Abode of Baba Kedarnath – Complete Travel Guide To Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath is the supreme abode of Lord Shiva amidst the Himalayas. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, this Dham pulsates with a spiritual aura. It embodies the ultimate qualities of spirituality with a serene grandeur. It is one of those pilgrimages that is held once a year. Kedarnath, included in the main temple of Char Dham Yatra, was once the place of worship of Pandavas. After the Pandavas’ visit, this Dham became one of the five Kedars where the Pandavas attempted to attain Lord Shiva. In this Kedarnath Tour Guide, you will get information about Kedarnath Yatra.

Best Time To Visit

If you plan a trip to Kedarnath Dham, the best time to visit is from May to June and September to November. The weather during this time is quite comfortable compared to the rest of the months.

However, May and June are the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra, where there can be a bit of a crowd. If you are planning to visit Char Dham along with Kedarnath Yatra, it might be best to take a Char Dham Yatra Package.
On the other hand, the months of September to November mark the beginning of autumn and offer a unique experience to visitors. Due to more cold and fewer crowds, the prices of Kedarnath Yatra Packages are also Cheap during this time. The doors of Kedarnath Dham are closed after November.

Also Read:- Shri Arunachaleswarar Temple- The shrine of Lord Shiva

How To Reach

By Road:

Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are the major stops for the Kedarnath Yatra. You can reach Sonprayag by local taxi or bus from these three cities. After Sonprayag, you can reach Kedarnath via Gaurikund through a 15 Km trek. Let us tell you that there is no road arrangement till Kedarnath, so one has to reach Kedarnath on foot from Sonprayag or Gaurikund.

By Helicopter:

If you want to skip the long, arduous road journey, you can opt for a helicopter ride from Sahastradhara, Dehradun. Helicopter service is available from Dehradun, Phata, and Guptkashi. The ride takes around 30-45 minutes, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas from the top. It is ideal for those who want to save time and experience a bird’s eye view of the mountains.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. After Rishikesh, you can reach Kedarnath by road.

Also Read:– Famous Shiva Temples in Delhi That Every Shiva Devotee Must Visit.

Best Places To Visit During Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath Temple

At 11,000 feet, the Kedarnath temple stands amidst the mighty Himalayan ranges. It attracts devotees and adventurers alike. From the intricate stone carvings to the chanting of the priests, every detail of the Kedarnath Temple radiates a divine aura. The spiritual aura of the temple indeed leaves a lasting impression on your soul.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

Shankaracharya Samadhi is 110 meters behind the courtyard of Kedarnath Temple. Shankaracharya’s Samadhi is not just a physical monument but a beacon of knowledge and spirituality that continues to inspire the seekers of truth and knowledge. With its picturesque surroundings and meditative atmosphere, Shankaracharya’s Samadhi is where you can lose yourself in the beauty of nature and find solace in the teachings of the great sage.

Triyuginarayan Temple

Triyuginarayan Temple is located 8 km from Sonprayag. This temple is the marriage site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The architecture of the temple is as impressive as its history, with intricate carvings and sculptures. Here you cannot help but marvel at the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient artisans with the masterpiece.

Gaurikund

Gaurikund is the last stop of Kedarnath. From here, Kedarnath is only 15 kilometers away. This place is a major holy site for Hindu followers in many ways. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati performed severe penance at Gaurikund, after which it was named “Gaurikund.” Walking through this place, you can feel its powerful vibrations and a deep sense of devotion permeating the air.

Guptkashi

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks, Guptkashi is a hidden gem. It is situated at a distance of 45 kilometers from Kedarnath. It is a place where the air is clean, the views are breathtaking, and the stories are as old as time itself. Guptkashi beckons you to step into a world of wonder and magic, from its ancient temples to its quaint streets. Every turn is a new wonder, and every moment is a memory to be cherished forever.

Also Read:- Murudeshwar Temple Karnataka – World’s Second Tallest Shiva Statue

Where To Stay In Kedarnath

There are many guest houses, hotels, camps, and Dharamshala in Kedarnath. Although there are not many accommodation options here as compared to Sonprayag. After visiting Kedarnath ji, you can take a rest at Sonprayag. You will find many budget guesthouses and luxurious resorts in Sonprayag.

Local Cuisine In Kedarnath

Kedarnath also offers many food options. Being a Hindu holy land, Kedarnath serves only vegetarian food. You can enjoy dal rice and roti-vegetables in hotels and nearby dhabas. Popular dishes include:

• Aloo ke gutke (spicy fried potatoes).
• Kafuli (a green curry made with spinach and fenugreek).
• Bal mithai (a dessert made of roasted khoya and coated with sugar). 

Why Visit Kedarnath

Kedarnath Dham is a major pilgrimage of the Hindu religion dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and Panch Kedar of Uttarakhand. The person who completes the Kedarnath Yatra of this Dham is considered free from the deeds of his life. It is important for people of all age groups, including senior citizens, to participate in the Char Dham Yatra. If you also get the fortune of seeing Kedar Baba once, you will move even further on your spiritual path.

FAQ About Kedarnath Yatra