Rishikesh is a city in India's northern state of Uttarakhand, in the Himalayan foothills beside the Ganges River. The river is considered holy, and the city is renowned as a center for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams (centers for spiritual studies) line the eastern bank around Swarg PASS Ashram, a traffic-free, alcohol-free and vegetarian enclave upstream from Rishikesh town. Kedarnath is a town and Nagar Panchayat in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known primarily for the Kedarnath Temple. It is approximately 86 kilometres from Rudraprayag, the district headquarter. Kedarnath is the most remote of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

DAY 0 - Departure From Delhi

Kedarnath, possibly the most well-known and widely travelled dham in our itinerary. According to old legends, Kedarnath is the place where Lord Shiva granted the Pandavas redemption after many prayers and requests, upon the end of the Kurukshetra war. “Kedar” is one of the many other alternative names for Lord Shiva. . Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is also the abode of the northernmost Jyotirlinga. The Kedarnath shrine boasts the entire robust Kedarnath mountain range in the background, and is situated at one of the most majestic locations possible. 

DAY 1 - Haridwar /Rishikesh to Sonprayag/Guptkashi 

Rishikesh, also known as the “place of sagas” is a spiritual town situated 24 kms upstream from Haridwar, at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga and Ganga. It is believed that God by the name of “Hrishikesh” had appeared as an answer to the hard penances by Rabhiya Rishi and henceforth the place derived its name.

Sonprayag, translating to 'Golden Confluence,' is aptly named for its spiritual importance. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers at Sonprayag cleanses the soul of sins, purifying the devotee before their onward journey to the sacred shrines.

Hidden Benares" is the meaning of the word Guptkashi. According to devotees, when the Pandav brothers sought a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first hid at Guptkashi before fleeing higher up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas eventually received their wish.

DAY 2 - Sonprayag/Guptkashi to Gaurikund to Kedarnath

Gupt Kashi is an important market town on the road to Kedarnath, and an important stop on the traditional pilgrim route of Char Dham Yatra. Many pilgrims during their Kedarnath Yatra take halt at Gupt Kashi and purchase important items from this market.

The hot water spring of Gaurikund is one of the holiest sites for Hindus, who come to take a dip in it. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy water of the pond will make a person pure. Surrounded by panoramic views, Gaurikund also serves as the starting point of the famous Kedarnath temple trek.

DAY 3 - Kedarnath ji Darshan & Return to Sonprayag/Guptkashi

The temple was initially built by the Pandavas, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva. The Pandavas were supposed to have pleased Shiva by doing penance in Kedarnath.Lord Shiva, who was being pursued by the Pandavas, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground at Kedarnath. The temple is believed to be built on the spot where Lord Shiva disappeared, and the lingam inside the temple is said to have been formed naturally by the elements of earth, air, water, and fire.

DAY 4 - Sonprayag/Guptkashi to Delhi

Sonprayag is a place of religious significance located in-route to Kedarnath Dham. 'Prayag' means confluence and Sonprayag lies at the confluence of two holy rivers Basuki and Mandakini.According to Hindu Mythology, this place is supposed to be where the marriage of Lord Shiva and the daughter of King Himavant, Parvati was performed. The Triyuginarayan temple where the actual marriage happened is located nearby.

Things to carry

• Warm clothes, jackets, raincoats, fleece jackets & thermals
• Hand gloves, good quality footwear & extra pair of socks
• Water bottles, energy bars & energy drinks pair of socks
• Caps/hats, sunglasses & towels
• Trekking Shoes with good sole
• Personal tolletries & medications (if any) Backpack with waterproof lining
• Power Bank & Torch
• Basic Medical Care