Uttarkashi to Kedarnath via Panwali Kantha

19 days in India, 10 days trekking; level: moderate

Highest Point: 5,200m

Dates: May, June, September, October, November

Route Highlights: Delhi – Musoorie – Uttarkashi – Mala – Belak – Budhakedar – Bhairon Chatti - Gutu – Panwali Kantha – Talitop – Trijunginarayan – Gaurikund (2,000m)  – Kedarnath Temple (3,584m) – Basuki Tal - Gaurikund - Guptakashi – Srinagar – Rishikesh - Delhi

This trek follows an enjoyable route through the heart of Garhwal. At Panwali Kantha (3,963m) the grand panorama of the Kedarnath peaks (Kirti Stambh, Kedarnath (6,970m) and Mahalaya Parbat) comes to view. We continue toward the massif, the destination of the trek. Passing Trijunginarayan village with an important Shiva temple where Shiva married Parvati, we descend into the Mandakini Valley. Ascending through forests and past waterfalls along the Mandakini River, we reach the third of the Char Dham temples, the stunning Kedarnath temple (3,584m) with the Kedarnath massif towering above. Before returning to Gaurikund, we make a trek to the Basuki Tal (5,200m) along a goat track with an impressive panoramic view of Chaukhamba (7,164m).