Trekking to Kedarnath Routes: A general layout of the Kedarnath Yatra:

  Start from Haridwar/ Rishikesh: (110 to 125 km)
The journey to Kedarnath usually starts from Haridwar, a city in Uttarakhand. Here are the different modes of transportation available:

By Road: The most popular way to travel from Haridwar to Kedarnath is by road. You can hire a taxi, or take a shared jeep or bus to reach Gaurikund which is the base camp for Kedarnath. The journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund takes around 8-9 hours. From Gaurikund, you can either trek or take a horse, mule or palanquin to reach Kedarnath. The trek is around 16 kilometers long and takes 6-8 hours to complete.

By Helicopter: If you want to avoid the long road journey and the trek, you can take a helicopter from Haridwar to Kedarnath. The helicopter service is available during the Char Dham Yatra season from May to October. The journey takes around 45 minutes and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Reach Gaurikund: From Haridwar, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund. It is the base camp for the Kedarnath Yatra and is situated at a distance of around 210 km from Haridwar. Few  things you should know about Gaurikund for the Kedarnath trek:

Registration:  All trekkers need to register themselves at the Gaurikund checkpoint before starting the trek. You will need to show valid ID proof and a medical certificate stating that you are fit to undertake the trek.

Accommodation: Gaurikund has a few hotels, guest houses, and Dharamshala where you can stay before starting the trek. It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season.

Food and Water: Gaurikund has a few restaurants and small shops where you can buy food and water for the trek. However, it’s recommended to carry your own food and water as the prices at these shops can be quite high.

Trekking Route: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 km and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The route is well-marked and passes through scenic valleys, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. There are a few tea shops and stalls along the way where you can rest and buy refreshments.

Health and Safety: The trek to Kedarnath is a challenging one and requires a good level of fitness. It’s important to carry warm clothes, a first aid kit, and a trekking pole for support. It’s also advisable to hire a local guide or porter for the trek.

Visit Kedarnath Temple:

  Once you reach Kedarnath, you can visit the famous Kedarnath Temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most sacred places for Hindus.

To visit Kedarnath Temple from Gaurikund, you will need to undertake a trek of approximately 16 km.

• • The trek starts from Gaurikund, which is the last road head to Kedarnath. You can park your vehicle in Gaurikund and start the trek from there. The trek passes through beautiful valleys and waterfalls, and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach Kedarnath.

 

• The trekking route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is well-marked and maintained. You will come across various tea shops, food stalls, and resting points along the way.


• After trekking for about 7 km from Gaurikund, you will reach Rambara, where you can take a break and have lunch. Rambara is a scenic spot with a river flowing beside it.


• After Rambara, you will need to trek for another 4 km to reach Garud Chatti, which is another resting point. Garud Chatti is known for its hot water springs, where you can take a bath and relax your muscles.


• After Garud Chatti, you will need to trek for another 5 km to reach Kedarnath. The trek is relatively steep and challenging, and it takes around 3 hours to reach the temple. You can hire a mule or a palanquin to reach the temple if you are unable to trek.


• Now reach  to Kedarnath Temple which  is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata.

 

Return journey to Haridwar/ Rishikesh :

  The return journey from Kedarnath to Haridwar / Rishikesh is a multi-step process, and it can take anywhere from 2 to 3 days depending on the mode of transportation and route chosen. Here’s how you can do it:
 

Trek to Gaurikund:

Start by trekking back to Gaurikund from Kedarnath, following the same route you took while going to Kedarnath. You can take breaks at Rambara and Garud Chatti along the way.
Transport from Gaurikund: From Gaurikund, you can take a shared jeep or a private taxi to reach Rudraprayag or Srinagar. These are the major towns en route to Haridwar, and you can find plenty of options for transport.

Transport from Rudraprayag/Srinagar:

  From Rudraprayag or Srinagar, you can take a shared jeep or a private taxi to reach Rishikesh or Haridwar. These towns have plenty of options for accommodation and transport.

Overnight Stay: If you are unable to reach Haridwar/ Rishikesh on the same day, you can stay overnight at any of the towns on route to Haridwar / Rishikesh. These towns have plenty of options for accommodation, ranging from budget to luxury.

Direct Helicopter Service: You can also take a direct helicopter service from Kedarnath, which is a faster and more convenient option. However, it’s important to note that helicopter services are subject to weather conditions and availability.

Exploring Kedarnath: Temple, Surrounding Areas, and Local Culture:

  Exploring Kedarnath and its surrounding areas can be an enriching experience for visitors. Here are some of the things you can see and do during your visit:

1. Kedarnath Temple: The main attraction of Kedarnath is undoubtedly the Kedarnath Temple, which is the focal point of the town. The temple is a beautiful structure made of large stone slabs, and its unique architecture makes it stand out. Inside the temple, you can see the lingam of Lord Shiva, which is the main deity. The temple’s ambiance, with the sound of bells and prayers, is truly divine.


2. Surrounding Areas: Kedarnath is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and visitors can explore the area on foot or on horseback. You can visit the Vasuki Tal, which is a glacial lake located at an altitude of 4,150 meters and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Other places to visit include Gandhi Sarovar, which is a pristine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and the Bhairon Temple, which is located on a hill overlooking the Kedarnath Valley.


3. Local Culture: The town of Kedarnath is also known for its unique local culture, which is a blend of Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. You can observe the local customs and traditions of the people, including their attire and food. The town’s main bazaar area is a great place to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.


4. Trekking: Kedarnath is a popular destination for trekkers, and visitors can undertake various treks around the town. The most famous trek is the Kedarnath Trek, which takes you to the temple through a scenic trail that is about 16 kilometers long. The trek can be challenging, but the stunning views and the experience of being in nature make it worth the effort.

 

Other Places to Visit in Kedarnath: Vasuki Tal, Gandhi Sarovar, and more:

  Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, there are several other places to visit in and around Kedarnath that are worth exploring. Here are some of them:

• Vasuki Tal: Located at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level, Vasuki Tal is a glacial lake that is about 8 kilometers from Kedarnath. The trek to Vasuki Tal is a challenging one, but the stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba and Kedarnath, make it a worthwhile experience.


• Gandhi Sarovar: Gandhi Sarovar is a beautiful lake located about 3 kilometers from Kedarnath. The lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi, and it is believed that he visited the lake in 1947. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the lake is a serene and peaceful spot, and is also an ideal spot for birdwatching.


• Sonprayag: Located about 20 kilometers from Kedarnath, Sonprayag is the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. The scenic drive to Sonprayag is a treat for the eyes, with lush green forests, gushing waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.


• Triyuginarayan Temple: Located about 26 kilometers from Kedarnath, Triyuginarayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is said to be the spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, and the eternal flame that was lit during the wedding is still burning.


• Rudraprayag: Located about 70 kilometers from Kedarnath, Rudraprayag is a beautiful town that is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The town is famous for its temples and scenic beauty, and is a popular destination for adventure sports like river rafting and trekking.

 

Tips for a Memorable Kedarnath Yatra: Dos and Don’ts:

  A Kedarnath Yatra can be a memorable and fulfilling experience, provided that visitors follow certain dos and don’ts. Here are some tips that can help you make the most of your visit to Kedarnath:

Dos:

• Plan your trip well in advance and make sure to book accommodation and transportation beforehand.
• Carry warm clothes and sturdy shoes as the weather can be unpredictable and the terrain can be challenging.
• Stay hydrated and carry snacks and water bottles with you.
• Respect the local customs and traditions and dress modestly while visiting the temple.
• Carry a first aid kit and any necessary medication with you.
• Follow the instructions of the local authorities and trekking guides to ensure your safety.
• Carry a good-quality camera to capture the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Don’ts:

• Do not litter or harm the environment. Carry all your trash with you and dispose of it properly.
• Do not disturb the local wildlife and fauna.
• Do not consume alcohol or smoke while on the trek or during the yatra.
• Do not indulge in any illegal activities, and respect the local laws and regulations.
• Do not overexert yourself while trekking, and take breaks as necessary.
• Do not enter the temple premises without taking a bath and changing your clothes.
• Do not disturb other pilgrims or make loud noises that may disturb the peaceful ambiance of the temple.

Following these dos and don’ts can help visitors make the most of their Kedarnath Yatra and ensure a memorable and safe experience. Note: The Kedarnath Yatra route is subject to change, depending on weather conditions and other factors. It is advisable to check with the local authorities before starting your journey.