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Kedarnath is one of the most important shrines of Lord Shivs and a Dham among the Chardham. A huge temple is situated between the range of the Himalayas, and it looks incredible. The place is popular among every individual in India. However, travelling to Kedarnath needs some preparations from before.

Along with the holy Kedarnath temple, there are a few more places for visitors to visit. Every place has a different story of its own. Kedarnath Temple also has a mythological story. If you are planning to go to the beautiful divine place, go through our article, it has every detail you should know while travelling to Kedarnath, including some tips. Lets’ get started.

About Kedarnath

Kedarnath temple is one of the most revered temples and the holiest Jyotirlinga among the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and has had its significance since Mahabharata. There are many significant mythological stories of the Kedarnath temple.

Kedarnath is one of the four shrines of Chhota Char Dham located in the northern Himalayas.

History of Kedarnath Temple

According to the Legends, Vishnu reincarnated as Nar Narayana worshipped Shivalinga that emerged from Earth with the act of austerity. Lord Shiva was pleased with their act and asked them to seek a gift from Lord Shiva. They requested Lord Shiva to reside permanently as a jyotirlinga at Kedarnath so that the devotees to visit Kedarnath to worship lord Shiva ins entangled from their miseries of life.

Location

Kedarnath temple is located in Kedarnath town in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand near the banks of Chorabari Glacier of Mandakini River. The temple is about 3853m above sea level.

Weather

KedarnathDham witnesses extreme weather in winters, and due to the heavy snowfall, the temple remains closed for the entire winter from November to April. April to October is the best time to visit the holiest shrine.

How to get there?

Kedarnath Tour Packages from Mumbai will take you to your destination. The options for transport are listed below.

By Air- Kedarnath does not have an airport of its own. So, to reach Kedarnath, the devotees should go to Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. Jolly Grant airport is located around 250 km from Kedarnath and is connected with four major cities of India. After reaching Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, one can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.

By Rail- The nearest railway station is Rishikesh which is 221 km from Kedarnath. Prepaid taxis are easily available from the Rishikesh station, which will reach them to Gaurikund, which is 207 km far from Rishikesh. From Gaurikund, one needs to walk for 19kms to reach the holy temple of Kedarnath.

By Road– Regular buses can be taken by the visitors from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. They can also opt for private taxis. Kedarnath is also well connected to Dehradun and New Delhi by the bus network. From Delhi to Mana, the national highway is accessible throughout the year.

Helicopter– Pilgrims also visit KedarnathDham via helicopter. Through helicopter, the walking distance becomes 500m to Kedarnath temple. The helicopter service can be booked online. Tour operators in Mumbai will guide them.

What do you do in Kedarnath?

Along with the Kedarnath temple, some other places shouldn’t be missed. These places are listed below.

Kedarnath temple-

Kedarnath temple is the main attraction of Kedarnath. The pleasant view of the mountains to the background. A placeof eternal peace. It is said that everyone will forget all their miseries after the Jyotirlingadarshan.

Gandhi Sarovar-Gandhi Sarovar is a lake situated on the mouth of Chorabali Glacier. The lake flows from the foot of Kedarnath and Kirtistumbh peak. It is advisable to view Gandhi Sarovar in the early morning as the weather changes rapidly.

Kalimath-

Kalimath is located on the banks of Saraswathi River in the district of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, and is one of the peeth among 108 Shaktipeeths of India. The temple of Goddess Kali is located in Kalimath. According to the legends, Goddesses Kali went beneath the ground at the place after killing the demon Raktbeej.

The point where Kali Maa entered the Earth is covered with Sri Yantra (silver plate). The silver plate is taken out of the temple on the midnight of Navratri by the chief priest of the mandir. The Kalimath temple was built surrounding the Sri Yantra.

Bhairav Temple-

Bhairavnath Temple is situated towards the south of Kedarnath temple. The temple is devoted to Bhairav- Lord Shiva’s vivacious manifestation associated with devastation and destruction. The devotees of Lord Shiva, who visit the Kedarnath temple, also visit Bhairav Temple to worship the fierce form of Lord Shiva.

Gaurikund Temple-

Another name for Goddess Parvati is Gauri, and hence, the Gaurikund temple is devoted to Goddess Parvati. As per the legends, to win Lord Shiva’s heart Goddess Parvati was involved in penance, including yogic and ascetic practices. The temple is situated on Gaurikund.

Shankaracharya Samadhi-

AdiShankaracharya was a theologian and philosopher who has established and unified the primary currents of thoughts in Hinduism. At the young age of 32, Shankaracharya attained nirvana. Many say he merged himself with the Earth. Shankaracharya Samadhi is a popular tourist attraction in Kedarnath.

What to do around Kedarnath?

There are numerous places to visit around.

Vasuki Tal Lake-

It’s a high glacier lake and is situated at an altitude of 14200 feet above sea level near Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. Around this calm lake, pilgrims can spot Brahma Kamal and beautiful other Himalayan flowers blooming. It is believed that Lord Vishnu had a bath in the lake, so it has been named Vasuki Tal.

Guptakashi-

Guptakashi is fairly a large town that is religiously important for the devotees. The religious town is located on the route of the holy shrine, the Kedarnath temple, and comes before the holy shrine of Kedarnath temple. The main temple in GuptakshiVishwanath, which is devoted to Lord Shiva.

Kedarkantha Trek-

It is a popular winter trek where the trekkers will have a mesmerizing view of the snow-fed mountains. The knee-deep snow gives the trekkers a thrilling feeling. The trekking goes through a pine forest in Govind National Park. The mesmerizing view from the top is worth climbing more.

Char DhamYatra-

Kedarkantha Travel Guide will not only guide you to Kedarnath temple, but if you want, they will also be the responsibility of your Char DhamYatra in Uttarakhand. There are four shrines in Char DhamYatra ofUttarakhand- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The Yatra is also known as Chhota Char DhamYatra.

Best places to stay near Kedarnath

If you want a night stay near the temple, you probably won’t be disappointed, as there are numerous hotels, ashrams, and lodges near the nearby areas, like with a distance of 50meters or 100 meters away from the Kedarnath temple. Kedarkantha Travel Guide will guide you with every detail and accommodate you safely to your destination.

Best place to eat

Pilgrims can find numerous restaurants near the Kedarnath temple. Apart from this, there are various temples at Gaurikund where the pilgrims can enjoy every type of food, including veg and non-veg. Not only for meals, café for snacks are also available, and they are clean enough.

Things to keep in mind

If you are a first-time visitor to Kedarnath Temple, there are a few things that you soul keep in mind. They are

Warm clothes-

Be it summer or spring, keep warm clothes in your luggage while travelling to Kedarnath temple as the weather is cold round the year and there is the uncertainty of rain does an umbrella, and a raincoat should also be kept in tour bag pack.

Medicines-

Kedarnath temple is placed at an altitude of 3587 meters higher than sea level, so catch fever or clod are higher than in the plains. So, to be prepared from before, required medicines need to be carried to avoid any health issues.

Packed Food-T

ake enough quantity of packed or tinned foods. Light foods are advisable on a journey as they will give more energy to walk than heavy items.

No raw food-

Kedarnath Temple is at a high altitude so, strictly avoid any raw foods like fruit or raw vegetables like carrot or radish. Always buy cooked food from the food stalls.

Shoes-

Since you would have to walk for atleast9 hours from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple, wear proper shoes that will give you maximum comfort. Sandals or any other fancy shoe shall be problematic for you. Sneakers or any other comfortable boots will also go well.

Tips when travelling to Kedarnath

• If you are a first-time visitor, these tips might help you in your journey.
• Start your trek in the early morning to avoid the strong rays of the sun of the noon
• Don’t forget to carry your umbrella or raincoat according to the weather
• Carry water bottles always
• Always walk with good gripped shoes
• Always keep an eye on the route, as sometimes the ponies move backward and hit the pilgrims.

This was a brief Kedarnath complete travel guide for the people who wish to trek to the Kedarnath temple.