This page tells you about the Panch Kedar temples. These are five old Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. People visit them on a sacred trip called the Panch Kedar yatra. The five temples are linked by a legend of the Pandavas. The temples sit high in the Garhwal Himalaya. Most need walking on mountain trails. This page will help you plan the panch kedar trek. It will answer the questions you may ask about where to go, how to get there, and when to go. You can see Kedarnath temple by choosing our Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Package.
Complete List of Panch Kedar Temples
Here are the five temples you must visit on the Panch Kedar yatra. They are listed in the usual order pilgrims follow:
- Kedarnath Temple — the main shrine.
- Tungnath Temple — highest Shiva temple in the world.
- Rudranath Temple — a quiet, forest shrine.
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple — calm and high.
- Kalpeshwar Temple — the easiest to reach.
Quick fact table
Temple | Rough Height (m) | Nearest Base | Trek from Base (approx) |
Kedarnath | 3580 | Gaurikund | 16 km trek. |
Tungnath | 3680 | Chopta | 3.5 km trek. |
Rudranath | 3500 | Sagar / Lyuti | 15–20 km trek. |
Madhyamaheshwar | 3490 | Ransi / Gaundar | 20–30 km (multi-day). |
Kalpeshwar | 2200 | Helang / Urgam | Short walk from road. |
These numbers are to give a clear idea. Always check local updates before you go.
Kedarnath Temple – The Heart of the Himalayas
Kedarnath is the most famous of the panch kedar temples as It sits in a high valley near the Mandakini river. Many people go here for the jyotirlinga and the gandharva story. The walk from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is long. It is a holy, steep trek on a stone path. You will see big mountains and a cold wind. Local lodges and tents are found at the temple town in season. Plan for the walk and the thin air.
Tungnath Temple – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
Tungnath sits very high near Chopta. Some call it the highest Shiva temple in the world. The path is short but steep. From Chopta, the trail goes up through meadows and shrubs. The view from the top is wide. You can also walk up to Chandrashila peak for sunrise views. Dress warm. The air is thin at this height.
Rudranath Temple – Hidden Gem of Garhwal
Rudranath is tucked in a quiet valley. Trees and flower meadows surround it. The stone shrine is simple and calm. The trek is longer than Tungnath. You may walk from Sagar or Lyuti. The path passes small villages and open pastures. This place feels like an old secret. Pilgrims love the peace here. Bring good shoes. Roads are far. The trip needs planning.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple – Spiritual Serenity at Its Peak
Madhyamaheshwar sits where the mountains meet the sky. The temple sits above green hills and fast streams. The trek is long but the views are big. You will pass pine forests and little homes. Sun on the peaks is special here. Pilgrims say the place fills the heart. This temple is visited after Kedarnath and before Kalpeshwar in the usual panch kedar yatra.
Kalpeshwar Temple – Peaceful Retreat Amid Nature
Kalpeshwar is the easiest of the five to reach. A short walk from the road takes you to the shrine in a small green valley. Because of this, many people end the panch kedar yatra at Kalpeshwar. The place is quiet and full of trees and small streams. You can visit Kalpeshwar even in winter, when other temples are closed. This makes it a good plan B if weather blocks the higher trails.
Quick Facts about Panch Kedar
- Kedarnath — big temple, long walk, holy jyotirlinga, high valley.
- Tungnath — very high, short steep hike, sunrise views.
- Rudranath — quiet, long trek, rhododendron woods.
- Madhyamaheshwar — calm, high views, rivers near the path.
- Kalpeshwar — road close, short walk, open in winter.
Small tip box: If you love walks and quiet places, the panch kedar trek is for you. If you want easy travel, focus on Kalpeshwar and Tungnath only.
How to Reach Panch Kedar Temples
Here are the usual ways people reach the panch kedar temples. Most trips start from Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.
- By air: Fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant). Then take road travel to base towns.
- By train: Nearest big stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From there use road.
- By road: Public buses and taxis go to places like Guptkashi, Chopta, Helang. From these bases you start the treks.
- By foot: Most temples need a trek. Kedarnath has a long trek from Gaurikund. Tungnath has a short trek from Chopta. Kalpeshwar needs a short walk from the nearest road. Plan local transport and stay in the base towns before you start the walk.
Best Time to Visit Panch Kedar Temples
The panch kedar yatra is best in the warm months. Most temples open in late spring and close by early winter. The roads and paths can close in heavy snow.
Good months to go:
- May to June — trails open, flowers come out.
- September to October — stable weather after monsoon.
Kalpeshwar is more open year round. The high temples close in snowy months. Always check local updates for safe travel and weather warnings.
Tips for Pilgrims Visiting Panch Kedar
- Carry warm clothes and rain gear. Mountains change fast.
- Walk in small steps. Take rest often.
- Use local guides if you are not an experienced trekker. They know the trails.
- Carry basic first aid, water, snacks, and a torch.
- Book stays in base towns before you go in season. Places fill fast.
- Respect the temple rules. Keep the place clean.
- Check weather and local travel news before you leave. Roads may close after heavy rain.
Conclusion
The panch kedar temples are a mix of faith, nature, and old stories. The panch kedar trek is not just a walk. It is a journey of quiet and sky. If you plan well, the trip will be safe and full of memory. Use this page to pick which temples you want to visit. Pick the right months. Pack light but smart. Walk slow. Talk to locals. You will feel calm and glad when you stand by these old shrines.