trek to Madhyamaheshwar
Begin the 8 km trek from Ransi to Madhyamaheshwar Temple (3,490m). The trail is steep and rocky, ascending through forests and alpine meadows. Allow 4-5 hours. Hire a mule (₹2,000) if needed.
Afternoon
Lunch en route
Stop at a tea stall or dhaba for a simple thali or maggi (₹100-150). Enjoy the views of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Darshan at Madhyamaheshwar
The temple is dedicated to Shiva's navel form and is one of the Panch Kedar. The stone shrine is set in a beautiful valley. Spend time in prayer and admire the surrounding glaciers.
Trek back to Ransi
Descend to Ransi (2-3 hours). The downhill is quicker but requires caution on loose stones. Reach Ransi by early evening.
Evening
Drive to Kalpeshwar via Helang
From Ransi, drive (2 hours) to Kalpeshwar (7,000 ft), the only Panch Kedar accessible by road. The drive via Helang is scenic. Park at the roadhead and walk 10 minutes to the cave temple.
Visit Kalpeshwar and return to Guptkashi/Rudraprayag
Visit the cave temple dedicated to Shiva, where the matted hair (jata) is worshipped. After darshan, drive 1-2 hours to Guptkashi or Rudraprayag for dinner and overnight stay at a hotel (₹1,500-2,500).
Food Recommendations
Bhandari Camp, Chopta
Camp kitchenMust Try: Garhwali dal with mandua roti
₹200-400 per meal
GMVN Tourist Lodge, Guptkashi
North Indian vegetarianMust Try: Aloo ke gutke and kumaoni raita
₹250-500 per meal
Local homestay in Sagar village
Garhwali home-cookedMust Try: Bhatt ki dal (black soybean) and jhangora kheer
₹150-300 per meal
Transportation Tips
- Book shared taxis from Rishikesh to Sonprayag/Gaurikund in advance; the road is steep and winding.
- Helicopter services from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi to Kedarnath operate only during the yatra season; reserve weeks ahead.
- For the Panch Kedar circuit, hire a private cab for flexibility between Chopta, Sagar, and Ransi—public buses are infrequent.
- Trekking routes are well-marked but carry a local guide for safety, especially for Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar.
Budget Breakdown
Total Estimated Per Person
₹19,000-36,000
Accommodation
₹6,000-12,000
Food
₹3,000-5,000
Transport
₹8,000-15,000 (including shared taxis and private cab)
Miscellaneous
₹2,000-4,000 (ponies, guides, permits)
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