The state of Uttarakhand is blessed with many divine temples and this is the reason why it is called the Land of Gods “Dev Bhoomi”. Among the most sacred temples, Kedarnath holds a special significance and attracts millions of tourists every year. This holy shrine is dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva and offers unmatched experiences combining spirituality and stunning landscapes. People, who are seeking spiritual enlightenment and willing to dive into adventure unlike before, must plan this sacred Kedarnath Yatra. This transformative experience will remain with you for a lifetime especially if you delve into the details of how to plan this sacred journey.
If you are planning Char Dham yatra, it is believed that this spiritual journey should be covered from west to east in a clockwise direction. Many people plan this journey to four sacred temples in one go. However, if you want to experience the spiritual vibes and don’t have enough time to dedicate to this long journey, seeking blessings at Kedarnath Temple would be enough for you. This temple with its mystical aura makes you feel that you are closer to the god of gods or Devon ke Dev, Mahadev, or Lord Shiva. Since the shrine is located amidst the high hills of the Himalayas, you must have a complete route map to ensure you never miss the must-visit sacred places that fall in your route and cover this journey hassle-free.
In this post, you will get the complete guide on the Kedarnath Yatra route map, which lets you dive into devotion and set a connection with nature. Let’s begin with the content highlights that you will get to know in this article:
Travel Planning for Your Journey
Before you pick the best route to cover Kedarnath Yatra, you must have proper planning for your journey. Since the journey is this holy shrine is not as easy as it sounds, proper planning in place can make a world of difference. Here is what you need to know before planning this journey:
A Few Important Points to Know
- Kedarnath Yatra trek is of 16 Km.
- Gaurikund is the starting point of this yatra.
- Sonprayag is the last spot that you can reach by car and the onward journey will be on foot.
- Only local cabs are allowed to reach Gaurikund from Sonprayag which is 5 km away.
- The temple opens from 4 AM to 9 PM.
- You need to allocate complete 2 days for this yatra.
The Best Time to Visit
There is no doubt that the weather condition has a huge impact on the experience you are going to get on this sacred journey. Before you plan your journey, it is better to consider the weather condition that allows you to plan smoothly and safely. The yatra usually begins in April and concludes in November before the winter snowfall. The summer months are considered the most favorable time to plan your journey when the weather is clear and slightly cool. This is the most preferred time for trekking and worshiping.
- Must Know: Char Dham Yatra Opening & Closing Dates
Travel and Accommodations
People prefer starting their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Both the places are well-connected in Uttarakhand. No matter what your origin point will be, you will enjoy the convenience of traveling from these two cities. You will not only indulge in the spiritual aura but also find it convenient to reach the shrine from these locations.
Well, your journey can easily be planned with the guides. However, it is crucial to book your accommodations well in advance. There are tents and hotels available to book near the temple. You must book your accommodation before you reach the shrine to ensure your accommodations are well-booked and you don’t have to face inconvenience upon arrival. This also ensures you enjoy a comfortable overnight stay near the temple if you book accommodations in advance without fearing the space being sold out.
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham
Once you gather all the relevant information about the best time to visit, travel, and accommodations, the next you should focus on the route and different transportation options. There are many options available on how you can reach Kedarnath Dham. Here are the different transportation modes available to reach the shrine:
By Air
- People traveling from different corners of the world can reach the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The airport is well-connected with other major cities and people can arrive in Dehradun by air. After that, they can hire a cab or use public transport to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from the airport. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the common starting points for this yatra.
By Helicopter
- You can make the journey more convenient by including helicopter services in your itinerary planning. Helicopter services are easily available to Kedarnath temple which allows pilgrims to cover the journey hassle-freely without going through the tough treks. The pilgrims will capture the stunning aerial view of the surrounding areas while traveling by helicopter and save a lot of time without much physical excretion.
By Rail
- Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railway stations connected with major cities conveniently. You can board a train to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from the major cities in India. When you arrive in any of these cities, you can cover the onward journey to the base camp for the Kedarnath trek, Gaurikund. Taxis and local transportation options are available easily.
By Road
- Many people are there who prefer traveling by their own car as it offers convenience and a smooth travel experience at their leisure. If you stay near Delhi or anywhere in UP and Rajasthan, taking a car to the Kedarnath base camp can be an ideal alternative. Sonprayag and Gaurikund have great road connectivity and taking a car can be the right alternative.
By Trekking
- Trekking to Kedarnath temple from Gaurikund is the most common way to reach. The route is approximately 16 Km an adventurous experience and offers a breathtaking view of nature. You will trek through Rambara, Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli, and Kedarnath base camp to finally reach the Kedarnath Temple.
You have the above-listed ways to reach Kedarnath Temple. Make sure you choose one that appropriately fits your travel plans and preferences.
The Route You Can Choose
Well, you might want to know how you can reach the temple from Haridwar. Your journey has different levels. Below is the route you will take to reach the shrine:
Haridwar to Rishikesh
- Generally, people choose Haridwar to begin their journey as the city is well-connected with different parts of the country and renowned for the sacred river Ganges. People arrive in Haridwar and enjoy Ganga aarti first before they start their journey ahead. Then, you will arrive in Rishikesh, the gateway to the Garhwal.
Rishikesh to Guptkashi
- From Rishikesh, you must plan your journey to Guptakashi. This town is situated at an elevation of 1319 meters. Guptkashi is renowned as home to the most famous temple, the Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. When embarking on your journey to Guptkashi, you will be passing through the stunning landscapes of the region.
Guptkashi to Kedarnath
- The final journey will be from Guptakashi to Kedarnath which involves trek and pony rides based on the preferences and physical condition. The trekking path is well-maintained and offers mesmerizing views of the surroundings. Along the way, you will witness the mesmerizing charm of the flowing rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini.
Road Distance from Major Cities
If you are wondering which route will be suitable for you from your location to Kedarnath Temple, the following information will be extremely useful for you:
- Delhi to Kedarnath: 445 Km via NH 334 and NH 58.
- Rishikesh to Kedarnath: 255 Km via NH 7 and NH 109.
- Haridwar to Kedarnath: 250 km via NH 7 and NH 109
- Dehradun to Kedarnath: 264 km via NH 7 and NH 109
- Jaipur to Kedarnath: 750 km via NH 48, NH 52, and NH 7
- Chandigarh to Kedarnath: 376 km via NH 7, NH 206, and NH 109
- Lucknow to Kedarnath: 784 km via NH 730, NH 730A, and NH 109
Below is a guide on how to reach Kedarnath from major cities
Route from Mumbai:
- Take NH 48 to reach Ahmedabad
- Take NH 27 to reach Udaipur
- Proceed on NH 48 to Delhi
- Continue 445 Km via NH 334 and NH 58.
Route from Kolkata
- Take NH 19 to reach Varanasi.
- Continue on NH 31 to reach Gorakhpur.
- Take NH 27 to reach Lucknow.
- Take NH 730 A to Ayodhya.
- Proceed on NH 330 to reach Allahabad.
- Follow NH 135 to Rudraprayag.
- Conclude your journey by taking NH 107 to Gaurikund.
Route from Bangalore
- Take NH 44 to reach Hyderabad.
- Proceed on NH 65 to Nagpur.
- Take NH 44 to Bhopal.
- Take NH 52 to Agra.
- Finally, follow the route from Agra to Kedarnath.
Exploring the Divine Destinations
The real fun of experiencing the desired destination begins with the exploration of the nearby attractions. If you want to get the most out of your journey, it is a good idea to explore divine destinations along with nearby temples or places for a more personalized experience.
Kedarnath Temple Complex
- Kedarnath Temple is certainly a perfect place to experience devotion, serenity, spirituality, and architectural excellence. The temple is situated at a height of 3,583 meters and its stone-carved architecture makes it the most admirable structure that perfectly complements the divine aura of the place. You will feel the spiritual vibes within its walls that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Not only that, it is the most appealing temple that opens its door for a limited time period every year.
Bhairavnath Temple
- People visit Kedarnath to seek the blessings of the Lord Shiva. However, a few of them get a chance to experience the vibes of Bhairavnath Temple. Whether you want an extra dose of adventure or you want to explore the nearby spiritual places after reaching the heights, take a short trek to Bhairavnath Temple. The temple is located amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayan range and offers unique vibes where one can find inner peace.
Travel Tips and Precautions
When you are embarking on this sacred journey to Kedarnath Temple, you should make sure you are well-prepared to embrace the experience of a lifetime. With these travel tips and precautions, you can easily make your journey blissful.
- Weather Considerations: Kedarnath is located amidst the Himalayan range where weather changes constantly. With unpredictable weather conditions, planning your Kedarnath Yatra can be tricky if you don’t take weather conditions into consideration. You should check the weather forecast before planning your journey.
- Altitude Sickness: People often face altitude sickness as the shrine is located at an altitude of around 3,583 meters which is 11.755 feet). It is better to prepare yourself for trekking. You must rest during the treks and drink plenty of water to reach the shrine smoothly without facing altitude sickness.
- Accommodations: Accommodations are extremely important. When you are planning a trip to Kedarnath temple, ensure you book accommodations in advance. There are affordable and mid-range accommodation options available for the stay. If you are traveling during the peak season, ensure you book your accommodations in advance.
- Puja and Darshan: When you are visiting the temple, it is important to take care of the local customs and guidelines. Respect the customs and traditions. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple complex.
The above-mentioned are some travel tips and precautions that you must take when traveling to the temple.
- Also Read: Char Dham Yatra Travel Tips
Conclusion
Kedarnath temple route map is easy to understand and requires more than just a physical path. If you want to embark on this journey of self-discovery and devotion, make sure you keep the above-mentioned things in mind while planning your journey. You will certainly get the most out of your Kedarnath visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is this yatra ideal for senior citizens?
A1: Yes, senior citizens can undertake this journey with proper medical advice from the experts and complete preparation will be required. It’s important to consult your doctor before embarking on the journey.
Q2: How many hours it will take to trek to Kedarnath?
A2: The distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 Km and it takes 6-8 hours of trek. However, the exact time depends on the individual’s fitness level.
Q3: Can I book helicopter services to reach the shrine?
A3: Yes, people who have mobility issues or those, who want to have a comfortable experience in a limited time, can opt for helicopter services.
Q4: Can I plan a journey without a guide?
A4: Yes, a journey can be planned without a guide. However, for a memorable experience, a guided tour is recommended.
- Suggested to Read: How to Register for Chardham Yatra
