Kedarnath Dham Yatra commence every year in month of April-May as per Hindu religion calendar. The Dham is one of the four dham yatra in Uttarakhand and is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It holds immense religious significance and is believed to be essential for spiritual salvation. People who are not able to seek for Chardham Yatra, try to visit Kedarnath Temple and have blessings of Lord Shiva. Are you also interested to know some interesting facts about Kedarnath Dham:
Ancient and Historical Importance: It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in existence, dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the legendary figures from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva: The main deity worshipped at Kedarnath Dham is Lord Shiva, one of the most revered gods in Hindu mythology. The temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva.
Unique Stone Architecture: Stands out for its unique stone architecture. It is constructed using large, interlocking stones without the use of any mortar, symbolizing the divine nature of the temple.
Challenging Trek: The journey to one of the most important dham involves a challenging trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, the base camp. The trek takes visitors through picturesque landscapes, steep ascents, and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Snowbound Location: Situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), making it one of the highest located temples in India. The region remains covered in snow for a significant part of the year, and the temple remains closed during the winter months due to extreme weather conditions.
Mandakini River: The holy Mandakini River flows near the Kedarnath Temple, adding to the spiritual aura of the place. It is believed to be a sacred river associated with various Hindu mythological stories.
Adi Shankaracharya’s Connection: Adi Shankaracharya, an influential philosopher and theologian, is said to have rediscovered the Kedarnath Temple in the 8th century CE and established it as a prominent pilgrimage site.
Ecological Sensitivity: The Dham and its surrounding area fall within the boundaries of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to various species of flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan wildlife such as the snow leopard and musk deer.
Spiritual Significance: For devout Hindus, visiting Kedarnath Dham is believed to cleanse one’s sins, offer spiritual liberation, and receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is considered a sacred pilgrimage that holds immense religious and cultural importance.
How to reach Kedarnath Dham
Reaching Kedarnath Dham involves a combination of road and trekking routes, as the temple is in a remote and mountainous region of Uttarakhand, India. Here is a general guide on how to reach Kedarnath Dham:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath Dham is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gaurikund, the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath which is approx 240 kilometers from the airport.
By Train: The nearest major railway station to Kedarnath Dham is Haridwar Railway Station. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund. The distance between Haridwar and Gaurikund is around 220 kilometers. Another option is to take a train to Rishikesh Railway Station and then continue the journey by road to Gaurikund.
By Road: Gaurikund is the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath Dham. It is well-connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand. You can reach Gaurikund by taking a bus or hiring a taxi from places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Rudraprayag. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to reach Gaurikund from Haridwar by road. Tempo Traveller hire Delhi is best transportation to reach Haridwar and go ahead on the journey.
From Gaurikund to Kedarnath: Once you reach Gaurikund, which is located at an altitude of 1,982 meters, you must start the trek to Kedarnath. The trek is approximately 16 kilometers long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete, depending on your pace. You can hire a mule or a palanquin (doli) if you prefer not to trek on foot. There are several pits stops along the way, including Rambara and Garud Chatti, where you can take rest and refreshments.
It is important to note that the trek to Kedarnath Dham is considered moderately challenging, as it involves steep ascents and descents. Proper physical fitness and acclimatization are necessary. It is advisable to carry essential items like comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, water, and snacks.
During the peak pilgrimage season, helicopter services are also available from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath, offering a faster and more convenient option for those who prefer not to trek. Before planning your visit, we recommended to check the current weather conditions and any travel advisories or restrictions in place. We offer custom and full-fledged travel packages for darshan and visit at all four sacred adobes. Chardham Yatra by Tempo Traveller offers comfort and budgeted trip to pilgrims and visitors to travel along friends, family and companion.
