Solo Trip to Kedarnath & Tungnath? Here's Why You Must Try It
- Deepak Singh Bhandari
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
It all started with a train ride I almost missed.
A rushed morning at Haridwar station, a torn backpack, and a gut feeling that said, “Just go.” I didn’t have a solid plan. No luxury bookings. No group chats buzzing. Just me, a notepad, and an old pair of trekking shoes.
And within five days, I had done what most think needs weeks of planning: I stood at Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines in India, and trekked up to Tungnath and Chandrashila, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
The best part? I did it solo — and I came back with more than just photos.
In this article, you’ll learn:
How to cover Kedarnath and Tungnath in one solo itinerary
A day-by-day guide with affordable stay options and travel costs
Real experiences from the road and unexpected tips
Emotional takeaways that stay long after the trip ends
Kedarnath Temple Uttarakhand
Why Go Solo to Kedarnath and Tungnath?
Because sometimes you need to listen to silence louder than city noise.
Traveling solo to Kedarnath is not just a trip — it’s a reset. No distractions. No one to tell you to walk faster or slower. Just you, the mountains, and your thoughts echoing in valleys older than time.
And here's the twist — Tungnath-Chandrashila, often skipped by most, is just a few hours away from Kedarnath’s route. Yes, you can do both — in a single itinerary, and it’s more doable than you think.
My Itinerary: Kedarnath + Tungnath in One Go
Let me break it down for you — step by step.
🗓️ Day 1 – Haridwar to Chopta (Via Ukhimath)
Early morning bus from Haridwar to Ukhimath (₹500 approx)
Share cab to Chopta (₹300)
Stay: Budget dorm or tent stay in Chopta (₹600)
Pro tip: Choose stays near trek start point — ask locals, they’ll guide better than apps.
🌄 Chopta isn’t just pretty — it feels like a hidden chapter of a favorite book you don’t want to end.
🗓️ Day 2 – Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
Start trek early by 3–4 AM for sunrise
Total trek: ~5 km (moderate)
Return by noon
Travel to Ukhimath again by shared cab (₹300)
Stay: Budget dorm in Ukhimath (₹600)
Tungnath is where tiredness meets clarity. And Chandrashila? It’s where you meet your courage.
🗓️ Day 3 – Ukhimath to Gaurikund (Base for Kedarnath)
Share vehicle to Gaurikund via Sonprayag (~₹400)
Short walk to Gaurikund (public shuttle available)
Stay: Simple guesthouse (₹500–600)
Grab your poncho — weather flips like emotions here!
🗓️ Day 4 – Kedarnath Trek (16 km)
Start early (4 AM is perfect)
Trek slowly. Breathe. Feel it.
Darshan at Kedarnath Temple — the moment is yours
Stay overnight at GMVN dorm or local guesthouse (₹600)
“The mountains are calling” isn’t just a quote — it’s a whisper you only hear when you walk alone.
🗓️ Day 5 – Return Journey
Trek back from Kedarnath to Gaurikund
Head toward Haridwar by shared cab or local buses
You’ll be tired. And you’ll feel more alive than ever.
Where to Stay (Affordable Picks)
Here’s where I stayed — not fancy, but perfect for solo travelers:
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