Kedarnath Tour

7500/- Per Person

Description

Kedarnath is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, particularly devotees of Lord Shiva. The town is renowned for the Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Key points about Kedarnath:

  1. Kedarnath Temple: The main attraction in Kedarnath is the ancient Kedarnath Temple. It is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

  2. Pilgrimage: Kedarnath is a crucial destination for pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, which involves visiting four sacred shrines in the Indian Himalayas. The other three dhams are Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath.

  3. Accessibility: Due to its high altitude and challenging terrain, Kedarnath is not easily accessible by road throughout the year. Pilgrims often reach Kedarnath by trekking or using alternative means of transportation such as mules or helicopters.

  4. Natural Beauty: Apart from its religious significance, Kedarnath is also known for its breathtaking natural beauty. The town is surrounded by majestic peaks, glaciers, and lush greenery, making it a picturesque destination.

  5. Tragedy of 2013: In June 2013, Kedarnath and its surrounding areas faced a catastrophic natural disaster. Heavy rainfall led to flash floods and landslides, causing significant damage to infrastructure and claiming many lives. The Kedarnath Temple, however, survived the calamity and has since been rebuilt.

  6. Reconstruction: After the 2013 tragedy, extensive reconstruction efforts were undertaken to restore the pilgrimage site and its infrastructure. The government, along with various organizations, worked to rebuild roads, bridges, and facilities to make Kedarnath accessible to pilgrims once again.

Kedarnath holds immense religious and cultural significance and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists each year, especially during the pilgrimage season.

Tour Timeline

  • Day 1
    Haridwar to Guptkashi

    • Start early from Haridwar and proceed to guptkashi.
    • Guptkashi is a town located on the way to Kedarnath and serves as a base for the pilgrimage. The distance is approximately 200 kilometers, and the journey may take around 8-10 hours by road.
    • Check-in to your hotel in Guptkashi, relax, and prepare for the next day's journey.
    • Evening is free for leisure or you may explore the local surroundings.

  • Day 2
    Guptkashi to Kedarnath

    • Early morning, drive to Sonprayag (around 30 km from Guptkashi).
    • From Sonprayag, take a government-approved helicopter or trek to Kedarnath. The trek is approximately 16 km, and it may take 6-8 hours.
    • After reaching Kedarnath, visit the Kedarnath Temple and perform your religious rituals.
    • Overnight stay in Kedarnath (limited accommodation options are available in Kedarnath).

  • Day 3
    Kedarnath to Guptkashi

    • After morning rituals and darshan at the Kedarnath Temple, trek back to Sonprayag.
    • From Sonprayag, drive back to Guptkashi.
    • Rest and relax in Guptkashi after the challenging trek.

  • Day 4
    Guptkashi to Haridwar

    • Check out from the hotel and start your journey back to Haridwar.
    • On the way, you may visit Rudraprayag, a town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
    • Continue the journey back to Haridwar, and if time permits, you can explore Haridwar in the evening.