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Far up in the mountains, floating in the clouds, is a delightful little town. A place filled with magic, wonder and spirituality. A place built from the foundation of religion. A place nurtured by its hills, valleys, lakes and waterfalls. A place that is challenging to reach, but worth the climb. They say that the journey is more valuable than the destination. In this case, the journey and the destination are equally enriching. Kedarnath is a trip for the soul.
| Kedarnath Tourism: A Quick View of the City | |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Official Language | Hindi, Garhwali |
| Dial Code | Rudraprayag - 01364 |
| Population | 612 (as of 2011) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | GMT + 05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 2.75 square km |
Kedarnath Mandir is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the 3rd holy dwelling in the Chota Char Dham Yatra – a journey undertaken by pilgrims to achieve a state of salvation. The temple is nestled within the Garhwal Himalayan Range, ensconced by snow, slate and stretches of blue sky. You will see a large statue of the Nandi bull standing guard outside the temple. Upon entering you will find a 12 ft Shiva Lingam craved out of a conical and irregular rock. Take a moment to breathe in the spiritual aura of this place. Thousands of pilgrims trek this route every year.
This sacred abode marks the spot where philosopher Shree Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have attained nirvana – the ultimate release from the cycle of reincarnation. Situated just behind Kedarnath Mandir, this 8th century temple is a place of great mystique. Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit his burial grounds as the 2013 floods destroyed it.
Bhairavnath Temple lies north of Kedarnath Temple, along the snow coated eastern Himalayas. This bygone temple is dedicated to Bhairava – Lord Shiva’s manifestation of death and destruction. It is believed that Bhairava protects the Kedar valley during the winter. A 1 km trek uphill will lead you to this ancient shrine, where you can marvel at how it has stood the test of time. And the best part is, you will be greeted by a 360-degree view of unadulterated mountainous beauty.
Gandhi Sarovar is situated at the feet of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peak. A magical lake that sparkles like a million crystals. You can glimpse the reflection of the neighbouring landscapes in its transparent waters. While trekking to this exquisite spot, you will pass a breath-taking waterfall and verdant deodar and oak forests - nature’s little surprises to accompany you on your spiritual journey. Make sure you visit this spot; it is a visual extravaganza.
Amidst sightseeing and spiritual contemplation, make sure you treat yourself to some delectable dishes. Gorging on plates of steaming food, when in the mountains, is a different experience altogether. Your taste buds are heightened, your appreciation sky rockets. Chauhan Guest House is a charming restaurant in Kedarnath, that serves North Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. Its speciality includes chicken curry with noodles. Fork, twirl and slurp to your hearts content. You’re sure to enjoy this one.
Kedarnath is a nagar panchayat, situated in the Rudraprayag district, of the state of Uttarakhand. It is burrowed deep within the Himalayas, at approximately 3,583m above sea level. Caressed by the Mandakani River and the Chorabari Glacier, while the snow-capped mountains flank it from all sides. Gaurikund marks the nearest road.
Click here to view Kedarnath on Google Map
Owing to its elevation, Kedarnath experiences cold weather throughout the year. However, there are certain months that are particularly unforgiving. Winter settles from the months of November to April, reaching sub-zero temperatures and witnessing heavy rainfall. The monsoon season occurs from the months of July to August, bringing forth relentless showers and the risk of landslides. As such, the most conducive best time to visit this region would be during May to June or September to October. This is an opportune time as the sacred Kedarnath Temple is open from the 9th May to the 27th of October. Furthermore, the temperature is extremely pleasant, and the air is clear and crisp.
By Road – Gaurikund is the point at which the road to Kedarnath ends and a 14km trek begins. You can reach Gaurikund from major destinations in Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkarshi, Srinagar and Chamoli. It lies on National Highway 9, which is easily accessible from other parts of the state. Choose between a bus, taxi or private vehicle.
By Rail – Rishikesh station, situated on NH58, is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath. You can hop onto a train bound to Rishikesh from all major cities in the country. The trains ply frequently, so do not fret. Once at the station, you can hail a taxi or board a bus to Gaurikund.
By Air – Jolly Grant Airport, in Dehradun, is the closest airport to Kedarnath. It offers flights to and from major cities in the country such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. Upon arrival, you can choose between a taxi and a bus to take you to Gaurikund.
Kedarnath is a pilgrimage site that dates back to ancient times. It is one of the Chota Char Dham dwellings. The earliest traces of Kedarnath has been found in the Skanda Purana – a Hindu religious text. It suggests that Kedarnath was the location where Lord Shiva released the Ganges from his tangled hair. According to another mythological account, Kedarnath temple was constructed by the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata. One hagiography (biography of a saint) suggests that 8th century philosopher Adi Shankara died in this region.
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