Introduction

Shri Kedarnath Dham is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, and is going to be a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the 12 Jyotirling, one of Panch Kedar, and one of Chota char dham of Uttarakhand.

Equipped with panoramic snowy mountains, glacier views, and a majestically spiritual environment after an easy to moderate track of approx 17 km from the Gaurikund which acts as a base camp.

 

Location                                                                                         Kedarnath Town

District                                                                                            Rudraprayag

State                                                                                                Uttarakhand

Country                                                                                          India

Deity                                                                                               Lord Shiva

Elevation                                                                                        3583mtrs/11750ft

Coordinates                                                                                   N 30.735267

E 79.066919

Named after                                                                                  Lord Shiva

Establishment                                                                               Dwapar yug (by Pandavas)

Population                                                                                     830 in 2023 (Census 2023)

Administrator                                                                               Kedarnath nagar Panchayat

Area                                                                                              2.75 square K.M.

Language                                                                                     Hindi and Garhwali

Pin code                                                                                        266445

Culture                                                                                          Sanatan, Vedik.

Official website                                                                             Badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in

S.P of District                                                                                 Dr. Vishakha Ashok Bhadane, IPS

(sp.rudpg@gmail.com)

District magistrate                                                                        Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar IAS

(dmrudraprayag@gamil.com

 

How to reach Kedarnath

Shri Kedarnath offers its majestic appearance after a moderate trek of 16 to 17 k.m. from Gaurikund town which is well connected to transportation and roads. All the buses, taxis rented or personal cabs will get you to Sonprayag last which is a big town and all the vehicles will get parked there. From Sonprayag to Gaurikund which is just 5 km. you will get the local shared taxi which cost 50 Rs. Per person. Gaurikund is a small town/base camp, a hot water spring is always functional here for bathing before you start your trek to Shri Kedarnath. Some devotees stay here in Gaurikund and begin their journey early in the morning reach Shri Kedarnath and then come back to the Gaurikund very same day which is totally doable. Some on the other hand prefer to stay at Shri Kedarnath town… Depends upon your choice and condition.

Distance

Gaurikund to Shri Kedarnath                                                          16 k.m. of trekking, horses

and porters are available

Rishikesh to Gaurikund                                                                   200 k.m.

Haridwar to Rishikesh                                                                     35 k.m.

Dehradoon(Airport) to Rishikesh                                                    25 k.m

Nearest railway stations                                                                  Rishikesh and Haridwar

Nearest Airport                                                                                Dehradoon(Jolly Grant)

Modes of travel

There are so many ways to reach Shri Kedarnath best way among all of them is to reach Rishikesh first which acts as the main station of Char Dham.

• • 1. You can take Government and G.M.O.U. buses from here which are good for a budget traveler.
    2. Shared taxis are available.
    3. If you want a luxury travel experience you can hire a cab.
    4. If you are an adventure seeker then you can rent a bike or scooter which is an immense experience by itself.
    5. AIR services are also available throughout the journey which will take you direct to the Shri Kedarnath helipad.

   Kedarnath Climate

Since Shri Kedarnath is situated at a very high altitude that’s why the area is prone to get very chilly, especially in winter.

The average temperature in Shri Kedarnath is 2.4 degrees Celsius and the average annual rainfall is 1824mm.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Kedarnath Dham experiences a cold climate throughout the year due to its high altitude. The temple is open to visitors from late April or early May until the onset of winter in October or November. The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months, from May to June you may take some relief from harsh hot weather, and the autumn months of September and October which is kind of off-season thus the less crowded and cheap prices. It’s important to note that the monsoon season, from July to August, should be avoided due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides.

 Things to Do and See:

• • • Kedarnath Temple: The main attraction of Kedarnath Dham is the ancient Kedarnath Temple. Visitors can experience the spiritual ambiance, witness the grand architecture, and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple remains the focal point of the pilgrimage.
    • Bhairavnath Temple: Located around 500 meters (0.3 miles) from Kedarnath Temple, this temple dedicated to Bhairavnath is worth visiting. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

 

• • • Vasuki Tal: It is a picturesque high-altitude lake located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Kedarnath. The trek to Vasuki Tal offers stunning views of glaciers, peaks, and the alpine beauty of the region.

 

• • • Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): Situated about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from Kedarnath, this glacial lake is famous for its pristine beauty. It is believed to be the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed.

 

• • • Trekking and Nature Walks: Kedarnath Dham provides ample opportunities for trekking enthusiasts. You can embark on various treks in the region, such as the Vasuki Tal trek, Gandhi Sarovar, the Recently introduced meditation cave and the Shri Kedarnath track itself to explore the breathtaking landscapes.

Kedarnath Dham History

Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense religious significance.

According to Hindu mythology after the Battle of Kurukshetra, Pandavas were seeking for a glimpse of Lord Shiva to atone their sins in the valley where Shri Kedarnath Dham is situated today but Lord Shiva did not want to see them so Lord Shiva took the form of a buffalo to ignore them but Bheem(the second brother) recognized him, So Lord Shiva started to get submerged into the ground to avoid them but Bheem grabbed him from behind that’s why Shivalinga in Shri Kedarnath looks like the hump of a bull. After grabbing him all the Pandavas started praying to him and asked for forgiveness for their sins. Since then people are coming here to worship Lord Shiva and to atone for their sins, This is why Shri Kedarnath Dham has a Pandavas chamber in the temple.

The temple is believed to be established by Pandavas along with Tungnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, and Klapeshwar which all together make Panch Kedar. The temple was later renovated in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu Saint, and philosopher who is believed to took Samadhi just behind Shri Kedarnath temple.

 

Kedarnath Great Floods of 2013

The year 2013 June 16 was the day when the whole world became the witness of Greatness and unmatched divineness of Shri Kedarnath when Mother Nature got angry. It was one of the greatest floods and landslides that the world has ever seen. It was estimated that more than 6000 people died and the main hit area of the flood was Shri Kedarnath which destroyed everything and wiped out the whole villages but couldn’t do any damage to the temple.

The temple was saved by an enormous rock that came from mountains behind out of nowhere and stopped right before the temple and diverted the whole flooded water in the other direction saving Shri Kedarnath temple along with so many people who took shelter in the temple, this rock is believed to be placed by Bheem to save the temple and is worshipped as Bheemshila now.

 Important Tips for Travelers:

• • • Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, it is advisable to spend a day in Gaurikund or other lower-altitude regions before starting the trek to Kedarnath. This allows your body to adjust to the change in altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
    • Weather and Clothing: The weather in Kedarnath can be unpredictable. It is advisable to carry warm clothing, including heavy woolen and waterproof jackets, irrespective of the season. It’s also essential to carry rain gear and sturdy walking shoes.
    • Medical Facilities: Basic medical facilities are available in Kedarnath, but it is recommended to carry any necessary medications, as well as a first aid kit, for emergencies.
    • Photography: Capture the beauty of Kedarnath, but ensure you follow the guidelines and restrictions regarding photography, especially within the temple premises.
    • Respect Local Customs: As Kedarnath Dham is a sacred pilgrimage site, it is important to respect religious customs and traditions. Dress modestly, be mindful of your behavior, and follow the instructions of the temple authorities.
    • It is a very old rule of mountains that one should not scream in meadows.

I hope this information helps you plan your visit to Kedarnath Dham. Enjoy your journey and have a spiritually enriching experience!