Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, Kedarnath is a sacred town celebrated for its spiritual importance and stunning landscapes.
Kedarnath, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a revered destination known for the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Situated at an altitude of 3,580 meters near the Chorabari glacier, it marks the source of the Mandakini River.
Historical Significance: Known historically as โKedar Khand,โ Kedarnath holds immense spiritual importance. According to legend, the Pandavas sought Lord Shivaโs blessings here for redemption after the Mahabharata war. Lord Shiva, in the form of a bull, left his hump on the surface while other parts appeared at four other locations, forming the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from May to October, as the temple is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.
By Road: Delhi is approximately 547 km from Kedarnath. The well-connected route passes through major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag. Alternatively, direct buses and hired vehicles are available from the holy cities of Haridwar (230 km) and Rishikesh (210 km) to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are located in Haridwar and Rishikesh. Visitors can disembark at either of these stations and continue their journey by road to Gaurikund.
By Air: Air travelers can conveniently arrive at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and then proceed to Gaurikund by bus or hired transportation.
By Helicopter: Helicopter service is also available from different helipads in Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi that is a convenient mode of reaching Kedarnath.
Trekking Route: The 16 km trekking trail to Kedarnath commences from Gaurikund and passes through scenic locations like Jangal Chatti, Bheembali, Rambara, Lincholi, and Chhani Camp, which offer popular camping sites. Experienced trekkers can complete this journey in a single day, while others may opt for an overnight halt at Kedarnath, allowing them to savor the experience over two days.
Note: Tourists planning to visit Kedarnath Temple must complete a registration process. Registrations can be done through the official portal at badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in or via the IRCTC website.
Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, India, is a venerable shrine dedicated to Lord Shivaโs Sadashiva form. As one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a part of the sacred Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, this ancient temple dates back over a millennium. Perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters, it can only be reached via a trek from Gaurikund. Legends from the Mahabharata intertwine with its history, and its enduring architecture has withstood natural challenges and calamities over centuries.
Temple Timings: During the winter months, Kedarnath Temple is closed, and the deity is relocated to Ukhimath for worship. This relocation takes place in late October or early November, depending on the onset of winter, and continues until April or early May when the temple reopens. The summer months, especially from May to October, are considered the best time to visit, as the temple remains accessible and open for pilgrims and tourists.
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