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Overview
The Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus, located in the Uttarakhand state of India. Here's an overview of what the Kedarnath Yatra entails:
Location: Kedarnath is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, near the Mandakini River, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level. It is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and is known for its serene and spiritual atmosphere.
Spiritual Significance: Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) and is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. It holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Yatra Route: The traditional route for the Kedarnath Yatra starts from the town of Gaurikund. From there, pilgrims trek a distance of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) to reach Kedarnath. The trek passes through picturesque landscapes, rugged terrains, and dense forests.
Modes of Transport: While trekking is the most common way to reach Kedarnath, there are also options for hiring ponies or palanquins (doli) for those who may have difficulty walking. Helicopter services are also available for those who prefer a faster and more convenient mode of transport.
Accommodation: Along the yatra route, there are several guesthouses, ashrams, and tented accommodations available for pilgrims to rest and rejuvenate during their journey. Basic amenities such as food, water, and medical facilities are provided at these stops.
Weather Conditions: The weather in the region can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from cool to cold, especially at higher altitudes. Pilgrims are advised to carry appropriate clothing and gear to deal with varying weather conditions.
Importance of Darshan: The main pilgrimage involves visiting the Kedarnath Temple, where devotees seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple remains open only for a few months each year due to extreme weather conditions, typically from April/May to October/November.
Cultural Experience: The Kedarnath Yatra not only offers a spiritual journey but also provides pilgrims with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the region. Local customs, rituals, and festivals add to the overall experience.
Safety Measures: Due to the challenging terrain and altitude, it's essential for pilgrims to take necessary precautions and follow safety guidelines provided by authorities. Adequate physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitude are crucial for a successful and safe yatra.
Overall, the Kedarnath Yatra is a profound spiritual journey that attracts millions of devotees from around the world seeking solace, enlightenment, and divine blessings at the feet of Lord Shiva.
Important Expert Travel Tips for Chardham
- While visiting Hindu mythological sites, shrines and temples, one should remove shoes and cover head with a piece of cloth before entering the Holy Place.
- Do carry your personal daily use products toiletries, creams, moisturizers, sunscreen etc. Pack a medical kit with painkillers, antibiotics, cough lozenges, Antiseptic cream, Iodine, tube-squeeze cream and medicines for cold and fever. Carry your routine medicines, as you might find only limited and general medicine at such remote locations.
- Carry dark chocolates, dry fruits, Glucose (Glucon D), toffees. They will provide your instant energy during the trekking and during long jams.
- It can rain anytime here, so it is mandatory to carry an umbrella and raincoat along with your rain shoes.
- To protect yourself from the cold winds here, carry a windcheater, woolen socks, monkey caps and a muffler. These will enable you to withstand the chill that comes with wind on the upper Himalayan region.
- When asking for directions, speak to shopkeepers, not pedestrians. Check with at least two persons or more.
- Do not take pictures if cameras are not allowed in any particular area. Do not play with the sentiments of any particular religion.
- At least a month before the Yatra, it is advisable to start preparatory exercises for the trip 4 months in advance.
- Though self-managed tours happen to be economical, it is advisable for your Chardham yatra to go for a guided tour arranged by an expert local travel agent.
- Carry extra batteries and films for your camera, as electricity is not regular in such remote places.
- Avoid traveling in the rainy season as there are a lot of landslides during that time.
- Book your trip well in advance if you are travelling close to the temple opening dates, there is a heavy rush of pilgrims.
- Alcohol or non-vegetarian food is not permitted during Char Dham Yatra Tour.
- Drink packaged water or boiled water only.
- Accommodation Expectation: The provided hotels are of a standard Category unless you have booked Deluxe / Luxury package. Expect Basic Home stay / Guest houses in Kedarnath.
- Meals Exceptions: We provided Breakfast and Dinner to our guests it will be basic Indian vegetarian meals (We do not offer any meals in Kedarnath).
- From Sonprayag to Gaurikund our vehicles are not allowed and hence one has to go with Union Taxi by paying 40-50 Rupee Person one way.
- Be prepared for changes in itinerary.
- Do not fall victim of fraud travel agents.
- Do not negotiate hard with your travel agents as it may hamper your service quality, as the offered prices are prepared keeping in mind quality of services.
Clothing during Char Dham Yatra
Summers (May, June, July, August)- Moderate Woolens.
Winters (April, September, October, November)- Heavy Woolens.
Medical Emergency Number
In case of any serious medical emergency, call 108 (The Mobile emergency service from Government of Uttarakhand). Don't make fake calls, as it is punishable offence.
Travelling Tips
Train Connectivity: Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun are well connected to major cities of India by Railway Network.
Air Connectivity: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Helicopter service to Kedarnath and Badrinath is available from Delhi, Dehradun, Phata, Augustmuni and Gauchar near Rudraprayag and Jollygrant Airport Dehradun.
If self-driving in Uttarakhand during Chardham
- Always keep your vehicle on left side of the Road.
- Use Horn at curves on hills, never overtake the overtaking vehicle.
- One should not drive more than 8 hours a day in hilly region.
- Avoid driving after sunset, as it is not allowed in hilly area of Uttarakhand.
- Use shoes instead of slippers while driving.
- Check your Brakes and Hand Brakes before starting journey.
- Check the Headlights, Break light and Parking lights of your vehicle.
- Always give way to uphill vehicles.
- Keep your vehicle's valid documents with you to avoid inconvenience.
- Before journey, make sure that fuel tank of your vehicle is full; in case of landslides you might have to take alternate long routes.
- Ensure to refuel, where ever easily you get chance, during season there might be long queues in Petrol Pumps at main stations.
- Carry first aid box with you.
- Do not drink and drive.
- In case of traffic jam, park your vehicle at the end of the queue. If you initiate a parallel queue, the traffic from other side might force you to drive in reverse gear, till you reach again at end of the original queue. And you may find it very difficult to drive long in reverse gear on a hilly road.
- Do not compete with local vehicles/drivers. They know the terrain very well.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar to Guptkashi/Phata/Sersi.
Pick-up Point: Haridwar
Time Taken: 8-9 Hrs.
Meals: Dinner Only.
Room Type: Triple Bed Standard.
- During the journey, you'll encounter the Mandakini River at Tilwara, originating from Kedarnath. Our route also includes a visit to the Ardh Narishwar Temple.
- Upon evening arrival in Guptkashi, known as "Hidden Benares," we delve into mythology. Legend has it that when the Pandava brothers sought a glimpse of Shiva, he initially concealed himself in Guptkashi. However, Shiva later retreated further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas ultimately achieved their desired audience.
Day 2: Guptkashi/Phata/Sersi to Sonprayag and Trek to Kedarnath.
Pick-up Point: Guptkashi/Phata/Sersi
Time Taken: 12-14 Hrs.
Meals: Breakfast Only.
Room Type: Multi Sharing Room Standard.
- From Sonprayag, you can avail yourself of a local taxi to Gauri Kund, operated by the local taxi association, typically costing between INR 30-50 per person (payment made directly).
- If you arrive early in Kedarnath, you'll have the chance to witness the evening Aarti Ceremony at the temple. Situated against the majestic backdrop of the Kedarnath range, the Kedarnath shrine holds significant reverence as one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. "Kedar" is an alternate name for Lord Shiva.
Note: Meals in Kedarnath will require direct payment.
Day 3: Kedarnath Ji to Gaurikund by trek and drive to Sonprayag to Haridwar.
Pick-up Point: Sonprayag
Time Taken: 7-8 Hrs.
Meals: No Meals.
Room Type: No Bed.
- In the morning, participate in the Aarti Ceremony at Kedarnath Temple.
- Following this, we begin our descent to Gaurikund by trekking approximately 16-18 kilometers. It's advisable to depart as early as possible, ideally no later than 8 AM.
- From Gaurikund, arrange for a local taxi at your own expense to reach the Sonprayag taxi stand.
- Once in Sonprayag, board your vehicle and proceed to Haridwar. Departure from Sonprayag/Sitapur is scheduled for 1:00 PM, so ensure punctuality.
Sumit Gupta
Travel Expert
Since 2005 Mr. Sumit Gupta is working hard to provide a best travel experience to each customer in north India. He is based in Dehradun Uttarakhand, providing seemlessly Chardham and other tour services to 1k+ customers every month.
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