Day 01: Haridwar to Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Rudraprayag & Devprayag. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptakashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
Guptakashi:- The name Gupt Kashi means “Hidden Benaras”. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.
Guptkashi Weather – pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in winters.
Distance:- 220 Kms Time:- 8-9 Hrs
Day 02: Guptkashi to Kedarnath to Guptkashi (30kms by road & 19kms Trek one way)
Morning after breakfast drive to Gaurikund, start your trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (by Pony / Doli / Helicopter at your own cost). Visit Kedarnath Temple. After temple Darshan trek down to Gaurikund. Later, drive to Guptkashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
Treking Route:If you are going by trek for Kedarnath then our car will drop you at Sonprayag. You have to hire a local jeep for Gaurikund then your trek will start for Kedarnath Ji 14 km one way. Same as when you return.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar, and his locks (hair) with the head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath Weather – Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for the most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During the summer season, the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. The Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with the mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.
Distance:- 30kms by road & 19kms Trek one way
Day 03: Guptkashi to Chopta to Tungnath (48kms by road & 8kms Trek both way)
After breakfast, drive early morning to Chopta, known as Mini Switzerland. It will take 1 hr to reach Meraki Mayadeep Resort in Chopta. Check-in at hotel and after refreshment, start trek to Tungnath Temple, highest temple of Lord Shiva. The trek is about 3 km from Chopta. Pay your respect at Tungnath temple. It is also known to be a Dwitya Kedar (Second Kedar), one among the Panch Kedar. Furthermore, if possible, trek 1 km more to reach Chandrashila peak or summit. You will witness the 360-degree panoramic view of Snow covered the Himalayas. Return back to Hotel Mayadeep in Duggalbitta, Chopta. Overnight stay in Chopta.
Distance:- 48kms by road & 8kms Trek both way
Day 04: Chopta to Haridwar (231kms/8-9hrs)
Morning after breakfast, drive for Haridwar via Rishikesh. Rishikesh ‘place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by the Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of ” Hrishikesh ” and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh. Later visit Rishikesh Temples & Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla. Drop at Haridwar. Tour concludes.
Distance:- 231 Kms Time:- 8-9 hrs
