Panch Kedar a Holy Journey of Five Temples of Lord Shiva

India is a country, where people have faith in God and Religion. Here people keep on traveling to various religious places to wipe out their sins. Panch Kedarnath is among those holy places.

These are five temples of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal Himalayan region in Uttarakhand. Devotees should have to follow a sequence to visit these five temples. The sequence is Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar.

List of the Panch Kedar Temples in Uttarakhand

Here we have mentioned a list of Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand which will help you to explore all these five worship and tourist places in India.

  • Kedarnath
  • Madhyamaheshwar
  • Tungnath
  • Rudranath
  • Kalpeshwar

1. Kedarnath

Kedarnath

Kedar is the main temple amongst all. Kedarnath is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Devotees have to wait for a whole year to visit Kedarnath temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes on Bhai Dooj. Various other Religious places to be visited at Kedarnath are Agastyamuni, Ukhimath, Phauli- Pasalat Devi Maa, and Bamsu.

Kedarnath Temple Timing

Shree Kedarnath temple has unique opening & closing times according to our worship timing table which is suitable for all who come here for a Darshan of the lord Shiva. At 6 a.m., Shiva devotees can get Darshan, and between 3 to 5 p.m., Darshan is allowed for the devotee until 7 p.m. If visitors & devotees visit the temple before 3 pm then there allowed to touch the deity. But someone came after 5 pm. Then devotees can’t touch the deity, only get Darshan from the distance.

The Kedarnath timings are as follows:

  • Darshan: 3:00 Am to 8:00 p.m.
  • Evening Aarti: 7:00 p.m.
  • Morning Aarti: 4:00 a.m.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple

If it is also your dream to make a trip to this Kedarnath temple, it is the most popular out of the Panch Kedar Temples of Lord Shiva. Then is necessary to know what best time to visit Kedarnath temple.

Kedarnath temple is open in summer from April to June and if you want to plan in winter then you can go there during pre-winter between September to October. Because this temple is closed from November to March due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold.

How to Reach Kedarnath Temple?

There are three main ways you can choose to reach Kedarnath temple and these are by train, by road, and by air.

  • By Air - The nearest airport to Kedarnath Temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km away. From Dehradun, you can take a taxi or bus to Gaurikund, which is the last motorable road to Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, you can either trek (16 km) or take a helicopter to Kedarnath Temple.
  • By Train - The nearest railway station to Kedarnath Temple is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 221 km away. From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to Gaurikund, and then trek or take a helicopter to Kedarnath Temple.
  • By Road - Regular buses and taxis ply between major cities in Uttarakhand and Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you can either trek or take a helicopter to Kedarnath Temple.

Things to Do in Kedarnath

Many things you can do in this Kedarnath temple when you reach out of there and all these things I have mentioned below in the list.

  • Relax at Vasuki Tal - If you love trekking this place finest for you because it is located in the Himalayas next to Kedarnath temple. At this location, you can get a magical destination of this beautiful nature. It is frequented by pilgrims and tourists alike and is open 24 hours a day.
  • Trek To Kedarnath Peak - This place is also heaven if you think of trekking during your Panch Kedar. Enjoy your trek, it is 3584 meters above sea level. Trekkers can enjoy the gorgeous Chaukhamba Peaks and the Mandakini Valley around the beautiful lakes.
  • Visit Sunset Point - If you want to go camping this place is most famous for it because it is an ideal spot for overnight camping. This spot also serves as the base location for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila. From here, you can get a truly unique experience of outdoor.
  • Trek to Chorabari Tal - Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, is located just 3 kilometers from Kedarnath and is the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes. Its historical importance, combined with the serene climate, stunning mountain views, and nearby ancient shrine, make it a memorable pilgrimage site.

2. Madhyamaheshwar

Madhyamaheshwar

It is a Hindu temple located in Mansuna Village of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Temple boasts of a picturesque view of a green valley surrounded by snow of Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath. It is believed that a few drops of water from the temple are enough for ablution. Due to heavy snowfall during winter, the temple remains closed at the idols of God are shifted to Ukhimath.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple Timing

Madhyamaheshwar temple is a Hindu pilgrim site as we know, and before going there obviously should know about there’s timing when it is open and closed. You can get a Darshan from 6 am to 9 pm. Also, the temple is closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.

  • Darshan: 6:00 Am to 9:00 P.m.
  • Evening Aarti: 7:00 p.m.
  • Morning Aarti: 4:00 a.m.

Best Time to Visit Madhyamaheshwar Temple

The best time to visit Madhyamaheshwar is necessary to know if you have planned to go there because this temple is closed from November to April due to heavy winter and snowfall. You can visit Madhyamaheshwar from April to June and September to October. It is the best time to visit this pleasant temple and get a memorable trip.

How to Reach Madhyamaheshwar?

Here is the way to reach Madhyamaheshwar temple lies in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand. So let’s check out this list to know reaching ways. It would make your journey easy & memorable.

  • By Road - You can take a Bus or taxi from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Ukhimath. After that Once you reach Ukhimath, hire a taxi or jeep to take you to Ransi, the starting point of the trek to Madhyamaheshwar.
  • By Air - Fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun then you can hire a taxi from Grant Airport in Dehradun to Ukhimath. To reach Madhyamaheshwar from Ukhimath, you need to trek from Rani to Madhyamaheshwar around 16 km.
  • By Road - Take a bus or taxi from Delhi/Haridwar/Rishikesh to Ukhimath. Once you reach Ukhimath, hire a taxi or jeep to take you to Ransi, the starting point of the trek to Madhyamaheshwar.

Things to Do in Madhyamaheshwar

After visiting here, you can do several peaceful things in this heaven place and as you know Madhyamaheshwar is dedicated to the lord of Shiva. It is one of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuits, comprising five Shiva temples in the Garhwal region.

Firstly, you can visit the Madhyamaheshwar Temple and then you can go for a trek if you love trekking. Enjoy the natural beauty because it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Also, you can get a peaceful Himalayas view and go to a forest to get enjoyment and peace. You can go for a walk in Madhyamaheshwar and meet their people and if you like to meditate, this place is right for you. Here you can connect with your inner self in this peaceful and spiritual place.

3. Tungnath

Tungnath

The highest temple in the world is located in Rudraprayag district of Tehri Garhwal. The temple is 1000 years old and remains closed during winter. Tungnath is also popular for trekking which starts from Chopta and ends at Rishikesh crossing Devprayag and Rudraprayag. The path of trekking is stone paved with benches. Trekking remains open only during the summer months.

Tungnath Temple Timing

Tungnath temple timing is necessary if you devotee of Lord Shiva and want to take a Darshan after reaching here. Tungnath temple is open for Darshan from 6 am to 7 pm and you can spend time in this temple for Darshan around three hours.

  • Darshan: 6:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m
  • Morning Aarti: 6 a.m
  • Evening Aarti: 6:30 p.m.

Best Time to Visit Tungnath

The best time to visit Tungnath is during summer and post-monsoon. In the summer you can visit from April to June and in the post-monsoon you can visit from September to October. During these months here’s weather is pleasant and sunny making it ideal for trekking sightseeing. Tungnath temple remains closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall.

How to Reach Tungnath?

Simple you can use two ways and that is by road and by trek it's your choice how you want to go there. Both we have mentioned mention in the list below. Let’s check and clarify the ways to reach.

  • By Road - Take a bus or taxi from Delhi and Haridwar or Rishikesh to Chopta and then once you reach Chopta, you can hire a taxi, or share a jeep to reach Tungnath. Its distance is around 3.5 km from Chopta.
  • By Trek - Take a bus or taxi from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh to Chopta. After that once you have reached Trek from Chopta to Tungnath (3.5 km).

Things to Do in Tungnath

There are several things or activities you can do here during your trip to Tungnath such as after visiting Tungnath temple, you can get a Darshan of Lord Shiva. After that, go for a Trek to Chandrashila and visit a Visit the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary. If you want to do some different thing, you can go bird watching to enjoy the natural beauty of Uttarakhand.

4. Rudranath

Rudranath

Rudranath temple is a natural rock temple located within a dense forest. This temple was established by Pandavas and has numerous sacred kunds. Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, and Tara Kund are famous Kund near this temple. It’s not easy to find God similarly it’s difficult to visit Rudranath. The temple opens at 7 am.

Rudranath Temple Timing

The Rudranath temple timing is much punctuated for everyone who wants to come here to get Darshan or worship lord Shiva. But it is necessary to know when it opens for Shiva devotees or tourists who have visited this temple. The temple opens at 6 am and closes at 7 pm and if you reach here before 8 am you watch the Aarti performed at 8 am whereas the evening rituals are performed at 6:30 pm. The area remains open throughout the day.

  • Darshan: 6:00 Am to 7:00 P.m.
  • Morning Aarti: 8:00 Am
  • Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM

Best Time to Visit Rudranath

The best time to visit Rudranath is during the summer months of May to October. During these months. The weather is pleasant and sunny with moderate temperatures from 13°C to 17°C. But by November, Rudranath temple closed due to heavy snowfall. But in 2023 closing date hasn't been announced yet. If you have also a plan to go to Rudranath, you can visit the Rudranath temple in this October month.

How to Reach Rudranath?

Reaching out of Rudranath Temple is so easy from anywhere. This temple is located on Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road and from Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Sagar at the entry point which is nearly a 219 km distance. Then from Sagar, you can travel by trek to Rudranath. Also, we have mentioned below three ways that help you reach out of this temple easily.

  • By Train - The nearest railway station to Rudranath is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi to Gopeshwar.
  • By Air - The nearest airport to Rudranath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 258 km away. From Dehradun, you can take a taxi to Gopeshwar.
  • Rudranath Trek - It takes about 2-3 days to complete. The trek route is well-marked and there are rest houses and campsites along the way.

Things to Do in Rudranath

Many things or activities are available to do in Rudranath and it is one of the five Panch Kedar temples that are dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at an altitude of 2290 meters above sea level and can only be reached by trekking. You can visit the temple to get a Darshan or do a worship of Lord Shiva.

As we know the temple is surrounded by mountains, forests, and meadows so that, you can go for a walk to spend time in this beautiful nature and enjoy a peaceful place. If you like to do meditation, it is the best place to do it. Also, can visit the Anusuya Devi Temple and Atri Muni Ashram.

5. Kalpeshwar

The ancient temple of Lord Shiva is linked to Pandavas. You can reach there by a cave passage which is the matted tress of lord Shiva. This is the only temple amongst the Panch Kedar which remains open throughout the year. It is believed that Lord Shiva had worshiped at this temple with his matted hair.

Kalpeshwar Temple Timing

The timing of Kalpeshwar Temple, is open and closed between 6 am to 8 pm and Aarti timing is 6 am. It is the best thing that the doors of Kalpeshwar temple remain open throughout the year, to have the Darshan of Kalpeshwar Shivling, you will have to walk 1 kilometer inside the cave. Shivling is also called as Anadinath Kalpeshwar.

  • Opening hours: 6 am
  • Closing time: 7 pm
  • The Evening Aarti time is 6.30 pm

Best Time to Visit Kalpeshwar

The best time to visit Kalpeshwar is between May to July if you want to travel here, these months finest to visit. During these months weather is pleasant and sunny and the skies are clear offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

As an advisory, you shouldn’t come here in the monsoon between July to August due to heavy rainfall which you have to leads to landslides and road closures. It is therefore advisable to avoid visiting Kalpeshwar during the monsoon season.

How to Reach Kalpeshwar?

You can reach here very easily by using these three ways that we have mentioned below in the list. Let’s clarify this in detail by going through the list.

  • By Road - To reach the Kalpeshwar temple, you can take a bus or taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, or Delhi. The journey from Rishikesh to Kalpeshwar takes about 7 hours by road.
  • By Train - The nearest railway station to Kalpeshwar is Rishikesh Railway Station. From Rishikesh railway station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Kalpeshwar.
  • By Air - The nearest airport to Kalpeshwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From Dehradun airport, you can take a taxi to reach Kalpeshwar.

Things to Do in Kalpeshwar

As we know Kalpeshwar is a beautiful place and here you can do several things as you want while you traveling. Such as you can go on a River Rafting Adventure, and can do meditation in this beautiful place. Also, visit many temples along Kalpeshwar like Joshimath Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, and many more places you can visit.


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