Panch Kedar Temples: Complete Guide to Yatra, Trek, History & Map
Category: Travel | Updated On: August 7, 2026 | Published: October 16, 2023
What is Panch Kedar?
Panch Kedar refers to the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. These temples mark the places where different body parts of Lord Shiva appeared after he disappeared in the form of a bull.
Each temple houses a significant body part of Shiva and together form the famous Panch Kedar Yatra, a spiritually significant yet physically challenging pilgrimage covering around 110+ km of trekking routes (round trip, up and down each temple).
Panch Kedar Name and Body Parts
These are the name of 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand, with the body parts of Lord Shiva:
- Kedarnath: Hump of Lord Shiva
- Madhyamaheshwar: Navel (Stomach)
- Tungnath: Arms (Forelimbs)
- Rudranath: Face (Mukha)
- Kalpeshwar: Matted Hair (Jata)
Among them, Kedarnath is the most visited shrine and also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and the Do Dham, that why we also provide a Kedarnath tour package for a memorable experience. Also we offer Chopta Tungnath Trek package, as Tungnath is a famous weekend trekking destination.
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Where is Panch Kedar Located?
The Panch Kedar Temples are located at five different places in the two major districts of Uttarakhand, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts, within the Garhwal Himalayan Region. Each temple is located at a different elevation and town, accessible by treks from their designated base camps.
Panch Kedar Name and Location
Below is a complete overview of the list of Panch Kedar Temples with name and location:
| Temple Name | District, State | Altitude | Trek Distance |
| Kedarnath Temple | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) | 16 km (one way) |
| Madhyamaheshwar Temple | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | 3,497 meters (11,473 feet) | 16–18 km |
| Tungnath Temple | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand | 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) | 3.5 km (one way) |
| Rudranath Temple | Chamoli, Uttarakhand | 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) | 20–22 km |
| Kalpeshwar Temple | Chamoli, Uttarakhand | 2,200 meters (7,217 feet) | 1 km |
Panch Kedar Map
The Panch Kedar circuit collectively involves more than 110 km of trekking (round trip) 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 history of 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 Temples.
About Panch Kedar Temples
Kedarnath Temple: First Kedar
- Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 11,755 ft (3,583 meters)
- Body Part: Hump
- Best Time: May to June and September to October
- Base Camp: Gaurikund
- Trek Distance: 16 km (6-7 hours)
- Trek Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
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.
If you'd like to cover Kedarnath along with Badrinath in one trip, our 5-day Kedarnath and Badrinath itinerary is built exactly for that.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Second Kedar
- Location: Monsoona Village in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 11,473 ft (3,497 meters)
- Body Part: Navel (Stomach)
- Best Time: May to June and September to October
- Base Camp: Ransi Village
- Trek Distance: 16-18 km
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the second 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.
Tungnath Temple: Tritya Kedar
- Location: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 12073 ft (3,680 meters)
- Body Part: Arms (Forelimbs)
- Best Time: May to June and September to October
- Base Camp: Chopta Village
- Trek Distance: 3.5 km
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Tungnath Temple is the third shrine in the Panch Kedar circuit, often called Tritya Kedar. It is widely regarded as the highest Shiva temple in the world and also the highest among Panch Kedar Temples. 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 weekend 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.
Rudranath Temple
- Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 11,800 ft (3,600 meters)
- Body Part: Face (Mukha)
- Best Time: May to June and September to October
- Base Camp: Sagar Village
- Trek Distance: 20–22 km
- Trek Difficulty: Toughest
Rudranath Temple is the fourth among 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 Temple trek is the toughest trek, due to its long distance, uneven trails, and high-altitude terrain. The trek usually begins from Sagar Village near Gopeshwar and requires good physical endurance.
Kalpeshwar Temple
- Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 7,217 ft (2,200 meters)
- Body Part: Matted Hair (Jata)
- Best Time: September to June (Kalpeshwar stays open year-round; this wider window just avoids the heaviest July-August monsoon rain)
- Base Camp: Urgam
- Trek Distance: Short Walk of 1 km
- Trek Difficulty: Easiest
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. It is the only temple accessible throughout the year, due to its safe location.
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 by a short and easy 1 km walk from Urgam village. Surrounded by dense forests, terraced fields, and apple orchards, Kalpeshwar offers a peaceful spiritual experience combined with scenic Himalayan beauty.
Panch Kedar Trek
The Panch Kedar Trek is one of the best treks in India, 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.
- Total Trek Distance: Approx. 110+ km (round trip)
- Duration: 12–14 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Highest Altitude: 3,680 meters (Tungnath)
- Best Starting Point: Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Trek Route: Haridwar → Kedarnath → Madhyamaheshwar → Tungnath → Rudranath → Kalpeshwar
Panch Kedar Trek Route Map
The complete Panch Kedar trek usually takes 12–14 days to cover all five temples. Below is a complete Panch Kedar trek route map, covering all 5 temples, with trek details.
Haridwar/Rishikesh to Kedarnath
The travel flow for Panch Kedar Yatra starts from Haridwar or Rishikesh and splits across Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts.
Firstly, we drive to Gaurikund; then heads on a trek towards Kedarnath temple.
- Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath temple
- Distance: 234 km road + 16 km trek
- Time: 6-8 hours' drive + 6-8 hours' trek
Kedarnath to Madhyamaheshwar
After Kedarnath darshan, trek down to Gaurikund and drive to Ransi village. From there, start the trek towards Madhyamaheshwar.
- Route: Gaurikund → Guptkashi → Ransi village → Madhyamaheshwar
- Distance: 70 km drive + 16-18 km trek
- Time: 3-4 hours' drive + 6-8 hours' trek
Madhyamaheshwar to Tungnath
Complete darshan in early morning, then trek down to Ransi village and heads toward Tungnath temple via chopta.
- Route: Ransi village → Ukhimath → Chopta → trek to Tungnath
- Distance: 50 km drive + 3.5 km trek
- Time: 2-3 hours' drive + 3-4 hours' trek
Tungnath to Rudranath
Descend to Chopta and drive towards Sagar village via Gopeshwar.
- Route: Chopta → Gopeshwar → Sagar Village
- Distance: 35 km drive + 22 km trek
- Time: 2 hours drive + 8-10 hours for trek
Rudranath to Kalpeshwar
After getting darshan in Rudranath, trek down to Sagar village and drive to Urgam village, base for Kalpeshwar.
- Route: Sagar village → Helang Valley → Urgam Village → Kalpeshwar
- Distance: 58 km drive + 1 km trek
- Time: 2-3 hours' drive + 1-2 hours' trek
Panch Kedar Trek Distance & Difficulty
| Temple | Trek Distance | Difficulty | Duration | Base Camp |
| Kedarnath | 16 km | Moderate to Challenging | 2-3 days | Gaurikund |
| Madhyamaheshwar | 16-18 km | Moderate to Difficult | 2-3 days | Ransi Village |
| Tungnath | 3.5 km | Easy to Moderate | 2 days | Chopta Valley |
| Rudranath | 20–22 km | Toughest | 2-3 days | Sagar Village |
| Kalpeshwar | 1 km | Easiest | 1 day | Urgam Village |
Is Panch Kedar trek difficult?
The overall trek to Panch Kedar is moderately difficult; it requires decent physical fitness and leg strength to complete the treks to reach all circuits, as there is no single trail that connects to all five temples.
The difficulty of the trek depends on altitude and the trek distance. Tungnath (requires 3.5 km short hike) and Kalpeshwar require a very short hike and are easier to reach
while Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are moderately difficult requires 16-18 km trek; and Rudranath is the toughest among all and requires a long trek around 20-22 km.
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 close during winter, except Kalpeshwar Mahadev.
For 2026, the opening dates of Panch Kedar temples have been announced by the Shri Badarinath–Shri Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) around the occasion of Mahashivratri. Dates below verified on August 7, 2026.
| Temple | Opening Date 2026 | Closing Date 2026 (Tentative) |
| Kedarnath | 22 April, 2026 | 11 November, 2026 |
| Madhyamaheshwar | 21 May, 2026 | 20 November, 2026 |
| Tungnath | 22 May, 2026 | 14 November, 2026 |
| Rudranath | 18 May, 2026 | 3 November, 2026 |
| Kalpeshwar | Open All Year |
Best Time To Visit Panch Kedar
The best time to visit Panch Kedar is during the summer from May to June and post-monsoon months from September to October, when the weather remains stable and trekking routes are accessible.
Except Kalpeshwar, 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.
Which Panch Kedar is open all year?
Kalpeshwar is the only temple remains open all year round among the Panch Kedar. The other four temples, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, & Rudranath, are closed due to heavy snowfall in the winter season. While Kalpeshwar remains open due to lower altitude of around 2,200 meters, it avoids the heavy snow and remain accessible.
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 Temple in Uttarakhand
- Rudranath worship takes place at Gopeshwar
- Madhyamaheshwar idol is also worshipped at Ukhimath
- Kalpeshwar remains open throughout the year
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 marriage place of Shiva and Parvati, 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 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.
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.
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 Temple Uttarakhand, 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.
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.
FAQs
What are the five Kedars?
The Five Kedars, collectively known as Panch Kedar, are five sacred Lord Shiva temples located in Uttarakhand — Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. According to Hindu mythology, these temples mark the places where different parts of Lord Shiva appeared after the Mahabharata war.
- Kedarnath – Hump
- Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
- Tungnath – Arms
- Rudranath – Face
- 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 Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and finally Kalpeshwar.
What are 5 Kedar and 5 Kailash?
The 5 Kedar and 5 Kailash are two different pilgrimage circuits dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the high Himalayan ranges. The Panch Kedar shrines are located in the holy state of Uttarakhand, India, which represents different parts of Lord Shiva's body.
The name Panch Kedar includes:
- Kedarnath represents the “Hump of Lord Shiva’s bull form"
- Madhyamaheshwar represents “Navel of Shiva’s Bull form"
- Tungnath, where the "arms" appeared
- Rudranath, where the “Face” appeared and worshipped
- Kalpeshwar represents the matted hair (Jata) of the deity.
While 5 Kailash are sacred mountain peaks across India, Tibet, and Nepal, including:
- Mount Kailash
- Adi kailash
- Kinnaur Kailash
- Shrikhand Kailash
- Manimahesh kailash
Is Pashupatinath part of the Panch Kedars?
No, the Pashupatinath Mandir in Nepal is not a part of the Panch Kedar circuits. Panch Kedar is a cluster of five ancient temples of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, while Pashupatinath is a revered Shiva shrine located in Nepal. However, they are both deeply connected to the mythology of the Mahabharata, linked to the Pandavas' atonement and Lord Shiva’s appearance in bull form.
In which order should I visit Panch Kedar?
The traditional and popular way to undertake the Panch Kedar yatra is to start at Kedarnath, follow to Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, and Rudranath, and conclude at Kalpeshwar. This sequence follows the traditional spiritual order tied to Lord Shiva’s manifestation in bull form. Generally, pilgrims or trekkers start their journey from Haridwar/Rishikesh, known as the primary gateways due to better connectivity.
Panch Kedar route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Kedarnath → Madhyamaheshwar → Tungnath → Rudranath → Kalpeshwar
What is the hardest trek in the 5 Kedar?
Rudranath Temple has the hardest trek among the 5 Kedars due to a long trek distance of around 20-22 km, uneven, rugged terrain, and a continuous steep ascent. It demands stamina and good physical health.
What are the 5 Badri 5 Kedar names?
The 5 Badri and 5 Kedar are two different pilgrimage circuits dedicated to different deities and located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The 5 badri are cluster of five holy shrines of Lord Vishnu while 5 Kedar are the sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
The Panch Badri name are:
- Badrinath (Vishal Badri main circuit)
- Yog dhyan badri
- Bhavishya Badri
- Vriddha badri
- Adi Badri
The 5 Kedar names are:
- Kedarnath
- Madhyamaheshwar
- Tungnath
- Rudranath
- Kalpeshwar
