Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a famous pilgrimage destination located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its ancient Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here's some information to help you plan your travel to Kedarnath:
Getting there:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is around 216 kilometres away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.
- By Road: Kedarnath is well-connected by roads. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, or Delhi to reach Kedarnath. The last motorable road ends at a place called Gaurikund, from where you need to trek to Kedarnath.
- The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometres long and takes about 6-7 hours to complete.
- It is a steep trek, and it is advisable to start early in the morning to avoid the rush and to have enough time to reach before sunset.
- Ponies and palanquins are available for hire if you prefer not to trek on foot.
- There are various accommodation options available in Kedarnath ranging from budget guesthouses to more comfortable hotels. However, due to its religious significance, the number of hotels is limited.
- It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.
- The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months from May to June and then again from September to October.
- The temple remains closed during the winter months (November to April) due to heavy snowfall in the region.
- Kedarnath is a high-altitude destination, so it is essential to acclimatize yourself and take the necessary precautions.
- Pack warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable trekking shoes.
- Carry necessary medications, as there may not be many medical facilities available in Kedarnath.
There are several beautiful tourist places in the surrounding areas that you can explore. Here are some of the popular ones:
- Badrinath: Located about 236 kilometres from Kedarnath, Badrinath is another important pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. It is home to the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Valley of Flowers National Park: Situated in the Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers is a breathtakingly beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its vibrant alpine flowers, meadows, and diverse flora and fauna. The valley is open to visitors from June to October and requires a trek from Govindghat.
- Hemkund Sahib: Located near the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh pilgrimage site situated at an altitude of 4,633 meters. It is a scenic and serene place with a gurudwara (Sikh temple) dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh. The Hemkund Sahib trek starts from Govindghat and is considered a spiritual journey.
- Joshimath: Situated around 124 kilometres from Kedarnath, Joshimath is a popular hill town and a base for various trekking expeditions. It is also the winter seat of Lord Badri, as the idol from Badrinath Temple is brought here during the winter months. From Joshimath, you can take the ropeway to Auli, a famous skiing destination.
- Rudraprayag: Located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, Rudraprayag is a scenic town known for its spiritual significance. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared to Narada Muni. The town offers beautiful views of the rivers and surrounding mountains.
- Chopta: Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Chopta is a picturesque hill station and a starting point for the trek to Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Chopta is surrounded by lush green meadows, and dense forests, and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
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