Credit: Char Dham Pilgrimage

Kedarnath Temple Yatra: Complete Guide and Information!

Kedarnath Temple is one of the most famous Jyotirlingas and temples of Lord Shiva. Every year, lakhs of people came to one of the highest-built temples of Lord Shiva because of their devotion and faith. This temple is built between the heights of the Himalayas. Today you will get complete information about Kedarnath Temple, including its history, travel guide, facts, and expert tips. Hey Shiva Bhakt, be ready to be amazed by the shocking realities of the place, Kedarnath.

Contents: 

1. About Kedarnath Temple
2. How to reach Kedarnath 
3. History of Kedarnath
4. Some suggestions before going to Kedarnath
5. Amazing Facts about Kedarnath Temple
6. Overall Budget of the travel
7. FAQs

About Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is one of the most famous Jyotirlinga and Char Dham Yatra temples. It is located in Uttarakhand, India. It is built between the heights of the Garhwal Himalayan Range, about 3,583 m (11,755 ft) above sea level, and near the Chorabari Glacier. From where the Mandakini River starts. The temple is constructed with large, heavy, same-size cut gray slabs of stone; its main features include a garbhagriha and a mandapam. It is the only Lord Shiva temple where the Shiva Linga is in a conical shape. It is a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra, which includes Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath itself. It opens around April or May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes around November (Kartik Purnima). 

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How to reach Kedarnath

There are many ways to go to Kedarnath Temple:

• By Air:
• Nearest Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• You can take taxi or bus from there to Gaurikund.
• Nearest Railway Stations: 
• Rishikesh Railway Station: About 216 km from Gaurikund
• Haridwar Railway Station: About 242 km from Gaurikund
• Dehradun Railway Station: About 270 km from Gaurikund
• By Road: 
• Delhi to Gaurikund: Approximately 450 km
• Haridwar to Gaurikund: Approximately 242 km
• Rishikesh to Gaurikund: Approximately 216 km
• Dehradun to Gaurikund: Approximately 270 km
• Local buses and taxis operate from these cities to Gaurikund.

After reaching Gaurikund, you can take a bath in the hot water of Gaurikund and stay in hotels. There are many parking spaces available for your car. You should book a hotel room before going on the trip to avoid time waste and hustle during travel.

There is a trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which is around 16 km. This trek is well-built, but there are many obstacles, short ways, and straight paths. You should be physically and mentally fit before starting your trek. It takes 6–8 hours for physically fit people to complete the trek and reach Kedarnath Temple. But it also depends on your fitness and speed. 

Trek Path:

• Gaurikund -> Jungle Chatti -> Bheembali -> Linchauli -> Rudra Point -> Kedarnath
• There are many mark points and rest points to rest and eat something.

For those who is unable to trek like aged people, physically challenged and people who gets tired during trek. There are many alternative ways to cover your trek:

• Pony and Mule Services: Available for hire from Gaurikund to Kedarnath for those unable to trek
• Doli Services: Carried by porters, available for elderly and disabled pilgrims
• Helicopter Services:
• Start from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi to Kedarnath
• Advance booking is recommended to save your time.

History of Kedarnath

The history of Kedarnath Temple is connected to the Pandavas and the Mahabharata. The story of Kedarnath Temple is about when the Pandavas were praying to Lord Shiva to remove their sins after the Mahabharata War. Lord Shiva hid in Kedarnath and changed himself into a bull (Nandi). When the Pandavas came to Kedarnath, Bheem (one of the Pandavas) fought with the bull, and then they saw that the bull was Lord Shiva himself. Shiva ji blessed Pandavas and became the Shiva Linga in Bull's hump shape. It is said that the Pandavas built the unique Kedarnath Temple. The famous Hindu saint Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have rebuilt the Kedarnath Temple in the 8th century AD. It is also believed that Adi Shankaracharya took samadhi near Kedarnath Temple.

Also Read: Amarnath Yatra 2024: Complete Information and Guide!

Some suggestions before going to Kedarnath

There are few suggestions which will help in making your Kedarnath Yatra memorable and fantastic:

• Be prepared and fit for the trek.
• Consider taking travel insurance that covers accidents, etc.
• Comfortable trekking shoes with good grip.
• Wear sweaters and jackets.
• Sunscreen and lip balm to protect against UV rays
• A good-quality backpack
• Personal hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes).
• Carry some dry fruits and energy bars.
• Carry 2-3 water bottles and stay hydrated all the time.
• Carry ID proof and passport-sized photographs.
• Carry some healthy, ready-to-eat food.
• Carry a bag for your waste and dispose of it properly.
• Respect the natural environment and local wildlife.
• There are many food stalls on the Kedarnath trek.
• Book your hotels in advance, especially during the peak season (May–June and September–November).

Credit: Pixabay

Amazing Facts about Kedarnath Temple

• The temple is built using large, heavy stone slabs. The stones are interlocked in a manner that has allowed the structure to face earthquakes and severe weather conditions.
• It is the highest-built Jyotirlinga temple, about 3,583 meters above sea level.
• The Shiva linga at Kedarnath is unique because it is conical in shape; it is actually the hump of a bull (Nandi).
• Hindu Saint Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi is present just behind the temple.
• The star view at night is really amazing on Kedarnath.
• You should also visit Bhairava Temple, which is built near Kedarnath Temple. It is said that Lord Bhairava protects Kedarnath from danger.
• The historical name of Kedarnath is Kedar Khand. 
• There was a big disaster on June 16, 2013, and many people died because of the flood on Kedarnath. Many people were lost and didn't find them yet. But Kedarnath Temple was saved by a big rock named Bheem Shila.

Overall Budget of the travel

The total budget of the Kedarnath trip depends on many factors, like where you're coming from and how many people are in your group. Well, you can expect Rs. 7,000 to 12,000 per person if you are an Indian and more if you are a foreigner.

It depends on hotel room prices, which change season-wise, and accessibility costs. 

 

Also Read: Mahadeva Lingaraja Temple: Complete Information and Travel Guide!

Conclusion

We have added every piece of information we have about Kedarnath Temple. Whether it is its history, travel tips, accessibility, accommodation, or travel guidance, I hope your Kedarnath trip will be amazing and safe. Go on this memorable adventure with your family and friends, and don't forget about the tips we have mentioned in the article. Har Har Mahadev!

FAQs

How to prepare for Kedarnath Yatra?

You have to carry some vital things like sweaters, jackets, Camphor(kapoor), ID cards, first aid and some food.

How to prepare physically for Kedarnath Trek?

It is recommended to start exercising, stretching and yoga to be physically well during Kedarnath Trek. You should try to walk around 30 minutes daily.

What is the rate of VIP Darshan in Kedarnath?

the cost of VIP Darshan in Kedarnath is Rs. 1100/ per person. It could be change by year.

Where to stay during Kedarnath Yatra?

There are many hotels and tents in Gaurikund and Kedarnath to stay at night.

What clothes to wear in Kedarnath?

It is recommended to wear winter clothes as the weather of Kedarnath changes every time. Carry a raincoat and mobile cover as rainfall can happen anytime.