Two of the Panch Kedar in Kedarnath and Tungnath Trek
Nothing sounds better that visiting Two Abodes of Lord Shiva, with Kedarnath and Tungnath Trek! Get along with Moustache Escapes, on a journey visiting two major shrines of Lord Shiva. Where one is 1,200 years old stone temple, probably the most popular famed throughout generations via media, movies, and not to forget billion of believes. While the other, crowned as the highest abode of Mahadev, Tungnath temple that any man can possibly reach.
The 5Days of Kedarnath to Tungnath trek begins from one of the Char Dham, Kedarnath. This pilgrim site opens its gate from April and last till September and situated at an elevation of 11,657 feet. And, with a long list of fans including pilgrim and trekkers both, the Kedarnath Tungnath trek package trails through glacial caves, snow-capped Mountains, lush green lands, and a path cut through the centre. The Mandakini River will flow alongside your path like an encouraging fellow traveler as you trek through the Garhwal Mountain ranges.
Kedarnath Trek to Shiva’s 11th Jyotirlinga
Kedarnath trek is the first half of Kedarnath and Tungnath trek route. One regional folklore regarding the success of Kedarnath trek package is upon the will of Lord Shiva, the deity of Kedarnath himself. So consider yourself extremely fortunate, even if you are booking online. As you have been summoned!
Starting from Rishikesh, Kedarnath trek route travels via different. Green mountains, snow-capped peaks, and barren brownish hills devoid of vegetation will also cross your course. For old age visitors the mule transport is always available at an additional cost of INR 2500-INR 3000. However, it could cost more depending on different factors. Besides, you’ll know when Kedarnath trek time comes to end.
Once arrived, you’ll come across one of the most breathtaking sights. The mighty snow-covered Keadardome peak standing behind it like a shield. Head for the Kedarnath Shiv mandir darshan, partaking an evening aarti upon your arrival. In it advised to bring blanket or some woollens while packing things to carry for Kedarnath trek. Post your Shri Kedarnath Shivling darshan, take a stroll in the area and later relax in your stay after dinner. The Kedarnath temple tour ends with the morning aarti of baba Kedarnath.
Wrap Up with Tungnath Tour Package
Tungnath Tour Package begins on the fourth day of Kedarnath to Tungnath trek. Tungnath Mountains, at an elevation of 11,385 feet, form the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. The Tungnath Shiva Temple, literally meaning “Lord of the Peaks,” is one of the highest Shiva temples and one of the Panch Kedar, located just below Chandrashila’s peak. At such a high altitude, take in the magnificent views of the Great Himalayan peaks. Once you’ve had your fill of the views, return to Chopta and begin your journey back to Rishikesh.
Know This Before You Book Kedarnath and Tungnath Trek Packages
Being the fact, Kedarnath Mandir and Tungnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, both are connected with a popular legend post the epic Mahabharata. As the mythology goes, it was the Pandavas from Mahabharata who built the Kedarnath shrine. But, it also led to the creation of Tungnath Mandir as well.
The legends goes, post the Pandavas with their wife Draupadi were looking for salvation from Lord Shiva. The lord by that time wasn’t ready to forgive them for annihilating their whole kin and decided to test them. Incarnated as a bull, he was hiding from the Pandavas until Bheem, the second son spotted him. The struggle begins and final ended splitting the bull into five part scattered in different directions. The site of Kedarnath is where the hump of the bull fell and the site of Tungnath Mandir is where the bull’s arm fell. These two pilgrimage sites completes the five major sites dedicated to God Shiva, also called Panch Kedar.
Quite popular among the Shivaite the spiritual sojourn to Kedarnath and Tungnath trek. And once you’ve soaked in the holiness in the air, while admiring the magnificent views of the Great Himalayan peaks, you can end your trip back at Rishikesh. This holistic trip to the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, will surely mark you with lifetime experiences.
Kedarnath to Tungnath Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh – Guptkashi
Drive: 190 km (8-9 hours)
Meals: Dinner
Stay: Guest House / Hotel
- Wave hello to the smiling faces of our representatives as you arrive in Haridwar early in the morning. Head to breakfast.
- Post breakfast the drive starts to Guptkashi where Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull to hide from the Pandavas.
- On the way to Guptkashi, you’ll pass through Devprayag and Rudraprayag, which offer breathtaking views of the river Alaknanda & Mandakini.
- Once in Guptkashi, head to ArdhNarishwar Temple and participate in the prayers.
- Head back to the accommodation, have your meals and retire for the day.
Day 2: Guptkashi – Kedarnath
Drive: 30 km
Trek: 19 km
Meal: Breakfast + Dinner
Stay: Guest House / Hotel
- Wake up to hot breakfast. Start your drive to Sonparyag, and from there to Gauri Kund.
- Gaurikund is the start point of the trek, from here the trek ascends to Jungle Chatti and Bheembali.
- Observe as the terrain changes from Bheembali to Linchauli, and from there to Kedarnath. The flow of cold breeze increases as you move towards Kedarnath.
- Visit the Kedarnath temple, spend time at the Dham, and in the evening head towards the accommodation.
- Have your meal and retire for the day.
Day 3: Kedarnath – Guptkashi – Chopta
Drive: 76 km
Trek: 19 km
Meal: Breakfast + Dinner
Stay: Camps
- Wake up and attend the morning aarti, first thing in the morning.
- Enjoy the descent as the route is the same as day 2, but the timings of the day are different and hence you’ll see the trek in different lighting.
- Post breakfast head back to Guptkashi, and take the cab back to Chopta.
- You will reach Chopta in the late evening, check in to your camps, and after a heavy day with hot meals retire for the day.
Day 4: Chopta – Tungnath – Rishikesh
Drive: 170 km
Trek: 8 km
Meal: Breakfast + Dinner
Stay: Camps
- Wake up have your breakfast, start your trek to the world’s highest Lord Shiva temple Tungnath.
- Post Tungnath, if the time permits you can visit Chandrashila peak. Enjoy a view of high peaks all around.
- Head back to Chopta and start your drive back to Rishikesh.
- Reach Rishikesh and head to your camp, with a bonfire and hot meals retire for the day at the campsite.
Day 5: Checkout
Meal: Breakfast
- Wake up to a fresh morning, have your breakfast with a riverside view and check out of the campsite.
*The Tour ends here.*
Things to Carry on Kedarnath to Tungnath Distance
- Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans / Trekking Pants -2
- The windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood
- Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
- Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick-dry towel
- Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
- Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
- Sunglasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
- Personal toiletries
- Day pack/small bag in case if you are planning to offload your regular backpack
- Hand Sanitizer
- Extra face masks
- Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
