Kedarnath Guide: Planning Your Trip

Pic Credit: Wikipedia

Kedarnath, situated in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is a sacred town famed for the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perched at 3,583 meters, it's a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, attracting devotees for its spiritual aura. The journey involves a scenic trek, enhancing the pilgrimage experience. Surrounded by majestic peaks and the Mandakini River, the temple's traditional architecture adds to its allure. Kedarnath holds a pivotal place in the Char Dham Yatra, drawing pilgrims seeking divine blessings amidst the simplicity and tranquility of its mountainous landscape.



Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March are the best months to visit Kedarnath. Before planning your trip, check the weather conditions in Kedarnath. The region experiences cold temperatures, especially at night, and weather conditions can change rapidly.
  • Language: Hindi and English.
  • Currency: Indian rupee.
  • Time Zone: UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) +5.5 hours, also known as Indian Standard Time. India does not have daylight saving time.
  • Getting Around: Kedarnath is a small town, and the main temple is within walking distance from most accommodations. The trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund is on foot and takes approximately 16 kilometers. Once in Kedarnath, exploring the town and visiting nearby attractions can be done on foot.
  • Travel Tips: Kedarnath is a small town, and the main temple is within walking distance from most accommodations. The trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund is on foot and takes approximately 16 kilometers. Once in Kedarnath, exploring the town and visiting nearby attractions can be done on foot.

Getting There

To reach Kedarnath from Delhi, travelers can first reach Dehradun by flight, train, or bus. From Dehradun, proceed to Haridwar and then follow the road route: New Delhi > Haridwar > Rishikesh > Devprayag > Srinagar > Rudraprayag > Gaurikund (via Augustmuni, Guptkashi, Phata, Sitapur, Sonprayag) > Kedarnath (trek 16 km). Buses are available from Delhi's Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar Bus Terminals. The journey covers approximately 506 km and involves road travel and a trek.



Things to Do

8 Best places to explore near Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath Mandir

Pic Credit: Wikipedia

Kedarnath is a sacred town in the Himalayas, known for the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims visit for spiritual blessings, making a journey involving a road trip from Delhi, passing through Haridwar, Rishikesh, and a final trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The town is nestled in scenic mountain landscapes.

  • Timings: 06 a.m to 08 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free

2. Rudraprayag

pic credit: Prabhat Khabar

Rudraprayag, a serene town in Uttarakhand, India, is located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Known for its spiritual significance, it offers a picturesque setting with surrounding mountains. Pilgrims often visit Rudraprayag as part of the Char Dham Yatra to seek divine blessings at the holy confluence.

  • Timings: 06 a.m 10 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

3. Badrinath

pic credit: Wikipedia

Badrinath, a revered town in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is famous for the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims embark on the Char Dham Yatra to seek blessings. The town sits amidst stunning mountain scenery and is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from across the country.

  • Timings: 04:30 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

4. Kali Math Maa

I believe there might be a typo in your question, and you might be referring to "Kali Ma" or "Kali Mata." Kali Ma is a Hindu goddess, often depicted as a powerful and fierce form of Devi. Devotees worship her for strength and protection. She symbolizes time, change, and the empowerment of the feminine.

  • Timings: 05 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

5. Vasuki Tal Lake

Vasuki Tal is a stunning high-altitude lake near Kedarnath in the Indian Himalayas. Situated at an elevation of about 4,150 meters, it's a trekking destination known for its breathtaking beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and meadows, the lake is revered for its scenic charm, attracting nature enthusiasts and trekkers.

  • Timings: 06 a.m to 09 p.m on all days of the week.
  • Entry fee: Free.

6. Guptkashi

pic credit : Wikipedia

Guptkashi, situated in Uttarakhand, India, is a tranquil town known for its spiritual and cultural significance. It serves as a base for pilgrims on the way to Kedarnath. The ancient Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple are notable attractions. Guptkashi provides a serene atmosphere amidst the Himalayan mountains.

  • Timings: 10:30 a.m to 06:30 p.m on all days except Monday.
  • Entry fee: Free.

7. Chopta

pic credit : Wikipedia

Chopta, a charming destination in Uttarakhand, India, is a small hill station known for its natural beauty and lush meadows. It serves as a base for trekking to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple. With breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Chopta is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and trekkers.

  • Timings: 10:00 a.m to 04:30 p.m on all days except Monday.
  • Entry fee: Free.

8. Tungnath

pic credit: Wikipedia

Tungnath is a sacred mountain located in the Himalayas, hosting the highest Shiva temple, Tungnath Temple. Situated in Uttarakhand, India, it's a key pilgrimage site. Devotees trek to Tungnath to seek blessings, surrounded by stunning landscapes. It holds significance in Hindu mythology and is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

  • Timings: 8 a.m to 10:30 p.m on all days.
  • Entry fee: Free.

Some other places to visit Near Kedarnath :-

  • Ukhimath
  • Chandrashila Trek
  • Madmaheshwar
  • Augustmuni
  • Gopeshwar
  • Triyuginarayan Temple
  • Deoriatal

Q1. How to reach Kedarnath?

n order to get to Kedarnath by road, travellers will have to get to the capital city of Delhi first. From Delhi, one can reach Dehradun by flight, train or bus. It is from Dehradun that you will be making your way to Haridwar and from this sacred city you will be heading for the path that leads to the Kedarnath trek. There are two major interstate bus depots from Delhi that schedule regular buses to Dehradun, namely - Kashmere Gate Bus Terminal and Anand Vihar Bus Terminal. Individuals may select from A/C sleeper, non-A/C sleeper, Volvo A/C, Volvo A/C and semi-sleeper buses, depending upon their needs.

Q2. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?

The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the months of May to June and September to October. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, and the temperatures are conducive for the pilgrimage and trekking. The snow has melted, making the trekking routes accessible. It's advisable to avoid the monsoon season (July to August) due to heavy rainfall, and the winter months (November to April) when the region experiences heavy snowfall, making the trek challenging and the temple inaccessible.

Q3. What to eat?

In Kedarnath, the food options are limited, and the offerings are typically simple due to the remote and high-altitude location. Pilgrims can find basic vegetarian meals in small local eateries and guesthouses. Some common food items available in Kedarnath include:Rice and dal, Roti, Maggi, Tea and Snacks, local food, etc.

Q4. How many days are needed to explore Kedarnath?

Ans. 7-8 days are ideal for exploring Darbhanga but it depends on your itinerary and planning.

Q5. How much would it cost to visit Kedarnath?

Ans. ₹15,000 – ₹20,000 per head would be sufficient to explore Kedarnath for 7-8 days.