About Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or “pillars of light” of Shiva.
Kedarnath is one of the four Char Dhams, or “four abodes” of Vishnu, along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Char Dham pilgrimage is a popular Hindu pilgrimage that is undertaken by millions of people every year
The Kedarnath Dham is located in a remote and mountainous region, and the journey to the temple is a challenge. The temple can be reached by a combination of road and trekking, and the final stretch of the journey is a steep climb. However, the journey is well worth it, as the temple is located in a stunning setting and is a place of great spiritual significance.
Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Kedarnath Temple
When to visit
The best time to visit Kedarnath Dham is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is pleasant during this time, and the trails are clear of snow.
Kedarnath is always closed for six months from November to March due to snowfall in the area (exact dates are always announced). The temperature ranges between 5 and 18 degrees Celsius throughout this period. The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is between September and October. Kedarnath experiences the monsoon season between July and August, which brings significant rainfall that causes landslides and other problems.
How To Reach Kedarnath
There Are A Few Ways To Reach Kedarnath.
By Helicopter – Helicopter service is also available from Dehradun and Rishikesh to Kedarnath. This is the fastest way to reach Kedarnath, but it is also the most expensive.
By Road – Kedarnath is well connected by road from major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. You can take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund, which is the last motorable point on the way to Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, you will have to trek for about 4-5 kilometers to reach the temple.
Trekking – The most popular way to reach Kedarnath is by trekking. There are a number of trekking routes to Kedarnath, and the most popular one is the Rishikesh-Kedarnath trek. This trek is about 14 kilometers long and takes about 3 days to complete.
Uncover The Hidden Gems Of The Kedarnath Region
The Kedarnath region is a hidden gem in the Himalayas. It is home to stunning scenery, rich culture, and a variety of outdoor activities. Here are a few of the hidden gems that you can discover in the Kedarnath region:
Guptakashi
After the Mahabharata War, Lord Shiva is said to have sought refuge in this small village at the foot of the Himalayas. Many temples may be found there, including the Ardhnarishwar Temple and the Vishwanath Temple.
Gangotri
The source of the Ganges River, Gangotri is a popular pilgrimage destination and a beautiful place to visit for its stunning mountain scenery.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund has a hot water spring by the same name and Chardham pilgrims make it a point to take a bath in the hot water before visiting the Kedarnath Shrine. It is believed that taking a holy dip in the holy pond will wash of all sins and a holy darshan of Kedarnath Shiva after that will fulfills all wishes of the devotees. Gaurikund also has a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati Devi, the Gauri Devi Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi Devi meditated to attain Lord Shiva.
There is another thermal springs on the right bank of Mandakini, Garam Kund – an enclosed hot spring for women with separate dress changing rooms.
Mayali Pass Trek
The 12-day Mayali Pass Trek takes place in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It starts in Ghuttu and ends at the well-known pilgrimage site of Gaurikund. The walk is challenging, with an elevation gain of about 4,000 metres, but it is also rewarding because it gives beautiful views of the Himalayas, including the Kedarnath Range, Thalay Sagar, and the Gangotri Glacier.
The trek passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and glaciers.
The trek is best done in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the trails are clear. It is important to be in good physical condition and to be prepared for altitude sickness.
Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal, a glacier lake in India’s Garhwal Himalayas, can be discovered. It is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers, with an elevation of 4,978 metres (16,337 feet).
These are only a few of the hidden gems of Kedarnath’s surroundings. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and admire the magnificence of the Himalayas, the Kedarnath Valley is a wonderful choice.
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