What is Panch Kedar?
Panch Kedar refers to five sacred temples of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand —
Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath,
Madhyamaheshwar
, and
Kalpeshwar
. According to Hindu mythology, these temples mark the places where different body parts of Lord Shiva appeared after he disappeared in the form of a bull to avoid the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war.
These temples are situated in the high Himalayas and together form the famous Panch Kedar Yatra, a spiritually significant yet physically challenging pilgrimage circuit covering around 110+ km of trekking routes.
Among them, Kedarnath is the most visited shrine and also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, while Tungnath is known as the highest Shiva temple in the world.
Panch Kedar Temples Name and Location
The five Panch Kedar temples are located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Each temple has a different base camp and trekking distance. Below is a complete overview of the Panch Kedar names, location, and trek details.
| Temple Name | District | Base Camp | Approx. Trek Distance |
| Kedarnath Temple | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Gaurikund | 16 km (one way) |
| Tungnath Temple | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Chopta | 3.5 km (one way) |
| Rudranath Temple | Chamoli, Uttarakhand | Sagar Village | 18–20 km |
| Madhyamaheshwar Temple | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | Ransi Village | 16–18 km |
| Kalpeshwar Temple | Chamoli, Uttarakhand | Urgam Village / Helang | 1 km |
The Panch Kedar circuit collectively involves more than 100 km of trekking through high-altitude Himalayan terrain, making it one of the most spiritually rewarding yet physically demanding pilgrimages in India.
Panch Kedar History and Mythology
The origin of the Panch Kedar temples is deeply connected to the Mahabharata. According to Hindu mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas felt guilty for killing their relatives and teachers. Seeking forgiveness for their sins, they were advised by Lord Krishna to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
However, Lord Shiva was upset with them due to the destruction caused by the war and avoided meeting them. He left Kashi and took refuge in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. When the Pandavas continued searching for him, Shiva disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) to hide among the cattle.
Bhima, one of the Pandavas, recognized the bull and tried to capture him. At that moment, the bull began to disappear into the earth. Different parts of Shiva’s body appeared at five separate locations across the Himalayas. The Pandavas built temples at each of these sacred spots. These five temples later became known as the Panch Kedar.
Panch Kedar Yatra
The Panch Kedar Yatra is considered one of the most challenging yet spiritually rewarding pilgrimages in India. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the complete Panch Kedar circuit involves over
100–115 km
of trekking across high-altitude terrain.
The entire journey usually takes
12 to 14 days
, starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh, depending on the chosen route.
Panch Kedar Trek Overview
- Total Trek Distance : Approx. 110+ km
- Duration : 12–14 days
- Difficulty Level : Moderate to Difficult
- Maximum Altitude : 3,680 meters (Tungnath)
- Best Starting Point : Haridwar / Rishikesh
The trek passes through dense forests, alpine meadows (bugyals), river valleys, and snow-covered Himalayan peaks. Pilgrims must be physically prepared as some stretches involve steep ascents and long walking hours.
Distance of Panch Kedar from Other Kedar
Panch Kedar Distance from other cities
Panch Kedar Opening Dates 2026
The Panch Kedar temples remain open for approximately
six months
every year, generally from
April/May to October/November
. Due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region, all temples (except Kalpeshwar) close during winter.
For 2026, the opening dates of Panch Kedar temples have started being announced by the respective temple committees around the occasion of Mahashivratri.
For exact date dates of char dham temples you can also refer
Char Dham Yatra 2026 Opening & Closing Dates
Here are the tentative opening dates for the Panch Kedar temples.
Note:
The dates may be subject to change due to the weather conditions and rituals.
Panch Kedar Yatra Itinerary
The complete Panch Kedar Yatra usually takes 12–14 days to cover all five temples. Below is a traditional 14-day itinerary starting and ending at Haridwar.
Day 1:-
Haridwar to Helang
Drive: Approx. 9 hours
Day 2: Helang – Kalpeshwar – Helang – Sagar Village
Drive + Short Trek
Visit Kalpeshwar Temple (1 km trek) and proceed towards Sagar village base
.
Day 3: Sagar Village to Panar Bugyal
Trek: 6–8 hours
Day 4: Panar to Rudranath and Return to Panch Gang
a
Trek: 6–7 hours
Day 5: Panch Ganga to Mandal (via Naola Pass & Anusuya Devi Temple)
Trek: 7–8 hours
Day 6: Mandal to Chopta
Drive: 1 hour
Day 7: Chopta – Tungnath – Chopta – Ransi
Trek: 3–4 hours (Tungnath)
Drive to Ransi (Base for Madhyamaheshwar)
Day 8: Ransi to Nanu
Trek: 5–6 hours
Day 9: Nanu to Madhyamaheshwar (via Budha Madhyamaheshwar)
Trek: 5–6 hours
Day 10: Madhyamaheshwar to Ransi
Trek: 6–7 hours
Day 11: Ransi to Guptkashi
Drive: 3–4 hours
Day 12: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Drive to Gaurikund + 16 km Trek
Day 13: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Trek + Drive
Day 14: Guptkashi to Haridwar
Drive: 6–7 hours
Best Time to Visit Panch Kedar
The best time to visit Panch Kedar is during the summer and post-monsoon months, when the weather remains stable and trekking routes are accessible.
Except for Kalpeshwar Temple, all other Panch Kedar temples remain open only for six months, typically from late April or May until October or early November. During winter, heavy snowfall blocks trekking routes and the temples remain closed.
Month-Wise Travel Guide
May – June (Peak Season)
- Pleasant daytime temperatures
- Clear mountain views
- Ideal trekking conditions
- High pilgrim footfall
July – August (Monsoon Season)
- Frequent rainfall
- Risk of landslides
- Slippery trekking trails
- Travel not recommended
September – October (Best Season)
- Clear skies after monsoon
- Lush green landscapes
- Moderate crowd
- Excellent trekking experience
November – April (Winter Closure)
- Heavy snowfall
- Temples closed (except Kalpeshwar)
- Winter worship takes place in nearby villages
Winter Worship Locations of Panch Kedar
During winter closure, the idols of the temples are shifted to their respective winter seats:
- Kedarnath idol is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
- Tungnath idol is shifted to Makkumath
- Rudranath worship takes place at Gopeshwar
- Madhyamaheshwar idol is also worshipped at Ukhimath
- Kalpeshwar remains open throughout the year
About Panch Kedar Temples
1) Kedarnath Temple
Max elevation
:- 11,755 ft
Best Time:-
May to June and September to October
Base Camp:
- Gaurikund
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva and an important part of the Panch Kedar circuit. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the temple stands against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
It is also one of the
12 Jyotirlingas of India
, which makes it spiritually significant for Shiva devotees across the country. According to mythology, the hump of Lord Shiva (in bull form) appeared at this location.
The nearest motorable point to the temple is
Gaurikund
, from where pilgrims undertake a 16 km trek to reach the shrine. Despite the challenging ascent, the scenic trail through valleys and river streams makes the journey spiritually uplifting.
Due to its religious importance and connection with the
Char Dham Yatra
, Kedarnath remains the most visited temple among the Panch Kedar.
2) Tungnath Temple
Max elevation:
- 12073 ft
Best Time:
- September to June (Except July and August)
Base Camp
:- Chopta
Tungnath Temple
is the second shrine in the Panch Kedar circuit and is widely regarded as the highest Shiva temple in the world. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the temple sits amidst alpine meadows and offers panoramic Himalayan views.
According to mythology, the arms (forelegs) of Lord Shiva appeared at this location when he manifested in bull form. The temple also holds spiritual importance as it is believed that Lord Rama meditated here to atone for Brahma Hatya.
The
trek from Chopta to Tungnath
is relatively short and beginner-friendly, making it one of the most popular high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand. From the temple, visitors can witness majestic peaks such as Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth.
Just 1 km above the temple lies Chandrashila Peak, famous for its 360-degree Himalayan views. During winter, the idol of Tungnath is shifted to
Makkumath
, where it is worshipped until the temple reopens in summer.
3) Rudranath Temple
Max elevation
:- 11800 ft
Best Time:
- May to June and September to October
Base Camp
:- Sagar Village
Rudranath Temple
is the third shrine of the Panch Kedar circuit and is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. According to mythology, this is the sacred site where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
Unlike other temples, Rudranath is a natural rock temple set amidst alpine meadows and dense rhododendron forests. The temple offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, and Trishul.
Several sacred kund (water pools) are located near the temple, including Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, and Mana Kund, which hold religious importance for pilgrims.
Among all Panch Kedar temples, the Rudranath trek is considered one of the most challenging due to its long distance and high-altitude terrain. The trek usually begins from Sagar Village near Gopeshwar and requires good physical endurance.
4) Madhyamaheswar Temple
Max elevation
:- 11473 ft
Best Time:
- May to June and September to October
Base Camp:
- Ransi
Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the fourth shrine in the Panch Kedar circuit and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. According to mythology, the navel (middle part) of Lord Shiva appeared at this sacred site.
The temple is situated in a serene green valley surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth. Its peaceful setting makes it one of the most spiritually tranquil temples among the Panch Kedar.
The trek to Madhyamaheshwar begins from Ransi village and passes through scenic villages like Gaundhar and Bantoli. While the initial stretch is gradual, the climb becomes steeper after Bantoli, making the final ascent moderately challenging.
A short hike above the temple leads to Budha Madhyamaheshwar, a viewpoint offering panoramic views of the snow-covered Himalayan range.
5) Kalpeshwar Temple
Max elevation:
- 7217 ft
Best Time:
- September to June
Base Camp:
- Helang, Joshimath
Kalpeshwar Temple is the fifth and final shrine of the Panch Kedar circuit and is located in the picturesque Urgam Valley of the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand.
According to Hindu mythology, the
hair (jata)
of Lord Shiva appeared at this sacred site. Shiva is worshipped here as Jatadhari or Jateshwar. Unlike the other four Panch Kedar temples, Kalpeshwar remains open throughout the year, as it is situated at a comparatively lower altitude.
The temple is accessible via a short and easy 1 km trek from Urgam village. Surrounded by dense forests, terraced fields, and apple orchards, Kalpeshwar offers a peaceful spiritual experience combined with scenic Himalayan beauty.
Other Places To Visit Around Panch Kedar
Valley of Flowers:
If you are planning to visit all or any of these Panch Kedar temples and you have some spare time, then do plan for the
Valley of Flowers trek
. It is one of the most amazing trekking destinations and among the very few monsoon treks in India. It is also a part of the world UNESCO World Heritage site. During the monsoon season, the valley gets covered with thousands of species of flowers. The trek to this valley will start from
Joshimath
, which is also a beautiful hill station. In addition to the Valley of Flowers, you also get a chance to visit the
Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara
, which is the highest Gurudwara.
Auli:
Winter wonderland and skiing heaven of India,
Auli
is also on this same route, so don't forget to include it in your itinerary and take a taste of thrilling adventure activities with a beautiful landscape in the backdrop. Auli is located just 9 km from Joshimath, which is en route to the
Badrinath temple
.
Dhari Devi Temple:
One of the most famous temples en route to the Panch Kedar Temple is
Dhari Devi Temple
. It is located in the middle of the Alaknanda River in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. In this temple, the upper body part of Maa Kali is being worshipped, while the lower body part is being worshipped at the Kalimath temple near Guptkashi.
Triyuginarayan temple:
A divine temple on the route of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuits, near Kedarnath. Renowned as the divine wedding spot of lord Shiva and Devi Parvati's marriage, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The
Triyuginarayan temple
is characterised by its great spiritual significance, and well known as the
Shiv Parvati
marriage place
sacred holy ponds, the perpetual eternal flame, and the surrounding scenery. Due to the eternal flame this place is also known as the
Akhand Dhuni temple
. It is accessible by road or shuttle trek via Sonprayag or Sitapur village. You can also read about
how to reach the Triyuginarayan temple
in our blog.
Vasuki Tal:
Another beautiful Himalayan gem, a glacial lake, located at a distance of around 8 km from the Kedarnath temple in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The
Vasuki Tal
sits at an altitude of 4,135 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense oak forest and deep valleys. It is accessible by a 24 km trek from Gaurikund or 8 km from the main Kedarnath temple, considered a moderately difficult trek due to its continuous ascents and rugged terrain. If you have time then you can also visit the
Chorabari lake
, which is another gem of this valley.
Chopta-Chandrashilla Trek
: The Tungnath temple (the third temple among the Panch Kedar) is accessible via the Chopta trek that leads to the high Chandrashilla peaks, so you can explore Chopta Bugyal (often called the mini Switzerland of India) and Chandrashilla along with your Panch Kedar pilgrimage journey. The trek offers a full glimpse of Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. You can also check the
Chopta tungnath trek package
to explore these places.
Ukhimath:
a sacred pilgrimage town, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 1311 meters above sea level. The place is famous for its deep spiritual significance, serving as the winter home of the Kedarnath temple and the Madhyamaheshwar temples. The
Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath
(where winter worship of these two temples is performed) and the surrounding scenery are key highlights of
Ukhimath
. The town also serves as a gateway for many scenic sites, like Chopta-Tungnath and Deoria Tal. It is accessible via air, train, and road. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations, and Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to the town.
Kalimath:
Another sacred town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at a distance of around 6 km from Ukimath.
Kalimath temple
(one of the 108 shakti peeths), situated at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level on the banks of the Saraswati River, is a primary feature of this place. The temple is accessible via a short walk or drive from
Ukhimath
.
Badrinath:
The abode of lord vishnu, part of the
Sapt Badri temple
, the
Do Dham yatra
and the
Char Dham yatra,
located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 10,279 feet above sea level and surrounded by the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges. The temple is accessible by a road journey via Josimath road on the route of
Pandukeshwar
, so you can reach there along with your Panch Kedar Yatra. The temple is open for six months in the year, from May to October. In addition to this, you can also visit
Mana village
, which is also known as the
first village of India
and
Vasudhra falls
, which is the
mysterious waterfall of India
.
Mana Village:
a picturesque village, located on the Badrinath temple route at a distance of around 3 km. The Mana village is renowned for its diverse culture and unique flora and fauna. Featured by many sacred caves (Ganesh Gufa and Vyas Gufa), a sacred pul and natural beauty,
Vasudhara fall
is one of the most famous attractions from Mana village. They provide an opportunity for cultural walks and nature photography.
Panch kedar FAQ'S
What are the five Kedars?
The Five Kedars, collectively known as Panch Kedar, are five sacred Lord Shiva temples located in Uttarakhand — Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to Hindu mythology, these temples mark the places where different parts of Lord Shiva appeared after the Mahabharata war.
- Kedarnath – Hump
- Tungnath – Arms
- Rudranath – Face
- Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
- Kalpeshwar – Hair
Which is the highest Panch Kedar?
Tungnath Temple is the highest Panch Kedar, located at an altitude of approximately 12,073 feet (3,680 meters) above sea level in Uttarakhand. It is also considered the highest Shiva temple in the world.
Among the remaining Panch Kedar temples:
- Rudranath – 11,800 ft
- Kedarnath – 11,755 ft
- Madhyamaheshwar – 11,473 ft
- Kalpeshwar – 7,217 ft
Which Panch Kedar to visit first?
There is no strict rule for the order of Panch Kedar Yatra, but traditionally pilgrims begin the journey with Kedarnath Temple. After Kedarnath, devotees usually proceed to Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and finally Kalpeshwar.
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