KEDARNATH DHAM
Kedarnath Dham, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and part of the Char Dham Yatra. It is the most revered among the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites.
MYTHOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE
Mythological Significance:
- As per the Mahabharata, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their kin.
- Shiva avoided them and disguised himself as a bull (Nandi).
- The Pandavas found him in the Himalayas. When Bhima tried to catch the bull, it disappeared into the ground, and its hump appeared at Kedarnath.
- The remaining parts of Shiva’s body appeared at Tungnath (arms), Rudranath (face), Madhyamaheshwar (navel), and Kalpeshwar (hair)—together forming the Panch Kedar.
- The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
HOW TO REACH KEDARNATH
Mode | Details |
By Air | Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km to Gaurikund) |
By Rail | Nearest Railway Stations: Rishikesh (approx. 216 km), Haridwar (approx. 240 km) |
By Road | Drive or take a bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund |
Mode | Details |
By Air | Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km to Gaurikund) |
By Rail | Nearest Railway Stations: Rishikesh (approx. 216 km), Haridwar (approx. 240 km) |
By Road | Drive or take a bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund |
Trekking route is moderately challenging and takes 6–10 hours depending on stamina and weather.
The Scenic Road Journey to Kedarnath Temple
Location: Kedarnath Temple is nestled at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, near the Mandakini River, surrounded by majestic snow-covered peaks.
Route Overview (Delhi to Kedarnath): The road journey to Kedarnath is full of serene towns, confluences (Prayags), pine forests, and river valleys. Here’s a typical route:
- Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund (Base Camp)
From Gaurikund, the 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple begins.
Highlights Of The Road Journey:
Haridwar to Rishikesh
- Sacred towns on the banks of the Ganges.
- A spiritual start with evening aartis and peaceful ghats.
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag via Devprayag
- Witness the birth of the Ganga at Devprayag, where Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi.
- Gorgeous landscapes and winding mountain roads.
Rudraprayag to Guptkashi
- Explore the ancient temple of Ardhanarishvara at Guptkashi.
- The views of Chaukhamba and Kedarnath Peaks begin here.
Guptkashi to Sonprayag to Gaurikund
- The road gets more thrilling with waterfalls, alpine views, and dense pine forests.
- Gaurikund is the last motorable point and base for the trek to Kedarnath.
THE BEAUTIFUL FOOT YATRA FROM GAURIKUND TO KEDARNATH
Trek Distance: 16 km (approx.)
Duration: 5–10 hours (depending on pace)
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 meters
The trek to Kedarnath is one of the most soul-stirring spiritual hikes in India. You’ll traverse rugged terrain, cross roaring streams, and walk beside towering mountains.
Trek Highlights:
- Jungle Chatti (4 km): Lush forest setting and a good rest stop.
- Bheembali & Lincholi (7–10 km): Well-developed shelters and food stalls.
- Rambara (destroyed in 2013 floods): Now a resting point with beautiful valley views.
- Base Camp Area (14–15 km): Offers panoramic views of Kedarnath Peak.
- Final climb reveals the Kedarnath Temple appearing like a divine mirage amidst the mighty mountains.
Ponies, palkis (palanquins), and helicopter services are available for those unable to walk.
ROAD DISTANCE CHART TO KEDARNATH (VIA GAURIKUND)
From | Distance to Kedarnath (Approx.) |
Delhi | 450 km + 16 km trek |
Haridwar | 250 km + 16 km trek |
Rishikesh | 225 km + 16 km trek |
Dehradun | 260 km + 16 km trek |
Chandigarh | 440 km + 16 km trek |
Mumbai | 1,850 km + 16 km trek |
From | Distance to Kedarnath (Approx.) |
Delhi | 450 km + 16 km trek |
Haridwar | 250 km + 16 km trek |
Rishikesh | 225 km + 16 km trek |
Dehradun | 260 km + 16 km trek |
Chandigarh | 440 km + 16 km trek |
Mumbai | 1,850 km + 16 km trek |
HELICOPTER SERVICES TO KEDARNATH
Helipad Points:
- Phata
- Sersi
- Guptkashi
Booking & Service Providers:
- Govt. Portal: https://heliservices.uk.gov.in
- Private Operators: Pawan Hans, Heritage Aviation, Aryan Aviation, Himalayan Heli
Duration & Cost:
- One-way ride: 8–10 minutes
- Round trip fare: ₹5,000 to ₹7,500 approx.
- Priority darshan (optional) available in some packages
Documents Required:
- Valid ID proof
- Kedarnath Yatra registration
- Medical fitness (for senior citizens)
BEST TIME TO VISIT KEDARNATH
Season | Months | Conditions |
Summer | May to June | Ideal weather, temple open |
Post-Monsoon | September to October | Pleasant weather, post-rain freshness |
Season | Months | Conditions |
Summer | May to June | Ideal weather, temple open |
Post-Monsoon | September to October | Pleasant weather, post-rain freshness |
Temple remains closed from November to April due to heavy snowfall. During this time, the idol is shifted to Ukhimath.
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY
Budget Dharamshalas (₹300 – ₹800):
Name | Facilities |
GMVN Guest Houses | Dorms, basic rooms, attached toilets |
Bharat Sevashram Sangha | Free or donation-based, simple amenities |
Juna Akhara Ashram | Spiritual atmosphere, basic accommodation |
Name | Facilities |
GMVN Guest Houses | Dorms, basic rooms, attached toilets |
Bharat Sevashram Sangha | Free or donation-based, simple amenities |
Juna Akhara Ashram | Spiritual atmosphere, basic accommodation |
Mid-range Hotels (₹1,000 – ₹2,500):
Hotel Name | Highlights |
Hotel Bikaner House | Near helipad, geyser, mountain view |
Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas | Clean rooms, walking distance from temple |
Hotel Name | Highlights |
Hotel Bikaner House | Near helipad, geyser, mountain view |
Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas | Clean rooms, walking distance from temple |
Luxury Stays (₹3,000+):
Name | Highlights |
Kedar River Retreat (Guptkashi) | Scenic luxury cottages, meals included |
Panchvati Inn (Guptkashi) | Premium rooms, travel desk, family suites |
Name | Highlights |
Kedar River Retreat (Guptkashi) | Scenic luxury cottages, meals included |
Panchvati Inn (Guptkashi) | Premium rooms, travel desk, family suites |
Luxury stays are mostly available in Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur due to limited infrastructure in Kedarnath itself.
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY
- Heavy woolens, thermals, gloves, cap (temperature may drop below 0°C)
- Sturdy trekking shoes and raincoat
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizer
- ID proof and Yatra registration slip
- Dry fruits/snacks for energy
- Portable oxygen cylinders for elders
- Basic medical kit (especially altitude sickness medicines)
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Waterproof backpack
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Place | Distance | Description |
Gaurikund | Base | Hot water springs and Gauri Temple |
Vasuki Tal | 8 km trek | Sacred high-altitude lake surrounded by peaks |
Bhairavnath Temple | 500m uphill | Guardian deity of Kedarnath shrine |
Triyuginarayan | 30 km | Believed to be the wedding site of Shiva-Parvati |
Sonprayag | 20 km | Scenic confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers |
Guptkashi | 45 km | Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple |
Place | Distance | Description |
Gaurikund | Base | Hot water springs and Gauri Temple |
Vasuki Tal | 8 km trek | Sacred high-altitude lake surrounded by peaks |
Bhairavnath Temple | 500m uphill | Guardian deity of Kedarnath shrine |
Triyuginarayan | 30 km | Believed to be the wedding site of Shiva-Parvati |
Sonprayag | 20 km | Scenic confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers |
Guptkashi | 45 km | Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple |