Kedarnath 5-Day Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   Located in the heart of the town
   Time and Distance from Previous Location: 0 minutes

   In the morning, visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines of Hinduism. Legend says that Lord Shiva himself resides in the temple. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Gandhi Sarovar and Vasuki Tal Lake. In the evening, attend the evening aarti at the temple, where hundreds of devotees gather to witness the ritual.

2. Day 2: Gaurikund
   Located 17.3 km from Kedarnath Temple (40 minutes by car)

   Start your day by visiting Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. Take a dip in the hot spring, which is believed to have medicinal properties. In the afternoon, visit the Guptkashi Temple and the ancient Triyuginarayan Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the evening, return to Kedarnath and take a stroll around the town.

3. Day 3: Sonprayag
   Located 20 km from Kedarnath Temple (1 hour by car)

   Visit Sonprayag, a scenic spot where the Mandakini and Basuki rivers meet. Take a dip in the cold water of the Mandakini river, which is said to cleanse one's sins. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Triyuginarayan Temple and the Kalimath Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. In the evening, return to Kedarnath and attend the evening aarti at the temple.

4. Day 4: Chopta
   Located 35 km from Kedarnath Temple (1.5 hours by car)

   Visit Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland" of India. Take a trek to the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and the Chandrashila Peak, which offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit the Deoria Tal Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the evening, return to Kedarnath and relax in your hotel.

5. Day 5: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   Located 5 km from Kedarnath Temple (20 minutes by car)

   Visit the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many endangered animal and bird species such as the musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan monal. Take a trek to the Vasuki Tal Lake, which is surrounded by the Himalayan peaks. In the afternoon, visit the Ukhimath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, return to Kedarnath and enjoy the local cuisine.

Recommendations

If you have time, you can also visit the Madmaheshwar Temple, which is one of the Panch Kedar temples. You can also take a side trip to the Triyuginarayan village, which is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. To maximize your fun, make sure to carry warm clothes, raincoats, and comfortable footwear. You can also hire a local guide to explore the nearby areas. Lastly, don't forget to try the local delicacies such as Kachmauli, Bhang ki chutney, and Bal mithai.

Looking for hotels and flights? Check out https://trip.tp.st/5u0O2Vxp.