Kedarnath Yatra

Feel the ultimate combination of devotion and scenic beauty with Hillway Travels’ unique Kedarnath tour package that we made in order to leave you with unforgettable memories of your pilgrimage. Located at an elevating position in the colossal Himalayas, Kedarnath is a fairest of places for devotees and adventurers with delightful views and tranquility.

At Hillway Travels, we do our best to offer unforgettable travel experiences. Our Kedarnath tour package has been elaborately organized to handle every aspect including your itinerary and premium services, so you only enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of this paradise on earth.

Kedarnath is a magnet for all sorts of visitors regardless of ages and cultures, seated on the banks of the neoteric and glacial defunct Himalayans and the flowing Mandakini River. Even as it happens for centuries in the tradition of numerous waves of nature’s destruction, such as the 2013 floods, this town has a place still occupied by the belief system and attracts millions of people annually ‘killing’ them with charm untouched with deities.

To reach Kedarnath, is both physical and spiritual in every sense. Every step taken while trekking from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath Temple which is perched at an elevation of 11,755 feet, will be filled with overwhelming scenic views of deep valleys and steep mountain ranges. This particular destination reeks of spirituality, hence, the visit is one which stays in the mind and the heart of an individual for a long period even after leaving the place.

For adrenaline junkie stretchers, Kedarnath is more than just a place for worship. The encounter with the trekking trails, as well as the alpine meadows, is one adventurous experience that knows no bounds. Wherever one is a hardcore devotee or a mere admirer of nature, our Kedarnath Dham tour package is curated for every soul in search of a change.

The Timeless Saga of Kedarnath Temple

Nestled away in the majestic Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is far more than a shrine. It is indeed a live storehouse of mythology, spirituality, and history. This sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva stands in his life-style-denying majesty and the mighty devastation of the beauty of nature around it.

Kedarnath’s history has thick roots in mythology and spirituality thousands of years ago. It forms one of the Panch Kedars, which comprises five holy pilgrimages to Lord Shiva. The legend states that after the battle at Kurukshetra from the Mahabharata, the Pandavas wanted to appease Lord Shiva. The Lord, however, in disgust at the blood that was spontaneously shed in battle, transformed himself into a bull and hid among cattle. While he did this, the following events happened. When the Pandavas pursued him, his body parts appeared at various locations, which later became the Panch Kedars. Kedarnath is where Lord Shiva’s hump appeared and it is believed that this temple is the place where the sacred relic is enshrined.

Kedarnath is one of the earliest recognized sites, early medieval origins are attested in both historical writings and inscriptions. The extant temple structure is supposed to have been the work of the revered Hindu philosopher and saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD. Adi Shankaracharya was instrumental in returning Hinduism to the original form and has been credited with establishing the temple and its surrounding structures, creating Kedarnath as a pilgrimage site for Hindus from across the world.

Kedarnath is historically beset with calamities that include earthquakes, avalanches as well extreme weather due to its high remoteness as located in the Himalayas. The single and collective efforts reflected through years of practice and commitment by countless devotees and local communities have well preserved the temple from natural disasters and their damaging effects. This is their testimony to the resilience that human beings think they hold with spirituality and how deep that spirituality bears fruit in the hearts of the people.

The temple represents brilliant and ancient craftsmanship. Built from huge slabs of stone, the whole structure has a wonderful number of most intricate and lovely sculptures carved to represent scenes from Hindu mythology. It houses the sacred lingam, which represents Lord Shiva, the focus of pilgrim devotion.

Kedarnath has come into the global limelight because of the staggering calamities that have taken lives and destroyed property within it. The temple area got submerged in mud and debris but this was a tragedy with the resilience and solidarity showcased in putting up restoration by government agencies, NGOs, and volunteers to restore not just the temple but rejuvenate it in fuller spiritual and cultural contexts.

Today, Kedarnath is a symbol of faith and transformation for millions of pilgrims and tourists who visit it seeking solace and blessings. A rich history, mythology, and some traditions create an experience of awe and reverence. Therefore, this pilgrimage destination ranks firmly among the most holy in India.

Places to Visit In and Around  Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath yatra is full of attractions to visit and explore, and some are pilgrimage places as well which in turn helps you enjoy to the fullest and have peace of mind. Here are some of the must visit places: 

Rishikesh

The picturesque town of Rishikesh, lying in the foothills of the Himalayas, is famous for both its spiritual ambience and stunning location. Situated on the shores of the Ganga River, the place has a calm surrounding with old temples, ashrams, and yoga centers. It is the base for the 

Kedarnath Yatra therefore the segment of the journey is filled with serenity and absolute dedication.

Gaurikund

Gaurikund, located at an important juncture of the Kedarnath trek, is known for its natural hot springs and the antiquated Gauri Temple which is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. Devotees also come here, take a dip in the waters which is considered to be cleansing to the spirit, before the arduous yet fulfilling pilgrimage trek to Kedarnath.

Jungle Chatti

Positioned midway along the Kedarnath route, Jungle Chatti is a calm and peaceful island, enfolded in thick greenery and rich scenery. This means Jungle Chatti is a beautiful place which permits the trekkers to relax and refresh amidst the wilderness of the Himalayan forest, thus making it one of the best spots on the course of trekking.

Gandhi Sarovar

Gandhi Sarovar is about 3900 m high and is among the most beautiful glacial lakes near Kedarnath. It is normally called Chorabari Tal, which gives a haven where you can experience the tranquility of the clear waters, which is a mirror to all the surrounding snowy mountains. A little trek away from Kedarnath, it would be amazing for nature-lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is another pristine high-altitude lake located at a distance of around 8 kilometers from Kedarnath uphill. Majestic surrounding peaks with meadows overflowing with numbers of flowers brighten this trek to the lake, which is much excitement in adventure. There are very few places in India that can give this kind of peaceful atmosphere while trekkers wish for it against great backdrops.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

This site denotes the place where “Adi Shankaracharya”, the revered saint and philosopher of 8th-century, rested. The samadhi is historical and spiritual as it draws devotees and history buffs alike to pay homage here. It is an ideal site for holding quiet introspection while surrounded by the most sacred Kedarnath aura.

Sonprayag

Sonprayag is a site of religious importance on the route to Kedarnath because it is situated at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers. Pilgrims believe that a dip here purges all sins.  Sonprayag is covered with thick greenery and offers panoramic views of mountains making it a fabulous stopover for nature lovers and photographers.

Triyuginarayan Temple

This ancient temple is situated at a distance of 25 km from Kedarnath, reputed to be the very site of divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Eternal flame of the temples has been burning since time immemorial. Its mythological significance and scenic beauty make it a popular pilgrimage and tourist destination.

Chopta

Going by the name “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a glorious hill station around 64 kilometers away from Kedarnath. With lavish meadows, thick dense forests, and all sweeping sights of Himalayan peaks, it provides a base for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Chopta will definitely say a refreshing goodbye to the boring routine life.

Guptkashi

The town is about 47 kilometers away from Kedarnath. The two famous temples in this town are Vishwanath temple and Ardhnarishwar temple. Glimpses of local culture and beautiful views of the Chaukhamba peaks can be experienced in this town. A small stop to relax-away from all the hustle and bustle, this town also offers a bit of spirituality. 

Rudraprayag

This is a beautiful town located at a confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini, about 72 km from Kedarnath. This place is home to many ancient temples and wonderful landscapes that serve as a gateway to Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines.

Deoria Tal

A lovely lake on the outskirts of Chopta, Deoria Tal is a private lake synonymous-with reflectively glass-smooth images of Chaukhamba peaks. It is reachable from Sari village via a 2-kilometer trek. It is surrounded by dense forest and is an excellent camping, trekking, and bird-watching site.

Things to do in Kedarnath Dham Yatra

1. Take Part in the Morning and Evening Aarti

Witness the divine energy while in aarti performed in the Kedarnath Temple. The chants, lamps, and ritualistic ceremonies turn into a spiritual ambiance by filling a place within the hearts of devotees with the piousness of these rituals.

2. Trek Scenic Trails

Adventure trek towards Kedarnath itself makes this journey- -standing right among magnificent Himalaya scenery. A few other short treks you commonly visit include that to Gandhi Sarovar, that trail might even get combined with a natural beauty-hiking activity, like Vasuki Tal.

3. Meditate in a Calm Atmosphere

You might even find yourself a secluded point next to the majestic heights or Mandakini River for the purpose of meditation. The peace of Kedarnath would help you state this with ease as it would bring you in touch with your inner self.

4. Perform Rituals and Poojas

Perform religious rituals and offerings at the temple. Many of these devotees come here to perform Pind Daan and similar ceremonies to their ancestors.

5. The Fun of Riding on Pony or Doli

For those for whom it is impossible to walk the whole distance, Pony or Doli rides are there. Riding a pony through inhospitable terrain is also quite thrilling because one can enjoy the scenic journey to the temple.

6. Dive into the Spiritual Stories of the Guides

Local guides and priests have such interesting tales to tell about the mythology and the history of Kedarnath. One would enhance their understanding of the temple’s significance as well as the spiritual heritage of the surrounding area by listening to these stories.

7. Take a Holy Dip in the Mandakini River

This is a custom of many pilgrims, after visiting the temple, they plunge into the cold waters of the Mandakini River to wash away sin and prepare the body for what is about to take place.

8. Stargazing Anticipation by Night

It is far away from any disturbance of mankind and blessed by clear skies. Kedarnath can offer fantastic stargazing opportunities. Spend a quiet night under the stars for a magical and serene experience.

9. Engage in Photography

Capture the stunning Himalayas, the grandeur of the Kedarnath Temple, and the vibrant life of pilgrims going to Kedarnath Temple. The peacefulness and dramatic view would give an inspiring environment to photography. 

10. Involve the Community in Volunteering

Join hands with local communities or groups working to preserve the temple and its surroundings. Such activities lead to the unparalleled experience of touching the lives of others with one’s actions in the preservation of sacredness in this country.

11. Souvenir and Local Arts Shopping

Wander around the small shops in Kedarnath for some souvenirs, rudraksha beads or handcrafted things. A beautiful reminder from y

our spiritual journey.

12. Practice Yoga Amidst Nature

Conduct yoga sessions amidst the tranquil environment of Kedarnath. The cool mountain breeze and calm ambiance will get you recharged physically and mentally.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Dham

Spring (April to June) 

The visit to Kedarnath Dham has reached its peak in this season, for it provides very pleasant and mild weather with clear skies. Temperatures vary from 5 degrees Celsius to 18 degrees Celsius. The roads and trails open up and make the temple accessible for mostly around Akshay Tritya. More pilgrims make it the peak season, hence expect increasing crowds and waiting periods. The beauty of blooming flowers, the lush green landscape, and picturesque views from the surrounding landscapes make a visit to Kedarnath Dham even better.

Summer (July to August) 

This season is not preferable for the visit to Kedarnath Dham because the weather is generally pleasant, but with heavy rainfalls, it can bring the risk of flooding and landslides due to the monsoon. The weather makes it very difficult to travel and opens up for very few pilgrims. 

Autumn (September to October)  

This is one of the most excellent times to visit Kedarnath Dham, for the weather is clear and crisp with temperatures between 2-15 degrees Celsius. The roads and trails condition fine after the monsoon makes the journey even better, in addition to fewer crowds than spring offering a more peaceful experience, while beautiful sights with crystal clear skies and fresh air fill the region with breathtaking beauty. 

Winter (November to March) 

Winters are pretty harsh, with lots of snow and extremely adverse weather conditions, which makes it unsuitable for Kedarnath Dham visits. Also, the Temple closed its doors in the winter, restricting access to the generally snowed-over trails and roads.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham

By Bus

Numerous buses, both public and private, go to Sonprayag, which is the last point that can be accessed by normal vehicles. From Sonprayag, you need to take shared jeeps or hire taxis to reach Gaurikund, which is merely 5 kilometers from Kedarnath.

By Car 

If you enjoy driving then, go from Delhi because the roads are perfectly linking Gaurikund to Rudraprayag and Guptkashi, assuring your vehicle is good to travel in mountains. 

By Air

Nearest Airport from Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport which is at a distance of 239 km approximately, and the flights are well connected from most of the big cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport you can hire a cab or taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, the base for the trek to Kedarnath. It takes about 8-10 hours to reach by road. Also if some devotees are not able-bodied or just do not want to trek, another option is also available, which is an Helicopter ride from Phata and Sirci to Kedarnath Temple. 

By Train

There are 3 closest ones regarding Kedarnath-Rishikesh Railway Station, Haridwar Railway Station, and Dehradun Railway Station. Any of the stations can be directly accessed by trains from major cities like Delhi or Mumbai. After reaching any of these stations, you can hire a taxi or a cab to Gaurikund. The road journey typically takes 8-10 depending upon the Railway Station you start from. 

Festival Celebrations in Kedarnath Dham 

Kedarnath is the home of many festivals, the most significant among them being the Opening Ceremony of Kedarnath Temple during April-May marking the end of winter and drawing thousands of pilgrims. The other festival is Badri-Kedar Utsav celebrated in June which comprises different cultural programs and religious activities. Vijaya Dashmi (Dussehra), celebrated in October-November, is another festival that is most cherished by people, representing the victory of good over evil. Witnessing the festivals at Kedarnath Dham is something very divine for any of the devotees and pilgrims.

FAQ

1. Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance?

          Yes, it’s advisable to book accommodations in advance during the peak season.

     2. What are the accommodation options at Kedarnath?

          Options range from budget guesthouses to dharamshalas and tents.

     3. Is there a medical facility available in Kedarnath?

         Yes, there are limited medical facilities available for pilgrims in Kedarnath.

     4. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?

          The best time to visit is between May and June and September to October, avoiding the monsoon.

     5. Are there any age or health restrictions for trekking?

         While there are no strict restrictions, it’s advisable for individuals with health issues or the elderly to consult a doctor before trekking.

     6. Can I carry my luggage to Kedarnath?

          Yes, but it is recommended to use the services of pony or palanquin for carrying heavy luggage.

     7. Are there any safety measures during the Yatra?

          Yes, following safety instructions, staying hydrated, and avoiding treks in bad weather are essential.

     8. Is photography allowed at the temple?

         No, photography is not allowed inside the Kedarnath temple premises.