Every year, millions of people visit Kedarnath, one of the most revered and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva and is situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters in Uttarakhand. Among the picturesque places in the Garhwal region,
this location offers a serene environment with snow-covered mountains and the serene Alpine forests. In this mountainous region,
it is not only the religious devotees who come, but also travelers who enjoy the challenging terrain of Garhwal and find joy in exploring it.
Kedarnath and its surrounding attractions provide an amazing opportunity for adventure seekers. However,
one must be aware that the final motorable road towards Kedarnath ends at Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, the journey continues with a hike.
To reach Kedarnath, travelers can use any of the following transportation options:
By Air:
The nearest domestic airport to Kedarnath is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. It is approximately 239 kilometers away and provides daily flights from Delhi.
From the Dehradun airport, taxi services are available to take passengers to Kedarnath.
By Train:
Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, located 221 kilometers away, and is the closest station to Kedarnath.
At the train station, travelers can use pre-paid cab services and buses.
By Road:
Travelers can reach Kedarnath by using several bus services from Rishikesh and Kotdwar.
These locations also offer the option of hiring private cabs. Gaurikund, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar,
and Haridwar are connected by national buses, providing another option to reach Kedarnath.
By Helicopter Service:
Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available for travelers, and tickets can only be purchased through the official government websites,
managed by UCADA and GMVN. Both organizations are under the authority of the Uttarakhand government.
No other websites or services are authorized to issue tickets for the Kedarnath helicopter.
Please note that obtaining tickets for the Kedarnath helicopter service from any other website or organization is not valid.
The authorized websites are the only reliable sources for booking Kedarnath helicopter tickets.
Distances from Kedarnath:
– Phata: 19 kilometers from Kedarnath.
– Guptkashi: 24 kilometers from Kedarnath.
– Sitrsi: 25 kilometers from Kedarnath.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most prominent among the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered sacred to Lord Shiva in India.
Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Temple is situated just one kilometer away from the town center.
It is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas and can be accessed only through a hike from Gaurikund.
Due to significant snowfall in the region, Kedarnath is accessible only from April to November.
It is believed that the temple was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya and originally built by the Pandavas over a thousand years ago.
The temple stands on a large rectangular stone slab on a raised platform.
It is believed that a visit to Kedarnath bestows “moksha,” which is another word for salvation or liberation.
Kedarnath is one of the names of Lord Shiva, who is known as the protector and destroyer in the universe.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
In Hinduism, one of the most influential personalities in its history was Adi Shankaracharya.
He was a philosopher and a great thinker who is credited with consolidating many philosophical streams within Hinduism and laying its foundations.
It is said that he was responsible for establishing three mathas (monastic institutions) for the preservation and propagation of Hindu philosophy.
One of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, Kedarnath Temple, is located just behind the temple of Adi Guru Shankaracharya from the 8th century.
At the age of 32, the renowned Hindu guru attained enlightenment. People believe that Shankaracharya merged with the land at some point.
The samadhi (final resting place) of Shankaracharya is one of the well-known tourist destinations in Kedarnath, where thousands of devotees visit every year.
It is said that his disciples bathe in a hot water spring created by Shankaracharya. The intense weather of the region adds to its allure.
Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Bhairav, is located within the premises of Kedarnath Temple,
situated about 500 meters south of it. It is situated on a hilltop, offering a breathtaking view of the Himalayan
mountain range and the valley below Kedarnath. It is widely believed that Bhairav is the primary manifestation
of Lord Shiva, hence the temple holds further significance due to this belief. The deity installed in the temple is
also known as Kshetrapal, meaning “the protector of the region.” Kshetrapal fulfills the role of safeguarding
Bhairavnath Temple and the entire Kedarnath valley during the months when Kedarnath Temple remains closed
due to extreme winter conditions. He is known to wield a trident as his primary weapon and employs a dog as
his primary mode of transportation.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site located on the way to Kedarnath. It is situated approximately 14 kilometer
s from Kedarnath and 4 kilometers from Sonprayag. Gaurikund is home to a temple known as Gauri Devi Temple, dedicated
to Goddess Gauri. This temple is revered by devotees of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Parvati undertook a journey to
Gaurikund and spent a significant amount of time meditating there to convince Lord Shiva to accept her as his life partner.
Pilgrims often spend the night in Gaurikund as it serves as the base camp for the Kedarnath trek and marks the final stop
before beginning the journey to Kedarnath Temple. Gaurikund has been replaced by Sonprayag as the destination for the
pilgrimage due to certain developments.
Sonprayag
Sonaprayag is located at an altitude of 1,829 meters, approximately five kilometers from Gaurikund and 18 kilometers
from Kedarnath. Sonprayag holds significant religious importance as it is believed to be the place of the divine marriage
of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is the confluence of the rivers Mandakini and Basuki, surrounded by beautiful
snow-capped mountains and blessed with natural beauty. Sonprayag lies on the way to Kedarnath between Rudraprayag
and Gaurikund. From Rudraprayag, one can reach Sonprayag by cab, shared jeep, or bus, and then proceed to Gaurikund.
Triyuginarayan
Trijuginarayan, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site, is located 15 kilometers away from Kedarnath. This picturesque village is
situated at an altitude of 1,980 meters and offers breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks in the Garhwal region. Triyuginarayan
Temple, also known as Trijuginarayan Mandir, is the primary attraction of this area, as it is believed to be the place where the
preserver deity Lord Vishnu got married. The architecture of this temple bears similarities to the Badrinath Temple. It is said
that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati performed their marriage ceremony here, and Lord Vishnu witnessed the event.
Devotees of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Parvati can worship them at the same place in this unique temple.
Since Lord Brahma was also present during the marriage, the temple completes the Hindu trinity of deities. Before embarking on your journey,
it is advisable to check the current weather and road conditions with the local authorities, tour guides, or tour operators, especially during the monsoon season.
Photography may be allowed inside the temple, particularly in the restricted area of the sanctum.
Please follow the rules described by the temple authorities and respect the sanctity of the location.
Chorabari Tal
Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, is a lake renowned for its crystal clear water and the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.
After Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the lake in 1948, it was named Gandhi Sarovar in his honor.
It is believed that the knowledge of yoga was imparted to the Pandavas by Lord Shiva, who performed this act near Chorabari Tal.
If you are interested in learning how to reach Gandhi Sarovar, there are buses and taxis available between Rishikesh and Gaurikund.
You will have to walk the remaining 17 kilometers to reach Gandhi Sarovar. Tattu and Palanquin services are accessible from Gaurikund.
The path from Gaurikund to Gandhi Sarovar is not difficult. Gandhi Sarovar is just three kilometers away from Kedarnath.
Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal, or Vasuki Lake, is a magnificent lake located at an elevation of 4,135 meters, about eight kilometers from Kedarnath.
It is a popular destination for trekkers in Uttarakhand. The lake is surrounded by long mountain ranges and offers breathtaking
views of various Himalayan peaks. It is believed that Lord Vishnu bathed in this lake in ancient times.
Around Vasuki Tal, there are several beautiful, bright flowers, and the most famous among them is the Brahma Kamal. During the
winter season, the lake gets completely covered in snow. Gaurikund serves as the starting point for the trek, which continues
through Rambara and Garud Chatti before reaching the revered Kedarnath Dham temple. The path from Kedarnath to
Vasuki Tal is a narrow and gradually ascending trail. The holy Mandakini River, which flows in the northern direction and demarcates
the entire path of Kedarnath pilgrimage, adds to the beauty and allure of various points for pilgrims and tourists during their journey.
Agastya Muni
Agastya Muni, also known as Agasthamuni, is a city situated at an altitude of 1000 meters and located on the banks of the Mandakini
River. The city gets its name from the Hindu sage Agastya, also known as Agasthamuni. It is famous for the temple dedicated to Maharishi
Priyaranjan, who was exiled there. Additionally, helicopter services provided by Pawan Hans are available outside the city of Agastya
Muni, which can be availed by those traveling to the Kedarnath Temple. During the celebration of Baisakhi, a grand fair is organized
around the city of Agastya Muni. The distance between Rudraprayag and Agastya Muni is approximately 18 kilometers. Taxis and
buses provide accessible transportation options from Rudraprayag to Agastya Muni. Rudraprayag is located on the national route
NH58, which connects Delhi with Badrinath and passes through the border areas of Uttarakhand and Tibet, near the center of India.
There is a train station in Rishikesh, which is the closest, and from there, buses and taxis are available for reaching this location.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath is located 47 kilometers away from Kedarnath. When the Kedarnath Temple remains closed for the season, the Omkareshwar
Temple in Ukhimath performs the worship services. According to Hindu mythology, this place was the site of the marriage ceremony
between Banasura’s daughter Usha and Lord Krishna’s grandson Aniruddha. It was previously referred to as Ushamath but is now
commonly known as Ukhimath. Ukhimath is situated near several beautiful places, including Madhyamaheshwar Temple, Tungnath
Temple, and Deoria Tal, a natural lake, making it a convenient base for exploring the region. The Rawals, who are experienced priests
(pundits) of the Kedarnath Temple, form a significant portion of the population in the city of Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, one can witness
a breathtaking view of the snow-covered peaks that form the Himalayan range. State-operated buses are available between Haridwar
and Shrinagar, and they drop off tourists at Rudraprayag. From there, one can hire a taxi to reach Ukhimath, which takes approximately
one to one and a half hours.
Guptkashi
Guptkashi, located 47 kilometers away from Kedarnath, is situated at an altitude of 1,319 meters. It is adorned with a beautiful crown
of snow-clad peaks from the enchanting Chaukhamba Range. Those heading towards Kedarnath will find a convenient stopover on the
Guptkashi route, which has been created for this purpose. Apart from its rich history and culture, Guptkashi offers a mesmerizing
climate, lush green forests, and captivating views of the Chaukhamba Range, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a complete
experience. Due to the presence of ancient temples like Vishwanath and Ardhnareshwar, Guptkashi holds significant spiritual importance.
As one of the main cities in the Rudraprayag region, and due to its location along the path to the renowned Kedarnath Temple,
the city has various accommodations and facilities available in and around it. Visit in Kedarnath
Deoriatal
Deoriatal, a stunning alpine lake, is well-known in Uttarakhand, located near the village of Sari. It is situated 73 kilometers away from
Kedarnath and 56 kilometers away from Rudraprayag. Deoriatal is among the most popular sites for trekking in the vicinity of Badrinath
and is considered one of the best trekking destinations in Uttarakhand. According to Hindu mythology, the divine beings,
also known as “devas,” submerged themselves in the mystical waters of this lake. According to another belief, Deoriatal is
referred to as the “Indra Sarovar,” a divine body of water mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures. At the location of Deoriatal,
there is a forest rest house available for visitors to stay and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the lake. Camping options are also available,
providing guests with a breathtaking view of the lake. Additionally, there are several budget-friendly hotels in Sari village to accommodate
visitors. The best time to visit Deoriatal is from March to May and from October to November.
Chopta
Located 85 kilometers away from Kedarnath, a marvelous village known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” can be found. This village
is relatively unexplored by tourists but renowned for its scenic beauty. Chopta serves as a perfect getaway destination throughout the year
due to its temperate climate, which enhances its charm during summers, offers refreshing showers in the monsoon, and blankets it with
snow during winter, creating a mesmerizing snowy wonderland. It is situated at the center of the Panch Kedar, a group of five sacred Shiva
temples considered the holiest in the state. On its left side are the temples of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, while on the right side are
the temples of Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, and Tungnath, which is located just above it. Chopta also serves as a haven for birdwatchers,
with over 240 species of various birds, both local and migratory, that can be spotted in the region. The nearby bazaar of Ukhimath,
located around 30 kilometers before Chopta, caters to the essential needs of visitors, so it is advisable to bring all necessary items
during your journey to Chopta. Visit in Kedarnath
Tungnath
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located 88 kilometers from Kedarnath and 3 kilometers from Chopta in Uttarakhand.
It is a well-known pilgrimage site and a popular destination for trekkers. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the third
temple among the Panch Kedar. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have established this sacred temple. Only ten people can reside in the temple premises.
Worship is performed in reverence to the priceless black stone, representing Lord Shiva’s weapon, which stands at a height of one foot.
However, Tungnath is famous for hiking and adventure activities. From Chopta, a 3-kilometer hike begins, which is a long and challenging
trek taking about three hours in total. The trail features rugged terrain, green meadows, and a well-defined path. From Tungnath, one can
witness panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges from afar. Chandrashila Peak, a further 1.5-mile difficult ascent from here, offers a
breathtaking view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. Visit in Kedarnath
Rudraprayag
Although the holy temple of Kedarnath is located in Rudraprayag district, the sacred site is still 76 kilometers away from the center of the main city.
Most of the pilgrims on the Char Dham Yatra stop here. The name Rudraprayag comes from Lord Shiva’s Rudra avatar. This heavenly city is blessed
with snow-covered mountains, a mighty river, glistening streams, and the confluence of Alaknanda River with twelve ponds. Among the Panch
Prayag (five confluences), one is located in Rudraprayag, known as the confluence of Alaknanda River with five tributaries. Rudraprayag is situated
near the Indo-Tibetan border on the NH58 national route. As a result, during the summer months, it becomes a mandatory stop for pilgrims
traveling from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Badrinath, as it serves as a transportation hub for all buses and vehicles from New Delhi.
FAQ about Kedernath travel
What is the best time of the year to visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is in May when the temple opens its doors after being closed for the winter season, or in September and October when there are fewer visitors.
What kind of weather can be expected during a visit to Kedarnath?
Due to its location, Kedarnath experiences ideal weather during its summer season, which lasts from March to June. The weather is pleasant
during this time. Monsoon season sets in between June and September. Snowfall starts in November and continues until February, covering
Kedarnath in a blanket of snow. Visit in Kedarnath
Are there ATM facilities available in Kedarnath?
Due to weak internet connectivity and the ongoing reconstruction work in the area, there are currently no ATM facilities available in the vicinity
of Kedarnath. This is due to the damage caused in 2013. However, it is recommended that you carry sufficient cash with you from Rishikesh,
Haridwar, or other sites such as Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni, and Guptkashi before proceeding to Kedarnath.
What is the condition of the roads to Kedarnath?
When planning a visit to the mountainous region, it is always advisable to check the condition of the roads in advance, especially during the
rainy season when the roads can be prone to landslides. However, due to the maintenance and monitoring of NH-58 and NH-109 up to Gaurikund,
the roads to Kedarnath are relatively well-maintained and suitable for vehicular traffic. In case of severe weather conditions,
it is recommended to follow all government regulations and guidelines while planning a visit to Kedarnath.
Is taxi service accessible in Kedarnath?
Gaurikund, the closest point to Kedarnath accessible by road, offers car rental options for tourists and pilgrims. Taxis can be booked in
Gaurikund for nearby areas such as Chopta, Guptkashi, and Agastyamuni. The taxi charges vary depending on the type of vehicle and the distance covered.
What are the options for food and accommodation in Kedarnath?
After the natural tragedy in 2013, there are only a few hotels and food stalls available in Kedarnath. Currently, the government provides
free accommodation and food for visitors to Kedarnath. Free accommodation is provided according to government directives,
which may be subject to changes without prior notice.
