Kedarnath is a holy Hindu town located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand in India. It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas. Kedarnath is situated at an astonishing height of 3584 meters above sea level near the head of Mandakini River.
The Kedarnath temple lies amidst the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year.
Kedarnath, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a popular pilgrimage site and a beautiful destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Here are some activities you can do while visiting Kedarnath:
1. Trekking to Kedarnath Temple
- The 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is one of the most popular activities. The scenic trail passes through forests, rivers, and stunning mountain views.
- Ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are also available for those unable to trek the entire distance.
2. Visiting Kedarnath Temple
- The Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The spiritual energy of the place and the surrounding snow-clad peaks make it a serene experience.
3. Meditation and Spiritual Retreat
- The peaceful and spiritual ambiance makes Kedarnath an ideal spot for meditation and introspection. Some travelers spend time in quiet reflection near the temple or along the Mandakini River.
4. Exploring Vasuki Tal
- A high-altitude lake situated about 8 km from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is a pristine lake surrounded by glaciers and Himalayan peaks. The trek to this lake offers stunning landscapes.
5. Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
- Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, is a small lake about 3 km from Kedarnath. The trek to the lake offers amazing views of the glaciers and peaks, and it is a serene spot to relax.
6. Helicopter Ride
- For those who want to experience the beauty of Kedarnath without the strenuous trek, helicopter services are available from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. The ride offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan range.
7. Visit to Triyuginarayan Temple
- Located near Kedarnath, this ancient temple is where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is believed to have taken place. It is a culturally rich site and offers great views.
8. Enjoy Local Cuisine
- Relish the simple yet delicious local Garhwali cuisine, including dishes like aloo ke gutke, mandua ki roti, and bhang ki chutney, which can be found in the nearby villages.
9. Camping in Gaurikund or Base Camps
- Camping is an excellent option for those wanting to experience the tranquility of the region. Gaurikund, the base camp before starting the trek, offers several camping opportunities.
10. Photography and Nature Walks
- The stunning landscapes, towering mountains, and rivers provide numerous opportunities for photography. Nature lovers can enjoy walks along the paths and streams near Kedarnath.
Inclusions:
-
Trekking and Pilgrimage:
- The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km) is a significant part of the pilgrimage experience.
- Visiting Kedarnath Temple, which is the main attraction, and participating in temple rituals.
-
Helicopter Services:
- Helicopter rides from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi to Kedarnath (if part of the package).
- Typically includes round-trip or one-way fare with priority access to the temple for darshan.
-
Accommodation:
- Basic accommodations (guesthouses, dharmashalas, or tents) are available near Kedarnath.
- Some travel packages include stays in Gaurikund, Sonprayag, or Guptkashi.
-
Transport:
- Depending on the package, transport from major hubs like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to Sonprayag or Gaurikund may be included.
- Shared or private vehicles to nearby locations (e.g., Guptkashi, Triyuginarayan).
-
Porter and Pony Services (Optional):
- Some packages may include pony or porter services for carrying luggage or assisting during the trek.
- Can also be booked separately in Gaurikund.
-
Guide Services:
- Some packages include the services of a local guide, especially for trekking and visiting nearby sites like Vasuki Tal or Chorabari Tal.
Exclusions:
-
Personal Expenses:
- Expenses for snacks, bottled water, or meals outside the package (like in restaurants along the trek or at guesthouses).
- Shopping or purchasing local goods.
-
Medical Expenses:
- Any medical emergencies or altitude sickness-related treatments are typically excluded.
- Travel insurance (if applicable) is usually separate.
-
Helicopter Booking Fees (if not included in the package):
- If you book a trek package and want a helicopter, this is an extra cost.
- Additional charges may apply if weather delays flights.
-
Ponies and Palanquins (if not included):
- If you do not have these services in your package, you need to hire them at Gaurikund for the trek to Kedarnath.
-
Camera/Video Charges:
- If you want to take professional photos or videos at the temple or nearby attractions, some areas may have additional charges.
-
Accommodation Upgrades:
- If you choose luxury tents or hotels instead of basic accommodations, that cost would be additional.
-
Off-season Travel:
- During the winter months, Kedarnath becomes inaccessible by normal trekking routes, and the temple is closed. The trip may not be available or may include additional costs for alternate activities in nearby areas.
Short Itinerary
.
The trek to Kedarnath is one of the most popular pilgrimage treks in India, nestled in the majestic Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is a beautiful yet challenging experience, combining spirituality, natural beauty, and adventure. Here's a detailed guide to the Kedarnath trek:
1. Trek Overview:
- Distance: 16 km (one-way) from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple.
- Starting Point: Gaurikund (located at 1,982 meters / 6,503 feet above sea level).
- Ending Point: Kedarnath Temple (3,583 meters / 11,755 feet above sea level).
- Trek Duration: Typically 6–8 hours one-way, depending on pace and fitness.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult (due to altitude gain, rough terrain, and weather conditions).
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October (avoiding monsoons and winter).
- Weather: Summer months (May-June) are cool and pleasant, while post-monsoon (September-October) can be chilly. The trek is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
2. Trek Route Breakdown:
-
Reach Gaurikund:
- By Road: Gaurikund is accessible by road from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. You can take a shared taxi or bus to reach Sonprayag, the last motorable point before Gaurikund. From Sonprayag, you need to take a local jeep to reach Gaurikund.
- Accommodation in Gaurikund: Simple lodges and guesthouses are available.
-
Start of Trek - Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti (4 km):
- Elevation: 1,982 meters (Gaurikund) to approx. 2,550 meters (Jungle Chatti).
- This section is relatively easy, with gradual climbs. You pass through lush green forests and cross the Mandakini River via suspension bridges.
-
Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (3 km):
- Elevation: 2,550 meters to approx. 2,900 meters.
- The trek becomes steeper, but the surroundings are stunning. Bheembali is a small rest stop with food stalls and resting areas.
-
Bheembali to Linchauli (4 km):
- Elevation: 2,900 meters to approx. 3,300 meters.
- The trail continues to ascend through forests and meadows, offering spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Linchauli is another resting point with basic facilities.
-
Linchauli to Kedarnath Base Camp (5 km):
- Elevation: 3,300 meters to 3,583 meters.
- This section is challenging, with a steep climb. As you approach Kedarnath, the terrain becomes more rugged, with rocky paths. The temple town of Kedarnath is surrounded by towering mountains, creating a breathtaking panorama.
-
Kedarnath Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple (Final 1 km):
- The final stretch takes you to the temple complex. This is an easy walk on a well-paved road, and you’ll see the grand Kedarnath Temple ahead.
3. Important Points Along the Trek:
- Gaurikund: The starting point of the trek, known for its hot springs, where pilgrims take a dip before starting the trek.
- Bheembali: A rest stop with facilities for food, water, and first aid.
- Linchauli: Another stop where trekkers can rest or get refreshments.
- Kedarnath Base Camp: Located about 1 km before the temple, this area offers basic tented accommodation, food stalls, and medical services.
4. Available Services on the Trek:
- Porter Services: You can hire porters in Gaurikund to carry your luggage.
- Pony/Palki Services: For those unable to trek, ponies and palanquins (palkis) are available for hire from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
- Helicopter Services: Helicopter rides are available from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi to Kedarnath. The ride takes about 10 minutes and can be booked in advance.
5. Accommodation in Kedarnath:
- Tented Camps: Near the temple, there are tented accommodations provided by the government and private operators. These tents offer basic facilities like bedding and food.
- Guesthouses/Dharmashalas: Simple lodges and dharmashalas (run by the temple committee) are available for pilgrims. However, bookings may need to be done in advance during peak seasons.
6. Things to Carry:
- Trekking Shoes: Comfortable, sturdy shoes with a good grip are essential.
- Warm Clothing: Layered clothing, including thermal wear, jackets, and gloves, as temperatures drop significantly.
- Raincoat/Poncho: Especially if trekking in monsoon or post-monsoon season.
- First Aid Kit: Include altitude sickness medicines, painkillers, and bandages.
- Trekking Poles: These can be useful for support on steep or uneven paths.
- Water Bottle and Snacks: Carry enough water and energy snacks (nuts, chocolates, etc.) to keep you energized.
- ID Proof: For helicopter rides and registration before starting the trek, you will need a valid ID.
7. Registration and Permits:
- Before starting the trek, you need to register at the registration office in Sonprayag or Gaurikund. This is mandatory for safety reasons.
- The registration process involves filling out forms and submitting ID proofs.
8. Safety Tips:
- Altitude Sickness: Due to the elevation, some people may experience altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, and take it slow if you feel symptoms like headaches or dizziness.
- Weather Conditions: The weather in the Himalayas can change quickly. Be prepared for rain, cold winds, and even snow.
- Start Early: It's recommended to start the trek early in the morning to avoid bad weather and reach Kedarnath before nightfall.
- Stay Informed: Check weather updates, especially during the monsoon season, as landslides and floods can disrupt the route.
Best Time for the Trek:
- May to June: Pleasant weather with clear skies.
- September to October: Post-monsoon season is also ideal, but temperatures drop significantly.
