Kedarnath TREK
Kedarnath is one of the holy places and the most sacred pilgrimages of Lord Shiva. It is situated in Rudraprayag district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand and every year thousands of pilgrims visit this place to seek blessing from Lord Shiva. It is one of the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand and is regarded as the most important dham among Panch kedar. This holy pilgrimage is positioned at an altitude of 3586 meters in the mesmerizing backdrop of magnificent mountains near the gorgeous river Mandakini, Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Even the name of this shrine also has a strong meaning “Kedar” means powerful which is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and destroyer. Spectacular aura, snow clad mountains and breathtaking landscape makes Kedarnath trek even more interesting and hence people visit in large numbers every year. The main attraction of this dham is the main Shiva Temple which is nestled in the mid of the scenic landscape. This temple is dedicated to Shiva who is considered the embodiment of all passions – love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms. Kedarnath is one of the important pilgrimages of Lord Shiva but there are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the area itself. So, if you’re also planning Kedarnath Yatra the below is the detailed Kedarnath travel guide.
The complete trek of Kedarnath is of 16 kilometers which starts from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The trek has changed after the 2013 flood disaster and since then the 14 kilometers trek has changed and turned 16 kilometers trek. Below is the detailed guide of new Kedarnath trek route.
TREK highlights
Region
Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level
Easy-Moderate
Altitude
12,500 Ft.
Time Duration
5 Days
Trekking Distance
32 kms
why you should choose Kedarnath Trek
Kedarnath Trek the India’s Most Popular Destination in Uttarakhand Himalayas
Kedarnath Trek is a remote but highly celebrated pilgrimage site of the famous ‘Char Dham’ in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. At an astounding location of 3583m Kedarnath lies near Chorabari Glacier, the birthplace of Mandakini River and is surrounded by various snow-capped peaks. The famous Kedarnath Mountain also lies in the vicinity to the site of Kedarnath. The Hindu pilgrimage site is visited every year by thousands of devotees from all around India. Many Peoples thinks the Kedarnath Trek and Kedarkantha Trek are the same but these both are different Treks and also located in different location. Kedarnath Trek located in Rudraprayag district and Kedarkantha Trek located in Uttarakashi district in Uttarkhand.
A special place of Lord Shiva in Himalayas of Uttarakhand
Kedarnath is a place where a special form of Lord Shiva is seen. Kedarnath Temple is one of the holy pilgrimage sites in the state of Uttarakhand, northern India, located on the banks of the Mandakini river and is a beautiful place in the lap of Himalayas, which is known as Kedarnath. The name of the historical heritage of this area is “Kedar Khand”. Kedarnath temple is a special part of Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand state and it is known among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
Special place of Lord Shiva in Himalayas of Uttarakhand
Kedarnath is a place where a special form of Lord Shiva is seen. Kedarnath Temple is one of the holy pilgrimage sites in the state of Uttarakhand, northern India, located on the banks of the Mandakini river and is a beautiful place in the lap of Himalayas, which is known as Kedarnath. The name of the historical heritage of this area is “Kedar Khand”. Kedarnath temple is a special part of Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand state and it is known among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.
Who Can GO For kedarnath TREK
- First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45 minutes without a stress.
- The climber should be able to carry a 10 kg backpack.
- Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.
How to reach
The Dehradun Railway station is one of the main stations in the City and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Dehradun by train cost around Rs.350 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs.890 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.
By Train:-
From Delhi take the DDN SHTABDI SPL (02017) Dep. New Delhi at 06:45am. Arrival Dehradun at 12:55pm. or the Uttar KOTA DDN SPL (02401) Dep. NZM at 11:45pm arrival Dehradun at 05:40 am (Overnight Journey).
By Bus:-
Regular buses fly from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar/Kashmiri Gate station to Dehradun. Buses drop you at ISBT bus station.Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Isbt and Railway
Itenary
Day 1:- Dehradun – Sankri
• Altitude 6,400 feet
• Stay in guest house/Eco-Camps.
• Drive 220 km (10 hrs drive).
• Local market and network is available.
• Pick up time 06:00 am at the parking of ISBT (Bus Station)/Railway station.
• Route:- Dehradun- Mussorie- Naogaon -Purola- Mori- Sankri
Day 2:- Sankri- Juda-Ka-Taal-Shepherd Campsite
• 9,100 ft, 4-5 hrs trek, 4km
• One third of the trek through village and rest through forest
• Stay in tent
• Moderate level ascent through forest
• Hot lunch at camp
• Spring and manmade water points are available
• Go to Juda Taal lake for evening walk, activities.
Day 3:- Shepherd Camp – Base of Kedarkantha
• 11,250 ft, 6 – 4 to 5 hrs trek, 4km
• You will be witnessing Shepherd huts in open meadows.
• It’s advisable to carry at least 2 liters of water
• Very scenic day, can see Bandarpooch, Swargarohini and greater Himalayas.
• Stay in tent
Day 4:- Basecamp- Kedarkantha Summit- Sankri
• 12,500 ft, 7-8 hrs trek (to and fro) , 8km
• Moderate ascent most of the time, few slops have steep ascent
• It’s advisable to carry at least 2 liters of water
• Lunch on the Kedarkantha basecamp
• 360 degree of view from summit
• First 180 degree angle covers Himalayas Bandarpooch, Swargarohini, Kala Naag,
Ranglana and other greater Himalayas peak
Day 5:- Sankri- Dehradun
• 10 hrs drive.
• Drive 220 km.
• After Breakfast and morning tea move to Dehradun
• Reach Dehradun by 8:00 phead
Important things to carry for trekking
Basic Essentials
An identity card – Original and Photocopies (MANDATORY)
Back Pack & Rain Cover (50-60 liter)
Day Pack & Rain Cover (20-30 liter, If you hire mule or porter)
1 ltr of pet water bottle or hydration pack
Floaters or Sandals, Trekking Shoes (waterproof are better during snow and rain)
LED Torch/Headlamp (With extra batteries)
Poncho, Rain Coat or Umbrella any one is must (Poncho are lightweight, easy to carry/fit)
Torch with pair of batteries
Clothing & other Essentials
2 Pairs of Quick Dry Tees and Track Pants (Denim are not recommended for treks.)
1 pair of T-shirts (half and full sleeve)
3 Pair of Cotton Socks, 2 pairs of woolen socks
2 Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket
Thermal Wear – 1 pair (you can keep two if going on the long trek)
Gore Tex type similar hard shell for rain or snow & to be worn over mid layers like fleece or down jackets.
One down feather Jacket
Sun Cap, One Scarf, Light towel, Gloves (1 woolen, 1 waterproof)
Woolen cap or Balaclava that covers the ear (protection from cold waves), Dark UV Sunglasses
Carry a few plastic bags in case your clothes get wet.
Eatables – Quick Energy During Trek
Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits, Energy bars, Toffees and Dry fruits & nuts.
INCLUSIONS
1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg)
3.Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
EXCLUSIONS
1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
F.A.Q.
For Kedarnath Trek
Simply select “Contact Us” offered by us from navigation menu and mail us about your Trek Details according to your preferences and make online payment by Debit Card/ Credit Card or Net Banking.
You have to provide a photo identification, medical health certificate and a scan copy of confirmation of payment made.
Yes, you can cancel the booking due to any reason. But you have to give us a written declaration for cancelling the package.