Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage in India, drawing thousands of devotees to the Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the four major sites in the Char Dham Yatra, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath Yatra Tour Details

1. Location:

Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, nestled in the majestic Himalayas at an elevation of around 3,583 meters above sea level.

2. Best Time to Visit:

May to October: The temple opens in late April or early May (depending on Akshaya Tritiya) and closes around November (on Bhai Dooj). The months of May, June, September, and October are ideal for the pilgrimage, avoiding the monsoon season (July-August) when landslides and heavy rainfall are common.

3. Routes to Kedarnath:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 238 km from Kedarnath. Helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sitapur to Kedarnath are available during the Yatra season.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 216 km from Kedarnath.
By Road: There are regular bus services and taxis from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund (the last motorable point). From Gaurikund, it is a 16 km trek to Kedarnath.

4. Trek to Kedarnath:

The 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is steep but scenic, with beautiful views of the mountains and rivers. Pony, palanquin (palki), and helicopter services are available for those who find the trek challenging.

5. Key Attractions During the Yatra:

Kedarnath Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude lake situated around 8 km from Kedarnath, a great spot for trekking enthusiasts.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: The final resting place of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, located near the temple.
Bhairav Temple: Dedicated to Bhairav, located just behind Kedarnath Temple. This temple opens during the winter when Kedarnath Temple is closed.

6. Accommodation:

Gaurikund and Kedarnath offer basic accommodations including guesthouses, dharamshalas, and camps.
Booking in advance during the Yatra season is advisable. GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) offers guesthouses and rest houses for pilgrims.

7. What to Pack:

Warm clothing: Even in summer, Kedarnath is cold due to its high altitude.
Comfortable trekking shoes, raincoat, essential medications, energy bars, and first aid kits.
Identity proof, as it is required for registering for the Yatra.

8. Registration:

Pilgrims must register for the Kedarnath Yatra either online or at designated registration centers like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Sonprayag. Biometric registration is also mandatory.

9. Health Precautions:

Due to the high altitude, it is advised to take proper rest during the journey and stay hydrated.
People with respiratory or heart conditions should consult a doctor before embarking on the Yatra.
Tour Itinerary Suggestion for Kedarnath Yatra:

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar/Rishikesh

Visit temples, Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar), or explore Rishikesh.

Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Guptkashi

Travel by road to Guptkashi, overnight stay at Guptkashi.

Day 3: Guptkashi to Gaurikund, Trek to Kedarnath

Reach Gaurikund by road, begin the trek to Kedarnath, overnight stay in Kedarnath.

Day 4: Kedarnath Darshan

Early morning visit to Kedarnath Temple, explore nearby areas like Bhairav Temple, return to Guptkashi.

Day 5: Return Journey

Travel from Guptkashi to Haridwar/Rishikesh.