Kedarnath, Tungnath, and Hemkund Sahib are three significant pilgrimage sites located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, each with its unique religious and cultural importance.
Overview
Visiting Kedarnath, Tungnath, and Hemkund Sahib provides a unique spiritual and natural experience, making them vital religious and tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Each site offers stunning Himalayan scenery, rich cultural significance, and a chance to connect with divine spirituality. Trekkers and pilgrims alike find joy in the journey through these breathtaking landscapes, making it a worthwhile adventure.
Highlights
- One of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage.
- The Kedarnath Temple is revered for its majestic architecture and ancient idol of Lord Shiva.
- Usually accessed by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund or by helicopter services.
- Surrounded by towering peaks, including Kedarnath Mountain, and located near the Mandakini River.
Meet our driver at Dehradun Haridwar Railway station & drive to Guptkashi. Enroute you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakiniriver comes from Kedarnath, drives alongside the river to reach Guptkashi, and visits ArdhNarishwar Temple in Guptkashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptkashi. Overnight stay at Guptkashi.
Morning drive to Sonprayag, Trek starts from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (3584 mts) on foot or on foot by pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Check in Hotel. Later visit Kedarnath Temple. Later back to Guptkashi. Night halt.
Gaurikund: At a distance of 5 kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters, one can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.
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, the protector and the destroyer. 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 Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.( Breakfast )
Morning take darshan at Shri Kedarnath Ji, later back to Guptkashi by Trek. Overnight stay. ( Dinner )
Morning after breakfast, drive to Joshimath . Check in to the hotel arrival in Joshimath. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Tapt Kund have the Darshan of Badrivishal & Aarti in the evening. Brahma Kapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitrus). There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Mata Murti, Charan Paduka, Bhimkund and the
"Mukh" of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinath Ji. Overnight stay at Joshimath.
Early morning after having breakfast, I drove to Govindghat. Take a local vehicle from Govindghat to Pulna, on arrival start the trek to Ghangaria from Pulna. The trail of Ghangaria is usually crowded with the pilgrims of Hemkund Sahib. The entire trail is alongside trees, small waterfalls, and springs. Indulge
yourself in salubrious surroundings & nature bounties. On arrival overnight stay in the hotel/guest house at Ghangaria.
Early in the morning start trekking (6 Km) to reach "HEMKUND SAHIB", one of the most revered of all Sikh Shrines. It is also the World's Highest Gurudwara, situated at an altitude of 4,329mts. The Hemkund Sahib Lake remains frozen for six months so you can easily walk around to the other side! There is also a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow-clad peaks and their associated glaciers, it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. This is a sight not to be missed! The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptarishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. For the history lovers, according to religious texts, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. In the afternoon, trek back down to reach Ghangaria for an overnight stay. The evening is free for rest & relaxation.
After early breakfast the trek back to Pulna. On arrival, I started to drive to Govindghat from the local vehicle. You will provide a transfer to Joshimath for an overnight stay.
After breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed for Sari/ Chopta. Overnight stay at Hotel
After breakfast, I start for Tungnath. It's a 7 km trek from chopta . After visit return back to hotel for stay
After breakfast, visit either Deoria Tal or Kartik Swami Temple. Then Depart to Haridwar.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop from the airport/railway/bus station.
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis.
- All breakfast included at hotels.
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle.
- Driver’s bata, toll, parking, road tax, fuel charges All applicable taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Service Tax – 5% GST Extra.
- Any train, bus, or air price any more meals not listed in the package's contents.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any personal costs like phone, minibar, room service, laundry, etc.
- Any fees for services or activities not covered by the included.
- Additional fees during high season, long weekends, or festival periods.
Kedarnath is accessible by foot or by helicopter. The nearest roadhead is Gaurikund, which is around 16 km away.
Tungnath is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also a popular trekking destination.
The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from late May to early October, as it is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Hemkund Sahib can be reached via a 6 km trek from the nearest roadhead at Govindghat.
