Panch Kedar - the Shiva Trail

20 days in India, 9 days trekking; level: moderate

Highest Point: 3,810m

Dates: May, June, September, October

Highlights: Delhi – Rishikesh - Rudraprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath (3,584m) – Guptakashi - - Kalimath (1,463) – Ransi – Madmaheshwar (3,490m) – Chopta – Tungnath (3,680m) – Chandrasila – Mandal – Ansuyadevi – Panar – Rudranath (3,030m) – Kalpeshwar (2,134m) – Urgum – Helang – Rishikesh

The five temples visited by pilgrims are Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. The temples have an origin in the myth of the "five Shivas." The story goes that after Shiva disappeared into the earth to escape the Pandavas, five (panch) parts of his body appeared in five different locations - the humped back of his bull form appeared at Kedarnath, the stomach at Madhmaheswar, his hand at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath and the hair at Kalpeshwar. The Panch Kedar trek is a combination of rides to various access points from which the temples can be reached. You are rewarded by stunning views of the Himalayan chain from Nanda Devi massif and Neelkanth to Kedarnath and Gangotri range.