5-Day Adventure Itinerary for Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.6 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Morning: Visit the ancient Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and seek blessings for a safe and adventurous trip ahead. Take a stroll around the temple and admire the intricate carvings. Afternoon: Enjoy a thrilling helicopter ride to Kedarnath Helipad offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Evening: Explore the beautiful Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over 975 sq km, and spot rare Himalayan species like snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan tahr.

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

   Morning: Begin your 8.5-mile trek to Vasuki Tal, a serene high altitude lake nestled amidst snow-capped mountains. Admire the picturesque scenery, walk through lush green meadows and spot varied Himalayan flora and fauna. Afternoon: Reach the lake and take a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Evening: Camp near the lake and stargaze the clear night sky.

3. Day 3: Chorabari Tal
   1 hour (3.4 miles) trek from Vasuki Tal

   Morning: Start early and trek to the beautiful Chorabari Tal, also called Gandhi Sarovar, a glacial lake named after Mahatma Gandhi. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Satopanth and Chaukhamba peaks. Afternoon: Reach the lake and enjoy the serene environment and beautiful surroundings. Take a dip in the icy cold waters of the lake if you dare. Evening: Camp near the lake and enjoy a bonfire night under the stars.

4. Day 4: Madhyamaheshwar Temple
   2 hours (13.4 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Morning: Visit the beautiful Madhyamaheshwar Temple, one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft. The temple is surrounded by lush green meadows and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Afternoon: Trek to Buda Madhyamaheshwar, a smaller temple located at a higher altitude, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth peaks. Evening: Camp near the temple and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

5. Day 5: Sonprayag
   2 hours (19.8 miles) trek from Madhyamaheshwar Temple

   Morning: Start your trek to Sonprayag, a small town situated at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests. Afternoon: Reach Sonprayag and take a refreshing dip in the hot springs. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the local restaurants. Evening: Visit the Triyuginarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and witness the divine marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on visiting the Bhairon Temple dedicated to Bhairon Nath located near Kedarnath Temple. If you have some extra time, visit the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary known for its rare Himalayan species. You can also plan a side trip to the beautiful town of Rudraprayag located 67 miles from Kedarnath.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (1 hour, free)
• Helicopter Ride to Kedarnath Helipad (20 minutes, INR 3500)
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 500 per person)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (8 hours, INR 4000 per person)
• Chorabari Tal Trek (4 hours, INR 2000 per person)
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple (4 hours, free)
• Sonprayag Trek (6 hours, INR 3000 per person)
• Triyuginarayan Temple (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 14500 per person