Sacred Shiva Circuit
Panch Kedar Circuit
The 5 Sacred Himalayan Abodes of Lord Shiva in Garhwal
Total Stops5 Shrines / Stops
Duration14 to 16 Days for Full Circuit
Best SeasonMay - June & September - October
GatewayRishikesh / Haridwar
Circuit Overview & History
About the Panch Kedar Circuit
Panch Kedar refers to the five holy temples of Lord Shiva situated high within the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to Hindu mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Shiva took the form of a bull (Nandi), and when discovered, his body manifested at five sacred valleys.
Spiritual & Mythological Significance:Pilgrims traditionally complete the Panch Kedar pilgrimage following Kedarnath (hump), Tungnath (arms), Rudranath (face), Madhyamaheshwar (navel), and Kalpeshwar (hair locks). Visiting all five brings immense spiritual liberation and peace.
Traditional Pilgrimage Sequence
1Kedarnath
2Tungnath (Chopta)
3Rudranath
4Madhyamaheshwar
5Kalpeshwar
Complete Circuit Destinations
All 5 Sacred Sites in this Circuit
Each shrine features detailed trekking instructions, altitude metrics, and dedicated travel guides.
Stop 1 of 5
3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Hump (Pith) of Lord Shiva
Kedarnath
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
16 km trek from Gaurikund(Moderate-Strenuous)
Stop 2 of 5
3,680 m (12,073 ft)
Arms (Bahu) of Lord Shiva
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
Rudraprayag / Chamoli, Uttarakhand
3.5 km trek from Chopta(Moderate)
Stop 3 of 5
2,286 m (7,500 ft)
Face (Mukh) of Lord Shiva
Rudranath Temple (Rudranath Trek)
Chamoli, Uttarakhand
20 km trek from Sagar Village(Strenuous)
Stop 4 of 5
3,497 m (11,473 ft)
Navel & Stomach (Nabhi) of Lord Shiva
Madhyamaheshwar Temple (Madhmaheshwar Trek)
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
16 km trek from Ransi Village(Moderate-Strenuous)
Stop 5 of 5
2,200 m (7,217 ft)
Hair Locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva
Kalpeshwar Temple (Kalpeshwar Mahadev)
Chamoli District, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India
1 km easy walk from Devgram(Easy)
Curated Tour Packages
View All Guided Expeditions for Panch Kedar Circuit
Do Dham Yatra Package(Kedarnath &Badrinath)
₹17,998View Details
6 days 5 nights
Kedarnath Yatra Package
₹12,000View Details
Char Dham Yatra Package 2026 | Kedarnath Badrinath Tour
₹25,000View Details
Essential Circuit Travel Guidelines
- Medical fitness clearance is recommended prior to embarking on Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar treks.
- Acclimatize in Guptkashi or Chopta before tackling high elevations.
- Hire registered mountain guides and carry thermal gear and rain protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The traditional sequence is Kedarnath first, followed by Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and finally Kalpeshwar.
Custom Expedition Planning
Plan Your Panch Kedar Circuit Journey
Need a dedicated private vehicle, experienced local mountain guide, or high-altitude luxury camp bookings? Our local Devbhoomi travel specialists are here to curate your pilgrimage.