Chardham, Panch Kedar & Panch Prayag Yatra – 21 Day
Overview & Info
Embark on the most profound spiritual odyssey in the Indian Himalayas with Travel Astu, your expert in high-altitude pilgrimage logistics. This "Ultimate Himalayan Pilgrimage" is a masterfully choreographed 21-day private expedition that encompasses the complete Chardham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath), the sacred Panch Kedar (the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva's divine form), and the Panch Prayag (the five holy river confluences).
Travel Astu Pvt Ltd has engineered this comprehensive 21-day immersive itinerary to ensure a seamless transition between motorable roads and rugged trekking trails. Your private mountain sanctuary with Astu Travel is defined by elite support, including private AC vehicles for road sectors, expert trekking guides, and high-quality camping arrangements in remote meadows. With Astu, your journey to the Abode of the Gods is a professionally managed pursuit of spiritual salvation and Himalayan majesty.
Day to day program
Phase 1: The First & Second Dhams (Yamunotri & Gangotri)
Depart from Rishikesh early. Drive via Narendra Nagar and Chamba, following the ridge lines with views of the Tehri Dam.
Highlight: Scenic mountain drive through the Yamuna Valley.
Overnight: Barkot.
Drive to Jankichatti. Begin the trek to Yamunotri Temple (First Dham). Visit Surya Kund (thermal spring) and Divya Shilla.
Highlight: First dip in the holy Yamuna River.
Overnight: Barkot.
Journey toward the Bhagirathi Valley. Stop at Harsil, a hidden gem known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," surrounded by apple orchards and deodar forests.
Overnight: Harsil (Boutique Camp/Cottage).
Visit Gangotri Temple (Second Dham). Offer prayers at the source of the Ganges. After Darshan, descend to the ancient town of Uttarkashi.
Highlight: Ritual bath in the crystal-clear Bhagirathi.
Overnight: Uttarkashi.
Phase 2: Vishnu’s Abode & The Celestial Wedding
A scenic drive crossing the first of the Panch Prayag (confluences). Arrive at Rudraprayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet.
Overnight: Rudraprayag.
Proceed to Badrinath (Fourth Dham). Visit Mana Village (the last Indian village) and the Vyas Gufa. Attend the evening Swarna Aarti at the temple.
Overnight: Badrinath.
Drive to Trijugi Narayan Temple, the site of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding. The "Akhand Dhuni" (eternal flame) has been burning here for three Yugas.
Overnight: Sonprayag.
Phase 3: The Ascent to Shiva (Kedarnath & Madhyamaheshwar)
Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (Third Dham & Panch Kedar I). Experience the raw energy of the Mandakini valley.
Overnight: Kedarnath (Temple Precinct).
After morning Darshan, trek down and drive to Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath.
Overnight: Ukhimath.
Begin the trek toward the remote Second Kedar. Walk through dense forests with packed lunches provided by the Astu crew.
Overnight: Gaundhar (Premium Camps).
A steep ascent to Madhyamaheshwar (Panch Kedar II). The temple sits in a magnificent alpine meadow.
Highlight: Views of Chaukhamba peaks.
Overnight: Madhyamaheshwar (Camps).
A leisurely descent back to the village of Gaundhar, allowing time for photography and reflection.
Overnight: Gaundhar (Camps).
Phase 4: The Highest Temple & The Face of Shiva
Trek back to the road head and drive to Ukhimath for a hot shower and rest.
Overnight: Ukhimath.
Drive to Chopta and trek to Tungnath (Panch Kedar III)—the highest Shiva temple in the world. Continue to Chandrashila summit if time permits.
Overnight: Chopta (Alpine Camps).
Drive to Sagar village. Begin the grueling but rewarding trek toward Rudranath, reaching the cave-camp of Panargupha.
Overnight: Panargupha (Camps).
Reach Rudranath (Panch Kedar IV). This is the only temple where Lord Shiva’s face is worshipped. It is considered the toughest of the five.
Overnight: Rudranath (Camps/Dharamshala).
Phase 5: The Matted Locks & The Confluences
Trek through high-altitude meadows and shepherd trails to the remote village of Dumuk.
Overnight: Dumuk (Village Stay/Camps).
Trek to Kalpeshwar (Panch Kedar V), where Lord Shiva’s matted locks are worshipped. This temple remains open year-round.
Overnight: Kalpeshwar/Urgam (Camps).
Trek down to Helang. Drive back to Rudraprayag, completing the spiritual circle.
Overnight: Rudraprayag.
Visit Dhari Devi Temple (the guardian of the Char Dham) and stop at Devprayag to see the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.
Overnight: Haridwar.
A final day for local sightseeing, visiting the Laxman Jhula, and the evening Ganga Aarti before your Travel Astu representative transfers you for your onward journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
The treks to Madhyamaheshwar and Rudranath are considered moderate to strenuous. Travel Astu (also known as Astu) provides experienced mountain guides and trekking staff to ensure your safety. We recommend a basic level of physical fitness before embarking on this 21-day circuit.
Travel Astu Pvt Ltd provides Premium Private AC Vehicles (Innova or similar) for all road transfers. Our drivers are experts in mountain terrain, ensuring a smooth journey through the winding Himalayan roads.
Yes. With Astu Travel, your quote is 100% all-inclusive of forest permits, trekking entry fees, professional-grade tents, sleeping bags, and all meals during the trekking phases (Days 10-18).
While Darshan timings are subject to temple authorities, our Travel Experts assist in streamlining the process at Kedarnath and Badrinath to reduce wait times wherever possible.
Safety is our priority. Our crew is equipped with satellite communication/local networks and first-aid kits. If a specific trail (like Rudranath) is blocked, our Island Experts (now Himalayan Experts) will provide an alternative spiritual site or adjust the itinerary for your safety.
This is a strictly private expedition. You will have your own vehicle and your own dedicated trekking team, allowing for total flexibility in pacing and spiritual reflection.
