Kedarnath is the sacred town in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It features one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Among the Panch Kedar temples, this happens to be the most vital one and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Immersed in spirituality, backed by spectacular snow-clad peaks, it’s a wonderful mesh of devotion and adventure. The present Kedarnath travel guide will help you while planning your Kedarnath tour and ensure it is smooth and fulfilling.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The ideal season to visit Kedarnath is during the summer. May, June, and September through October are the dates. The temple is open to pilgrims during this time, and the weather is pleasant. July and August are the monsoon season, which brings with it a lot of rain, which can lead to landslides and make travelling challenging. The area is blanketed in snow during the winter months of November through April, and the temple is moved to Ukhimath.Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 kilometres from Kedarnath, is the closest airport. Once you arrive, you can take a taxi to Gaurikund, the base camp.
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Air: The closest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, which is roughly 239 kilometres away. If you wish to travel there, you can fly into this airport. You can take a taxi to the base camp, Gaurikund, once you get there.
By Train: Rishikesh, which is roughly 221 kilometres away, is the closest train station. Gaurikund is accessible from Rishikesh via taxis and regular buses.
By Road: You can go to the Gaurikund if you wish to travel to Kedarnath by car. You will need to walk 14 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Trek
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is an adventurous yet spiritually fulfilling experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Distance: 14 km
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Route: Gaurikund–Jungle Chatti–Bheembali–Linchauli–Kedarnath Base Camp
Duration: 6-8 hours
There are also helicopter services, palanquins for those who cannot trek
Places to Visit Around Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple:The main attraction, this 1,200-year-old temple, is a marvel of architecture and devotion. Built from grey stone, it stands resilient amidst harsh weather conditions and attracts millions of pilgrims annually.
Bhairavnath Temple:This temple is devoted to Lord Bhairava. It provides breathtaking views of the Kedarnath Valley.
Vasuki Tal:It is one of the high-altitude lakes, which is at 8 km from Kedarnath and has surrounded Himalayan peaks. This is a serene location for nature lovers.
Gandhi Sarovar:It is 3 km away from Kedarnath, which offers a quiet and peaceful haven in nature.
Shankaracharya Samadhi:Situated at the back of Kedarnath Temple is the samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have re-established this Kedarnath Shrine in the 8th century.
Kedarnath Accommodation:There is a wide choice of stay for pilgrims in Kedarnath, as it ranges from simple cottages to even tents. For those seeking greater comfort in terms of staying, better options can be found at Gaurikund and Guptkashi, as well as some other adjacent towns. Bookings, at least in advance, are made during the peak season.
Kedarnath Travel Tips
Body Fitness: The trek demands a lot of physical strength, so train your body well before the trip.
Clothing: Carry warm clothing, trekking shoes, and rain gear.
Permits: Register yourself for the Yatra at government-designated counters or online.
Medical Kit: Carry basic medicines for altitude sickness, pain relief, and first-aid essentials.
Cash: There is hardly any ATM in the area, so carry sufficient cash to meet your expenses.
Why Visit Kedarnath?
A journey to Kedarnath is a journey beyond a journey. Be it the fervour associated with the Kedarnath Temple, the challenge of trekking through the rugged Himalayas, or the beauty of nature, Kedarnath has something for everyone.
It is a reconnection with nature and spirituality that provides peace of mind with the satisfaction of the soul at the same time, so now plan your visit to the heavenly abode and enjoy the divine vibes of Kedarnath to rejuvenate your soul.
