5-Day Kedarnath Dham Itinerary in August 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   3 minutes (0.2 km) from Kedarnath Helipad

   In the morning, start your spiritual journey with a visit to the famous Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Get mesmerized by the scenic beauty of the surroundings. In the afternoon, take a stroll in the nearby Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and encounter various species of flora and fauna. In the evening, attend the evening aarti at the temple and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   4 hours (8.5 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Get ready for an adventurous day trek to Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush greenery. Spend your morning exploring the lake and its surroundings. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lake and indulge in some bird watching. In the evening, trek back to Kedarnath Temple and relax your tired muscles.

3. Day 3: Shankaracharya Samadhi
   5 minutes (0.3 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   In the morning, pay your respects at the Shankaracharya Samadhi, a memorial dedicated to the great saint and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. In the afternoon, take a holy dip in the Kedarnath Tirth Kund and offer prayers to the ancestors. In the evening, enjoy a scenic walk to the nearby Gandhi Sarovar and get awed by the beauty of the glacier-fed lake.

4. Day 4: Triyuginarayan Temple
   2 hours 30 minutes (63.3 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Start your day with a visit to the Triyuginarayan Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is also famous for the eternal flame that is believed to have witnessed the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. In the afternoon, trek to the Gaurikund Waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. In the evening, enjoy the mesmerizing sunset from the Gaurikund viewpoint.

5. Day 5: Sonprayag
   1 hour 20 minutes (23.8 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   On your last day, head to Sonprayag, a scenic town situated at the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. In the morning, visit the ancient Raghunath Temple and seek blessings from Lord Rama. In the afternoon, indulge in some shopping at the local markets and buy souvenirs for loved ones. In the evening, head back to Kedarnath and cherish the memories of your spiritual journey.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine, especially the Kumaoni and Garhwali dishes. If you have an extra day, plan a day trip to the picturesque town of Guptkashi, situated at the banks of the Mandakini river. You can also opt for a helicopter ride to get a bird's eye view of the stunning Himalayan landscape.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (8-10 hours, Guide and Equipment hire charges apply)
• Shankaracharya Samadhi (1 hour, Free)
• Kedarnath Tirth Kund (1 hour, Free)
• Triyuginarayan Temple (3 hours, Free)
• Gaurikund Waterfall Trek (4-5 hours, Guide and Equipment hire charges apply)
• Sonprayag Visit (2-3 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs (excluding hotel and flight): INR 10,000-15,000

Check hotel and flight prices here.