Kedarnath Dham is one of the prominent Jyotirling among 12 Jyotirlings, situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath dham situated on the valley of Kedarnath .Kedarnath Dham is 18kms trek from Gaurikund.
Kedarnath Yatra is a very special pilgrimage in India that brings thousands of devotees each year. Located in the peaceful Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the four sacred sites in the Char Dham Yatra.
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About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are highly revered shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple is part of the Char Dham Yatra, a significant pilgrimage that includes four holy sites in Uttarakhand.
The temple stands at an elevation of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), encircled by towering snow-covered peaks and the flowing Mandakini River. The journey to Kedarnath is challenging, involving a trek of about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, but the stunning natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere make it a rewarding experience.
According to legend, the temple was originally built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, and the present structure was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple’s architecture is simple yet awe-inspiring, made from large stone slabs and standing strong despite harsh weather conditions.
Kedarnath Temple opens to pilgrims in late April or early May and closes in November for the winter season when the area becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. During the open season, thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and connect with the divine.
Why Choose Kedarnath Yatra?
- Spiritual Significance: Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The journey to Kedarnath is not just a trip but a spiritual quest that offers a unique opportunity to connect with the divine.
- Scenic Beauty: The path to Kedarnath is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. From lush green valleys to snow-capped peaks, the journey itself is an awe-inspiring experience.
- Adventure and Faith: The trek to Kedarnath is both a physical challenge and a spiritual journey. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and devotion.
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, you can take a taxi to the base camp of Kedarnath, which is Phata or Gaurikund.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Rishikesh and Haridwar. From these stations, you can hire a cab or take a bus to Gaurikund.
By Road: Kedarnath is accessible by road from major cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar. The journey includes a trek of approximately 16 – 22 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
History of Kedarnath yatra
The history of Kedarnath Temple is steeped in ancient legends and spiritual significance. It is believed that the temple was originally built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Indian epic Mahabharata. According to the legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins. However, Lord Shiva, wanting to avoid them, transformed into a bull (Nandi) and hid in the Garhwal Himalayas. When the Pandavas found him, Lord Shiva dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump on the surface. This hump is worshipped as the Kedarnath Temple.
The present structure of Kedarnath Temple is said to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya, a revered 8th-century Hindu philosopher and theologian, who is credited with reviving Hinduism in India. Adi Shankaracharya is also believed to have constructed the temple over the site of the ancient shrine.
Built from massive stone slabs, the temple has withstood the test of time, including harsh weather and natural disasters. Its simplistic yet majestic architecture is a testament to the engineering skills of ancient India. The temple’s exact date of construction is unknown, but it has been a place of worship for centuries, drawing devotees from all over the world.
Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is also a key part of the Char Dham Yatra, one of the most important pilgrimages in Hinduism. The temple is open to pilgrims from late April to early November, after which it remains closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions.
Over the years, Kedarnath Temple has not only remained a center of spiritual devotion but also a symbol of faith, endurance, and divine protection, surviving the floods of 2013, which caused widespread devastation in the region. Despite the challenges, the temple continues to be a beacon of hope and spirituality for millions of devotees.
Kedarnath Yatra Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Rishikesh / Haridwar
- Morning: Arrive in Rishikesh or Haridwar by train or air.
- Afternoon: Transfer to your hotel. Rest and freshen up.
- Evening: Explore local attractions in Rishikesh or Haridwar. Attend Ganga Aarti if in Haridwar.
- Overnight: Stay in Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Day 2: Travel to Gaurikund and Start Trek
- Morning: Early breakfast and depart for Gaurikund (approximately 5-6 hours by road from Rishikesh/Haridwar).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Gaurikund. Prepare for the trek to Kedarnath.
- Evening: Begin the trek to Kedarnath (16 km, 6-8 hours). Stay overnight in a Dharamshala, hotel, or tent at Kedarnath.
Day 3: Kedarnath Darshan and Return to Gaurikund
- Early Morning: Wake up early for a visit to Kedarnath Temple. Participate in the morning aarti and seek blessings.
- Late Morning: Explore the temple premises and surrounding areas.
- Afternoon: Begin the trek back to Gaurikund.
- Evening: Arrive in Gaurikund. Check-in to your hotel or Dharamshala for rest.
- Overnight: Stay in Gaurikund.
Day 4: Return to Rishikesh / Haridwar
- Morning: After breakfast, depart for Rishikesh or Haridwar.
- Afternoon: Arrive and check-in to your hotel.
- Evening: Relax and explore the local attractions or enjoy a final evening in the spiritual setting.
- Overnight: Stay in Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Day 5: Departure
- Morning: Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the nearest airport or railway station for your departure.
Best Time to Visit
The Kedarnath Temple is open from late April to early November. The best time to visit is during the summer months (May to June) and the early autumn months (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and suitable for trekking.
What to Pack for Kedarnath Yatra
Warm Clothing: Temperatures can drop significantly, so pack thermal wear, jackets, and warm socks.
Comfortable Footwear: Invest in sturdy trekking shoes.
Rain Gear: Include raincoats or ponchos as weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Essential Medicines: Carry basic medicines and any personal medications.
Why Choose Kedarnath Hospitality for kedarnath Dham Yatra?
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from our experienced tour guides who provide insightful information and assistance throughout your journey.
- Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in well-appointed hotels and guesthouses that offer a peaceful and refreshing environment. On the kedarnath Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Hospitality, we provide the best hotel booking options in kedarnath, along with tailored packages at the best prices to as per the requirement of an individual.
- Convenient Travel Options: Enjoy hassle-free transportation with our reliable and comfortable vehicles, driven by professional driver. Kedarnath Hospitality provide packages with Car Book (Cab Online) options as well,
- Customized Packages: Choose from a variety of package options tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences. guests can choose from a range of package starting from budget friendly kedarnath dham yatra package to premium kedarnath dham yatra Package.
- 24/7 Support: Our dedicated customer support team is available around the clock to assist you with any queries or concerns in kedarnath yatra.
FAQs
Q-1. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple?
The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is from late April to early November when the temple is open to pilgrims. The weather is generally pleasant during these months, making the trek more comfortable. The temple remains closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall.
Q-2. How can I reach Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple can be reached by trekking from Gaurikund, which is the base point. Gaurikund is accessible by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The trek to Kedarnath is approximately 16 to 22 kilometers long. Helicopter services are also available from various points like Phata and Guptkashi for those who prefer a quicker journey.
Q-3. What are the accommodation options near Kedarnath Temple?
Book your Kedarnath package with Kedarnath Hospitality and leave all your worries behind! No need to stress about hotels or meals—we’ve got you covered. In Kedarnath, you’ll find comfortable Dharamshala rooms for your stay. Keep in mind that premium rooms are not available due to the high altitude, but rest assured, you’ll have a cozy place to stay during your pilgrimage.
Q-4. Are there any medical facilities available during the Kedarnath Yatra?
Yes, basic medical facilities are available along the Kedarnath trek route and at Kedarnath itself. Several first-aid centers, dispensaries, and emergency medical services are set up during the yatra season. However, it is recommended to carry personal medication and a first-aid kit.
Q-5 What should I pack for the Kedarnath Yatra?
For the Kedarnath Yatra, it is essential to pack warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night. Comfortable trekking shoes, rain gear, a walking stick, a torch, and personal medications are also important. Additionally, carrying some energy snacks and drinking water is advisable to stay hydrated and energized during the trek.