Kedarnath – A divine place [Complete Travel Guide]

Kedarnath is a divine Hindu settlement situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas, and is situated at an astounding 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 and pilgrims each year. Also, the Kedarnath trek is stunningly beautiful and quite eclectic, even in the trekking circuit.

Famous for the ancient shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, it offers a calm atmosphere with a beautifully painted backdrop thanks to the rhododendron woods, snow-covered mountains, and splendid sights of nature. An amalgamation of devoutness and adventure is what makes it incomparable. A MUST VISIT for one and all.

About Kedarnath

Kedarnath literally means the Lord of the field, and it is so called because the “crop of liberation” grows here. While it is not certain who constructed the temple or when! One of the earliest references of Kedarnath is in the 7th or 8th century. It is also believed that Adi Shankara died near the sanctuary.

History & Mythology

It is believed that post the battle of Kurukshetra, Pandavas went on a journey to Banaras in order to repent killing their own and seek blessings from the Lord. But, Shivji wanted to avoid meeting with the brothers, and thus, took solace in Guptakashi.

However, Pandavas were relinquishing in their search for the Lord and when they found him, Shivji decided to take the form of buffalo so that they couldn’t recognize him. Now, when Shivji saw the Pandavas approaching closer, he wanted to hide even further

Thus, He took the decision to also become invisible by way of going underground. However, brother Bhīma tried hard to stop him from leaving by holding on to the legs and tail of the bull. Unfortunately, the Lord dived and evaporated at that place leaving behind his hump which is now worshipped at Kedarnath Temple.

Location

Located in the Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath is the most remote of all Chota Char Dham sites. Situated near the Chorabari Glacier – the source of the Mandakini river, Kedarnath is flanked by snow-capped peaks – most prominently the Kedarnath mountain (6,940 mts) and the Kedar Dome (6,831 mts). Located at a distance of 223 KM from Rishikesh, the town is built on a barren stretch of land on the shored of the river.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

Right at the beginning of the season in April till the onset of monsoons and post-monsoon till close of the season. Kedarnath has a cold climate for most part of the year and the best months to travel are May, June, September, October.

How to get there

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the closest airport, at a distance of 238 KMs. The airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Taxis are easily available from the airport to Gaurikund.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, at a distance of 216 KMs before Kedarnath on NH58. Further, Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are easily available to reach Gaurikund.

By Road

Prior to reaching Kedarnath, the last motorable point is Gaurikund. From there on out, you’ll be trekking for 16-odd-km. Gaurikund is connected with major destinations in North India. Buses and shared cabs are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh & Rudraprayag to Sonprayag, the last point until which private vehicles are allowed.

Buses to Rishikesh and Shrinagar are available from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate. From Sonprayag, there is a shared cab facility offered by the government, where the cab will drop you in Gaurikund for a fee.

Helicopter Options

You may even get a helicopter ride if you’re not into trekking (although I strongly recommend the trek!). The services are available from different helipads such as Guptkashi, Sersi, Phata etc.

What to do in Kedarnath

Given that Kedarnath is a religious destination, clearly the centermost attraction are places with mythological connotations

Kedarnath Temple

Enveloped in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is among the 275 temples of Paadal Petra Sthalams (the most powerful Shiva temples in the world) and is also the most important among the Panch Kedars.

Gandhi Sarovar

Gandhi Sarovar is a small crystal clear lake, also known as Chorabari Tal. This is so because it is situated on the mouth of Chorabari Bamak glacier. Gandhi Sarovar lies on the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peak at an astounding altitude of 3,900mts above sea level. The lake comes after completed further 4 KMs trek from Kedarnath Temple.

Kalimath

Kalimath is a religious place located on the banks of Saraswati river. Located at a height of 1800 mts, Kalimath is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths in India. Kalimath lies on lap of nature offering salubrious and divine environment. Goddess Kali Temple is located in Kalimath. Legends believe that after killing Raktbeej, Kali Goddess went underneath the ground at this place!

What to do around Kedarnath

Vasuki Tal Lake

Vasuki Tal is a high glacial lake situated at an impressive altitude of 14,200 feet above sea level near Kedarnath Dham. One can spot Brahma Kamal and other Himalayan flowers blooming around the placid lake, making for some spectacular views.

Ideally, I would suggest you complete the route in the day time itself, and spend the night at Kedarnath! The trek distance from Kedarnath temple is 8 KMs, initial 3-4 KMs is easy before the ascend begins. The icy Vasuki Tal is just 900 meters downhill from Vasuki top.

Guptakashi

Guptkashi is situated 47kms before the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath. It is located on the route to Kedarnath on a ridge on the west side of the Mandakini river valley at an elevation of 1,319mts above sea level.

Guptkashi is a religiously important town of Uttarakhand as it houses ancient temples like Vishwanath temple and Ardhnareshwar temple. A highly revered attraction, Manikarnika Kund is where two streams of the Ganga and Yamuna meet.

Kedarnatha Trek

Kedarnatha trek is in one of the most significantly religious areas, especially in the Hindu Mythology. The Temple of Lord Kedarnatha (Shivji), which sits at the base of the summit, has stood the test of time and is revered amongst spiritual believers.

Millions of pilgrims move mountains to offer their prayers and seek blessings of the Hindu Deity each year. The temple itself lies at the base of the Kedarnath Peak, facing the Kedar Parvat. A beginner level trek, Kedarnath is especially beautiful in the winter months.

Best places to stay near Kedarnath

There is a huge government-run tented colony along with cottages as well as rooms run by GMVN. These are sufficient to home more than a thousand pilgrims and visitors. Also, there are hotels, guest houses, and Dharamshala as well.

A lot of folks have started taking the journey via helicopters and thus stay locations can be Phata, Rampur, Gaurikund, Sitapur etc.

Tips when travelling to Kedarnath

• The trek is 16 KM long and will take you 6 hours, depending on your health
• Try to start your trek early in the morning to avoid the harshness of the afternoon sun
• Remember to eat a hearty (though not heavy) breakfast
• Drink water and stay hydrated. However, do remember to carry your own water bottles.

Conclusion

If connecting with nature and the Gods, rejuvenation and some adventure is on the cards for you on your next holiday – head on over to Kedarnath. This place will take you back to a time of simplicity and authenticity.

Happy travelling!