About Kedarnath
Kedarnath, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, is nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This sacred pilgrimage site, situated at an altitude of 3,586 meters, is part of the Char Dham Yatra and rests at the head of the Mandakini River. The Kedarnath Temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old, is an architectural marvel made of massive grey stones. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October. During the winter months, the idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are worshipped in Ukhimath.
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Road:
The journey to Kedarnath begins at Gauri Kund, the last motorable point before the 17 km trek to the temple. Gauri Kund is well-connected by road to major destinations in Uttarakhand and northern India. Buses and taxis to Gauri Kund are readily available from places like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Srinagar. Gauri Kund lies on National Highway 107, linking Rudraprayag to Kedarnath.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, located about 210 km from Gauri Kund. Rishikesh Railway Station has regular trains connecting to major cities across India. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi to Gauri Kund.
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, approximately 250 km from Kedarnath. This airport has frequent flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gauri Kund.
By Helicopter
Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available from several locations in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Guptkashi, Phata, Sitapur, and Sonprayag. These services are highly regulated, and it's advisable to book in advance through IRCTC.
Kedarnath Highlights (Best Time & Temple Opening Date)
Kedarnath Location: 30°44′6.7″N 79°4′0.9″E
State: Uttarakhand
District: Rudraprayag
Altitude: 3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Temperature: 5.1°C
Weather: Extreme Cold
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-November
Temple Opening Date 2024: 10th May 2024
Temple Closing Date 2024: 20th June 2024
Darshan Time: 7:00 am
Tips for Darshan
Best Time for Darshan: The ideal time to visit the temple is around 8:30 pm to avoid long lines. The temple also offers a special VIP darshan inside the Garbh Griha at 2 am.
Pilgrimage Registration and Tips
Registration: Register for the pilgrimage beforehand to avoid last-minute hassles. Register Here for Char Dham Yatra.
Porters and Mules: For those who might find the 16 km trek challenging, horses and mules are available.
Weather: Always carry rain gear as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Click Here to get latest weather report for Char Dham Yatra
Nearby Attractions
Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Bhairavnath, the protector of Kedarnath.
Vasuki Tal: A serene lake where Lord Vishnu is said to have bathed, surrounded by stunning peaks.
Sonaprayag: Known for its scenic views and confluence of the Vasuki and Mandakini rivers.
Chandrashila: A popular trek and meditation site of Lord Ram.
Gaurikund: A place where Goddess Parvati is believed to have performed penance, featuring a holy hot spring.
Triyuginarayan Temple: The divine marriage place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, with an eternal fire burning since their wedding.
Essential Items to Carry
ID Card: Mandatory for the pilgrimage.
Backpack: Waterproof and equipped with necessary utensils.
Trekking Shoes: Good quality for comfort and support.
First Aid Kit: Essentials like band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic creams, and medicines.
Clothing: Woollen clothes for the night; comfortable trekking attire.
Rain Gear: Umbrella and raincoat based on weather conditions.
High-Energy Food: Energy bars and dry fruits.
Network: JIO network is reliable around the Kedarnath temple.
Plan Your Kedarnath Yatra 2024
With its sacred significance and breathtaking beauty, Kedarnath is a must-visit for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Embark on your spiritual journey to Kedarnath in 2024 with proper planning and respect for the sacred site. Plan your journey wisely, taking into account the best times and travel options to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.
Comments