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PANCH KEDAR

 

As the legend goes...

 

In the mahabharat, while on their Himalayan Pilgrimage, the Pandavas decided to pay Homage to Lord SHIVA. But Lord Shiva was not interested in meeting them as they were guilty of Gotra Hatya. Seeing the Pandavas coming, the Lord disguised himself as a Bull. But the Pandavas saw through Shiva's disguise. Viewing that his disguise had not worked the bull tried to plunge himself beneath the ground. But Bhima was swift and held on to the hind legs of the bull, thus preventing it from vanishing. In the struggle that ensued different parts of Lord Shiva's body appeared at various places in Kedarnath. With the forelegs showing up at Pashupatinath in Nepal, the rump of the bull at Kedarnath, the torso including the navel at Madhmaheshwar, the Arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair of Shiva at Kalpeshwar.

 

 

Yatra Significance:

 

Kedarnath for the hump (3,584 M)

One among the holiest pilgrim centers in northern India, which is situated at an altitude of 3584 meters in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks, Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand boast of unparallel credentials in the religious arena. This scenic locale in the Gharwal region proffers an unruffled ambiance with it's snowy peaks, alpine forests and colourful rhodendrons.

 

Tungnath for the Arms (bahu) (3,680 M)

Located on the Chandranath parbat in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Tungnath is one of the sacred Panch Kedar. It is the highest temple of Lord Shiva perched at an astounding elevation of 3,680mts above sea level.

 

Rudranath for the Face (mukh) (2,286 m)

Situated amidst thick woods, the 'mukh' or the Lord's face appeared and Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Neelkanth Mahadev. The temple is located in the midst of fragrant flower laden meadows where herbs, grow in profusion.

 

Madhyamaheshwar for the Stomach (nabhi) (3490 m)

After disappearing at Kedarnath, the Navel reappeared at Madhyamadheshwar, 30 km from Guptkashi (24 km trek + 6 km motorable). Here is a magnificent Shiva Temple, approachable through a trekking route that passes through the famous Siddha Peeth of Kalimath.

 

Kalpeshwar for the Hair (jata) (2134 m)

In this small rock temple, entered through a cave and set amidst delightful natural surroundings, the manifestation is of the Hair or Jata. The 14 km distance from Joshimath to Helang is motorable and the rest 11 km bridle paths via Urgam, begins with the crossing of the Alaknanda at Helang.

 

Most of the trek is a gradual climb, and located just 2 km before Kalpeshwar is the friendly village of Urgam, in a picturesque valley with terraced fields, lush green forests and gentle, warm and friendly people.

 

 

TOUR ITINERARY (EX HARIDWAR)

 

Duration : 15 Nights / 16 Days (Ex Haridwar)

 

Tour Cost: On request

 

Destinations : Haridwar – Rishikesh – Kedarnath – Madmaheshwar – Tungnath – Rudranath – Kalpeshwar – Badrinath.

 

Best Season : June to mid July and September / October

 

TOUR FACTS

Panch Kedar, One Jyotirlinga, Do Dham Yatra

 

Day 1: Arrival at Haridwar

Check in meet the team. Overnight Hotel.

 

Day 2: Drive to Gaurikund.

Sightseeing and overnight in camp after dinner. Situated on the Rudraprayag - Kedarnath road, Gaurikund (1981 m.) provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges.

 

Day 3: 14 km trek to Kedarnath (3581 m.)

Trek after breakfast. Lunch at Rambara enroute. The kedarnath Temple is situated on a large glacial terrace. The Valleys are shaped like a 'U' are found below the glaciated terrace. The first foremost is the

famous temple of Kedarnath ji, which is so widely known for its extraordinary sanctity. Here Shiva is worshipped in the form of a buffalo hump at Kedarnath. Sightseeing and overnight in camp.

 

Day 4: Trek back to Gaurikund, + 50 km drive to Ukhimath.

Kedarnath is on of the 12 Jyotirlings and is very popular with pilgrims. The trek is full of people from all parts of the country in their traditional dresses. Be careful of the ponies as their numbers are also increasing.Overnight in at Ukhimath.

 

Day 5: 9 km trek to Gaundhar, overnight in camp.

From Ukhimath, a short drive takes us to Ransi village from where we trek 4-5 kms to Gaundhar. Overnight in Camp.

 

Day 6: 10 km trek to Madmaheshwar (3289 m.); Overnight in camp.

It is a trek through dense forest and lush meadows full of colors, passing through a few rustic villages steeped in old culture.

 

Day 7: Madhmaheshwar Boodha Madhmaheshwar - Gaunduhar

Early morning pay homage to the ancient deity and leave for Boodha Madhmaheshwar which is at a distance of 2 kms uphill from the temple. The view of Chaukhamba is absolutely breathtaking from here. Come back for lunch and leave for Gaundhar. Overnight in camp.

 

Day 8: Trek to Ransi + 50 km drive to Chopta

The narrow trek from Chopta is devoid of too many pilgrimage. Chopta is situated in a beautiful meadow. The vision enjoys perfect freedom. There is more to see than what eyes angle of view can afford. The beauty of the bughyal the high altitude meadow is unsurpassable. Chopta is also called mini Switzerland of India. Overnight in Camp.

 

Day 9: 4 km trek to Tungnath (3886 m.)

The trek to Tungnath passes through Rhododendron forests, which keeps losing their flower's bright red colors to become pink n subsequently, white, with increasing altitude. The height of the tree also decreases with gain in altitude. You will cross all this and be welcomed by wide meadows with wildflowers smiling at you and dancing with the winds. The Tungnath temple stands in the center of the stone paved platform, at an altitude of 3,600 meters. 1.5 kms further uphill trek brings us to the high summit of Chandrashilla (4090m). The idols of Vyas and Kalbhairav stand along the "Shivling" inside the temple. Some derive the name 'tung' with the sense of 'lofty' from the position of the temple of the highest peak outside the main chain of the Himalaya : others , derive it from 'tanga' to be suspended in allusion to the form under which the deity is here worshipped. It's the highest of all the Panch Kedars.Overnight at camp in Chopta.

 

Day 10: 25 km drive to Mandal + 5 km trek to Anusuiya Devi Temple.

Drive through very dense forests of Kedarnath Musk deer sanctuary to the next inhabitation at Mandal village. The drive offers opportunities to view wildlife. Trek 5kms to Anusuiya Devi Temple. Camp in the middle of the forest.

 

Day 11: 12 km trek to Rudranath, overnight in camp.

Visit the Atri Muni cave which is behind one of the best water falls you ever saw. From here starts a grueling uphill trek to Rudranath.Here the'mukh' or the lord's face appeared and Shiva is worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev. Situated at a height of 2286 metres all around are fragrant flower laden meadows where herbs, grow in profusion. In the background, in all their glory , are the glittering snow-capped peaks.Near the temple is a stream of sparkling water known as Vaitarini - the ' Water of Salavation'.

 

Day 12: 18 km trek to Dumak (village)

Trek to Dumak village through oak forests. The trek passes through a beautiful mountain lake located in the middle of a meadow with superb backgrounds. Overnight in camp.

 

Day 13: 14 km trek to Urgam (village) + 2 km trek to Kalpeshwar Mahadev.

Kalpeshwar Mahadev According to the legends, the hair of Lord Shiva appeared here when he tried to flee from the Pandavas at Kedarnath . Here his hair and head are worshipped in a rock temple, deep in the picturesque Urgam valley forests.

 

Day 14: 9 km trek to Helang + drive to Badrinath.

This is the last day in a forest and you must make the most of it. A 9 kms trek to brings us to Helang, from where we get into our jeeps to a drive to Badrinath. Overnight stay at Badrinath

 

Day 15: Badrinath to Haridwar

Visit Badrinath Temple. Return journey to Haridwar. Overnight Haridwar.

 

Day 16: Departure day.

Transfer to railway station / bus stand for onward journey