Overview
▸ Seek darshan of Baba Kedarnath — one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas
▸ Attend the early morning Abhishek and the evening Shringaar Aarti at Kedarnath
▸ Visit Bhairavnath Temple — the guardian deity of Kedarnath
▸ Trek the scenic 16-km path along the Mandakini River from Gaurikund
▸ Visit Guptkashi — home to the ancient Vishwanath and Ardhanarishvara Temples
▸ Attend the Ganga Aarti at Haridwar on arrival and departure
Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrimages in all of Hinduism — the abode of Baba Kedarnath, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Situated at 3,583 metres in a dramatic valley flanked by snow-clad peaks and the Chorabari Glacier, the ancient stone temple of Kedarnath is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The Mandakini River flows beside the temple, and the entire setting vibrates with a spiritual energy that is unlike anything else on earth. This focused five-day pilgrimage is designed for devotees who wish to dedicate themselves entirely to Kedarnath Dham.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Haridwar → Guptkashi (~220 km)
Depart Haridwar after the morning aarti. Drive through Rudraprayag to reach Guptkashi — a sacred town believed to be where Lord Shiva hid (gupt) from the Pandavas. Visit the Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhanarishvara Temple. Overnight at Guptkashi.
Day 2
Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Trek
Drive to Gaurikund and begin the 16-km trek to Kedarnath. The path follows the Mandakini River through breathtaking mountain scenery. Alternatively, take a helicopter from Phata or Sirsi. Upon arrival, check into the camp or lodge and attend the evening aarti at the temple.
Day 3
Kedarnath Darshan
Rise early for the abhishek puja — the ritual bathing of the Shivalinga. Spend the morning in prayer and meditation. Visit Bhairavnath Temple, the guardian of Kedarnath. Trek 2 km further to the Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Lake) for stunning glacier views. Attend the elaborate evening Shringaar Aarti — a deeply moving ceremony.
Day 4
Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Rishikesh
After the morning aarti, descend to Gaurikund and drive to Rishikesh. Attend evening prayers at Triveni Ghat and rest overnight.
Day 5
Rishikesh → Haridwar → Departure
Morning prayers at Rishikesh, then drive to Haridwar. Final aarti at Har Ki Pauri before departing with Baba Kedarnath's divine blessings.
Photo Gallery
Route Map
Haridwar
→ Guptkashi
→ Kedarnath
→ Rishikesh
→ Haridwar