Kedarnath Travel Guide

Kedarnath Trip Budget: Kedarnath temple is one of the sacred pilgrimages of Lord Shiva located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand in North India. It is located on the bank of the holy river Mandakini. Kedar Khand is the historic name of this holy place. It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Himalayas and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. . Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3586 meters above sea level.

The Kedarnath temple lies amidst the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges and is thronged by thousands of tourists each year. The work Kedar means powerful is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer of the world. This temple is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. There is a total of 12 Jyotirlingas and Kedarnath is the highest among them. Under Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya this temple was created thousands of years ago i.e in the 8th century.

Opening And Closing Time Of Kedarnath

The temple of Kedarnath is open from the end of the month of April to the beginning of November. In this region, there is heavy snowfall so this destination is closed during the month’s of winter

Activities To Do In Kedarnath

Camping in Kedarnath: Kedarnath have very little accommodation as compared to a number of tourist visiting, so visiters and pilgrims can also set up their tent near the town and enjoy the natural beauty out there. Try no do this activity during winter as it is very cold during that time.

Trekking: Kedarnath is a trekker’s paradise. The Kedarnath Trek is a 16km medium to steep trek from Gaurikund. This trek can be extended to Chorabari, Vasuki Tal ( Lake ), Bhairon mandi in Kedarnath.

Pilgrimage: Kedarnath is one of the most revered Hindu shrines and thousands of pilgrims partake in arduous pilgrimage every year. The shrines sleep under a thick layer of snow during winters.

Also read: Essential Traveling Safety Tips That Everyone Must Follow

How To Reach Kedarnath?

By Air route: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Kedarnath at a distance of approximately 235Km, and around 35Km from Dehradun. This airport is well connected to the international airport of Delhi with daily flights. There are so many local taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to your destination.

By Train route: If you are visiting Kedarnath by train then, Rishikesh ( RKSH ) railway station is the nearest railway station at a distance of approximately 240Km. Rishikesh is well connected to NH58, there are frequent trains available from Rishikesh.

By Roadways: Major destinations of Uttarakhand state are connected with Gaurikund. There are so many busses available from Delhi to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmiri Gate New Delhi. Many busses and taxis are easily available from popular destinations like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri, etc.

Most Popular Route By Road For Kedarnath From Delhi Is:

Delhi –> Haridwar (206 kms) –> Rishikesh (24 kms) –> Devaprayag (70 kms) –> Srinagar (35 kms) –> Rudraprayag (34 kms) –> Tilwara (9kms) –> Agastamuni (10 kms) –> Kund (15 kms) –> Guptkashi (5 kms) –> Phata (11 kms) –> Rampur (9 kms) –> SonPrayag (3 kms) –> Gaurikund (5 kms) –> Kedarnath (16 Kms)

Kedarnath Trek Route Map Start From Gaurikund:

Gaurikund (6 kms) –> Rambara Bridge (4 kms) –> Jungle Chatti (3 kms) –> Bheembali (4 kms) –> Linchauli (4 kms) –> Kedarnath Base Camp (1 kms) –> Kedarnath Temple

Best Time To Visit

The extreme weather condition of the Kedarnath temple prompts the temple to remain open from the end of April to the beginning of November, but from May to October is the best time to visit Kedarnath. During the winter months, the town remains closed due to heavy snowfall.

A Place To Stay And Food.

There are so many small and big tented colonies, rooms, and cottages just before Kedarnath which are operated by GMVN. This is a small destination so you can find a roo after reaching there. Stay and food in this Kedarnath trip budget are very basic so do not expect luxury service here.
Kedarnath is a religious place so non-vegetarian foods and alcohol are strictly not allowed here.

Attraction Near Kedarnath

Sonprayag: At a distance of 4 km from Gaurikund, 18 km from Kedarnath, and 70 km from Rudraprayag, Sonprayag is a small hamlet situated in Rudraprayag. The bath at Sonprayag is said to be a holy bath because it is believed if have a bath here then your sins get washed. Triyuginarayan is a place which is supposed to be the marriage place of Lord Shiva and Parvati, is located at a distance of 10 km only from Sonprayag.

Guptkashi: At a distance of 47km from Kedarnath this beautiful place called Guptkashi is located. It is located on the route to Kedarnath on a ridge on the west side of the Mandakini river valley at an elevation of 1319 meters above sea level. It is believed that after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas wanted to meet Lord Shiva and seek his blessing. But Lord Shiva evaded from Guptkasi to Kedarnath as he did not want to meet the Pandavas, the reason being that although they had fought for the right cause, they were also responsible for destroying their own dynasty.

Gangotri: Gangotri temple is one of the Chardham. It is located at the accepted origin of the revered holy river Ganga. It is the highest and the most important temple of the river Ganga which is worshiped as a Goddess in India. Goddess Ganga, the much-revered deity of Hindus, originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh which is some 18 km from the Gangotri town. ( Kedarnath Trip Budget )

Helpful Tips During The Visit Of Kedarnath Trip

• Do not miss Triyuginarayan this is must visit place near Sonprayag
• Carry packaged drinking water and dry foods
• Drink water and stay hydrated. However, do remember to carry your own water bottles
• Carry necessary drugs and medications
• Try to start your trek early in the morning to avoid the harshness of the afternoon sun
• Avoid taking Pony or Horse from Sonprayag it will increase your journey by two hours. Take pony from
• Gaurikund or even start your walking trip from Gaurikund
• Carry lightweight woolen clothes even if are planning this Kedarnath Budget trip in the summer season
• Carry Cold creams, moisturizers, and sunscreen creams because are a must
• If planning to visit Kedarnath in peak season then book your hotel or room in advance
• Carry enough cash because not many people accept online transaction on this destination

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