Kedarnath
Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar Morning: Arrival: Arrive in Haridwar by train or road. Hotel Check-in: Check into your hotel and rest after your journey. Orientation: Spend the morning getting familiar with Haridwar's culture and traditions. Afternoon: Har Ki Pauri: Visit Har Ki Pauri, the sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the Ganga Aarti in the evening, a mesmerizing ritual with lamps and chants. Evening: Explore Local Markets: Explore the local markets of Haridwar, known for their spiritual items, handicrafts, and street food.
Day 2: Haridwar to Guptkashi Morning: Departure to Guptkashi: Begin your journey to Guptkashi, the base for the Kedarnath trek. The road journey takes about 8-9 hours. Afternoon: Check-in: Arrive in Guptkashi and check into your hotel or guesthouse. Rest: Relax and rest after the journey. Evening: Explore Guptkashi: Take a leisurely walk around Guptkashi town, soaking in the serene ambiance and natural beauty.
Day 3: Guptkashi to Kedarnath Trek Morning: Trek Start: Start your trek to Kedarnath early in the morning. The trek from Guptkashi to Kedarnath is approximately 14 kilometers and takes about 6-7 hours. Afternoon: Arrival in Kedarnath: Reach Kedarnath by afternoon. Check into your accommodation. Evening: Kedarnath Temple: Visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Attend the evening aarti and soak in the divine atmosphere.
Day 4: Kedarnath Exploration Morning: Rituals and Darshan: Participate in the morning rituals and offer prayers at the Kedarnath Temple. Afternoon: Exploration: Explore the surroundings of Kedarnath, including Bhairavnath Temple and Shankaracharya Samadhi. Evening: Leisure Time: Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Kedarnath.
Day 5: Kedarnath to Guptkashi Morning: Departure from Kedarnath: Begin your trek back to Guptkashi early in the morning. Afternoon: Arrival in Guptkashi: Reach Guptkashi by afternoon. Check into your accommodation and relax. Evening: Rest and Recovery: Spend the evening resting and rejuvenating after the trek.
Day 6: Guptkashi to Haridwar Morning: Departure to Haridwar: Start your journey back to Haridwar. Afternoon: Arrival in Haridwar: Reach Haridwar by afternoon and check into your hotel. Evening: Leisure Time: Spend the evening exploring Haridwar at your own pace or attending another Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Day 7: Departure from Haridwar Morning: Leisure Time: Enjoy a leisurely morning in Haridwar, perhaps taking a final stroll along the ghats or visiting a nearby temple. Afternoon: Check-out: Check out from your hotel and proceed to the railway station or bus stand for your onward journey. Evening: Departure: Depart from Haridwar, carrying with you memories of your spiritual journey to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath
Duration
5N/6D
Starting Price
₹/-
Pick-up and Drop
Delhi
Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Situated in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), Kedarnath holds immense religious significance in Hinduism.
Kedarnath is famous for the ancient Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine abodes of Lord Shiva) in India. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, legendary figures from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
The journey to Kedarnath is a spiritual experience in itself. Devotees have to undertake a challenging trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, the base camp located at a lower altitude. The trek takes visitors through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and scenic valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are available for those who prefer a more convenient mode of transport.
Apart from the religious significance, Kedarnath is known for its natural beauty. The town is nestled amidst snow-capped peaks and serene surroundings, creating a tranquil ambiance for spiritual seekers and nature lovers alike. The Mandakini River flows near the town, adding to its scenic charm.
In 2013, Kedarnath faced severe devastation due to heavy rainfall and flash floods. The natural calamity caused significant damage to the town and the temple. However, extensive reconstruction efforts have been undertaken since then to restore the temple and revive the town's infrastructure.
Kedarnath also serves as a starting point for various treks and expeditions in the region. It is a gateway to numerous breathtaking destinations like the Vasuki Tal, Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar), and the Vasuki Glacier, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
During the pilgrimage season, which typically lasts from April to November, the town of Kedarnath comes alive with devotees, priests, and volunteers. Several accommodations, guesthouses, and food stalls cater to the needs of the pilgrims during this period.
Overall, Kedarnath is a place of immense religious significance and natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and serenity, making it a cherished destination for devotees, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a soul-stirring experience in the lap of the Himalayas.
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Frequently asked Questions:
Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, near the Mandakini River.
Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is home to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and is associated with Lord Shiva.
Yes, Kedarnath is accessible by road up to a certain point. From there, visitors need to trek or use alternative means like horses or palanquins to reach the temple.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months, from May to June, and in the early autumn months, from September to October. The weather is relatively pleasant during these periods.
Kedarnath is usually open for pilgrims and tourists from April to November. During the winter months, the region experiences heavy snowfall, and the temple is closed.
The journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath involves traveling by road to Gaurikund and then trekking or using alternative transportation to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
Yes, helicopter services are available for pilgrims who prefer an aerial journey to Kedarnath. The helipad is located at Phata, and from there, visitors can reach Kedarnath.
The trek to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers and involves ascending mountainous terrain. It is a challenging but rewarding trek, passing through scenic landscapes.
Yes, there are accommodations available in Kedarnath, including guesthouses and dharamshalas. However, facilities are basic due to the high-altitude location.
Yes, tourists can visit nearby places like Gaurikund, which is the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath, and Sonprayag, a picturesque confluence of two rivers.