5-Day Nature Itinerary for Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Visit Kedarnath Temple
   10 minutes (0.7 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Start the day by visiting the famous Kedarnath Temple and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. This temple is built of massive stone slabs and is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. Afternoon, grab a bite at the temple's bhojanalayas. In the evening, hike a few miles to Vasuki Tal, a serene lake located amidst the Himalayas.

2. Day 2: Trek to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 10 minutes (16.3 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Embark on a trek to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over an area of 975 square km. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including musk deer, bharal, snow leopard, and more. You can also visit the Kedarnath Musk Deer Conservation Centre, which is located within the sanctuary. In the evening, head to Gaurikund, a natural hot water spring.

3. Day 3: Visit Triyuginarayan Temple and Guptkashi
   1 hour 16 minutes (25.9 miles) from Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

   Visit Triyuginarayan Temple, which is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene environment. Afternoon, head to Guptkashi, which is located on the banks of the Mandakini river. The place is known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple, Ardhnareshwar Temple, and Manikarnik Kund.

4. Day 4: Trek to Chandrashila Peak
   1 hour 46 minutes (38.1 miles) from Guptkashi

   Wake up early and embark on a trek to Chandrashila Peak, which is situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters. The trek is challenging, but the views from the top are breathtaking. You can see several Himalayan peaks from the summit, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Dome. In the evening, head back to your hotel and relax.

5. Day 5: Visit Deoria Tal and Sari Village
   1 hour 35 minutes (33.8 miles) from Chandrashila Peak

   Visit Deoria Tal, which is a pristine lake located at an altitude of 2,438 meters. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Afternoon, head to Sari Village, which is known for its beautiful apple orchards. You can also visit the ancient Kala Bhairava Temple, which is located in the village. In the evening, head back to your hotel and relax.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to witness the Ganga Dussehra festival, which takes place in June in Uttarkashi, located approximately 3 hours from Kedarnath. You can also embark on a road trip to Auli and enjoy skiing or take a dip in the hot water springs located in Tapt Kund.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (3 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (5 hours, INR 1,500)
• Triyuginarayan Temple (3 hours, free)
• Chandrashila Peak trek (8 hours, INR 2,000)
• Deoria Tal (4 hours, free)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 3,500