All our lives, we have waited for that one sacred call from Lord Shiva to worship him, and we often believe if the lord calls upon us only then we can visit the place. Yes, that’s true to some extent but a little effort is needed still. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the Kedarnath Temple to worship their God, to ask for forgiveness, show gratitude, or simply share their sorrows. What if it’s your turn this year? What if the call that you have been waiting for is just a few clicks away?
This Travel Guide to Kedarnath Dham lets you dive a little deeper and give you in-depth knowledge about the Kedarnath Dham Yatra Updates, to prep you for the upcoming sacred journey that you are about to embark on.
Not only is this place a sacred one but is also home to numerous stories and mysteries, which by the way will keep you hooked to this place with our Kedarnath Travel Guide.
Kedarnath Yatra 2024 Registrations
Kedarnath Yatra 2024 started on 10th May at around 6:30 a.m. and is expected to close for the year on 20th November 2024 on the day of Bhai Dooj.Visit the Tourist Care Uttarakhand Website to register yourself for the Kedarnath Yatra. While registering you are going to upload scanned copies of your Identity proofs. Valid Adhaar Cards, Driving License and Passports can be used for documentation purposes.
History & Mythology Of Kedarnath Dham
The history of Kedarnath Temple dates back to the time of the Mahabharata Epic. Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Dham was built by the Pandavas, who were the actual heroes of the time. They built the temple to repent for their sins. The mythology behind the sacred Kedarnath Mandir goes like this: Lord Shiva was being pursued by one of the Pandavas, and he took the form of a bull and then disappeared into the ground. The exact spot where Lord Shiva disappeared, the Kedarnath Dham was built, and the lingam has been thought to be formed naturally by the elements of water, air, and fire.
The exact date of the construction of the Kedarnath Mandir is still a mystery, but it is believed that the temple is almost as old as 1000 years. Over these years, the temple has gone through several renovations, maintenance, and reconstructions due to natural disasters and not to forget the biggest disaster of Kedarnath in the year 2013, where everything was washed away by heavy floods, but only the temple remained, which is no less than a miracle.
Kedarnath is one of the most sacred and oldest pilgrimage sites, usually combined by the three other Dhams including Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Legends Behind Kedarnath Temple
Apart from the legend of the Pandavas, there are other legends there are several legends related to the Kedarnath Temple, let’s find out about some of these:Legends Of Nar Narayana: It is believed that the Nar Narayana meditated at this place, and Lord Shiva was so pleased with their devotion that he granted them a permanent dwelling place, and that place was the Kedarnath Temple. The Legend Of The Lingam: It is believed that the lingam present at the Kedarnath Temple is a natural formation due to the elements of air, water, and fire.
Best Time To Visit Kedarnath Mandir
You must be wondering when is the best time for a Kedarnath Trip, well if you are not aware about it, let us tell you that the Kedarnath Temple is not open to the public throughout the year. The Yatra usually starts from May and lasts until June, and again continues from September to October. Kedarnath Yatra In Summer
The Kedarnath trip starts in May, usually in the first or second week, and is probably the best time for Kedarnath Yatra. The weather is pleasant, with a cool breeze and sunny days. This is the time when the entire place gets crowded with pilgrims coming from all corners of the country.
Kedarnath Yatra In Monsoon
Kedarnath Yatra in Monsoon remains closed because during that time the roads become dangerous and there are chances of landslides and floods, so to be on the safer side the yatra remains closed.
Kedarnath Yatra In Winters
Kedarnath Yatra resumes after the monsoon in September, lasting till October. After October, the yatra ends, and the gates are closed. These months are comparatively cold, but that does not stop pilgrims from coming here.
Out of all the seasons, the best time to visit Kedarnath temple is in Summers, when the weather is in your favour.
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath By Air: If you are planning to go to Kedarnath Temple by air, then you can take a direct flight to Dehradun. From there you can find multiple helicopter services, including helipads in Sonprayag, Sahastradhara, Guptkashi, Sitapur, etc, with prices ranging from INR 6000 to INR 10000 for a round trip, depending upon the distance covered.These Helicopters will drop you to Gaurikund, which is the last point, from here you need to trek 16 km to the Kedarnath Temple. You can also hire ponies if you don’t wish to trek.
Kedarnath By Train: If you wish to travel by train you can take a train up to Dehradun or Haridwar, and then book a taxi which will take you to the last point which is Gaurikund, and again you need to trek to the temple or take ponies.
Kedarnath By Road: Taking a road trip is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have while taking a trip to Kedarnath. You can enjoy the beautiful views up to Gaurikund by your own car or by hiring a taxi.
Places To Stay Near Kedarnath
Now that you have made up your mind to take the sacred journey, you are definitely going to need places to stay in Kedarnath, right? Let’s just discuss the accommodation options available near the Kedarnath Temple, and how you can make the bookings in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. 1. GMVN Bungalows: The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam(GMVN) offers several lodging options to the pilgrims. GMVN offers guest houses to the pilgrims with all the comforts and necessities, and a hygienic stay option. You can book your GMVN online through the official website of GMVN. 2. Private Tents: You can also check out the option of private tents, with all the basic amenities but if you are travelling with the elderly, then it’s better to take GMVN and book in advance. You can inquire about the private tents once you have reached Kedarnath.
3. Homestays: Besides GMVN and Private tents, there are a number of people who reside in the area and they also offer homestay options to the pilgrims, with all the basic amenities and home-cooked food. So not only do you get to stay close to the Kedarnath Dham but also get to know the culture and the lifestyle of the locals in the area. Plus point, you also get to know plenty of amazing stories.
4. Dharamshalas: If you are a little low on budget, you can go for the Dharamshala option as well. They rent the rooms and take nominal charges, and it is nothing less than a charitable organisation serving the pilgrims which in itself is a form of worship.
Note: It is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute chaos, especially if you are travelling with the elderly. If you book your accommodation in advance you can also save some amount as well. During the pilgrim season, most of these accommodations get booked and the prices may rise due to the high demand. To be on the safer side, you can book your entire package from local tour agencies or experts who deal with the pilgrimage of Kedarnath Tourism.Places To Visit Near Kedarnath Temple
Now that you are already at the Kedarnath Temple or in the nearby areas, why not explore the places to visit near Kedarnath as well, and make it a trip of a lifetime, shall we?1. Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan Temple is a popular place located in the Rudraprayag District, where Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati tied the knot. Situated at a towering altitude, this temple offers picturesque views of the surroundings.
2. Guptkashi
Located at a distance of 47 km from the Kedarnath Temple, Guptkashi Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vishwanath. The temple is built with regional stones and is located in an enclosed courtyard. You can also explore the temple next to it Ardhanarishvara.
The most important attraction in the town is the Manikarnika Kund, which is the confluence point of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna.
3. Kalimath
Kalimath is located in the Rudraprayag district, on the banks of the Saraswati River. Kalimath, besides being a popular pilgrimage site, is also one of the 108th Shaktipeeths present in India. Located in the lap of nature, the place offers a divine environment. You can also find the Goddess Kali Temple here in Kalimath.
4. Deoriatal
Deoriyatal or Deoriatal is an emerald lake located at an elevation of 2438 meters above sea level. Deorital is located at a distance of 70km from the Kedarnath Temple, and the best time to visit this lake is during the early morning or on a clear day.
The best part about this tranquil lake is that it reflects the majestic Chaukhamba Peaks, offering the most stunning views of the surroundings.
5. Ukhimath
Located at an elevation of 1317 meters above sea level, Ukhimath is another beautiful place that you can visit after completing your Kedarnath Yatra. People often visit Ukhimath and pay a visit to the Omkareshwar Temple during the winter months.
6. Chopta
Chopta, popularly known as the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand is one of the offbeat locations, unharmed and unexplored by humans. The Mini Switzerland speaks for itself, as the place offers picturesque views of the surroundings, including the lush greenery and snow-covered peaks.
Covered in pines, conifers, and rhododendrons, Chopta is a must-visit destination for every traveller.
7. Tungnath
If you are looking for the highest Shiva temple, you should definitely not miss out on the Tungnath Temple, which is not only the highest Panch Kedar Temple in Uttarakhand but also in the World.
Perched at a towering altitude of 3680 meters above sea level, Tungnath Temple is considered to be more than a thousand years old and has been a popular pilgrimage site that attracts pilgrims and adventure lovers from all corners of the country.
8. Rudraprayag
Watch the breathtaking confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers, located in the pristine town of Rudraprayag, situated at a height of 2936 feet above sea level.
Rudraprayag is one of the Panchprayag, with a very pleasant climate and some breathtaking views, which should definitely be on your list.
9. Madmaheshwar
The alpine meadows, dense forest views, breathtaking backdrops, village houses and more than a thousand-year-old temple Madhmaheswar, are what make this place a must-visit.
10. Chandrashila Trek
Chandrashila Trek is one of the most loved adventure activities among thrill seekers. So if you are coming for a Kedarnath Yatra, you should definitely go for the Chandrashila Trek and get that adrenaline rushing.
Chandrashila’s literal meaning is the Moon Rock and the summit of the Chandranath Parvat.
11. Augustmuni
This village gets its name from the famous temple of Rishi Augustya, located in Uttarakhand’s Rusraprayag district. The Helipad Phata is around 50 km from the Augustmuni.
12. Rudranath
Rudranath is a popular tourist spot dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a highly revered spot. It is peacefully adorned with the Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the Panch Kedars, and it is said to be the toughest one to reach.
13. Jyotirmath
Jyotirmath, located in the Chamoli district is the winter seat of Lord Badri when the idol of Lord Badri is brought down from the Badrinath temple to the Vasudeva temple of Joshimath when the gates are closed and the yatra is halted.
14. Badrinath
Since you are planning to pay your visit to Kedarnath, we are hoping that you have planned to do either do dham or char dham, which includes Badrinath Temple. It is one of the popular pilgrimage sites in India and constitutes the Chota Char Dham with Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Located at an average elevation of 3300 meters, Badrinath is a must-visit while on your trip to Kedarnath.
15. Gopeshwar
Gopeshwar is another town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level. Gopeshwar is quite popular among nature lovers for the place is surrounded by enchanting beauty from all around.
16. Vasuki Tal Lake
Vasuki Tal Lake is a high-altitude lake, situated at an elevation of 14200 feet above sea level, blessed with an abundance of natural beauty.
Tips Before Visiting Kedarnath
- Do not litter the place, and keep a garbage bag with you at all times.
- Pack appropriate clothes and check the weather before leaving for the trip.
- Make sure you are healthy because you will be travelling at high altitudes.
- It is advisable to complete the registrations and book accommodation before arriving.
- Take a Kedarnath Tour Package to avoid any last minute hussle.
- Do keep your regular medications and other medicines including pain killers.
