Kedarnath is small village named after very famous temple Kedarnath. Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Shiva. In the 8th century Adi Guru Shankaracharya came here and it is believed he inspired to built temple here. Shankaracharya Samadhi is also near Kedarnath Temple. One of the 12 Jyotirling of Shiva Kedarnath is one of the leading pilgrimage destination in Uttarakhand. At the height of 3580 Kedarnath Temple is one of the highest located Shiva Temples in world. Due to higher altitude snowfall is common in winter and in summer time you can enjoy pleasant weather. It is believed that Lord Shiva while hiding from Pandavas took form of Bull and disappeared. The five parts of bull reappeared at Panch Kedar Rudranath (face), Tungnath (arms), Madhyamaheswar (Navel and Stomach), Kalpeshwar (Hair - Jata) & Kedarnath (hump). Kedarnath is often visited by pilgrims in Chardham tour along with Gangotri, Yamunotri & Badrinath. Shiva being one of the famous god in Hinduism Kedarnath attracts large number of tourists each year. Kedarnath is still not accesible by road and 14 kms trek is required from Sonprayag to reach Kedarnath Temple. Although the trek doesn't stop devotees to visit this magnifiscent temple. Many people visit Kedarnath for meditation. Specially in mid season like Sep oct when number of tourist is less it would be great experience to meditate in the lap of nature.
Places to visit in and around Kedarnath :
- Kedarnath Temple
- Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Bhairav Temple
- Vasuki Tal
- Gaurikund
Things to do in Kedarnath:
- Kedarnath Temple visit and Aarti
- Meditation
- Trek to Vasuki Tal
- Photography
Best time to visit Kedarnath :
Kedarnath is closed in winter so May - June - Sep - Oct is best time to visit Kedarnath. Sep Oct being less crowded it will be much better experience overall.
Accommodation & Meals at Kedarnath:
Accommodation at Kedarnath has very limited options. There is no proper hotels in Kedarnath and most accommodation is Dharamshalas & tents. During the high season like may june accommodation can be difficult if you reach late in evening. Food options are very limited and north indian cuisine is most common to find.
How to reach Kedarnath :
By Road: Kedarnath is 14 kms trek from Sonprayag and 19 kms trek from Gaurikund. Till sonprayag you can reach by road. Sonprayag / Gaurikund is connected to Delhi via Meerut - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Rudraprayag - Guptkashi. For arrival from Delhi first night should be at Haridwar / Rishikesh and second night Guptkashi / Gaurikund is better. On third day morning you can start your trek to Kedarnath and reach in afternoon. Bus / Taxi is available easily From Rishikesh / Haridwar. From Gaurikund you might need to use local jeep for 5 kms drive (20 rs per person cost).By Railway: Haridwar Railway Station is nearest railway station for Kedarnath. From Haridwar 7 hrs drive till sonprayag and than 14 kms trek is required to reach Kedarnath. Overnight stay at Guptkashi / Rudraprayag / Gaurikund is good idea before trek to Kedarnath.
By Air: Dehradun Airport is nearest airport for Kedarnath. Dehradun Airport is 260 kms far from Kedarnath so aditional night stay will be good similar to by railway from Haridwar as mentioned above. Helipad is made at Kedarnath and frequent helicopter rides are available for pilgrims to avoid 14 kms trek. Helipads are at Sirsi, Phata and Agatsya Muni for Shuttle Helicopter Service if you want to avoid trekking. Same day visit by Helcopter is also possible from Dehradun.