This trip is offered by India Easy Trip.
This trip is offered by India Easy Trip.
This trip is offered by KSN TOURS PRIVATE LIMITED.
This trip is offered by Adrenaline Rush Adventure.
This trip is offered by Adrenaline Rush Adventure.
• Get captivated by the stunning beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas, known as the abode of the Gods.
• Make a spiritual 18-km long trek to the Kedarnath temple(3584 m), one of the four spiritual sites with the majestic temple walls and a divine Jyotirlinga surrounded by snow clad mountains and not far away from the gorgeous river Mandakini.
• Pick the surreal views of the mighty Chorabari glaciers, whose snout is the birthplace of the river Mandakini.
• Soak in the celestial beauty of the Himalayan peaks snaked by the lush green landscape, crystal clear rivers, unruffled alpine forests, exotic flora, and fauna that culminates in the blissful and divine abode of Lord Shiva.
• Behold the rare sights of Aghoris and the Sadhus residing in the supreme shrine of the Lord that peak as the most spellbound mystical experience. • Climb atop the mighty peaks in the Gangotri glaciers to capture the panoramic views of the adjoining mountains.
The nearest airport from the hub is Jolly Grant, located in Dehradun. This airport enjoys good connectivity with the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi NCR. It also has direct flights to Mumbai and connecting flights to various other cities in India. From Jolly Grant, you need to rent a cab …
Rishikesh acts as the hub for numerous adventure activities that spread across Uttarakhand and other parts of Northern India. Hence, finding accommodation in Rishikesh is a cakewalk. There is a wide range of accommodation options for Rishikesh. These include luxury and boutique hotels that usually have a high star-rating, guesthouses, …
Kedarnath Trek is undoubtedly a sacred trip to visit the Lord in His glorious form. The 1200 years-old Kedarnath temple, renowned as the holy pilgrimage site for the Hindus, offers peace amidst the moraine Chorabari glacier in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas. It climaxes in the spiritual sight of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is a must-visit to immerse in the divinity of the Kedarnath temple painted with the efflorescent marigold garlands, splendid architecture, and a touch of spirituality. Throughout the trek, one can hear nothing but the chanting of the Lord, which creates a sense of pure bliss and tranquility. Kedarnath Yatra is the last stop in the Haridwar and Rishikesh visits due to the less Haridwar to Kedarnath distance while creating an exhilarating experience with the mythological anecdotes of Mahabharatha. You cannot but wonder at the Lord's ways of residing in a remote place, away from the city's hustle amidst the calm mountains and the rich flora and fauna! It fills you with a spectrum of emotions while hiking along with thousands of devotees donned in saffron and Rudraksha. From the top, one can spot the glorious Kedarnath peak with the beautiful backdrop of the blue skies engulfed by the misty clouds. The trail offers some innate beauty of the several mountain peaks nestled in the bounty of nature and keeps one's eyes hooked to the photogenic vistas.
One of the prominent tourist attractions among the four holy sites (Char Dham Yatra), the Kedarnath trek commences from Gaurikund with the temperature dropping to 5°C as you advance through the camping sites of Jungle Chatti, Bheem Bali, and Linchauli that takes you to one of the five abodes of Lord Shiva. The breathtaking views of mountains from Linchauli will nudge you to live in the mountains in quietness. One glance at Kedarnath images in their full glory during the winter is a once-in-lifetime experience you don't want to miss. The view of Mount Kedarnath (6940 m) from the dense forests is heavenly. The total ascent rolls from easy to moderate level, most of the trail engulfed in snow, and the visual delight of the celestial aura eclipse the fatigue from the hike. The changing weather and the color palettes of nature in a jiffy make the trail worth exploring with a contrasting backdrop of the pristine white snow and the fresh patch of green meadows. The Kedarnath trek distance is 18 km, but it feels like a second when surrendering at the lotus feet of Lord Shiva and singing hymns at the early morning prayers and the temple Aarti.
The Kedarnath trek is often an eight-day tour, depending on the itinerary you choose. If one decides to start from Haridwar, you can cover the scenic landscapes in Haridwar, Guptakashi in the Kedarnath Yatra. The actual trek begins from Gaurikund (1982 m) with various camping sites amidst nature's manifestation of beauty. The trek from Gaurikund is allowed only between 4:00 AM till 1:30 PM every day, and hence ensure you plan well before enjoying a fulfilling trip. The Gaurikund to Kedarnath trail is steep and requires high physical and mental strength before starting the trek. Kedarnath Trek difficulty level ranges from easy to moderate, and hence anyone between the age of 7 to 65 years with good physical fitness can make it to the top. Don't miss your daily workouts as a head start before four months of the trek. If you are an amateur in trekking, you can practice breathing exercises such as Anulom Vilom to sustain high-altitude climatic conditions. However, there are alternative facilities like Palki, Doli, mules, and ponies for completing the Yatra. Pregnant women, people with hip and knee injuries, and heart problems must avoid this trek to prevent fatalities. The Kedarnath trek package ranges between USD 160 to 175 (INR 12000 to 13500) per person for eight days with accommodation and food. However, most tourists prefer Do Dham and Char Dham Yatra often. Since the Kedarnath to Badrinath distance is around 243 km, the Do Dham yatra package is between USD 450- 470 ( INR 34,000- 36,000). While googling the Kedarnath Trek best time, people suggest that Summer (April-June) and Winter (September-October) is the most recommended time of the year. Since the weather is moderate, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Himalayan peaks and the tiny rivulets, creating a celestial view from the top. In the monsoon season, the weather becomes unpredictable, and the incessant rainfall creates landslides and flash floods that wreak havoc in the region. However, the winter season holds a natural liking in the hearts of hikers. The surreal landscapes in the dipping Kedarnath temperature is a dream-come-true scenario. Welcoming winter at the top of the mountains tests your endurance to cold temperature and flags off for an adventurous trek. While embarking on this trek, you need proper travel gear such as hiking shoes, a pair of thick woolen socks, gloves, and thermal wear. Carry warm clothes and thick scarfs/towels to sustain the beating weather. Women must avoid wearing sarees to this trek, as it can cause discomfort with the gusting wind from all directions. In addition to that, you must equip yourself with daily essentials like a backpack (50-60 lt), caps, earplugs, cotton, raincoats, masks, umbrella, water bottle, jackets, a poncho, and gumboots. Your toiletries must include moisturizers, sunscreen, lip salve, toilet papers, wet tissues, sanitary napkins/menstrual cups for women, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair shampoo, soap, and plastic covers to avoid disposing of waste outside. The trek manifests itself as the epitome of changing colors of the sky and nature, and your backpack is incomplete without electronic items like spare batteries, a camera, tiny gimbal, power banks, and chargers. Carry essential medical kits like first aid tablets for vomit/fever/cold/menstrual cramps/ sprains.
Kedarnath trek is easy to moderate, and beginners with high fitness can make the trek.
Kedarnath trek package starts from USD 160 to 175 (INR 12000 to 13500) per person for an eight-day trip.
The best time to embark on the Kedarnath trek is between May-June and September-October since the sun is comparatively less harsh and the weather is calm.
If you are tired of the humdrum and bustle of your city life and want to embark on an enriching, meditative yet adventurous journey in the lap of the Himalayas, the Kedarnath trek will be the best bet for you. Despite being devastated by the unannounced cloudburst of 2013, the saga of the Kedarnath Dham has not stopped there.
As of 2022, the general footfall at Kedarnath has been steadily increasing for the past seven years, slowly approaching its past glory. Now, the trek may be slightly more challenging than before, but make a firm resolution not to be defeated in the increased difficulty.
Surrounded by the steadfast Kedarnath Dome (6,831 m) and Mt Kedarnath (6,940 m), the Kedarnath temple is a melting pot of spirituality and the raw beauty of Rudraprayag, emboldened by a lush forest area on the path. Read on to know the story of Kedarnath Yatraand how you can be a part of it.
An elevated island of spirituality and mythology
Situated in the Rudraprayag district at an elevation of 3,584 m above sea level and surrounded by the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas on all fronts, the Kedarnath temple feels like a sheltered haven for all who come to rediscover themselves.
Another exciting thing to know before booking your Kedarnath tour package is the rich history. The Kedarnath Dham is inexplicably associated with one of the 'Char Dhams' or four holy Dhams dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath (3,100 m). A lot of people don't stop at Kedarnath or return from there. They continue up to Badrinath as it is the nearest Dham. The Kedarnath to Badrinath distance is 243 km by road.
Kedarnath is believed to be a homogenous form of Lord Shiva, the 'Lord of Kedar Khand,' the region's historical name. Believed to have been constructed about thousands of years ago by the Pandavas, the Kedarnath temple was refurbished and renewed by Adi Shankaracharya. Its precise architecture accurately manages to capture the zeitgeist of ancient India.
With many placing the Kedarnath trek difficulty at easy to normal, it is a trek that aims to not challenge but awe. The trek is officially closed during winter, but daredevil locals often attempt the Kedarnath Yatra in winter, which becomes slightly more challenging to complete.
The magnificence of the Garhwal
Being surrounded by the mighty Mt Kedarnath and Kedarnath Dome, the rocky path of the Kedarnath trek is beautifully complemented by the lush Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, home to reportedly one of the world's richest bio-reserves. Standing tall, the temple Kedarnath height amounts to 3,584 meters.
While selecting the perfect Kedarnath trek package, one must keep in mind to opt for the 16km trek from Gaurikund, as it offers the most scenic variety and beauty. The murmurs of the snaking Mandakini river and the snow-capped Himalayas make for apt companions in the quietude of the trek.
Basic locational insights
Situated in the rich natural heritage of the Rudraprayag district of Garhwal, the Kedarnath trek boasts a series of rapid changes in terrain and temperature. During the start of the trek, the temperatures in summer hover around the 25-26°C warm mark, and by the end, Kedarnath temperature stands at around 13-14°C. The main trek starts at Gaurikund (1,982 m).
One can reach Gaurikund from Haridwar via Guptkashi. Haridwar can be considered the hub for the Kedarnath trek, with the Haridwar to Kedarnath distance being 250 km, which includes the last lap of 16-17 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. But before reaching Gaurikund, it is often advised to take a day off at Guptkashi if you are not traveling at a very tight schedule. There are many hotels in Guptkashi, so a one-day stay at Guptkashi is recommended.
You should talk to your tour operator to see if your Kedarnath trek package contains at least one buffer day in Guptkashi to enable you to be in your best shape during the trek.
During this one day, you can also visit the local sights of Guptkashi, such as the Vishwanath temple and Narayan Koti temple, both situated at a mean height of 1350m above sea level.
After your brief halt at Guptkashi, you must leave for Gaurikund, where the real adventure will start. From Gaurikund, the total Kedarnath trek distance is 16 km.
Duration and budget
The round tour package from Delhi to Kedarnath, including halts at Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and Kedarnath, a buffer day at Guptkashi to explore local attractions, is around 7-8 days long with a cost of about USD 160 to 175 (INR 12000 to 13500).
The budget fluctuates according to the accommodation, season, travel amenities provided, and any extra days demanded (if any).
Network connectivity
If you want to ensure a continued cell-phone reception service, your best bet is to opt for the services of Jio, which provides a good reception throughout the majority of the trek. Other companies had none or extremely shoddy coverage during the Kedarnath trek. With good network connectivity, you can share your clicked images of Kedarnath trek with no ado.
Before 2013, the Kedarnath trek difficulty was easily manageable. It was a straightforward route trodden over countless times over the years. After the devastating flood in 2013, when the government reopened the temple, it mandated a new route for the penultimate 4 kilometers from Linchauli to Kedarnath base camp.
Even if the Kedarnath trek distance remained the same, the difficulty slightly increased because the new route was not that well-known and was relatively remote.
With an average height of 3,584 m above sea level, there is no substantial threat in the Kedarnath trek, except the dangerous slippery slopes during the monsoon season(which should be avoided altogether). It is, therefore, a perfect opportunity for newbie trekkers to gain the proverbial feathers in their caps.
Owing to the unpredictability of Kedarnath temperature and weather, most travel enthusiasts agree that the best time to visit Kedarnath is during the months of September-October.
The answer to why October becomes the all-time Kedarnath trek best time lies in the reason that the unpredictable Himalayan skies are primarily clear during this time, and the weather is very welcoming.
It is also the last time to visit the temple as the idol is moved to Ukhimath for 6 months from November to April to protect it from heavy snowfall and dangerously low temperatures like -6 to -10° C.
Summer (April-June) is optimal for travel, with the average temperature hovering around 14-18° C. However, the huge number of people queuing up to be the first visitors for the year makes visits to Kedarnath Temple too tedious during this time.
The monsoon season is also equally impractical and by far the most difficult time. The steep slopes during the trek become exceedingly slippery and give way easily to potential landslides.
Kedarnath trek best time is generally dependent on a number of situational changes too. There can be a year with an unusually extended winter or monsoon. The dates of the visit should be adjusted accordingly.
Apparel
As it will be a week-long tour with the hike covering two days, one might choose to extend the trekking part to a few more days or individual stops. If you belong to the group who want to complete this trek in one go, you may choose to pack your favorite t-shirts, jeans, hoodies, or sweatshirts as you please.
On the other hand, if you are part of the group who want to take their time exploring, remember to keep a travel-kit handy with you carrying all the necessary woolen clothes and extra accessories required to accommodate the drastic temperature change.
As your hands become more exposed to the cold, the risk of hypothermia rises during the nail-biting winter. Woolen gloves or mitts are ideal for this temperature. Woolen caps, beanies, and heavy fur caps are also recommended as they protect your vital organs from the clutches of frostbite.
You must also remember to wear pants or trousers containing many pockets to ensure maximum storage available to you, minimizing the load on your backpack if carried.
Footwear and other accessories
The foremost mantra for your footwear must be utmost comfort. In the various images of Kedarnath and its trek route, you might have noticed comfortable, breathable footwear on most visitors. Your footwear must also provide you with appropriate friction to combat the rocky terrain or occasional slips.
You will not need much if you travel in a more amenable climate. But if you are traveling during the winter, you will need specialized trekking boots with your footwear reinforced with hardy crampons to avoid losing your footing during the trek.
As you will have to traverse through a forest area, keeping your feet protected from unwanted insects, rocks, or boulders entering your shoes is crucial. To that end, a pair of soft yet thick cotton socks will protect your feet from harm and prevent unwanted feet odor.
Besides your footwear, you must also carry a walking stick regardless of your age to gain that extra support in trying slopes or steep ascents.
If you are an incessant power user and want to breathe easy knowing that your phone has enough juice to last the round-trip, you would need to bring a power bank with you, along with a USB Type C to Type C power adapter.
You must also carry a personal flashlight with a fresh set of batteries in case you are walking in the dark. Along with this, you must take a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun. A set of personal utensils such as a metal dish, bowl, spoons, etc., a water bottle, or a rehydration pack will come in handy. Extra zip-lock pouches, some newspapers, etc., can come in handy at times.
Backpacks
As this is a short trek, you may or may not carry your backpack if you choose to trek during normal timings. If you decide to take a backpack, the capacity must not exceed 5 liters as the increased baggage might make your trip that much tiresome and difficult.
It is encouraged to opt for a trouser with increased pockets to complement a daypack allowing for overall comfort. You must also remember to carry essentials like water food to be consumed on the way.
However, during winter, you must carry a larger backpack of around 25-30 liters containing more rations and scarves to stave off the extreme cold. You must also have waterproof covers for your backpack at all times to avoid your consumables or essentials becoming damaged by sudden unannounced showers.
Toiletries and other essentials
If you choose to space out your trip by staying at each halt, you might want to pack a few more stuff than initially intended for a 2-day trip. However, you would need to pack in a few mandatory supplies regardless of your decision.
Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, biodegradable soap papers, hand sanitizer, face masks must be invariably borne. You must also remember to carry an insect repellant with you, as well as a moisturizer to nourish your dry skin. To prevent chapped lips, carry a lip balm tube or container.
You must also carry toilet papers, tissues, or wet wipes. However, you must remember not to litter and only dispose of them in designated waste bins allotted throughout the path.
Women should also carry sanitary pads, tampons, and other essentials during the trek to maintain menstrual hygiene and sanitary health.
One should entirely avoid dotting the trek path with plastic and must use and reuse bottles to their maximum utility.
Medical kit containing first-aid essentials
One must never forget to carry within their backpack a small first-aid pack containing all essential ointments and medicines such as aspirins, paracetamols, antacids, crepe bandages, insect repellent cream, as well as a pain-relieving spray to ease the pain in the event of sprains or sudden injuries.
Along with this, you must always carry an emergency lighter to cauterize wounds in the event of major accidents or untoward happenings.
Documents required
It is a very elementary trek, so you would not need any special permissions for the trek. All you would mandatorily need are :
Carry multiple photocopies of the same and a few copies of your passport-sized photograph.
The Kedarnath trek is elementary, requiring sound fitness and healthy normal breathing. If you are out of shape and want to get back in form for the Kedarnath trek, cycling, jogging, breathing exercises, aerobics, pilates, yoga would greatly help you in the process.
A few gym workout sessions will also not go amiss as all will count during the trek. It is a great idea to be in the best shape you can be before any trek, notwithstanding its difficulty. However, we must always prioritize our mental health and not forget to meditate or do restorative exercises like yoga before heading off for our Kedarnath Trek.
As we know, all good things inevitably come to an end some time or the other. Man's tryst with spirituality also comes to an end with the end of this trek. Even if many people come and go, the eternal Kedarnath temple will always stand like a silent guardian waiting for your next visit. Congratulations! With this, you are now part of the history of the divine Kedarnath temple.
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