Kedarnath is one of the most sacred and revered places of worship for Hindus in India. It is situated 3,583 metres (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of the Uttarakhand state in the north. Kedarnath is home to the Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is a pilgrimage site that attracts millions of devotees every year. In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about planning a Kedarnath package tour.
Choose the right time to visit: The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months, from May to June, and then from September to November, as the weather is pleasant during these months. However, the temple remains open from the end of April to the beginning of November. During the winter months, Kedarnath becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.
How to reach Kedarnath: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is around 216 kilometers away. From these places, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, you will have to trek for 14 kilometers to reach Kedarnath. You can also hire a pony or a palanquin to carry you to the temple.
Accommodation: There are many hotels and lodges in Gaurikund, where you can stay before and after the trek. However, there are no accommodations available in Kedarnath. The government has set up camps and tents for pilgrims to stay in Kedarnath. You can also book a room in the guesthouses run by the temple committee.
Medical Facilities: It is advisable to carry essential medicines, first aid kits, and oxygen cylinders with you during the trek. Medical facilities are available in Gaurikund and nearby towns, but there are no hospitals in Kedarnath. The nearest hospital is in Guptkashi, which is around 50 kilometers away.
Dress Code: It is mandatory to wear traditional Indian attire while visiting the Kedarnath temple. Men should wear dhoti-kurta or pyjama-kurta, while women should wear sarees or salwar-kameez. You can rent these clothes at Gaurikund before starting the trek. It is also advisable to wear warm clothes, as the temperature drops significantly at higher altitudes.<
Food: There are many small eateries and restaurants in Gaurikund, where you can have breakfast and lunch. However, there are no food stalls or restaurants on the trek route or in Kedarnath. It is advisable to carry dry fruits, chocolates, energy bars, and water bottles with you during the trek.
Trekking: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 14 kilometers long and can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. The trek is steep and involves a climb of around 3,000 feet. You will pass through lush green forests, river streams, and beautiful landscapes during the trek. You can hire ponies or palanquins to carry you to the temple, but it is advisable to trek on foot to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Other Places to Visit: Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, there are many other places of interest that you can visit
during your Kedarnath package tour. Some of these places are:
Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is located around 25 kilometers from Kedarnath and is famous for its association with Lord Shiva’s marriage.
Vasuki Tal: It is a high altitude lake situated at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level, around 6 kilometers from Kedarnath. It is surrounded by snow-clad peaks and is a popular trekking destination.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: It is located near the Kedarnath Temple and is the resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, the great philosopher and theologian.
Gandhi Sarovar: It is a glacier lake located at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level, around 16 kilometers from Kedarnath. It is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the region in 1947.
Chorabari Tal: It is a pristine lake situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level, around 3 kilometers from Kedarnath. It is surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-clad peaks.
Safety Tips: Kedarnath is located in a high altitude region, and it is essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety during the trip. Some safety tips are:
Before undertaking the trek, acclimatise to the altitude.
Carry adequate warm clothing, as the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
Carry essential medicines, first aid kits, and oxygen cylinders with you during the trek.
Hire a professional guide or join a trekking group to ensure your safety.
Do not trek at night, as the region is prone to landslides and avalanches.
Do not consume alcohol or drugs during the trek, as it can be dangerous in high altitude regions.
In conclusion, Kedarnath is a sacred and beautiful place that attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. Planning a Kedarnath package tour requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. With the right information and guidance, you can experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Kedarnath and create unforgettable memories.
Best time to visit Kedarnath:
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and June and from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are open for visitors. However, it is important to note that the region receives heavy rainfall during July and August, and the trekking routes are closed due to the risk of landslides and floods. During the winter months, from December to April, Kedarnath is covered in snow, and the temple is closed for visitors.
Accommodation options: Kedarnath offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Some of the popular options include:
GMVN Tourist Bungalow: This is a government-run guesthouse that offers comfortable and affordable accommodation options.
Kedar Camp Resorts: This is a luxury camping resort that offers a unique and comfortable accommodation option for visitors.
Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas: This is a budget hotel located near the Kedarnath Temple, offering comfortable and affordable accommodation.
Hotel Himalayan Abode: This is a mid-range hotel located near the Kedarnath Temple, offering comfortable rooms and great views of the surrounding mountains.
How to reach Kedarnath: Kedarnath is located in a remote region, and there is no direct road access to the temple. Visitors have to trek for around 16 kilometers from Gaurikund to reach the temple. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, and Rishikesh is the closest . From there, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach Gaurikund. Private taxis are also available from major cities like Delhi and Dehradun.
In conclusion, a Kedarnath package tour offers an opportunity to explore the spiritual and natural beauty of the region. With careful planning and preparation, visitors can enjoy a safe and comfortable trip and create unforgettable memories. From the trek to the temple to exploring the surrounding areas, Kedarnath is a unique destination that offers a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
