Day 1: Rishikesh/ Dehradun to Guptkashi

Departure from Rishikesh: After breakfast, begin your journey early in the morning to make the most of your day. Head towards Guptkashi via NH7, a scenic route passing through beautiful towns and valleys.

En Route Stops

1. Devprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers):

• A perfect spot to take a break and witness the spiritual confluence that forms the holy Ganga river.
• Spend some time at the viewpoint or visit the nearby temples

2. Rudraprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers):

• Another picturesque confluence, offering a chance for a quick halt and some photography.
• You can explore the Rudranath Temple if time permits.

3. Agastmuni:

• Known for its serene surroundings and the Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple.
• Pause to stretch your legs or enjoy some tea and snacks at a local dhaba.

Arrival in Guptkashi

• Check-in at Accommodation: Upon reaching Guptkashi, check into your hotel, relax, and freshen up.
• Visit the Vishwanath Temple:
  • Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is a must-visit in Guptkashi. It holds great religious significance and offers a peaceful ambiance for visitors.

Leisure Time

• Stroll Through the Town: After visiting the temples, you can spend some time walking around the small town, enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains, and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
• Local Dinner: Savor a delicious meal at your hotel or a local eatery, with options ranging from simple vegetarian fare to regional Garhwali cuisine.

Overnight Stay:

• End your day by settling in for the night at your hotel, preparing for the next day’s adventures

Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

1. Guptkashi to Sonprayag (Drive)

• Start your journey by driving from Guptkashi to Sonprayag. The scenic drive through the Himalayan terrain takes you along winding roads and offers breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains.
• On arrival at Sonprayag, park your vehicle or make arrangements for it, as private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point.

2. Sonprayag to Gaurikund (Local Shared Cab)

• From Sonprayag, take a local shared cab (also known as a ‘Satal Cab’) to Gaurikund, which is about 5 km away. This ride provides the gateway to the trek.
• Gaurikund is the starting point of the Kedarnath trek, and you can also take a moment to visit the Gaurikund Temple and the hot springs if time allows.

3. Gaurikund to Kedarnath (Trek)

• Begin the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which covers a distance of around 16 km. The trek passes through a mix of steep and moderate inclines, with beautiful views of the Mandakini River, waterfalls, and forests.
• You will come across rest stops and tea stalls along the way for refreshments and to take breaks.
• As you approach Kedarnath, the towering Kedarnath Temple and majestic snow-clad peaks make the effort worth it.

4. Arrive at Kedarnath

• On reaching Kedarnath, visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. Offer prayers and soak in the divine atmosphere amidst the awe-inspiring backdrop of the mountains.
• After the temple visit, explore the surrounding area, including Bhairavnath Temple, a short hike from Kedarnath.
• Enjoy the spiritual vibe and serene natural beauty that envelops Kedarnath.

5. Overnight Stay in Kedarnath

• After the day’s trek and darshan, check into a pre-booked accommodation in Kedarnath. There are various guesthouses, lodges, and Dharamshala’s available for pilgrims.
• Spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on the spiritual journey, and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the majestic Himalayas.

Day 3: Kedarnath to Chopta Camp

• Morning: Begin your descent from Kedarnath early. The trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund is around 16 km, with scenic views of the mountains and valleys.
• Gaurikund Rest Point: Once you reach Gaurikund, take a short rest. You can enjoy some light snacks or tea before proceeding to Sonprayag.

Gaurikund to Sonprayag

• After resting, hire a local cab or shared jeep for the 5 km journey from Gaurikund to Sonprayag. The ride will be brief and comfortable, allowing you to relax after the trek.

Sonprayag to Chopta Camp

• Drive from Sonprayag to Chopta: Once in Sonprayag, begin the scenic drive to Chopta, approximately 80 km away. The drive takes you through charming villages, pine forests, and serene landscapes with glimpses of the Mandakini River. En route, you can stop briefly in Guptkashi for refreshments or a visit to the famous.

Vishwanath Temple

• Arrival at Chopta: Reach Chopta, known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” in the late afternoon. The lush green meadows and surrounding peaks create a tranquil atmosphere. Check into your camp, where you’ll stay for the night.

Explore Chopta (Optional)

• If time permits and you’re not too tired, take a short walk around the Chopta meadow. You can enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges, including peaks like Trishul and Nanda Devi.
• Settle into your camp for a peaceful evening amidst the alpine meadows, with dinner served under the stars.

Overnight Stay in Chopta Camp

• Enjoy a cozy night in your camp with bonfires (if arranged) and stargazing

Day 4: Tungnath Trek

1. Trek from Chopta camp to Tungnath Temple

• Begin your trek from Chopta camp to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
• Trek Distance: 4 km (one-way)
• Altitude Gain: From ~2,680 meters (Chopta) to ~3,680 meters (Tungnath)
• The trek is a moderately steep climb, with stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and the lush meadows (Bugyals) along the way.

Once at Tungnath, you can visit the temple and explore the surroundings, which are peaceful and scenic, with panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath.

Optional: If you’re feeling up to it, you can trek further to Chandrashila, a 1.5 km steep ascent from Tungnath (altitude: 4,000 meters). This offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas.

2. Return Trek to Chopta

• After spending some time at Tungnath (and possibly Chandrashila), descend back to Chopta.

3. Drive from Chopta to Pipalkoti

• After returning to Chopta, depart for Pipalkoti.
• Distance: ~60 km
• The drive will take you through scenic mountain roads, passing by small villages and rivers.

Final Destination: Pipalkoti

• Pipalkoti is a quaint village, a perfect place to rest for the night. You can explore the local markets or relax in your accommodation after the long day of trekking.

Day 5: – Pipalkoti – Urgam Valley (Kalpeshwar Temple) – Pipalkoti

Starting Point: Pipalkoti

• Altitude: 1,260 meters (4,133 feet)
• Distance to Urgam Village: Approx. 45 km (by road)

1. Pipalkoti to Helang (Distance: 20 km (by road))

• Start your journey from Pipalkoti, driving along the scenic Badrinath highway (NH-7) towards Helang. The drive offers stunning views of the Alaknanda River and the surrounding mountains.

2. Helang to Urgam Village (Distance: 12 km (by road, steep uphill drive))

• From Helang, take the narrow road leading to Urgam Village. This section of the road is a bit rough and steep but rewards you with beautiful, terraced fields, dense forests, and picturesque views of the valley.

3. Trek from Urgam Village to Kalpeshwar Temple (Distance: 2 km (easy trek), Altitude: 2,134 meters)

• After reaching Urgam Village, park your vehicle and begin a short trek of about 2 km to Kalpeshwar Temple. The trek is easy, with well-marked paths through the lush greenery and occasional streams.

4. Visit Kalpeshwar Temple

• Kalpeshwar is one of the Panch Kedar temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. The temple is nestled amidst a serene and spiritual setting, with its unique location in a cave and tranquil surroundings.

5. Return Trek to Urgam Village

• Retrace your steps from Kalpeshwar back to Urgam Village, enjoying the scenic beauty and peaceful environment.

6. Urgam Village to Helang (Distance: 12 km (downhill drive))

• Drive back from Urgam Village to Helang, descending through the valley and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape.

7. Helang to Pipalkoti (Distance: 20 km (by road))

• Complete the journey by driving back to Pipalkoti, following the same route along the Badrinath highway. The
  drive is relaxing with great mountain views.

Overnight Stay: Return to Pipalkoti for an overnight stay at your preferred accommodation.

Day 6: – Pipalkoti to Rishikesh/ Dehradun

After your spiritual pilgrimage to the revered shrines of Kedarnath, Tungnath, and Kalpeshwar, the journey from Pipalkoti to Rishikesh offers a time for reflection and introspection. As you descend from the sacred heights of the Himalayas, you will carry the tranquil energy of these spiritual places with you, enveloping the rest of your trip with a profound sense of peace.

Starting Point: Pipalkoti

• Distance to Rishikesh: ~ 215 km
• Estimated Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road
• Pipalkoti, a serene town nestled amidst lush green hills, serves as the perfect starting point. After experiencing the spiritual aura of Kedarnath (3,583 meters), Tungnath (3,680 meters), and Kalpeshwar (2,200 meters), this town offers you a brief moment to recollect the quiet moments spent at these high-altitude sanctuaries.
• As you leave Pipalkoti, you’ll drive along the winding mountain roads. The river Alaknanda will accompany you along the way, symbolizing the eternal flow of time and the impermanence of life. This part of the journey allows you to ponder your experiences at Tungnath, the highest of the Panch Kedar temples, where the thin mountain air gave way to the boundless horizon. Reflect on the powerful connection between nature and divinity that was evident in every step up the steep trails.
• At Rudraprayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet, the feeling of spiritual confluence is palpable. The sight of these two powerful rivers merging evokes a sense of unity and balance—perhaps echoing the lessons learned at Kalpeshwar, where Shiva is worshiped in his matted hair form, symbolizing interconnectedness.
• The journey from Rudraprayag to Devprayag is filled with scenic beauty, flanked by forests and rivers. The winding roads mirror the twists and turns of your spiritual path, from the awe-inspiring Kedarnath with its lofty peaks to the quieter, subtler energy of Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath’s raw power and Tungnath’s proximity to the sky may have left you feeling closer to the cosmos, while Kalpeshwar offered a more grounded, intimate connection with nature.
• At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers merge to form the holy Ganga. Standing at this confluence, you are reminded of the profound symbolism of rivers in Hinduism—flowing onward despite obstacles, much like your journey through life.
• The final stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh is a peaceful descent, offering time to meditate on the transformative power of your pilgrimage. The descent in altitude parallels your return to the practical world from the divine heights you have explored. The memory of Kedarnath, where Lord Shiva himsealf resides amidst towering peaks, stays with you. The spiritual energy of Tungnath and Kalpeshwar remains in your heart.
• As you approach Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World,” the sacred Ganga flows beside you once more. The bustling ashrams and the sound of temple bells welcome you back to civilization. Rishikesh, at the foothills of the Himalayas, feels like a bridge between the divine and the earthly. Here, you can pause to reflect on the inner peace gained from your pilgrimage.
• The journey ends in Rishikesh, but the reflections on your time spent in the higher temples remain fresh. Rishikesh offers the perfect environment to continue your spiritual practice, whether through meditation, yoga, or quiet contemplation by the banks of the holy Ganga. The sacred memories of Kedarnath’s grandeur, Tungnath’s skyward path, and Kalpeshwar’s tranquil forest shrine stay with you, deepening your sense of connection to both nature and the divine.

This trip offers not only a physical descent but also a spiritual one, where the power of the Himalayas slowly gives way to the grounded peace of the plains. Each temple visit has imparted lessons and energy that accompany you on this final leg of your journey back into the world