The Holy Kedarnath Temple: A Complete Travel Guide

The Kedarnath is situated in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand in Northern India. It is a tranquil haven with its snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and vibrant rhododendrons. It is renowned for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Kedarnath movie there is a dialogue called “kehte he kedarnath me swarga se hawa aati h” which means that the air comes from heaven. we also feel the same when we travel to Kedarnath temple. Today we will explore the sacred Kedarnath Temple. The journey to this divine destination, accommodations, and the best time to visit this holy place.

The Sacred Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayan range in the Rudraprayag district of India. The Kedarnath and the whole district is dedicated to Lord Shiva. To reach the temple, one must embark on a trek from Gaurikund. Gaurikunda is open for six months from April to November. During the winter months, the deity is shifted to Okimat for worship. The temple is a symbol of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as the protector and destroyer, and a pilgrimage to Kedarnath is believed to offer salvation.

Kedarnath Temple stands amid the majestic peaks near the Chorabari Glacier, with the Mandakini River flowing in front. The devastating flash floods of 2013 caused havoc in the Kedarnath valley. the temple itself remained largely unharmed. The best time to visit Kedarnath is between September to October and May to June when the snow has melted, and rainfall has ceased. It remains closed from November to March due to heavy snowfall.

How to Reach Kedarnath

The journey to Kedarnath is an epic adventure. Starting from Gaurikund which is the last motorable road to Kedarnath is well connected to nearby cities such as Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, and more. Buses and taxis are readily available. The drive through the undulating landscapes of this snowy region is a delightful experience. Alternatively, you can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun or take a train to Rishikesh, the nearest railway station.

The Culinary Experience

Kedarnath is a strictly vegetarian place, and alcohol consumption is prohibited. There are small restaurants or dhabas open from 4 AM to midnight on the way to the temple. These Dhabas serve hearty Indian meals made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s advisable to opt for cooked food or boiled vegetables while traveling to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath

Accommodation in Kedarnath

Nestled in the midst of the Himalayas, Kedarnath offers an unruffled ambiance. To ensure a comfortable stay, pilgrims typically book their accommodations in advance. Budget hotels and dharamshalas provide rooms starting from Rs. 500, offering basic amenities. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVN) operates government-tented colonies with tents, cottages, and rooms, usually booked throughout the year. For those seeking a day’s visit, helicopter services are also available.

The Pilgrimage Experience

Kedarnath at an altitude of 3500 meters is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites. Thousands of pilgrims undertake this arduous pilgrimage every year. The temple remains under a thick blanket of snow in winter. The thick blanket of snow made the trek to Kedarnath an incredible experience.

Things can be done at Kedarnath

Apart from visiting the Kedarnath temple, there are other fascinating sites to explore around:

• Visit the Peronath Temple, the guardian deity of Kedarnath.
• Soak in the natural beauty at Vasuki Tal, known for its glittering waterfall.
• Hike up to the Kedarnath Temple to witness one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
• Explore the Gandhi Sarovar, a pristine lake with reflections of the Himalayan peaks.
• Visit the Yogi Narayan Temple, the site of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding.
• Walk around Gaurikund, the starting point of the 14-kilometer trek to Kedarnath.
• Explore Sonprayag, a place offering scintillating views of snow-covered mountains.
• Undertake a lengthy trek that includes visits to various temples.

Kedarnath is a location of calm beauty and spiritual importance. It is a place that offers a special fusion of scenic beauty and fervent religion. Every traveler can find something in Kedarnath, whether they’re looking for a strenuous trek or a spiritual retreat. For those looking for a closer relationship with nature and spirituality, a visit to this divine location and the experiences it provides are a must-experience.

Map to Kedarnath Temple

FAQs