Kedarnath is one of the four dams of the north – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri (the actual four dams are Badrinath, Dwarka, Jagannath Puri and Rameshwaram). Kedarnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India and holds the distinction of being the highest among them.
After the war of Mahabharatha, the Pandavas and Draupadi were looking for penance; it was a deep sin to kill your own kin, and they were looking for forgiveness from Lord Shiva in the highlands of the Himalayas. They discovered Lord Shiva at the very location where the Kedarnath shrine stands today.
Lord Shiva was unwilling to forgive them, so he disguised himself as a bull and buried himself in the ground to avoid being recognized. However, the Pandavas identified him, and Bhima tugged at his tail and hind legs. As a result, Lord Shiva sank deeper into the earth and reappeared in five different places: the hump in Kedarnath, the arms in Tunganath, the belly in Madhyamaheshwar, the face in Rudranath, and the head in Kalpeshwar. Together, these sites are known as the Panch Kedar.
The Pandavas eventually built temples in all five places, freeing them from their sins.
Kedarnath Location:
Kedarnath is located in the deep interiors of Uttarakhand, which borders Tibet. On one side are the mountains of Gangotri, which is the origin point of Ganga. On the other side is the holy land of Badrinath. However, it would help if you took a long detour by road to reach any of these locations.
Sonaprayag, the last village before Kedarnath, is 210km from Rishikesh by road and 246km from Dehradun. Kedarnath is also located at a height of 11,755 ft, and you cannot reach the main shrine by road or vehicle. There are quite a few ways to get to the shrine.
When Is Kedarnath Open For Visitors?
The sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, will opened its doors on May 10, 2024, with special puja rituals marking the occasion. The temple will close on Bhai Dooj, November 20, 2024, and will reopen in 2025.During winters, the temple and the area are covered in deep snow and go into a slumber. The temple is not accessible anymore. The temple’s daily schedule is as follows: It opens from 4 am to 3 pm, closing briefly for lunch, and then reopens from 5 pm to 9 pm. Morning puja is conducted from 4:00 am to 7:00 am, and evening puja is performed from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
How To Reach Kedarnath
To reach Kedarnath Dham, your initial destination is Guptakashi. From there, you have various transportation options to continue your journey.
Reaching Guptakashi
The only way to reach to Guptkashi is by road as there is no airport available. The closest airport to Guptakashi is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Yog Nagri Station in Rishikesh. If you are still looking for a direct train to Rishikesh, Haridwar is also a great alternative.
If you are traveling in a group, booking a vehicle for yourself is very convenient. You can book a car/tempo traveler depending upon the number of people anywhere, ranging from a 4-seater to a 17-seater.
If you opt for public transportation, you can catch a bus from the local bus stop in Rishikesh.Continuous buses run from 6 am to 10 pm daily to most locations in Uttarakhand, including Guptakashi, and to Gaurikhand.
Guptakashi To Kedarnath
Upon arrival in Guptakashi, you might consider spending a night before proceeding to the next leg of your journey.You can reach Kedarnath from Gupatakshi in the following ways:
By Trek
It is the most natural way of traveling to Kedarnath. The trek starts at Gaurikund, where you will find an artificial trail to the top of Kedarnath. You can take a local shared jeep to Gaurikund from Guptakashi or Sonaprayag. The distance to the top is around 18km on foot.
The track has been changed after the floods of 2013 and is safer and more suitable for pilgrims. This is the route that you would follow:
- Start at Gaurikund (take a shared / private taxi from Sonaprayag)
- Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti (6km)
- Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (4km)
- Bheembali to Linchauli (3km)
- Linchauli to Kedarnath Base Camp (4km)
- Kedarnath Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple (1km)
The trek is considered problematic, even for people who are used to physical activity. It gets challenging as you climb up in altitude. During monsoons, rain can halt all climbing activities. Many pilgrims find themselves returning halfway. Therefore, I hope for a successful journey and don’t take unnecessary risks in unfavorable conditions.
By Ponies Or Palkis
- This is only an alternative to taking the same path as mentioned above. If you want to travel on the trail but are not sure of the duration or physical ability then you could take an animal. The pony is available from the ticket counter in Gaurikund. It is possible to take one of the camps along the route (as as mentioned earlier) or take it to Kedarnath.
- While the government is fixing the rates, a lot of people don't follow the rules since they are in a position where the need for ponies and palkis from pilgrims is significantly more.
- Palkis (carried by four males) aren't available to everyone. Only children and the elderly are able to choose palkis. If you are able to walk, you must consider alternative options. Another alternative is pittu. It is a term used to describe men in the local area carrying a big basket and a seat upon their backs.
- They take you on their backs while they ascend. While it might not be the best option for some because it appears cruel however, it's an urgent choice with no other alternatives. Be sure to give them a generous tip.
By Helicopter
- If you're sure that trekking isn't ideal for you, then the best alternative is to use a helicopter. In recent times, a number of private service providers in the area have begun operating. You can pick any one to book an aircraft from a location at Guptakashi to the helicopter pad in Kedarnath.
- You can make a booking for an air-craft online, which typically begins one month ahead. But, it can be difficult to secure a reservation as it's booked out when the bookings are begin. It is possible to secure a reservation in GMVN's GMVN headquarters in Guptakashi however, don't rely on it. Instead, look for an agent local to arrange for additional charges for you.
- Get to your helipad before time and sign up with the attendant at the register counter. It could take 3-4 hours to get your turn at the counter from the time you register. It is necessary to complete the same procedure at Kedarnath on your return. Therefore, you should request an early time slot at the base if you would like to return the next day.
- Read our blog post for more about the process of booking a helicopter from Kedarnath.
- Following the 2013 floods local authorities set up a yatra registration system into place to ensure that visitors are kept from Kedarnath Dham in check. Each person must register before embarking on their journey.
- If you're trekking the way to Kedarnath then you'll need to present your Yatra electronic pass. Be sure to have it by the time you arrive. If you aren't able to find it, try looking for an individual in the area who will do it for an expense (usually costing Rs.50, however it is impossible to say that about high season).
- You'll need this ePass as well as a registration in order to book an online helicopter ticket.
- It is possible to stay for one or two nights within Guptakashi as well as Sonaprayag (if you're hiking) as this will be the base of your Kedarnath journey. Whatever your choice of transportation it is necessary to start and end your journey at GuptaKashi.There are all sorts of hotel in Guptakashi including budget hotels to mid-priced. However, you won't discover luxurious hotels within the region. While the range of prices for the hotels is similar with other hill stations in the normal times, the costs of similar rooms can skyrocket in the peak seasons and so we have found rooms that are basic (with no heat or geyser) for just Rs.3000 per night.
During Trek
There are a few hotels in Gaurikund near the beginning of your trek. Be prepared for them to be empty however, they’ll suffice if you want to rest prior to or after your hike.
The next area in which you can find accommodation can be found at Linchauli (approx 6km prior to Kedarnath). It is a good option in case you’re exhausted (or sick). There are GMVN guesthouses within Linchauli, Gaurikund, and Sonaprayag. If not, you’ll need to rely on your own efforts to find guesthouses wherever you travel.
Returning From The Top
If you’re going back from the summit, make sure to get started as soon as possible. Returning is difficult and dangerous, however the descent will take some time. Don’t descend after dark.
If you fly back by helicopter, you have to get to the helipad and verify your identity. It could take up to a couple of hours prior to your turn fly back. You may explore the surroundings during that period.
What To Pack For The Journey
- Do not take a light bag for this trip. Get the heavy guns and prepare for the most likely scenario. While temperatures vary between freezing and freezing, it's usually cold at the summit of Kedarnath. Prepare for temperatures below zero however, unless you go between July and August, when it's a bit warmer.
- The temperature drop abruptly at sunset. It is important to pack your bags if you plan to stay the night in Kedarnath camp in the event unexpected events. If you're planning to hike and trek, be sure to pack layers to quickly take off your jackets and walk if it becomes hot during the mid-day.
- In the monsoon time take a rain jacket and outfit change since you don't want to be soaked in cold temperatures. Bring warm shoes and thick socks.
- You will likely be able locate food items and other basic necessities in the middle, but you'll need help in finding every store, daily items or even cash in the process. Bring some cash along.
Issues to Keep Note
- Be aware that the number of pilgrims making this journey is quite a lot. Also, be prepared for the place to be jammed! Hotels are full, and transportation such as horses and helicopters are full. The lines are long and the facilities are limited. Therefore, if you're traveling with elderly people or children, you should be prepared to pay for any discomfort with cash.
- In the direction of ecology the 2013 floods are believed to be the result of the overdevelopment of cities, overpopulation, and overtourism. In the meantime the local authorities have tried to limit this as the years progressed; by 2022, more controls or restrictions on activities are required. Then we'll be back at starting from scratch again.
- 7. Helicopter companies who operate helicopters in the region frequently do not adhere to safety and regulations guidelines as they ought to. This led to the tragic crash of a helicopter in the month of October, 22. It's not amazed. Helicopters have been booked two to five times more than their capacity. This means that there are fewer rest hours for pilots as well as helicopters. In the field, negligence is a common occurrence. Certain operators have better results than others, however there is no guarantee of a secure return.
- Only basic and emergency medical facilities are accessible in the region. Also, be as vigilant as you can with elderly people and children. Be sure to carry your medication on hand; do not think that they will be available in this place. In the event of an emergency, you could require a transfer via helicopter, and you'll have to pay for it yourself.
Kedarnath, steeped in mythology and spirituality, stands as one of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites. Its history, dating back to the Mahabharata era, intertwines with legends of the Pandavas seeking penance and Lord Shiva’s divine manifestations. Situated amidst Uttarakhand’s rugged terrain, reaching Kedarnath demands careful planning and choice of transportation, be it trekking, riding ponies, or helicopters. While the journey offers profound spiritual experiences, travelers must navigate challenges like overcrowding, limited facilities, and unpredictable weather. Despite these, Kedarnath remains a beacon of faith, drawing pilgrims seeking solace amidst the Himalayan peaks.