5-Day Itinerary for Kedarnath in October 2023

  1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
    Located in the heart of the town

    The Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest temples in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is beautifully located against the backdrop of the Himalayan Mountains, making it a stunning sight to behold. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas and is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple is open from April to November, and the best time to visit is during the early morning aarti.

  2. Day 2: Gandhi Sarovar
    13 km from Kedarnath

    Gandhi Sarovar is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level. The lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi and is a popular trekking destination. It is surrounded by mesmerising views of the Himalayan Mountains, making it a picturesque spot for nature lovers. The trek to Gandhi Sarovar takes around 5-6 hours and is ideal for experienced trekkers. The best time to visit is during the summer months of May to June.

  3. Day 3: Vasuki Tal
    6 km from Kedarnath

    Vasuki Tal is a high altitude lake located at an altitude of 14,200 feet above sea level. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers stunning views of the Kedarnath peak. The trek to Vasuki Tal is challenging but rewarding, taking around 4-5 hours. The best time to visit is during the summer months of May to June. Visitors require a permit from the forest department to visit the lake.

  4. Day 4: Sonprayag
    9 km from Kedarnath

    Sonprayag is a picturesque town located at the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. The town is surrounded by lush green mountains and offers stunning views of the valleys. It is a popular stopover for visitors on their way to Kedarnath. Sonprayag is also known for its hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Visitors can take a dip in the hot springs and relax after a long day of trekking.

  5. Day 5: Gaurikund
    16 km from Kedarnath

    Gaurikund is a small town located at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level. It is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath and is named after Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Gauri. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and offers stunning views of the mountains. Visitors can take a dip in the hot water spring located in the town, which is believed to have medicinal properties.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kedarnath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Gandhi Sarovar (5-6 hours, permit required)
  • Vasuki Tal (4-5 hours, permit required)
  • Sonprayag (1-2 hours, free)
  • Gaurikund (1-2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Permits may cost up to INR 100-200 per person. Other costs are negligible.
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