Have you been planning a pilgrimage trek for yourself or for your family? In India, there are numerous pilgrimage sites, each of them having their own cultural and religious significance. From 51 Shakti Pithas to 4 Dhams to different circuits devoted to Indian deities, India is the abode of holy places for travellers from around the world. Among these, holy circuits such as Panch Kedar and Char Dham are popular among pilgrims, especially trekkers.
Nestled in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, both Panch Kedar and Char Dham offer rich cultural heritage, religious spirit, and the thrills of trekking. These holy circuits hold a prominent place among Hindu pilgrims in search of a religious connection and spiritual cleansing. The high altitudes of Uttarakhand offer splendid scenic beauty to its visitors.
However, when given the choice between Char Dham and Panch Kedar, which one should you choose? This guide is the right place for you to make your decision. Find out the major differences between these two pilgrimage treks so you can enjoy your spiritual journey on either of these mesmerising treks.
Table of Contents
Comparison At A Glance
Panch Kedar and Char Dham might be located in the state of Uttarakhand, but they cannot be more different. The following table offers you the major differences between these two holy trips at a glance.
| Information | Panch Kedar | Char Dham |
| Region | Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand |
| Temples Included | Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhmaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar | Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath |
| Highest Altitude | 12,070 ft. | 11,700 ft. |
| Base Camp | Rishikesh | Rishikesh |
| Grade | Moderate | Moderate |
| Age | 12+ | 10+ |
| Distance | 95 km | 48 km |
| Days/Duration | 12 days | 10 days |
| Best time to visit | May to October | May to October |
Panch Kedar vs. Char Dham: An Introduction
Panch Kedar:
Uttarakhand is a holy state, home to many gods and goddesses. Lord Shiva, often worshipped as Lord Kedarnath, has held a prominent place in the hearts of pilgrims since ancient times. Panch Kedar is a circuit of five pilgrimage sites, especially dedicated to Lord Shiva. These holy sites are situated in the Kedarkhand region or the Garhwal region, in the laps of the Himalayas. The Panch Kedar trek is a perfect blend of beautiful scenic destinations, ancient Hindu myths, religious heritage, and the ingenious local culture.
Char Dham:
The Char Dham of Uttarakhand, also known as ‘Chota Char Dham’, is a tribute to the rich spiritual heritage of India. A sacred circuit of four holy sites settled in the pristine Garhwal region of the Himalayas, the Char Dham Yatra attracts attention from both Indian and global devotees. The four temples are a testament to the spirituality of India, as travellers from around the world reach seeking “Moksha,” that is, salvation from the repeated cycles of birth and death. The Char Dham trek is one of the most sacred journeys according to Hindu mythology. Trekkers and pilgrims in search of a spiritual awakening also experience the mesmerising beauty of the valleys and the serene rivers.
Pilgrimage Significance
Panch Kedar Significance:
The history of Panch Kedar starts with the Mahabharata, one of the most famous Hindu epics. As the legend goes, after the great war of Mahabharata was fought, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva for forgiveness for the sins they had committed during the war. Lord Shiva, however, was angry with the Pandavas and took the form of a bull and entered the earth. The Pandavas devoted themselves to the search for Lord Shiva, and ultimately, pleased with their devotion, he appeared in front of them. To honour him and seek his blessings, the Pandavas built five different temples at the places where Shiva appeared in the form of Shiva Linga. Hence, the five temples of the Panch Kedar holy circuit are related to the different body parts of Lord Shiva.
According to the Hindu scriptures, each of the five temples of Panch Kedar has a unique history and significance. The five temples represent the body parts of Lord Shiva in his bull form:
- Kedarnath: The most famous and important of the five temples, the Kedarnath temple is believed to be the place representing the hump. Besides, the Kedarnath temple is even more prominent because it is a part of the Chota Char Dham circuit and the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva.
- Tungnath: The highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Tungnath temple is considered the place where his arms appeared.
- Rudranath: The Rudranath temple is believed to be at the location where Lord Shiva’s face appeared.
- Madhyamaheshwar: This temple is at the place of appearance of Lord Shiva’s navel.
- Kalpeshwar: The Kalpeshwar temple holds significance for the belief that Lord Shiva’s hair appeared at this place.
Char Dham Significance:
A sacred path for Hindu pilgrims, the Char Dham welcomes devotees from worldwide. The spiritual quest of Char Dham is a part of Hindu mythology too. As the belief goes, the Hindu philosopher and reformer Sri Adi Shankaracharya used the word ‘Char Dham.’. The term means four holy destinations, or the four abodes of God in the four directions. Originally, the term ‘Char Dham’ was used for a much larger Hindu pilgrimage circuit, including the four holy sites of Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri, and Rameshwaram.
However, the Char Dham of Uttarakhand is a pilgrimage circuit based completely in this holy state, hence often called ‘Chota Char Dhaam.’. This divine journey covers the sacred home of four Hindu gods, and upon its completion, it is said that a pilgrim attains Moksha. The concept of Moksha is one taken from the Hindu scriptures, which means salvation from the repeated cycles of birth and rebirth. According to mythology, the Uttarakhand Char Dham completes in a clockwise sequence, starting from:
- Yamunotri: This is the first destination in the Char Dham trek and is considered the sacred home of Goddess Yamuna. The holy Yamuna River originates here, and the Goddess Yamuna is a representation of purity who cleanses the soul of its sins. As tradition goes, pilgrims first bathe in the natural hot springs around the temple. Then they enter the shrine to start their spiritual journey.
- Gangotri: The second shrine of the Char Dham Yatra, Gangotri is considered the spiritual abode of Goddess Ganga. In Hindu mythology, the Ganges (more commonly called Ganga) fell from heaven to earth at Gangotri when Lord Shiva opened his locks for the sacred river to flow freely. The most revered river in the world, the Ganga river is a source of purity for devotees.
- Kedarnath: One of the most sacred Hindu temples, Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also forms a part of the Panch Kedar circuit, as well as the 12 Jyotirlingas. As mentioned above, Kedarnath Temple was constructed when Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a bull after the Pandavas’ devoted prayers. Later, in the 8th century AD, Hindu reformer Adi Shankaracharya sanctified it.
- Badrinath: The Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, as devotees reach to seek salvation. As scriptures state, there are 108 ‘divya desams’ where Lord Vishnu appeared in human form, and Badrinath is one of them. The term ‘Badri’ comes from the legend, where Goddess Laxmi took the form of a berry (or “badri”) tree to protect Lord Vishnu during his penance. Hence, it has been considered the abode of Lord Vishnu, and even saints and sages call Badrinath Dham their home.
Trekking Routes and Itinerary
Panch Kedar: The Panch Kedar trek is highly popular among Shiva devotees, with every pilgrim, whether youth or senior citizens, enjoying this thrilling Himalayan trek. The path covers a distance of about 95 kilometres and typically takes 10 to 11 days to complete. The trek includes mesmerising views of the Himalayan mountain range as you pass through challenging terrains and witness the scenic beauty of the valleys, meadows, streams, forests, etc. The temples in the Panch Kedar trek are arranged in a specific order, as the sacred journey starts from Gauri Kund, then follows the temple of Kedarnath, with Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath temples following sequentially.
The sacred journey of Panch Kedar starts in the lively city of Rishikesh, and then you can experience this spiritual path through the following itinerary:
Day 1: Rishikesh to Guptkashi
Day 2: Guptkashi to Gauri Kund and ascend to Kedarnath
Day 3: Descend from Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Day 4: Guptkashi to Ransi and trek to Gaundhar
Day 5: Gaundhar to Madhyamaheshwar
Day 6: Madhyamaheswar to Ukhimath
Day 7: Ukhimath to Chopta, trek to Tungnath, and return
Day 8: Chopta to Sagar Village and trek to Lyuti Bugyal
Day 9: Lyuti Bugyal to Rudranath trek and back
Day 10: Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar, then to Pipalkoti
Day 11: Pipalkoti to Kalpeshwar and to Badrinath
Day 12: Badrinath to Rishikesh
Char Dham: The Chota Char Dham, or the Uttarakhand Char Dham, is a spiritual journey at its finest. An exploration of the four godly abodes in the holy state of Uttarakhand, this pilgrimage is a quest for “Moksha,” that is, liberation and enlightenment. The trek is difficult but offers a divine and soul-satisfying experience to every pilgrim. The journey takes 10 to 12 days to complete, and there are four starting points: Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Most trekkers and tour packages start the Char Dham Yatra from the holy city of Rishikesh, with the following itinerary:
Day 1: Rishikesh to Barkot
Day 2: Barkot to Yamunotri and return
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath
Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag
Day 10: Rudraprayag to Rishikesh
Best Time to Visit
Panch Kedar: The best time to visit the Panch Kedar temples is between May and October. The Kedarnath Temple is the first to open to devotees on May 2, 2025. During these months, devotees experience favourable weather and clear paths to access the temples of Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Rudranath. Kalpeshwar Temple is an exception among the Panch Kedar circuit, as it remains open throughout the year. Unlike the other four temples that close in the month of November due to heavy snowfall and inaccessibility, the Kalpeshwar temple is a year-round pilgrimage site. Read more about Panch Kedar Opening Dates.
Char Dham: The most optimal time to plan a Char Dham trek is the months from May to October. The four of these temples have their own set of opening and closing dates, according to the temple’s unique calendar. In 2025, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples will open their doors on April 30th. For Badrinath temple, the date is decided on the 4th May, 2024. Starting from November, the Char Dham circuit remains closed to trekkers for the inaccessible routes due to heavy snowfall. Read more about Char Dham Yatra Registration.
Difficulty Level
Panch Kedar Difficulty Level:
The Panch Kedar trek has five temples, and each of them offers varying difficulty levels. Among them, Rudranath is often considered the most challenging trek, while Kalpeshwar and Tungnath are easily accessible. Balancing the difficulty level, Kedarnath and Madhyamaheswar offer moderately difficult trekking routes.
Kalpeshwar: Easy level—The Kalpeshwar trek is one of the most easily accessible treks among the Panch Kedar circuit. It is quite straightforward, and trekkers of all skill levels can enjoy it. From Urgam village it’s only 500 m of a hike to the temple.
Tungnath: Easy to moderate level—Another beginner-friendly trek among the Panch Kedar temples, the Tungnath trek accommodates even moderately experienced trekkers. From Chopta, it’s around 4.5 km trek distance to Tungnath temple.
Kedarnath: Easy to moderate level—The Kedarnath trek is accessible to a wide range of pilgrims, as it is suitable for all levels of trekkers. With around 36 km of distance (both sides), Kedarnath requires some efforts and fitness level.
Madhyamaheswar: Easy to moderate level (32 km hiking distance)—The Madhyamaheswar trek is approachable for all trekkers, from beginners to moderately experienced.
Rudranath: Moderate to challenging level—Rudranath is the most challenging of all Panch Kedar treks. This trekking route requires some prior experience and a good fitness level.
Char Dham Difficulty Level:
The Char Dham Yatra also offers varying difficulty levels for its visitors. Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath are moderately difficult and involve only short trekking distances. On the other hand, Kedarnath is challenging with its steep hike and longer distance.
Yamunotri: Easy level—The trek to Yamunotri is accessible to all levels of trekkers and even offers pony and palanquin options to reach easily.
Gangotri: Easy level—The Gangotri temple is one of the easiest to reach, and you can easily access it by road. The temple is at a walking distance of only 1 km from the parking area.
Badrinath: Easy level—The Badrinath temple also requires no trekking. Pilgrims of all ages and fitness levels can reach the temple easily or drive up to it.
Kedarnath: Easy to moderate level—The Kedarnath trek can be considered a strenuous one due to its steep ascent and rocky terrain. The trekking route is around 18 km long and requires a fitness level to complete.
Common Safety Precautions for Panch Kedar and Char Dham
Now that you are familiar with the technicalities of both the Panch Kedar and Char Dham treks, there are some necessary safety precautions every trekker should follow. These essential tips are applicable to both of these holy circuits and even on other treks.
- Plan thoroughly: Thorough planning is the key to every successful trek. Research in advance on all aspects of the trip, including the weather conditions, road closures, accommodations, and facilities.
- Physical fitness: Although the Panch Kedar and Char Dham treks are not as challenging, some of their sites require some physical fitness level. In some situations, you could be required to navigate rocky paths. So, ensure you are physically fit to trek by consulting a doctor.
- Pack wisely: The temperatures can vary throughout both treks, so it is advised to pack wisely. Carry light and comfortable clothing that are suitable for warm and cold weather conditions. Some woollen layers, sturdy shoes, a raincoat, a hat, and other sun protection kits can come in handy. Always carry a first-aid kit and essential medicines for emergencies.
- Stay aware: Always check for potential road closures or landslides, especially during the monsoon season. Follow the guidelines of the local authorities and travel in groups to remain safe. Protect your belongings by staying aware at all times, and carry all the important documents to avoid hassles.
- Trek responsibly: Avoid littering the mountains and dispose of waste responsibly. Respect the culture and the beauty of the Himalayas by being mindful of the locals and other pilgrims. Respect the local and religious traditions for a serene and spiritual experience.
Which pilgrimage to choose?
Panch Kedar and Char Dham, both, are highly revered pilgrimage treks among Hindus. For pilgrims, it often becomes overwhelming to choose between the two. Panch Kedar is dedicated to Lord Shiva, while Char Dham offers a varied spiritual experience.
Based on the trekking difficulty, both Panch Kedar and Char Dham are moderately challenging. While Panch Kedar is more suitable for moderate trekkers, Char Dham is easily accessible to beginners.
If your primary focus is worship of Lord Shiva, then visiting the Panch Kedar circuit would be better. This holy circuit has all five temples dedicated to different parts of Lord Shiva’s body and is a prominent site for Shiva devotees. However, if a wider range of Hindu pilgrimage experiences is what you want, the Char Dham Yatra would be ideal. It includes temples dedicated to different deities and varied religious significance.
Kedarnath is a common element in both the Panch Kedar and Char Dham circuits. It is also considered one of the most important Shiva Jyotirlingas and hence, is a sacred site for pilgrims from all over the world. Planning for Yatra? Connect with us at Himalayan Dream Treks.
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