From Rudranath trek, one can see the peaks of Tirsuli, Hardeol, Dunagiri, Kalanka, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trisul. One can even see Pangarchulla peak from here.
From Kedarnath, we can see the peaks of Kedar Dome (6,832 m), Kedarnath (6,940 m) and Sumeru (6,350 m).
In the trek to Kalpeshwar, one gets to see the magnificent peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Ghunti
From Helang to Kalpeshwar, the river Kalpganga is visible, Ganga during first and last day's drive to Devprayag, Alaknanda during the drive from Devprayag, Madnakini is visible from Rudryaprayag & Pindari river is visible from Karanpryang.
In the trek to Madhyamaheshwar, the peaks of Mandani (6,190 m), Janhukut (6,805 m) and Chaukhamba (7,138 m) are clearly visible.
About Panch Kedar Trek:
The Panch Kedar Trek is one of the most beautiful and thrilling treks of the Himalayan region that allows one to visit Kedarnath (3584 mts/11756 ft), Madhya Maheshwar (3289 mts/10788 ft), Tungnath (3810 mts/12497 ft), Rudranath (2286 mts/7000 ft) and Kalpeshwar (2134 mts/8200 ft) all at the same time.
This Panch Kedar Trek includes all the five shrines of Lord Shiva which are located in Kedar valley and it covers a lot of places like Kalgot, Panar, Chopta, Chandrashila, Ransi, etc. A life-changing experience, this trek will certainly bring out the adventure freak within you and leave you with a memorable experience.
The Panch Kedar trek route begins from Joshimath and then the journey continues to Kalpeshwar - Urgam village - Kalgot - Bugyal - Rudranathand - Sagar Village - Tungnath - Ukhimath to Kalimath - Ransi to Gaundhar Madhyamaheshwar - Gaudhar - Ransi - Gaurikund via Guptkash - Kedarnath - Gaurikund - Guptkashi - Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun.
Quick Facts About Panch Kedar Trek:
Panch Kedar Trek Duration: 14N/15D
Maximum altitude: 12074 ft.
Panch Kedar Trek difficulty: Moderate
Approx. Panch Kedar Trek distance: 160 Kms
Temperature: 22°C (Max. During Day Time) to 4°C ( Min. During Night Time)
Best Time for Panch Kedar Trek: April to October.
ATM: You will find ATMs in Joshimath
Start Point/End Point: Joshimath to Guptkashi
How to reach Joshimath:
By Air:
The closest airport to Joshimath is the Jolly Grant Airport that is located 270 km from here. When you travel by air, you can reach this airport which is located in Dehradun. After you reach here you can travel to the town of Joshimath which will take approximately 6 hours to reach.
By Rail:
The closest railway station to Joshimath is Rishikesh which is close to 250 km away from here. You can reach Rishikesh and then cover the remaining distance by road
By Road:
You can start your journey from Delhi, but we suggest you drive through Rishikesh. Rishikesh has a good network of roads and public transport buses which will ease your pain of looking for options. You can also reach Joshimath from other destinations like Rudraprayag, Chamoli, and Srinagar too.
Panch Kedar Trekking Inclusions:
1. Accommodation – You will be staying in tents, guest house for the trek (3 people/tent). Room/tent is separate for the male and female participants.
2. Meals – (Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner). We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.
3. Camping charges – All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included in the Panch Kedar trek tour package.
4. Trekking equipment – High-quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps. Sleeping bags can withstand temperatures as low as -10 ºC.
5. Safety equipment – First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc. will be with guide/trek leader and at the campsite as well to deal with emergencies.
6. Expert trek Leaders – All our trek leaders are at least qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering and first aid course.
7. Expert Trek support team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.
8. Transfers- Transportation from Joshimath to Kalpeshwar is included in the package.
Available Group Departures:
April- 25
May- 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June- 6, 13, 20, 27
July- 4, 11
August- 22, 29
September- 5, 12, 19, 26
October- 3
[Note: If you are a group of 4 or more people then the dates can be customized]
The average temperature at Panch Kedar trek ranges between 13 to 16 degrees celsius.
- In summer the climate remains cool and pleasant with an average around 20°C.
- Monsoon (July to August) temperature drops down to 12°C.
- In winters(November to April) Panch Kedar trek is closed due to excessive snowfall
Things which you need to carry for Panch Kedar Trek are:
- Carry at least two litres of water to keep yourself hydrated
- Do not forget to bring power banks and a charger in your bag.
- Keep essential medicines, as you might not find any general medicine at such remote locations.
- Do carry creams, moisturizers, sunscreen creams to keep your skin hydrated
- You can carry a woollen sweater, monkey cap and a lightweight jacket to enable you with-stand cold winds, at the upper level of Himalayas.
You will have to reach Joshimath om your own, rest all transfer required during the trek is included in the package; like 19 km drive from Joshimath to Kalpeshwar.
The route of Panch Kedar trek starts from Joshimath and requires you to cover up a distance of 160 over a span of fifteen days. Upon your arrival at Joshimath, you will be transferred to Urgam Village. The trek begins from here and your first destination will be Kalgot after trekking for 12 KM. From Lakgot, you will be travelling to Panar Bugyal and then Rudranath, covering around 21 KM. The next stop will be the Sagar Village after which a drive will take you to Chopta. From here, you will travel to Tungnath, then to Chandrashila and then back to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, a 20 KM long drive will take you to Kamalnath, from where you will trek for 7 KM to Ransi. Another 7 KM long trek will be done towards Gaundhar, followed by a 10 KM long trek to Madhyamaheshwar.
From Madhyamaheshwar, you will be travelling to Gaudhar and then to Ransi. A 13 KM long trek will be followed from here, in which you will reach Kalimath. From Kalimath, you will be driving towards Gaurikund via Guptkashi. Another 16 KM long route of trekking will be covered to finally reach Kedarnath Temple and then back to Gaurikund.
The Panch Kedar yatra holds a lot of spiritual significance. It is believed that after the Mahabharata war, Lord Krishna instructed the Pandavas to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The temples that the Pandavas are believed to have built at these five places form the Panch Kedar.
Here is the list of best Uttarakhand treks that you can book from Thrillophilia: