Garhwal
Panch Kedar Trek
All five Kedar shrines on one continuous journey
About this trek
The Panch Kedar is a pilgrimage circuit as much as a trek. It links the five shrines where, in the Mahabharata tradition, Shiva appeared to the Pandavas — from the great temple at Kedarnath to the small cave at Kalpeshwar. Between them lie forest trails, high passes and long ridge walks, and the eleven days ask for steady fitness rather than technical skill.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Ursam Village — Kalpeshwar Mahadev
Rishikesh → Ursam Village
Road day to the Urgam valley and the first of the five shrines, the cave temple of Kalpeshwar.
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Day 2
Ursam to Sagar Village, trek to Lyuti Bugyal
Ursam Village → Sagar Village → Lyuti Bugyal
A road transfer to Sagar, then the climb onto open bugyal.
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Day 3
Rudranath and back to Lyuti Bugyal
Lyuti Bugyal → Rudranath → Lyuti Bugyal
A rocky traverse to the second shrine, set in a natural stone hollow, and back.
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Day 4
Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar, drive to Chopta
Lyuti Bugyal → Sagar Village → Chopta
Descend to the roadhead, then drive across to the Chopta meadows.
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Day 5
Tungnath and Chandrashila
Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila → Chopta
The highest Shiva temple in the world, and the summit just above it.
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Day 6
Chopta to Ransi and Gaundhar Village
Chopta → Ransi Village → Gaundhar Village
Road transfer to Ransi, then a short walk down to Gaundhar.
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Day 7
Gaundhar to Madhyamaheshwar
Gaundhar Village → Madhyamaheshwar
A forest and river-valley walk to the fourth shrine, below Chaukhamba.
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Day 8
Madhyamaheshwar to Ransi, drive to Gupt Kashi / Phata
Madhyamaheshwar → Ransi Village → Gupt Kashi / Phata
The descent to the roadhead and a transfer to the staging town for Kedarnath.
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Day 9
Gupt Kashi to Kedarnath
Gupt Kashi → Kedarnath
The long climb to the last and greatest of the five shrines.
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Day 10
Kedarnath to Gupt Kashi
Kedarnath → Gupt Kashi
Morning darshan, then the descent.
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Day 11
Gupt Kashi to Rishikesh
Gupt Kashi → Rishikesh
Drive out. Expect to reach Rishikesh in the evening.
What is and is not included
Included
- Qualified trek leader and support staff
- Forest and camping permits
- Twin/triple sharing tents
- All meals on the trek
- Safety equipment and first-aid support
Not included
- Transportation to and from the base camp
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (50–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Satopanth Lake Trek
Walk past the last village on the Mana route to a triangular glacial lake ringed by Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Balakun.
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Brahmatal Trek
Snow underfoot from the first day, oak and rhododendron forest, and an open ridge that holds Trishul in view for hours.
