Hello Friends, Har Har Mahadev.....
We started our kedarnath journey from Sonprayag at around 7 ock in the morning.
To get to Kedarnath, first we need to travel to the town of Gaurikund and then undertake a 16-kilometer trek to the temple. The trek can be physically demanding, but it offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding nature. We decided to go on horses we reached at the temple around 4ock in the evening. By the time we reached Kedarnath it started raining so we decided to return back to Gaurikund same day.
Kedarnath is located in a remote area of the Himalayas, and the journey to reach there can be challenging. However, there are several options available for visitors to travel to Kedarnath, depending on the budget and preferences. Here are some popular ways to reach Kedarnath:
*Trekking: Trekking is the most popular and traditional way to reach Kedarnath. The trek starts from Gaurikund, which is the last motorable point, and covers a distance of 16 km. The trek takes around 6-8 hours, and the trail passes through forests, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
*Helicopter: For those who don't want to trek, helicopter services are available from Dehradun, Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. The helicopter journey takes around 10-15 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
*Pony/Palki: For visitors who cannot trek or take a helicopter, pony and palki services are available from Gaurikund. A palki is a chair carried by porters, while a pony is a horse used for transportation. These services are slower than trekking or helicopter but can be a comfortable option for those who prefer a more leisurely journey.
*Private Car/Taxi: Private cars and taxis can be hired from nearby towns such as Rishikesh or Haridwar to reach Gaurikund. However, the roads are narrow and winding, and the journey can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season.
It's important to note that Kedarnath is located in a remote area, and visitors should be prepared for basic facilities, cold temperatures, and unpredictable weather conditions. It's advisable to plan the journey well in advance and take necessary precautions, especially during peak season.
Kedarnath offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some popular options for staying in Kedarnath:
* GMVN Tourist Bungalow: This is a budget-friendly accommodation option run by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). The bungalow is located close to the Kedarnath Temple and offers basic amenities such as clean rooms, hot water, and a restaurant.
*Kedar Valley Resort: This is a mid-range hotel located in the town of Kedarnath, offering comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves delicious vegetarian food.
*Himalayan Comforts: This is a luxury hotel located in the nearby town of Guptkashi, offering spacious rooms, modern amenities, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The hotel also has a restaurant and spa facilities.
*Tented Accommodation: For those looking for a unique camping experience, there are several tented accommodation options available in Kedarnath. These tents are set up in beautiful locations, offering a closer connection with nature.
It's important to note that due to the high altitude and challenging terrain of Kedarnath, accommodation options are limited, and it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. Additionally, visitors should be prepared for basic facilities and cold temperatures, as Kedarnath is located in a remote and harsh environment.
Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, other attractions in the town include the Bhairav Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, and the Shankaracharya Samadhi, which is the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu philosopher and theologian.
Kedarnath is also known for its natural beauty, with the Mandakini river flowing through the town and the surrounding mountains offering stunning vistas. The town is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, who come here for trekking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
Overall, Kedarnath is a place of immense spiritual significance and natural beauty, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Kedarnath Temple is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism, collectively known as the Char Dham Yatra.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic and is considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (a devotional object representing Lord Shiva) in India. The temple is open for worship only between the months of April and November due to harsh weather conditions during the rest of the year.