Panch Kedar

Things to do and Best time to visit

Uttarakhand, otherwise called the Devbhumi (a place that is known for Gods), is really a standout amongst the grandest parts of the earth. One of the stories of its rich past identifies with an arrangement of five Shiva temples known as Panch Kedar, which incorporates – Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. These holy destinations of Lord Shiva are situated in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand. The tale of their inception is for the most part followed by the Pandavas (from the Hindu epic Mahabharata). Each of the temples is put on the quietest and most unruffled parts of the Indian Himalayas. No immediate motorable street goes straight to the temples. Each temple requires some measure of trekking with shifting levels of trouble. Undertaking Panch Kedar Yatra will take you on a long radiant excursion to recall for an eternal time.

Kedarnath

Situated at a stature of 3,584 meters, Kedarnath temple is set in an awesome foundation of snow-clad pinnacles and woods. It is in the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand and involves an unmistakable position among the Panch Kedar temples. The temple houses a cone-shaped molded Shiva lingam which is thought to be the protuberance of Shiva. Introduce temple, worked with dim stone slaps, is said to be set up by Adi Shankaracharya in the eighth/ninth century A.D. Closest motorable street towards Kedarnath is Gaurikund. After which a trekked way of 14 km is taken to achieve the altar. The trek, however, predominantly steep, takes one through superb scenes, keeping the spirits of pioneers taking off consistently.

Tungnath

Tungnath is a Hindu temple located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters and is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Panch Kedar group of temples in the region. Tungnath is also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and is a popular trekking destination. The trek to Tungnath is considered to be relatively easy and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Rudranath

Rudranath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is situated at an altitude of 2,286 meters in the Garhwal region. The temple is known for its serene and remote location, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks. Rudranath is considered to be one of the most difficult shrines to reach among the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, as it involves a challenging trek through rugged terrain. Despite this, thousands of devotees visit the temple every year to offer their prayers and seek blessings. The temple is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India and is an important place of worship for Hindus.

Madhyamaheshwar

Madhyamaheshwar is a Hindu temple located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,491 meters in the Garhwal region and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and scenic mountain scenery. Madhyamaheshwar is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India and is a popular destination for trekkers and tourists. The trek to Madhyamaheshwar involves a moderate to challenging climb through scenic mountain trails and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters in the Garhwal region. The temple is located in a remote and secluded valley surrounded by dense forests and towering peaks. It is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Kalpeshwar is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and is an important place of worship for Hindus. The temple is also a popular destination for trekkers and tourists, known for its scenic beauty and serene atmosphere. The trek to Kalpeshwar is considered to be relatively easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Things to do Panch Kedar

In Panch Kedar, there are several activities for tourists and devotees to enjoy:

1. Pilgrimage: Visit the five temples and offer prayers at each of the shrines.
2. Trekking: Explore the scenic trails leading to each of the temples and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
3. Wildlife viewing: Go on a wildlife safari in the surrounding forests and look for rare and exotic species.
4. River rafting: Enjoy a thrilling river rafting experience in the nearby rivers, such as the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
5. Camping: Set up camp in the surrounding forests or by the river and spend a night under the stars.
6. Shopping: Visit the local markets and buy souvenirs such as handicrafts, textiles, and spices.
7. Adventure sports: Participate in adventure sports such as paragliding, bungee jumping, and ziplining.
8. Cultural activities: Attend cultural programs and festivals, such as the Kedarnath Temple Fair and the International Yoga Festival.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Panch Kedar is from May to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, allowing for easy trekking and sightseeing. However, it is important to note that the temple sites may be closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. The Char Dham Yatra (pilgrimage) season starts in April and continues till October. July to August is the monsoon season, during which heavy rainfall and landslides can cause difficulties in traveling to the temples. Visitors are advised to check the local weather conditions and road status before planning their trip to Panch Kedar.