Posting Point
Kedarnath is a sacred Hindu town in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. It is one of the Himalayan Char Dhams, and it is located at the Mandakini River’s head at an incredible height of 3584 meters above sea level. Thousands of visitors and pilgrims visit the Kedarnath temple each year, which is nestled among the spectacular snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan peaks. Continue reading this blog to know how to plan the Kedarnath trip. Even in the trekking circuit, the Kedarnath trip is incredibly gorgeous and highly diversified. You can visit the Kedarnath temple by just booking the Kedarnath family package offered by Lock Your Trip. It is known for the old Shiva temple, which provides a tranquil ambience with a beautifully painted backdrop owing to the rhododendron forests, snow-covered mountains, and breathtaking views of nature. It is exceptional because it combines devoutness with adventure.
Kedarnath means “Lord of the Field,” and it gets its name from the “crop of liberation” that grows here. While it is unknown who built the temple or when it was built. The 7th or 8th century is one of the first references to Kedarnath. Adi Shankara is also said to have died near the temple.
History Of Kedarnath Temple
It is thought that after the war of Kurukshetra, the Pandavas travelled to Banaras to confess to killing their own and seek the Lord’s blessings. Shivji, on the other hand, wished to avoid seeing the brothers and sought refuge in Guptakashi. However, after the Pandavas gave up their hunt for the Lord, Shivji decided to disguise himself as a buffalo so that they wouldn’t identify him. Shivji wanted to conceal even more now that the Pandavas were getting closer. As a result, He decided to go underground and become invisible as well. Brother Bhima, on the other hand, fought hard to keep him from fleeing by holding the bull’s legs and tail. Sadly, the Lord dived and vanished at that location, leaving only his hump, which is today worshipped at Kedarnath Temple. The Pandavas were excused from their misdeeds by cosmic energy, according to legend, and Shivji promised that He would be present in Jyotirlinga form at Kedarnath from then on.
Location
Kedarnath is the most rural of the Chota Char Dham locations, located in the Rudraprayag area. Kedarnath is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the most notable of which are the Kedarnath mountain (6,940 meters) and the Kedar Dome. It is located near the Chorabari Glacier, which is the source of the Mandakini river (6,831 metres ). The town, which is 223 kilometres from Rishikesh, is constructed on a desolate stretch of ground along the river’s edge.
In 2013, the town was damaged by flash floods caused by excessive rainfall in Uttarakhand. The temple has amazingly survived natural disasters.
Best Time To Visit Kedarnath
From the start of the season in April through the beginning of the monsoons, and from the post-monsoon to the end of the season. The ideal months to visit Kedarnath are May, June, September, and October because it has a cool environment for most of the year.
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is well connected to most of Uttarakhand’s major cities. Gaurikund, the nearest road head to Kedarnath, is roughly 18 kilometres away. This section will help you to know how to plan the Kedarnath trip.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, which is 238 kilometres away. With regular flights to Delhi, the airport is well linked. From the airport to Gaurikund, taxis are readily accessible.
- By Rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath, located 216 kilometres away on NH58. Gaurikund is very well connected to Rishikesh via motorable roads. Gaurikund is easily accessible through taxis and buses.
- By Road: Gaurikund is the final motorable place before reaching Kedarnath. From there, you’ll be walking for around 16 kilometres. Gaurikund is connected to important North Indian locations. From Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag to Sonprayag, where private cars are permitted, buses and shared cabs are available. ISBT, Kashmiri Gate, provides buses to Rishikesh and Shrinagar. The government provides a shared cab service from Sonprayag, which will drop you off in Gaurikund for a price.
- By Helicopter: If you don’t want to trek, you can even take a helicopter trip (but we recommend the trek). The services are accessible from a variety of helipads, including Guptkashi, Sersi, and Phata.
Timings Of Kedarnath Temple 2022
Lord Kedarnath Temple will reopen this year on May 6, 2022, after being closed for over six months. On the festival of Mahashivratri, the opening date of the Kedarnath temple was revealed. The ‘Badrinath – Kedarnath Samiti’ has released the Kedarnath Dham and Badrinath Temple opening dates. The temple opens at 7 AM, closes around lunch, then reopen at 5 PM, and the evening Aarti begins at 6 PM to 6:30 PM.
Char Dham Yatra
The Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham Yatra includes the four holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. All four of these temples are located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area. The importance of the Charm Dham Yatra for Hindus is enormous. However, it is considered that every Hindu should participate in the Char Dham Yatra at least once in their lives. Around the eighth century, Adi Shankaracharya, the Great Reformer and Philosopher, organized these Holy Pilgrimage sites into a spiritual circle. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims have followed in the footsteps of previous generations, visiting these holy sites every year. As a result, completing the circle in one religious journey is very common.
Best Places To Stay Near Kedarnath
There is a large government tented colony, as well as cottages and rooms operated by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. These will comfortably accommodate over a thousand pilgrims and guests. There are also hotels, guest homes, and Dharamshala. Many people have begun to travel by helicopter, and hence stopover locations may include Phata, Rampur, Gaurikund, Sitapur, and others.
Best Places To Eat
Unfortunately, the only reasonable meal options are roadside dhabas and food stalls. The cuisine served is largely north Indian. Of course, considering Kedarnath’s sacred status in Hinduism, it should go without saying that alcohol and non-vegetarian meals are prohibited here in this area.
Tips When Travelling To Kedarnath
- The trek to Kedarnath Temple is around 16 kilometres long and will take approximately 6 hours to complete.
- To escape the harshness of the afternoon sun, begin your trek early in the morning.
- Breakfast should be healthy but not too heavy.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water. Remember to bring your own water bottles for safety.
Things To Keep In Mind
- Every passenger must complete biometric registration, as directed by the Uttarakhand government. The service is also available online. You might also do the same thing in Sonprayag.
- Mules and porters are easily available to assist you on your tour. Remember to double-check the official advertised pricing to avoid paying more.
- Also, if you’re employing porters or mules, make sure to check their proper identification.
- During the monsoon season, it is best to stay away from mountainous terrain. Especially in the context of the tragedy of 2013, and the devastation to Kedarnath. If you plan on visiting during the monsoon season, consult with government and local authorities first.
- On the temple grounds, photography is prohibited. Be aware of this fact and follow the temple officials’ guidelines.
If you want to reconnect with nature and the Gods while rejuvenating and having some fun on your next vacation, come to Kedarnath. This location will transport you to a simpler and more real-time. You’ll be enchanted by the peaceful life of the hills and awestruck by the power of belief. We think, now you have got all the answers to your queries about how to plan the Kedarnath trip.
