Trekking In India |
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Trekking Info |
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Expedition |
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Panch Kedar Trekking
The Panch Kedar trek includes all the five shrines associated with the Hindu legends. All of them are situated in the Kedar Valley. At Kedarnath, which is situated at the head of the Mandakini River, the Linga is a natural rock that resembles the hump of a bull. Madhmaheshwar, situated at the base of Chaukhamba Peak is at an altitude of 3500 m. Here the Linga is worshipped in the form of a navel. Tungnath, where tha arm of Shiva appeared is the highest temple in Garhwal is situated at an altitude of 3810 m. 500 m above the temple at Tungnath is Chandrashila.
The panoramic view of the Himalayas is breathtaking. Rudranath is where the face of Shiva is said to have appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple in which the Shiva Mukha is worshipped. To reach Rudranath, one has to trek throough alpine meadows and dense forests. Kalpeshwar is situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam. There is a cave temple here and Shiva is worshipped in his matted hair form.
The Panch Kedar trek is one of the best ways of getting a quick preview of the Garhwal Himalaya. The Garhwal Himalaya contain some of the highest peaks in India, viz. Nanda Devi (7817m), Trishul (7120m) and Chaukhamba (7138m). It is the source of the great Ganga and Yamuna rivers. They house the sacred Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines, as well as forests of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Valley of Flowers National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and the Benog Reserve (Mussourie), among others.
Cradled in these very Garhwal Himalaya's ranges are five of Hinduism's most important temples, popularly known as the Panch Kedar, viz.
1. Kedarnath (3584 m)
2. Madhmaheshwar (3289 m)
3. Tungnath (3810 m)
4. Rudranath (2286 m)
5. Kalpanath (2134 m), sprawled over a vast area with altitudes ranging from 1500m to 3680m.
Punch Kedar Trekking Itinerary:
The Panch Kedar circuit is a 170km and 16-day trek, starting with a drive from Rishikesh to Gaurikund. The actual trek begins at Guarikund, one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region wouldn't demean the Alps with a comparison, but is as good, if not better!
Situated on the Rudraprayag - Kedarnath road, Guarikund provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges surrounding it.
Day 1): Arrive Delhi
On arrival at airport met our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2): Delhi - Rishikesh (230 kms/6 ½ hrs)
check into the hotel. In the evening visit Temples, Laxman Jhoola and Triveni Ghat for Arti darshan. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3): Rishikesh - Pipalkoti (1219 mts/3998 ft) 218 kms/7-8 hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Pipalkoti via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandprayag. On arrival check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4): Pipalkoti - Helang - Urgam (2134 mts/7000 ft) 9 kms trek/3-4 hrs
In the morning after breakfast drive 15 kms to reach Helang. From her we will start our trek up to Urgam Village. We will cross Alaknanda River via Road Bridge. The trek pass through the dense forest, murmuring water falls along with KalpGanga. Urgam Valley is famous for its apple orchard, terraced fields and potatoes. Evening free to explore the fascinating Urgam Valley. Dinner and night stay in tents.
Day 5): Urgam - Kalpeshwar - Urgam (2 kms one side)
An early morning walk up to the first Kedar (one of Panch Kedar) during your trek. For this trek you have to prepare with packed lunch. The locks (hair) of lord Shiva worshiped in this temple. From here you will have the striking views of valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. Later return trek to Urgam. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 6): Urgam - Kalgot (2215 mts/7265 ft)
After an early breakfast trek up to Kalgot Village through dense forest, lush green meadows. This is the tough day. Evening arrival at Kalgot village. Meet the locals, know their culture etc. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 7): Kalgot - Rudranath (2286 mts/7498 ft)
Morning trek up to the temple of Sri Rudranath, another form of lord Shiva. In this temple The face of the Shiva is worshiped. From here we can see a splendid view of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli and other group of peaks. You can also visit the Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund which is located nearby the temple. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 8): Rudranath - Sagar - Mandal (18 kms trek/8 kms drive)
Morning after breakfast trek down to Sagar Village through the dense forest and meadows. Up on arrival at Sagar drive to Mandal. Mandal is also known Cherapunji of Garhwal. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 9): Mandal - Chopta (2900 mts/9512 ft) - Tungnath (19 kms/2 hrs/trek 3.5 kms
Morning after breakfast drive to Chopta. Chopta is situated at an altitude of 2900 m from the sea level. The place provides a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas. Up on arrival at Chopta trek to Tungnath (the third Kedar) with packed lunch. Tungnath is situated at the height of 3680 mts from the sea level the highest in India. the trek is three |
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