Panch Kedar Yatra Opening Dates and Registration

Panch Kedar Yatra is a popular pilgrimage to five Shiva Temples located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. The formation of these sites is rooted in a mythological story. The Pandavas went to Lord Shiva to atone their sins, but on seeing them Shiva took the form of a bull, disappeared and emerged at five different places in the Himalayas. Each of these temples represents a specific aspect: Kedarnath symbolizes the hump, Madhmaheshwar represents the navels, Tungnath represents the arms, Rudranath depicts the face, and Kalpeshwar signifies hair. Here is all the information you need to know about the Panch Kedar Yatra for 2025.

Panch Kedar Opening and Closing Dates

Temple	Opening Dates	Expected Closing Date
Kedarnath	2 May, 2025	October 23, 2025
Madhmaheshwar	20 May, 2025	17 November, 2025
Tungnath	10 May, 2025	1 November, 2025
Rudranath	18 May, 2025	17 October, 2025
Kalpeshwar	Open Year-Round	Open Year-Round

Please note that the closing dates are tentative, and may vary.

Best Time to Visit

Though the temples are open for a short window, here is the best time to visit Panch Kedar for you to have a pleasurable experience.

Summer (May–June): Clear skies and pleasant temperatures (15°C–20°C).

Early Autumn (September–October): Cool weather with lush post-monsoon greenery.

Avoid monsoon months (July–August) due to landslides which pose a significant risk.

Trek Routes and Itinerary

The trek spans over 95 km and takes at least 12 days to complete. Here is a brief itinerary of how the trek looks like.

Day	Route Information
Day 1	Rishikesh to Guptkashi
Day 2	Drive from Guptakashi to Gauri Kund and ascend to Kedarnath
Day 3	Descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Drive Back to Guptkashi
Day 4	Drive from Guptkashi to Ransi and trek to Gaundhar
Day 5	Gaundhar to Madhmaheshwar
Day 6	Madhmaheshwar to Ransi and drive to Ukhimath
Day 7	Ukhimath to Chopta, trek to Tungnath, return to Chopta
Day 8	Chopta to Sagar and trek to Lyuti Bugyal
Day 9	Lyuti Bugyal to Rudranath and return to Lyuti Bugyal
Day 10	Trek from Lyuti Bugyal to Sagar Village and Drive to Pipalkoti
Day 11	Drive from Pipalkoti to Kalpeshwar and Drive to Badrinath
Day 12	Drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh

Trek Distance and Difficulty Level

Temple	Trek Distance (round trip)	Difficulty Level
Kedarnath	34 km trek from Gaurikund and back	Easy to Moderate
Madhmaheshwar	28 km trek from Gaundhar and descend through Ransi village.	Moderate
Tungnath	8 km from Chopta and back	Easy to Moderate
Rudranath	12.5 km from Lyuti Bugyal and back	Moderate to Difficult
Kalpeshwar	Accessible by road. 1-2 hour Drive	Easy

Registration Requirements

• No mandatory registration is required.
• You can book the Yatra with us at Himalayan Dream Treks. We organise a comfortable and safe Yatra prioritizing your needs and ensuring a memorable experience. You can check more information about the trek here.
• Carry valid ID proof as it may be required at checkpoints or accommodations.

If you’re unsure whether to embark on the Panch Kedar pilgrimage or the Char Dham yatra, this detailed comparison will help you make the right choice.

Facilities along the Yatra

1. Accommodation: Government guesthouses, tents, private stays are available along the route, catering to all budget ranges. Select the one that suits your preference.
2. Food: Local dhabas serve simple vegetarian meals. But it is also better to carry snacks for longer trekking stretches.
3. Water Source: Freshwater streams are available on some routes but carry at least two liters of water during treks with no water sources.
4. Guides: Local guides can be hired for navigation and safety, and porters are available to carry luggage on steep terrains.

If you wish to book your trek with Himalayan Dream Treks, all these would be included in the trek package.

Preparation for the Trek:

Any trek requires physical and mental fitness, Panch Kedar Trek is no exception.

• All the temples are situated at high altitudes like 12,000 feet, hence train your muscles well! Punch in those timed runs, get your cardio and strength training, and ensure you build a strong core.
• Take precautions like gradual ascent, resting well, hydration, to prevent being hit by Altitude Mountain Sickness. If you see serious symptoms, retrace your steps.
• Carry trekking essentials like a backpack, trekking equipment like poles, and appropriate shoes.

Health and Safety Advice:

• Acclimatize for at least  24 hours before ascending, as the temples are located at high altitudes.
• Stay hydrated.
• Carry necessary medicines for altitude sickness, pain relievers, ORS sachets and others as required.
• Check weather forecasts before planning your Yatra and be prepared for the weather changes.
• Pack warm layers and clothes to help you protect from the cold.
• Use only authorized guides and transportation services.
• Follow instructions from authorities, to ensure you don’t find yourself in an unfavorable situations.
• Keep emergency contact numbers saved in your phone.