Panch Kedar Yatra 2026 – Complete Guide with Opening Dates, Trek Route & Travel Tips
Published on February 18, 2026
By TourMyHoliday | Updated: 2026 | Reading Time: ~8 minutes
Deep in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand lie five ancient temples of Lord Shiva, collectively known as the Panch Kedar. Far from the noise of the plains, these sacred shrines are nestled amidst snow-capped peaks, dense rhododendron forests, and pristine alpine meadows — each one holding centuries of mythology, devotion, and spiritual energy.
If the Chardham Yatra is the most famous pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, the Panch Kedar Yatra is its most powerful, most adventurous, and most rewarding spiritual journey. This complete guide for 2026 covers everything you need — confirmed opening and closing dates for all five temples, the Pandava legend behind the yatra, the correct pilgrimage route, trekking details, travel tips, and more.
What Is Panch Kedar?
The word "Panch" means five, and "Kedar" is another name for Lord Shiva. The Panch Kedar refers to five holy temples of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand. The five temples are:
- Kedarnath (Rudraprayag District)
- Tungnath (Rudraprayag District)
- Rudranath (Chamoli District)
- Madhyamaheshwar (Rudraprayag District)
- Kalpeshwar (Chamoli District)
These temples are believed to have been built by the Pandavas and are among the most spiritually significant Shiva shrines in the world. Each temple enshrines a different body part of Lord Shiva, making the complete pilgrimage circuit one of the most unique yatras in Hinduism.
The Pandava Legend — Why Was Panch Kedar Created?
According to Hindu mythology rooted in the Mahabharata, after the devastating Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas were consumed by guilt for killing their own kin — including their gurus and cousins. Seeking absolution from this sin (known as Gotra Hatya), they were advised by Lord Krishna to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva, however, did not wish to meet the Pandavas so easily. He disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and hid among a herd of cattle in the Garhwal Himalayas. Bhima, the mightiest Pandava, spotted the divine bull and recognised it as Lord Shiva. When he tried to hold the bull, Lord Shiva dove into the earth to escape. But before disappearing completely, different parts of his body emerged at five different locations across the Himalayas — and at each of these spots, the Pandavas built a temple.
These five locations became the Panch Kedar, and together they form one of the holiest pilgrimage circuits in Hinduism.
The Five Panch Kedar Temples — What Part of Lord Shiva Is Worshipped?
| Temple | Body Part of Shiva | Altitude | District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath | Hump (Kambh) | 3,583 m (11,755 ft) | Rudraprayag |
| Tungnath | Arms (Bahu) | 3,680 m (12,073 ft) | Rudraprayag |
| Rudranath | Face (Mukh) | 2,286 m (7,500 ft) | Chamoli |
| Madhyamaheshwar | Navel (Nabhi) | 3,497 m (11,473 ft) | Rudraprayag |
| Kalpeshwar | Hair/Jata (Locks) | 2,200 m (7,217 ft) | Chamoli |
Panch Kedar Opening Dates 2026 — Temple-Wise Schedule
The temples open each year based on the Hindu Panchang. Opening dates for Panch Kedar are traditionally announced on Maha Shivratri (which fell on February 26, 2026). Below are the confirmed and widely cited opening dates for 2026:
| Temple | Opening Date 2026 | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath | 22 April 2026 | Wednesday |
| Tungnath | 2 May 2026 | Saturday |
| Rudranath | 18 May 2026 | Monday |
| Madhyamaheshwar | 21 May 2026 | Thursday |
| Kalpeshwar | Open year-round | — |
Note: Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple that remains open throughout the year, including during winter months, making it uniquely accessible.
Panch Kedar Closing Dates 2026 — Tentative Schedule
| Temple | Closing Date 2026 (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Kedarnath | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj) |
| Tungnath | Late October / early November 2026 |
| Rudranath | October 2026 |
| Madhyamaheshwar | 20 November 2026 |
| Kalpeshwar | Open year-round |
After closing, the deity idols are moved to their winter abodes for continued worship. Kedarnath's idol travels to Ukhimath, Tungnath's to Markandeya Temple in Ukhimath, Rudranath's to Gopinath Temple in Gopeshwar, and Madhyamaheshwar's to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
The Five Temples in Detail
1. Kedarnath Temple — The First and Most Sacred Kedar
Kedarnath is the crown jewel of the Panch Kedar and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India. Located at an altitude of 3,583 metres, this ancient stone temple stands against the backdrop of the towering Kedarnath peak in the Mandakini river valley.
Trek: 16 km from Gaurikund (base camp at Sonprayag). Moderate to difficult, well-paved path with regular resting points. Helicopter service available from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
Why it's special: Apart from being a Jyotirlinga, Kedarnath is one of the most powerful energy centres in the Himalayas. The original temple structure is believed to date back over 1,200 years, reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The hump of Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a natural rocky formation.
Opening Date 2026: 22 April 2026 Base Camp: Gaurikund (Sonprayag) Nearest Town: Guptkashi
2. Tungnath Temple — The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
Tungnath holds the extraordinary distinction of being the highest Shiva temple in the world, perched at an altitude of 3,680 metres. The trek from Chopta — often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" — passes through breathtaking meadows and rhododendron forests.
Trek: 3.5 km from Chopta. Easy to moderate. An additional 1.5 km trek from Tungnath leads to Chandrashila Peak(4,130 m), offering panoramic 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba peaks.
Why it's special: The arms of Lord Shiva are enshrined here. On the opening day, the idol of Tungnath Mahadev arrives in a Doli procession from Markandeya Temple, Ukhimath. The kapaat opens between 11:15 AM and 12:00 noon on 2 May 2026.
Opening Date 2026: 2 May 2026 Base Camp: Chopta Nearest Town: Ukhimath / Rudraprayag
3. Rudranath Temple — The Face of Lord Shiva
Rudranath is considered the most mystical of the five Panch Kedar temples. Located at 2,286 metres, the temple sits amid a dense forest canopy and is surrounded by natural rock formations. The face (mukh) of Lord Shiva is worshipped here.
Trek: 19 km from Sagar Village. Moderate to challenging, through alpine forests, Himalayan meadows (bugyals), and remote terrain. This is one of the most scenic and off-the-beaten-path treks in Uttarakhand.
Why it's special: Unlike other Panch Kedar temples, Rudranath has an open-sky (natural) shrine — there is no enclosed structure over the main deity. The face of Shiva is worshipped in a natural rock formation, giving the place an extraordinarily primal and raw spiritual energy.
Opening Date 2026: 18 May 2026 Base Camp: Sagar Village Nearest Town: Gopeshwar (Chamoli)
4. Madhyamaheshwar Temple — The Navel of Lord Shiva
Madhyamaheshwar — also called Madmaheshwar or Dwitiya Kedar (the second Kedar) — is one of the most peaceful and least crowded Panch Kedar shrines. Located at 3,497 metres, surrounded by the stunning Chaukhamba and Neelkanth peaks, this temple enshrines the navel (nabhi) of Lord Shiva.
Trek: 16–18 km from Ransi Village. Moderate difficulty. The trail passes through quaint Garhwali villages, pine forests, and high-altitude meadows, with the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga river for company throughout.
Why it's special: The black stone navel-shaped Lingam inside the temple is rare and deeply significant. The serenity here is unmatched — far from the crowds of Kedarnath. The meadow surrounding the temple offers stunning 360° Himalayan views. A short walk leads to Budha Madhyamaheshwar, offering even more spectacular vistas.
Opening Date 2026: 21 May 2026 Closing Date 2026: 20 November 2026 Base Camp: Ransi Village (near Ukhimath)Nearest Town: Ukhimath / Guptkashi
5. Kalpeshwar Temple — The Jata (Hair Locks) of Lord Shiva
Kalpeshwar is the most accessible of the five Panch Kedar temples and the only one open throughout the year. Located at about 2,200 metres in the serene Urgam Valley, the temple is a short 2 km walk from the nearest motorable road.
Trek: Just 2 km from Urgam Village. Easy. The route passes through wooden bridges, dense forest, and the roaring Kalpganga river.
Why it's special: The hair locks (jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped here. Legend says this is where Lord Shiva granted the divine Kalpavriksha tree (the wish-fulfilling tree) to sages. Since it's open in winter, it's a great option for those wanting to do part of the Panch Kedar in the colder months. The Chamoli district surrounding Kalpeshwar is also close to the Valley of Flowers National Park.
Opening: Year-round Base Camp / Nearest Town: Helang (on the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway) District: Chamoli
Panch Kedar Yatra Route 2026 — The Correct Order
The traditional order for the Panch Kedar Yatra begins with Kedarnath and concludes at Kalpeshwar. Most pilgrims start from Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Recommended Route:
Rishikesh / Haridwar → Sonprayag → Kedarnath (1st Kedar) → Chopta → Tungnath (2nd Kedar) → Gopeshwar → Rudranath (3rd Kedar) → Ukhimath → Madhyamaheshwar (4th Kedar) → Helang → Kalpeshwar (5th Kedar) → Return to Rishikesh / Haridwar
Total Circuit Distance: Approximately 1,400–1,500 km (by road + trek) Minimum Days Required: 14–16 days for the complete circuit Trekking Days: Approximately 8–10 days of actual trekking
Trek Difficulty & Distance — At a Glance
| Temple | Trek From | Trek Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath | Gaurikund | 16 km | Moderate–Difficult |
| Tungnath | Chopta | 3.5 km | Easy–Moderate |
| Rudranath | Sagar Village | 19 km | Moderate–Difficult |
| Madhyamaheshwar | Ransi Village | 16–18 km | Moderate |
| Kalpeshwar | Urgam Village | 2 km | Easy |
Best Time to Visit Panch Kedar 2026
May to June — Most popular time. Trails are fully open, the weather is pleasant (15°C–20°C), and all five temples are accessible. Ideal for first-time pilgrims and families. Kedarnath can get crowded during this period.
July to August (Monsoon) — Not recommended. Landslides, slippery trails, and road closures are common. Travel is risky, especially for the Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar treks.
September to October — The best time for experienced trekkers. Post-monsoon trails are lush and green, skies are clear, crowds are thinner, and the Himalayan views are at their most dramatic. Highly recommended.
November onwards — Most temples begin to close. Kalpeshwar remains open and can be visited year-round. Perfect for solo or winter devotees.
How to Reach Panch Kedar
By Air: Fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun — the nearest airport. From Dehradun, all Panch Kedar base camps are reachable by road.
By Train: Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest major railway stations, both well-connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities.
By Road: Most pilgrims travel by road from Rishikesh. Key base towns for each temple and their approximate distances from Rishikesh are:
Sonprayag (Kedarnath base) — 200 km Chopta (Tungnath base) — 202 km Gopeshwar (Rudranath base) — 212 km Ukhimath (Madhyamaheshwar base) — 185 km Helang (Kalpeshwar base) — 236 km
State buses, shared taxis, and private cabs are all available from Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Important Travel & Trekking Tips for Panch Kedar Yatra 2026
Physical Fitness: The Panch Kedar Yatra is one of India's most physically demanding pilgrimages. Begin training at least 4–6 weeks before your journey with daily walking, light jogging, and stair climbing. The Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar treks in particular require strong fitness levels.
Health Precautions: Consult your doctor if you have heart conditions, blood pressure issues, diabetes, or respiratory problems. Altitude sickness can affect some pilgrims at Kedarnath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar. Carry altitude sickness medicine (like Diamox) after consulting a physician.
Clothing: Always carry warm woollen layers, a waterproof rain jacket, full-length trekking trousers, and sturdy waterproof trekking boots. Temperatures at Kedarnath and Tungnath can drop below 5°C even in peak summer.
Accommodation: Government guesthouses (PWD rest houses), private lodges, and tent camps are available at most base camps and en-route. Book well in advance for May–June travel. For Rudranath, tent stays, or basic hut,s are the primary accommodation option on the trail.
Food: Local dhabas along the route serve simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food. Carry dry snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and dry fruits for trek days. Avoid heavy, spicy food at high altitude.
Guides and Porters: Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended for the Rudranath trek, which passes through remote terrain with limited signage. Porters are available at base camps to carry your baggage on all major treks.
Water: Always carry at least 2 litres of water. Natural streams are available on some routes but purify water before drinking. Avoid purchasing single-use plastic — carry a reusable bottle.
Mobile Connectivity: Network coverage is limited or absent on most trek routes. Download offline maps (like Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before beginning the trek.
Leave No Trace: The Panch Kedar region is an ecologically sensitive zone. Do not litter, do not pluck wildflowers, and respect the natural environment. The beauty of these trails depends on the collective responsibility of every pilgrim and trekker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Panch Kedar?
Panch Kedar is a group of five sacred Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand — Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. According to Hindu mythology, these shrines mark the spots where different body parts of Lord Shiva appeared after he disguised himself as a bull to evade the Pandavas.
Q2. When will Panch Kedar open in 2026?
The temples open on different dates between April and May 2026. Kedarnath opens on 22 April, Tungnath on 2 May, Rudranath on 18 May, and Madhyamaheshwar on 21 May. Kalpeshwar is open throughout the year.
Q3. Which is the most difficult temple to reach in Panch Kedar?
Rudranath (19 km trek from Sagar Village) and Madhyamaheshwar (16–18 km from Ransi Village) are considered the most challenging treks in the circuit. Kalpeshwar is the easiest, requiring just 2 km of walking.
Q4. Which is the easiest Panch Kedar temple to visit?
Kalpeshwar is the easiest — it requires only a 2 km walk from Urgam Village and is open year-round. Tungnath (3.5 km from Chopta) is also relatively easy and very popular.
Q5. Can we do the Panch Kedar Yatra in 10 days?
The complete Panch Kedar circuit typically requires 14–16 days. It can be rushed into 10 days, but this is not recommended as it is physically demanding. If you are short on time, consider visiting 2–3 temples rather than all five.
Q6. Is there a helicopter service for Panch Kedar?
Helicopter service is available for Kedarnath only (from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi). The remaining four temples are accessible only by trekking. No helicopters are operational to Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, or Kalpeshwar.
Q7. Is registration required for the Panch Kedar Yatra 2026?
Registration is mandatory for Kedarnath. For the other four temples, registration requirements may vary — check the official Uttarakhand tourism portal at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before travelling.
Q8. Is the Panch Kedar Yatra suitable for senior citizens?
Kedarnath (with helicopter option), Tungnath (easy trek), and Kalpeshwar are manageable for reasonably healthy senior citizens. Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar involve long, challenging treks and are not recommended for elderly pilgrims or those with health conditions.
Q9. What is the difference between Chardham Yatra and Panch Kedar Yatra?
The Chardham Yatra covers four temples — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — and is the most popular Uttarakhand pilgrimage. The Panch Kedar Yatra covers five Shiva temples and is more physically demanding, more remote, and less touristy, making it ideal for serious pilgrims and trekkers seeking a deeper spiritual experience.
Panch Kedar Yatra 2026 — Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Temples | 5 |
| First Temple Opens | 22 April 2026 (Kedarnath) |
| Last Temple Closes | 20 November 2026 (Madhyamaheshwar) |
| Only Year-Round Temple | Kalpeshwar |
| Best Time to Visit | May–June or September–October |
| Starting Point | Rishikesh / Haridwar |
| Minimum Days Required | 14–16 days (full circuit) |
| Total Trek Distance | ~60 km (combined trek distances) |
| Hardest Trek | Rudranath (19 km) |
| Easiest Trek | Kalpeshwar (2 km) |
Ready to embark on the most spiritually transformative journey of your life? Let TourMyHoliday help you plan your Panch Kedar Yatra 2026 — customised itineraries, comfortable stays, experienced guides, and everything taken care of. Contact us today.
