The Kedarnath and Tungnath Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that takes you to two prominent temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas. The Kedarnath and Tungnath Yatra is typically undertaken by devotees and pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings from Lord Shiva.The journey typically begins from Haridwar or Rishikesh and involves traveling to Guptkashi, a town that serves as a base for both Kedarnath and Tungnath.From Guptkashi, pilgrims trek to Kedarnath, which involves a challenging trek of about 14 kilometers.After visiting Kedarnath, pilgrims can continue their journey to Tungnath, which is accessible by a separate trek of approximately 3.5 kilometers.Both temples offer stunning views of the Himalayan landscape and provide a serene and spiritual atmosphere for meditation and worship.
The yatra usually takes several days, and pilgrims often stay at various places along the route, including Guptkashi and other small villages.
The best time to undertake this yatra is during the summer months (May to June) when the weather is relatively pleasant. However, it’s essential to check the yatra schedule and weather conditions before planning your trip.
Overall, the Kedarnath and Tungnath Yatra is a spiritually enriching and adventurous pilgrimage that allows devotees to connect with nature and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva in the high Himalayas. It’s essential to prepare well for the trek, including ensuring physical fitness and carrying appropriate clothing.
May to June and September to October
5 days/4 nights
Start your journey from Haridwar early in the morning.Drive to Guptkashi, a distance of approximately 190 kilometers which can take around 7-8 hours by road.Check-in to your hotel in Guptkashi.Rest and prepare for the trekking ahead.You can explore the local surroundings or visit nearby temples if time permits.Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
Early morning, have breakfast and start your journey towards Gaurikund, which is about a 1.5-hour drive from Guptkashi.
From Gaurikund, you’ll need to trek or take a pony or helicopter to Kedarnath.The trek is approximately 16 kilometers and can take around 6-8 hours, depending on your pace.After reaching Kedarnath, visit the holy Kedarnath Temple and seek blessings.You can also explore the surrounding areas like Bhairavnath Temple and Shankaracharya Samadhi.Overnight stay in Kedarnath or nearby guesthouses.
After the morning rituals and breakfast, start your descent from Kedarnath to Gaurikund.From Gaurikund, drive back to Guptkashi.Upon reaching Guptkashi, have lunch and then proceed towards Ukhimath, which is approximately 40 kilometers and takes around 2-3 hours by road.Check-in to your hotel in Ukhimath.Visit the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, which is a significant religious site.Overnight stay in Ukhimath.
After an early breakfast, drive to Chopta, which is the base for the Tungnath trek, and it’s around 30 kilometers from Ukhimath.Start the trek to Tungnath Temple, which is approximately 3.5 kilometers from Chopta and takes around 2-3 hours.Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.After visiting Tungnath, continue trekking to Chandrashila Peak if time allows. It’s an additional 1.5-kilometer trek.Descend back to Chopta and then drive to Rudraprayag, which is around 60 kilometers from Chopta and takes around 3-4 hours.Overnight stay in Rudraprayag.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Rudraprayag.Drive to Rishikesh, which is approximately 140 kilometers and takes around 4-5 hours.In Rishikesh, you can visit famous places like Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and various ashrams. Later drive for Haridwar, On Arrival at Haridwar drop at Haridwar Railway Station/Hotel/Home