Kedarnath Temple : All You Need To Know
About Kedarnath
It is located in the State of Uttarakhand amongst the scenic locals of the garhwal region. It offers an unruffled ambience with its snowy peaks, Alpine forests and colorful rhododendrons. For the Ancient Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva a trip to Kedarnath is an exhilarating experience
Kedarnath Temple
History of Kedarnath temple
Temple Is dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the rudra prayag district. Kedarnath temple can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek and remains open only for six months from April to November due to heavy snowfall in the region during the rest of the months. Kedarnath is a crucial part of the Char Dham Yatra, which also includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath. This pilgrimage is highly revered in Hindu tradition.
During the winters from November to May the deity is shifted from Kedarnath temple to Okimat and is worshiped there. Kedar is another name for Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer and it’s believed that a journey to Kedarnath provides one Moksha or Salvation. Set on a missed snow-clad mountain near Chorabari Glacier with the Mandakini river flowing in front of it. Kedarnath witnesses lakhs of devotees every year due to its religious significance. The present Kedarnath Temple is believed to be reconstructed by ADI Shankaracharya. Initially built by the pandavas thousands of years ago from enormous stone slabs over a large rectangular dice. Adjacent to the temple is the samadhi (final resting place) of Adi Shankaracharya, who is credited with consolidating Hindu spiritualism and Advaita Vedanta philosophy.
In 2013, the temple survived a devastating flash flood that caused significant damage to the surrounding area. Miraculously, the temple itself remained intact, further solidifying its status as a divine marvel.
The Best time to Visit Kedarnath Temple
- Is between September to October and May to June when the snow has melted and the rainfall has stopped.
- May is a peak month and remains crowded. Kedarnath remains closed for six months from November to March due to snowfall in the region. Exact dates are announced every time. During this time the temperature ranged from around 5 degrees celsius to 18 degree celsius.
- The pre-winter months from September to October are another wonderful time to visit Kedarnath temple.
- The monsoon Season in Kedarnath lasts from July to August and brings heavy rainfall causing landslides and hindrances.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple
The journey to Kedarnath Temple is an epic adventure lying on the national Highway 109 which connects Rudraprayag and Kedarnath. Gaurikund the last motorable road from Kedarnath is well connected to all nearby cities such as rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Srinagar Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Tehri by cabs and Buses.
You can find buses in Delhi from ISBT kashmiri gate to Srinagar and Rishikesh. Taxis and buses can also be hired from Major destinations in Uttarakhand. The drive is insanely beautiful and the undulating landscapes of this snowy region offer a delightful time of escapades. From Gaurikund onwards walking is your only option to reach the Shrine. However you can also opt for horse rides and palanquin services available in the area
You can either fly down to Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun about 239 kilometers away from Kedarnath and then travel by road to Kedarnath.
Alternatively you can take a train to rishikesh which is the nearest railway station about 221 kilometers away.
Relish the must-try local delicacies when you visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple.
- Kedarnath is a strictly vegetarian place and consumption of alcohol is prohibited there.
- There are few small restaurants or dhabas on the way leading up to the Holy Temple which is open from 4am to midnight where you can enjoy hearty Indian meals made with locally available ingredients.
- It is advisable to eat cooked food or boil vegetables while you are in Kedarnath
Top Attractions nearby Kedarnath Temple
Pilgrimage
Perched at an altitude of 3500 meters kedarnath is one of the most revered Hindu Shrines and thousands of pilgrims partake in an arduous pilgrimage. Every year the shrine sleeps under a thick blanket of snow during winter.
Trekking
Kedarnath temple is located 19 km from Gaurikund the nearest town with road connectivity thus one has to trek 16 km to the kedarnath shrine making it a wonderful trekking experience. You can also extend your treks to Chora Bharital, vasuki tal and Bhero Mandir in Kedarnath camping since there are fewer accommodation options at Kedarnath tourists and pilgrims can also set up tents near the town and enjoy the natural beauty that envelops the town as well as the towering Kedarnath peak in the background.
It is not just temples and shrines that Kedarnath is famed for, this lovely land on the majestic backdrop of Lua Himalayas is naturally bestowed with some of the most wonderful whispers of nature. These beautiful spots are adorned with an aesthetic charm that provides the onlookers a mesmerizing and captivating experience.
Bhairav Nath Temple
Visit the BhairavNath Temple which is considered the guardian deity of the Kedarnath temple. The views of the Himalayas and the word Kedar valley are guaranteed to leave you spellbound.
Soak in the natural beauty at Vasukital. Soothe your senses sitting by the vasukital one of the prettiest sites in Kedarnath due to its glittering waterfall located at an altitude of 4135 meters in the midst of snowy mountains
Hike to Kedarnath Temple
Hike up to the Kedarnath Temple from Gaurikund to get the vision of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas associated with the Pandava princes from Mahabharat. The original temple built by the pandava brothers was a stone structure and has undergone many Renovations
Chorabari Tal
Also known as Gandhi sarovar a pristine Lake that shows the reflections of the gigantic Himalayan Peaks and click some Insta-worthy pictures
Triyuginarayan Temple
Explore the three yogi Narayan Temple; The Mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized an eternal flame said to been witness to the parish burns in front of the temple even today
Gaurikund
Walk around Gaurikund the commencement point of the Trek of 14 km to the sacred shrine of Kedarnath and soak in the beauty of vivid greenery all around with Vasuki Ganga flowing from below with the natural thermal springs.
Sonprayag
Visit sonprayag situated at an elevation of 1829 meters above sea level which offers scintillating views of snow -covered mountains and lush greens sonprayag valley by the Hindu. Hindu religion suggests that a bath at this prayag is extremely holy and the attainment of Moksha is possible.
Kedarnath Temple
Helicopter Service to Kedarnath: A Convenient Way to Visit
- Kedarnath, a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. While many pilgrims trek to this holy site, the helicopter service to Kedarnath offers a quicker and easier alternative.
- The helicopter service makes the journey to Kedarnath simple and fast. Several companies, like Pawan Hans and Himalayan Heli, operate flights from places like Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Dehradun. Phata and Guptkashi are the most popular departure points because they are closer to Kedarnath.
- Booking a helicopter ride is easy and can be done online through the helicopter companies' websites or the Uttarakhand tourism portal. Since the service is very popular, especially between May to June and September to October, it's best to book tickets in advance.
- The flight from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath takes about 10 to 15 minutes, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Flights usually operate from early morning to late afternoon, depending on the weather.
- The helicopter lands about 500 meters from the Kedarnath Temple. From there, it's a short 10-15 minute walk to the temple. Some packages offer priority darshan, making the visit faster and easier during busy times.
Kedarnath Temple
Treat yourself to the delicious local dishes of Haridwar, where every bite is a taste of tradition and flavor.
Aloo Ke Gutke
Spicy fried potatoes seasoned with local spices, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Kumaoni Raita
A cooling yogurt dish mixed with cucumber, mustard seeds, and turmeric, perfect to accompany spicy meals.
Chainsoo
A hearty curry made from roasted black gram dal, ground into a paste and cooked with aromatic spices.
Phaanu
A nutritious dish made from a mix of lentils, soaked overnight and cooked with local spices, often enjoyed with rice.
Jhangora Ki Kheer
A delightful dessert made from millet cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar, flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.
Kafuli
A nutritious green curry made from spinach or fenugreek leaves, cooked with spices and yogurt, typically served with rice.
Arsa
A festive sweet made from rice flour and jaggery, deep-fried to perfection, enjoyed during special occasions.
Garhwal Ka Fannah
A flavorful curry made from local black beans, cooked with a blend of spices and herbs reflecting the essence of Garhwal cuisine.
Conclusion
Kedarnath Temple, set in the stunning Himalayas, offers a unique mix of spiritual peace and natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a deep spiritual experience or the serenity of the mountains, Kedarnath is the perfect destination.
We invite you to visit Kedarnath and feel its sacred atmosphere. Let us help you plan a smooth and memorable trip.
Start your spiritual journey now. Contact us to plan your visit to Kedarnath Temple.
