Kedarnath 4-Day Itinerary for September 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   10 minutes (1.5 km) from Kedarnath Helipad

   In the morning, visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple opens at 6:00 AM and lasts until 8:00 PM. Afterward, head to Gaurikund for lunch and take a dip in the hot springs to freshen up. In the evening, enjoy the local food and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   1 hour 30 minutes (9.2 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Start your day early for a trek to Vasuki Tal. It is a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains. The trek is quite challenging, so it is recommended to hire a guide. The trek starts at Kedarnath Temple, and it takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the lake. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the top, have a packed lunch, and then descend back to Kedarnath. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying out local delicacies.

3. Day 3: Bhairav Temple and Gandhi Sarovar
   15 minutes (1.2 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Start your day with a visit to the Bhairav Temple, which is located near the Kedarnath Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, who is considered the protector of the Kedarnath Temple. The temple opens at 6:00 AM and lasts until 8:00 PM. Afterward, head to Gandhi Sarovar, a glacial lake, which is named after Mahatma Gandhi. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountain ranges, and it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach the lake. Have a packed lunch and enjoy the serene beauty of the place. Return to Kedarnath by evening for dinner and rest.

4. Day 4: Gaurikund and Triyugi Narayan Temple
   1 hour 30 minutes (35.2 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Start your day with a visit to Gaurikund, which is located at the base of Kedarnath Temple. It is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath, and it is also a popular pilgrimage site. Take a dip in the hot springs and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. Afterward, head to Triyugi Narayan Temple, which is located on the way to Gaurikund. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Spend some time exploring the temple and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Return to Kedarnath by evening for dinner and rest.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can visit the nearby Chorabari Tal or trek to the nearby peaks of Kedar Dome or Thalay Sagar. You can also visit the nearby villages of Gaurikund, Sonprayag, or Guptkashi to experience the local culture and food.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (10 hours, INR 2000 for guide)
• Bhairav Temple (1 hour, free)
• Gandhi Sarovar Trek (10 hours, INR 2000 for guide)
• Gaurikund (2 hours, free)
• Triyugi Narayan Temple (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4000