Kedarnath Temple & Chopta

Kedarnath Temple & Chopta - Chandrashila

Take the pilgrimage tour to Pratham and Dwitiya Kedar, Kedarnath, and Tungnath temple.

Baba Kedar, Lord Shiva is the deity of both the Kedarnath and Tungnath shrine. A trek of 18 km approx from Gaurikund is to be covered by pilgrims to reach Kedarnath Dham and 4 km from Chopta to reach Tungnath temple. Along with this holy tour, you will trek 2.5 km to Deoriyatal famous for panoramic Himalayan views. Chopta is a small hamlet and one of the famous places to visit in Uttarakhan

Kedarnath

There are various versions of the origin of the Kedarnath temple. Some say it was built by Hindu seer Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th Century. Other versions claim it was built by Raja Bhoj of Malwa in the 2nd Century. But what inspired them? Again, there are multiple stories.

One of them leads on from the Mahabharat. Legend has it that following the Kurukshetra carnage, the Pandavas sought to meet Shiva to seek his forgiveness for the sins of the war. Shiva, unhappy with them, refused a meeting and left Kashi, his abode. He appeared as Nandi the bull in Guptakashi. But the Pandavas found out and tried to catch hold of Nandi. Shiva escaped and this time, reappeared in five different parts in different places—the face at Rudranath, arms at Tungnath, navel, and stomach at Madhyamaheshwar, the locks at Kalpeshwar and the hump at Kedarnath.

The second tale is Nara-Narayan, a Hindu deity, who went to worship Parvati, and Shiva appeared. Nara-Narayan asked him to stay there in his original form for the welfare of humanity. Lord Shiva granted his wish and Kedarnath became his home.

Under snow for 400 years!

Geologists claim that the temple of Kedarnath was under snow for nearly 400 years, sometime around 1300-1900 AD, a period known as the Little Ice Age. Scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, say the several yellow lines on the temple walls point to glacial activity in the region. The temple not only survived being under the snow for 400 years but also escaped any serious damage from glacial movement, as per this report.

Scientists say that even the inside of the temple shows signs of glacial movement and the stones are more polished. The report further adds that scientists studied architecture and concluded that those who designed the temple not only kept in mind the terrain but also the formation of snow and glaciers, and ensured that the structure was strong enough not only to withstand natural disasters and the passage of time.

Tungnath

Chandrashila is the summit of the Tungnath. It literally means "Moon Rock". It is located at a height of about 12,083 ft above sea level. This peak provides views of the Himalayas, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks.

It is one the best trek for beginners to start with trekking in the Himalayas or high altitudes.

Tungnath temple is the third of the Panch Kedars. These are 5 temples believed to have been built by the Pandavas to atone for the sins of killing their kin and Brahmins in the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata. Lord Shiva, whose forgiveness they sought, disguised himself as a bull. Parts of this bull appeared in 5 different places, each of these identified as a Panch Kedar.

Once at the top of the peak, you get a 360-degree view of the mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon. From Chandrashila peak we can see some great mountains of Uttarakhand, like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut, and more. The sunrise view from this spot is the best you will get to see in all of the Himalayas. At Chandrashila, we can find another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is believed to have been built by Rama to atone for the sin of killing Ravana. This temple is open from April to October.

Day 1: Delhi To Rishikesh

Report at Delhi Airport before 11:30 PM
Railway station: NDLS at 11:50 PM
We will board the Delhi - Rishikesh vehicle
Drive: 250 KM || 7 to 8 Hrs

Day 2: Rishikesh To Phata/Sonprayag

We will reach Rishikesh early in the morning.
After having our breakfast and freshening up in Rishikesh we will head towards Phata
We will board the Local vehicle (Tempo / Bolero - Based on team size)
Drive through the three “Prayags” i.e. the Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnapyrayag.
Visit the Sangam of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda
Drive: 200 KM || 8 to 9 Hrs
Stay: Sonprayag / Phata (Homestay 3 Sharing)

Day 3: Phata to Kedarpuri || Kedarnath Temple Darshan

A 20 Km drive early in the morning takes you to Sonprayag where we will start our trek.
After reaching Sonprayag we will shift into a local vehicle and drive to Gaurikund - 5 Km
(People who have opted for a Helicopter ride (One Way) Add-on will have their Helicopter ride from Phata.
The total trek distance from Guarkund to Kedarnath temple is 16 KM. And, It will take around 6 to 8 hours to trek this distance.
During the trek drinking water, food & washrooms are available throughout.
The trail is easy and well-marked
There are multiple waterfalls along the trail where we can capture beautiful pictures
We will follow the river Mandakini through the trek. At one point we will cross it on a bridge.
We will stay near to temple.
Drive: 25 Km || 2 to 3 Hrs
Stay: Kedarpuri (Homestay 3 or 4 Sharing) - Near Kedarnath temple

Day 4: Kedarnath Temple To Gaurikund Trek And Drive To Chopta

We will wake up before sunrise and see the Himalayas in golden color in the background of the temple
Temple will be open around 5:00 Am in the morning you can visit the temple and offer your prayers
After having breakfast, we will start descending and reach Sonprayag
It will be a 16 Km trek with an altitude loss of 5,750 ft.
Trek Distance: 16 Km || 5 to 6 Hrs
During the trek drinking water, food & washrooms are available throughout.
The trail is easy and well-marked
There are multiple waterfalls along the trail where we can capture beautiful pictures
We will follow the river Mandakini through the trek. At one point we will cross it on a bridge.
We will reach the Gaurikund in the late afternoon.
From Sonprayag we will start our journey towards Chopta
Drive: 75 KM || 4 to 5 Hrs
Stay: Chopta (Homestay or Camp Stay 3 Sharing)

Note: Mules will be available at particular points to carry luggage or people if you feel tired. You can pay for them and take the services.

Day 5: Chopta To Tungnath Temple Trek And Drive Back To Rishikesh

This day will start the trek at 4:00 Am in the morning and will reach Tunganath by sunrise time. During sunrise, we will get to witness a really beautiful 360-degree view of the Garhwal and Kumaon ranges. Peaks namely, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut, and more The sunrise view from this spot is the best you will get to see in all of the Himalayas
Trek Distance: 7 KM || 5 to 6 Hrs
Post that we'll be trekking up further to Chandrashila peak
It's a steep ascent and will take an hour to complete around a 1 Km trek. We will trek back on the same path back to our campsite
After descending to Chopta we will start our journey towards Rishikesh
Drive: 160 Km || 5 to 6 Hrs
Rishikesh (Homestay 3 or 4 sharing)

Day 6: Drive Back To Delhi

Start from Rishikesh to Delhi in the morning.
Visit Haridwar enroute.
Drive: 250 Km || 5 to 6 Hrs
We shall reach by 6:00 PM approx at Delhi Airport

Comfortable Sport/Trekking shoes.
A sturdy backpack (40-60 liters) with rain cover.
Clothes (Two pairs)
One warm layer- This includes Thermals, Fleece or sweater, and Winter Jacket.
Sunglasses
Sun cap
Balaclava or Woolen Scarves
Two pairs of sports socks and a pair of woolen socks for the night.
Headlamp/LED torch
Daypack to keep essentials (20 liters)
Toiletries: Sunscreen, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc
Two water bottles: 1 liter each
Plastic covers: While packing, use plastic bags to compartmentalize things and carry a few extra plastic bags for wet clothes.
Rafting: Prefer wearing quick-dry clothes

Private vehicle for 6 days (Delhi to Delhi)
Accommodation: Stay is included from Day 2 to Day 5
Activity permits
Safety equipment: First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders will be available with Trek leader to deal with emergencies.
Services of an expert Trek Leader – All our trek leaders are qualified in basic/advanced mountaineering courses.