How to Reach Kedarnath: A Complete Guide to Kedarnath

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Monday, July 24, 2023

Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in India, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple of Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. Kedarnath is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra, along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. While the journey to Kedarnath is a spiritual experience for many, it is also an adventure as the route involves treks, steep climbs, winding roads, and stunning views. If you’re planning a trip to Kedarnath, then here is a comprehensive guide on how to reach Kedarnath.

How To Reach Kedarnath

By Air:

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is around 239 kilometres away from Kedarnath. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. You can find many flights to Kedarnath that you can book to reach Kedarnath. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.

By Train:

If you’re wondering how to reach Kedarnath by train, then there are Kedarnath train services also available for travel. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, which is around 216 kilometres away from Kedarnath. Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.

By Road:

Are you wondering how to reach Kedarnath by road? Kedarnath is well-connected to major cities in Uttarakhand by road. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to reach Kedarnath. The roads are well-maintained, and the drive is beautiful, with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.

How To Go To Kedarnath – Different Options

Kedarnath Trek:

Gaurikund is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek, and it is located around 16 kilometres away from Kedarnath. Gaurikund is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. From Gaurikund, one has to trek for 16 kilometres to reach Kedarnath. The trek is beautiful, with scenic views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers.

The trek is a bit challenging as it involves steep climbs and descents. It is advisable to start early in the morning and take breaks at regular intervals. There are several shops and small restaurants on the way where one can rest and have a meal.

Pony and Palanquin Services:

If one does not want to trek, one can hire a pony or a palanquin to reach Kedarnath. Pony services are available from Gaurikund, and it takes around 7-8 hours to reach Kedarnath. Palanquin services are also available from Gaurikund, and it takes around 5-6 hours to reach Kedarnath. The pony and palanquin services are a bit expensive, but they are convenient for those who cannot trek. So, if you do not want to trek but wondering how to reach Kedarnath temple without hassle, then pony and palanquin services are your best option.

Helicopter Services:

Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi to Kedarnath. The helicopter ride is convenient and fast, but it is expensive compared to other modes of transport. The helicopter ride takes around 10-15 minutes to reach Kedarnath, and it is advisable to book helicopter tickets in advance, especially during the peak season.

Places to Visit in Kedarnath

Apart from the Kedarnath temple, there are several other places to visit in Kedarnath. Some of the popular places to visit in Kedarnath are:

Triyuginarayan Temple: Triyuginarayan Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. The temple is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers stunning views of the mountains.
Sonprayag: Sonprayag is a small town located around 20 kilometres away from Kedarnath. It is the starting point of the Kedarnath trek and is situated at the confluence of two rivers, Basuki and Mandakini. Sonprayag is a popular spot for camping and trekking.
Bhairavnath Temple: The Bhairavnath Temple is located around 1.5 kilometres away from Kedarnath and is dedicated to Bhairav Nath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an altitude of around 3,415 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Gaurikund: Gaurikund is a small town located around 16 kilometres away from Kedarnath. It is the last point accessible by road and is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. Gaurikund is named after Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Gauri.
Tungnath Temple: Located around 30 kilometres from Kedarnath and is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The temple is situated at an altitude of around 3,680 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Kedarnath Temple Museum: The Kedarnath Temple Museum is located near the Kedarnath Temple and houses several artifacts related to the temple’s history and mythology. The museum also has a collection of photographs of the temple and its surroundings.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: The Shankaracharya Samadhi is located in Kedarnath and is the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, a great philosopher, and theologian who is credited with the revival of Hinduism in India. The Samadhi is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Rudra Cave: Rudra Cave is located around 1.5 kilometres away from Kedarnath and is a natural cave that is believed to be the meditation spot of Lord Shiva. The cave is situated at an altitude of around 2,286 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Chandrashila: Chandrashila is a peak located near Tungnath Temple and is a popular trekking destination. The peak offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of around 975 square kilometres and is home to several species of flora and fauna, including musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and blue sheep. The sanctuary also has several trekking trails and camping sites.
Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake located around 8 kilometres away from Kedarnath. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular trekking destination. The trek to Vasuki Tal is a bit challenging but offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
Gandhi Sarovar: Gandhi Sarovar is a beautiful lake located around 3 kilometres away from Kedarnath. The lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the place in 1947. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular camping site.
KalimathKalimath is a small town located around 12 kilometres away from Kedarnath and is believed to be the place where Goddess Kali defeated the demon Raktavija. The town has a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options available in Kedarnath, ranging from budget guest houses to luxury hotels. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as the number of rooms available is limited. Some of the popular accommodation options in Kedarnath are GMVN Kedarnath Tourist Rest House, Punjab Sindh Awas, and Kedar Valley Resort.

Things to Keep in Mind

It is advisable to carry warm clothes, a raincoat, and sturdy trekking shoes while visiting Kedarnath as the weather can be unpredictable, and the terrain is rugged.
Carry enough cash as there are limited ATMs and banking facilities in Kedarnath.
It is advisable to carry a first aid kit and necessary medicines while visiting Kedarnath as medical facilities are limited.
It is important to respect the local customs and traditions while visiting Kedarnath. Dress modestly and do not litter the surroundings.
Kedarnath is located in a high-altitude area, and it is advisable to acclimatise properly before embarking on the trek or helicopter ride.
It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as the number of rooms available is limited.
Carry enough water and food while trekking or riding a pony or palanquin, as there are limited shops and restaurants on the way.

Reaching Kedarnath is a beautiful and adventurous journey, with stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and rivers. Whether you choose to trek, ride a pony or palanquin, or take a helicopter ride, the journey to Kedarnath will surely leave you awestruck. However, it is important to keep in mind the safety measures and precautions while visiting Kedarnath. With proper planning and preparation, the journey to Kedarnath can be a spiritual and unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Kedarnath and the surrounding areas, consider booking a tour through SOTC, a leading tourism company that offers a range of customizable packages that cater to all types of travellers and budgets. By booking a tour through SOTC, you can leave the hassle of planning to the experts and focus on enjoying your trip to the fullest. With SOTC, you can be assured of quality service, comfortable accommodations, and a hassle-free journey. Visit SOTC’s website to explore the different Kedarnath tour packages and book your trip today!