Panch Kedar Yatra Tour Package

Here is the list of Panch Kedar Opening & Closing Dates 2026 (Tentative) -

Kedarnath Dham - 22 April 2026*

Kalpeshwar temple - Open throughout the Year

Madhy-Maheswar Temple - 10 May 2026*

Rudranath - 9 May 2026*

Tungnath Temple - 15 May 2026*

The Panch Kedar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to five Lord Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas — Kedarnath (3,583 m), Tungnath (3,680 m), Rudranath (3,550 m), Madhyamaheshwar (3,497 m), and Kalpeshwar (2,200 m). The journey blends mythology, trekking, and spiritual exploration.

According to legends - After the great Mahabharat battle Pandavas felt guilty for the massacre, and to get free from the sins they needed Shiva blessings. But Shiva was not willing to give redemption for their bad work. And to hide from the Pandavas, Shiva transformed himself into a Bull and dive to the ground. But Bhima recognized the bull as none other than Shiva then he caught the bull with his tail and hind legs. The bull vanishes into the ground and reappears at five different places- Hump in the Kedarnath, two forelegs in the Tungnath, Nevil & stomach in the Madhy-Maheshwar, face at Rudranath and hair-lock in Kalpeshwar. Together these five places are called Panch Kedar.

In Uttarakhand, there are a total of five Kedar which is known as Panch Kedar. Panch Kedar contains five Shiva Temples which are at the remote locations of Uttarakhand. These five temples are Kedarnath, Kalpeshwar, Madhmaeshwar, Rudranath & Tungnath.

Like others' spiritual circuits Panch Kedar also follows a fixed sequence that starts from Kedarnath, then Madhmaheswar, then Tungnath, Rudranath, and last Kalpnath/Kalpeshwar.

No, Kedarnath & Tungnath are two different Shiva temples which are the parts of Panch Kedar. Kedarnath is the place where Shiva is worshiped in the form of a bull whereas Tungnath is the place where the devotees worship the fore-legs of Shiva.

No. Tungnath Temple is based in the high snowfall region which makes the temple inaccessible for the devotees. That’s why Tungnath temple opens only for 6 months and closes in winters for the next six months.

Kedarnath Dham is a more than the 1000 year old temple based on the bank of Mandakini river which was recreated by Adi Shankaracharya in 8 AD.

Tungnath Temple is the world's highest-altitude Shiva Temple. It is located near Chopta in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 3,680 meters (approx 13000 ft.) above sea level and is considered to be more than 1,000 years old.

To reach Tungnath Temple, you have to first come to Haridwar/Rishikesh from there you can take any taxi or shared vehicle till Ukhimath or Chopta. Chopta is the place from where the trek starts. The trek is 3.5 km long which goes through beautiful landscapes. The trek is not very difficult but it needs physical fitness.

The best time is May–June and September–October due to clear weather and open temples.

• Summer: Pleasant trekking

• Post-monsoon: Scenic Himalayan views

• Avoid July–August (landslides risk)

The trekking distance for Panch Kedar's Temples is given as follows -
1. Kedarnath Temple has a 16 km trek, which starts from the Gaurikund.
2. Tungnath Temple’s Trek is just 3.5 km long, which starts from Chopta.
3. To reach Rudranath there are three different routes but the approx trek distance is more than 20 km.
4. Madhy-Maheswar Temple trek is approx 14-16 km long, which starts from the Ransi Village.
5. To reach Kalpeshwar the road is motorable till Helang Urgam road. From there you have to trek less than a km to reach Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Yes, the Panch Kedar trek is moderate to difficult due to steep ascents and high altitude (~12,000 ft).

• Suitable for physically fit travelers

• Prior trekking experience recommended

In winter, when the temple is inaccessible due to snowfall and rainfall at that time the idols of these temples are brought down to their winter’s seats. In winters the symbolic idol of Kedarnath Temple is brought to Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath, idol of Tungnath brought to Mokhumath, the symbolic idol of Rudranath moved to Gopeshwar, Madhy-Maheswar idol brought to the Ukhimath. Only the Kalpeshwar Temple is open throughout the year.

The Panch Kedar Yatra typically takes 10–12 days to complete, including trekking and road travel.

• Covers Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar

• Trekking distance: ~100–125 km
  Explore similar spiritual journeys in this Char Dham Yatra tour package

The Panch Kedar tour usually costs ₹20,000–₹55,000 per person depending on itinerary and services.

• Budget trek packages available

• Premium tours include guide, transport, and stays

Most packages include:

• Accommodation and meals

• Transfers and guide

• Trek assistance (pony/porter optional)

Exclusions:

• Personal expenses

• Helicopter services

• Insurance

Most travelers complete Panch Kedar in 12 days starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh. This duration allows gradual acclimatization, proper darshan, and trekking at a safe pace.

Panch Kedar is best for travelers with good stamina because Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar involve long treks. Beginners can prepare with shorter treks like Tungnath or explore beginner routes via this Kedarnath tour package first.

According to Hindu mythology, the five temples represent different body parts of Lord Shiva that appeared in the Himalayas after the Mahabharata. Completing the circuit is believed to cleanse sins and bring divine blessings.

You should start training 4–6 weeks before travel with:

• Daily walking or stair climbing

• Cardio and leg strengthening

• Basic trekking practice

Yes, travelers often combine Panch Kedar with Char Dham or Valley of Flowers for a longer Himalayan pilgrimage. You can also explore nature retreats via this Uttarakhand tour package collection.