Everything You Need to Know About Kedarnath Yatra
History of Kedarnath?
Kedarnath Yatra 2023 is a journey to one of the four holiest pilgrimage Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Kedarnath is a town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is famous for the Kedarnath temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. In ancient time we knew Kedarnath as the Kedar Khand. Hindu mythology says Lord Shiva hide in Kedarnath as a bull to escape the Pandavas in the Mahabharata era.
People believe that Adi Shankaracharya built the present Kedarnath temple in the 8th century. The temple underwent renovations and repairs throughout the centuries. The present construction dates back to the 18th century.
Kedarnath has been a popular pilgrimage site for centuries. It attracts millions of devotees from across India every year. Unfortunately, the town has experienced prone to natural disasters, including floods and landslides. In 2013, the town was devastating floods that killed thousands of people and caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. Since then, the government has taken several steps to improve the safety and resilience of Kedarnath and its surroundings.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is in the town of Kedarnath. It is in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Here are various ways to reach the Kedarnath Temple:
1- By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is 238 kilometers away from the town. You can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath from the airport.
2 – By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is the Rishikesh railway station. It is 216 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.
3 – By Road: Kedarnath is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states. You can take a bus or taxi from places such as Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar, and Delhi to reach Kedarnath. The road journey involves driving through a winding mountain and can take several hours.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, you can trek or hire a pony or palanquin to reach the Kedarnath temple. It is at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. The 16-kilometer trek takes 6-7 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. It is challenging to passing through steep mountain paths in trek. So adequate preparation and consult with a doctor before embarking on the journey.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, you can trek or hire a pony or palanquin to reach the Kedarnath temple. It is at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level. The 16-kilometer trek takes 6-7 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. It is challenging to passing through steep mountain paths in trek. So adequate preparation and consult with a doctor before embarking on the journey.
Opening and Closing Time of Kedarnath Temple- Kedarnath yatra 2023
The opening and closing time of the Kedarnath Temple varies according to the season. Here are the details:
Summer Season (May to November): The Kedarnath Temple is open for pilgrims from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Winter Season (November to April): The Kedarnath Temple is closed for pilgrims because of heavy snowfall in the region.
The Kedarnath Temple closes its gates in the second week of November. Reopens in late April or early May depending on weather. Please note that the temple timings may change. So, check with local authorities or the temple administration before planning your visit.
Weather in Kedarnath- Kedarnath yatra 2023
The weather in Kedarnath varies according to the season. Here is a general overview of the weather in Kedarnath throughout the year:
Summer season (May to June): Kedarnath experiences pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 5°c to 18°c. The days are sunny, while the nights offer cool and comfortable conditions. This is the best time to visit Kedarnath for trekking and sightseeing.
Monsoon season (July to September): during this season, Kedarnath receives heavy rainfall, with unpredictable weather. The temperature ranges from 10°c to 15°c during this time. But there is a high risk of landslides and flash floods. So, not visit Kedarnath during the monsoon season.
Winter season (October to April): Kedarnath experiences heavy snowfall, and the temperature often falls below freezing point. The temperature ranges from -10°c to 5°c, and the town remains covered in snow. The Kedarnath Temple remains closed during winter. We do not recommend people to visit Kedarnath during the winter.
Remember that Kedarnath weather is unpredictable. Check the weather forecast before planning your trip. High altitude in Kedarnath requires acclimatization before trekking or sightseeing.
Accommodation Kedarnath-Kedarnath yatra 2023
Kedarnath is a small town in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It offers a range of accommodation options for visitors. Here are the popular options for accommodation in Kedarnath:
Guesthouses and Ashrams: Kedarnath provides affordable accommodation options such as guesthouses and ashrams. These options are inexpensive and are suitable for budget travelers.
Tent Accommodation: Kedarnath offers unique tent accommodation options that allow visitors to experience camping amidst the Himalayas. These tents offer basic amenities such as beds and blankets, along with breathtaking views of the mountains.
Hotels and Resorts: In nearby towns such as Gauri Kund and Guptkashi offer more luxurious accommodation options. These hotels and resorts offer modern amenities such as hot water, Wi-Fi, and room service. They are suitable for those who prefer more comfortable accommodation.
Book your accommodation in advance for a hassle-free stay at the peak time because rooms could be scarce. Because of the high altitude of Kedarnath, we encourage visitors to acclimatize to the weather. Visitors should also avoid excessive physical action during the first days of visit.
Places to Visit in Kedarnath yatra 2023
Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage destination in the Himalayas. It offers a range of scenic and spiritual attractions for visitors. Here are the top places to visit in Kedarnath:
Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake at an altitude of 4,150 meters above sea level. Snow-capped peaks encircle the lake, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Gandhi Sarovar: Gandhi Sarovar is a glacial lake at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level. The lake, named after Mahatma Gandhi. Snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows surround it.
Sonprayag: Sonprayag is a scenic town on the banks of the Mandakini River. The town is renowned for its natural splendor and offers several trekking routes for enthusiasts.
Triyuginarayan Temple: Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temple is at an altitude of 1,980 meters above sea level. This enchanting temple is renowned for its unique architecture and breathtaking surroundings.
Gaurikund: Gaurikund is a popular pilgrimage site at the junction of the Mandakini and Gauri river. The town is renowned for its natural charm and is the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath yatra .
These are the list of top places to visit in Kedarnath. The town offers several other scenic and spiritual attractions for visitors.
