A Guide for Kedarnath Trek
Nestled deep inside the Garhwal Himalayan region, Kedarnath is the third Dham of Chota Chardham Yatra and also a very popular trekking journey for those who wish to witness its sprawling beauty. It is this place from where river Ganges originates, following its path further towards Gangotri temple and finally, rushing down to the plains with a torrential force. Thousands of pilgrims as well as curious travelers visit this place every year, pilgrims follow their path here because of their spiritual beliefs and the curious travelers come here with the wishful thinking of witnessing the spellbinding beauty of this place.
Kedarnath is a place which is worshipped by the Hindu religion with great fervor and admiration. It earned its spirituality during the 12th century when Pandavas fought against their kin in the great battle of Mahabharata. It was this place where they first came after they won the war to ask for forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their kin. However, Lord Shiva refused to forgive them for their grave sins and went into hiding in this place. But, Pandavas got successful in finding him and pulled him by his tail. So, now a temple is being established at that very place where Pandavas reached out to Lord Shiva. And this how, this place later became a spiritual land where only pure souls can wander around.
Round the year, Kedarnath is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a trekking trail to this place is one of the most picturesque journeys in India. You will see thousands of saints draped in orange colored cloth, pilgrims wearing Lord Shiva headband, and travelers with backpacks walking alongside you. So, if you are planning a trekking trip to Kedarnath then, spare some time to go through our trekking guide to Kedarnath.
In 2013, a flood entirely destroyed the path leading to Kedarnath but with the help of Indian Army and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, a different trail was restored. So, one has to walk about 16 km to reach Kedarnath walking through places like Rambada, Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli etc. There are many camps installed along this journey by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering where you can rest for a bit. You also don't have to worry about food because you will also cross many snacks shop during your journey. So, you will be walking through the following route during your Kedarnath trekking trip.
Plastic Bags are long banned in this region so avoid carrying those otherwise you may have to give a fine to the Kedarnath authority. Since this region is guarded by Army officials 24 hours, so in case of emergency it is advisable to first reach out to them because they can help you faster than any other.
Kedarnath is a place which is worshipped by the Hindu religion with great fervor and admiration. It earned its spirituality during the 12th century when Pandavas fought against their kin in the great battle of Mahabharata. It was this place where they first came after they won the war to ask for forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their kin. However, Lord Shiva refused to forgive them for their grave sins and went into hiding in this place. But, Pandavas got successful in finding him and pulled him by his tail. So, now a temple is being established at that very place where Pandavas reached out to Lord Shiva. And this how, this place later became a spiritual land where only pure souls can wander around.
Round the year, Kedarnath is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a trekking trail to this place is one of the most picturesque journeys in India. You will see thousands of saints draped in orange colored cloth, pilgrims wearing Lord Shiva headband, and travelers with backpacks walking alongside you. So, if you are planning a trekking trip to Kedarnath then, spare some time to go through our trekking guide to Kedarnath.
Best Time to Trek to Kedarnath
Because Kedarnath is hidden deep inside the Garhwal Himalayas that's why the place witnesses extreme cold situation during winter. So, planning a trekking trip to Kedarnath during winter may not be a good idea. The best time to plan a trekking to Kedarnath is from May to June because of the comfortable weather and clear view.How to Reach
In order to reach Kedarnath, one has to follow a trekking path of about 16 km from Gaurikund. Since Gaurikund is connected by a motorable road from Haridwar so you can take a bus to reach Gaurikund. But after Gaurikund, the path can only be tackled by walking or you can just hire a pony who will carry you in a bucket on their shoulders or you can also reach out to Kedarnath helicopter service provider to help you reach Kedarnath.In 2013, a flood entirely destroyed the path leading to Kedarnath but with the help of Indian Army and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, a different trail was restored. So, one has to walk about 16 km to reach Kedarnath walking through places like Rambada, Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli etc. There are many camps installed along this journey by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering where you can rest for a bit. You also don't have to worry about food because you will also cross many snacks shop during your journey. So, you will be walking through the following route during your Kedarnath trekking trip.
- Delhi to Haridwar (206 Km) >>> Haridwar to Gaurikund >>> From Gaurikund to Kedarnath (By Trek of 16 km)
Permits
Because this region receives many terrorists’ threats every now and then, that's why the place is always put under high security and you may see many Indian Army officials guarding this region. So, to descend on this journey one has to carry the necessary identity cards to show to the Indian Army officials at the starting point. You may also have to pay the mandatory entry fees of few bucks at the starting point in order to receive a ticket to enter this region.Plastic Bags are long banned in this region so avoid carrying those otherwise you may have to give a fine to the Kedarnath authority. Since this region is guarded by Army officials 24 hours, so in case of emergency it is advisable to first reach out to them because they can help you faster than any other.
Things to Carry
Basic Requirements
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Personal care
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Medical kit
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Backpack (30-40 litres)
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Toiletries
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Crocin
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Trekking Shoes
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Toilet paper
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Avil 25mg
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Two Warm Layers
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Light Towel
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Combiflam
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Two Trek pants
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Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Moisturizer
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Digene
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Two t-shirts
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Water bottle
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Crepe Bandages
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Sunglasses, Sun Cap
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Gauze - 1 small role
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Woolen Hand gloves and scarf
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Band Aid, Cotton
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Socks (2 pairs)
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ORS
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LED torch and trekking stick
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Betadine, Moov Spray
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Delhi to Haridwar
After reaching Delhi safely, get ready to start you journey towards Haridwar. You can take a Volvo bus or you can book a private for Haridwar from Delhi. And when you reach Haridwar then, book a hotel room for an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Haridwar to Gaurikund
Have a delicious breakfast, resume your journey towards Gaurikund now which is 200 km away from Haridwar. When you reach Gaurikund safely then, take a rest for that night because you cannot start your trek with tiredness so book a hotel room in Gaurikund for an overnight stay.
Day 3 - Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
After having a healthy breakfast in the morning, start your trek to Kedarnath. Today, you will be walking a distance of 16 km and it is a steep climb but there will hundreds of devotees walking alongside you. You will be walking through one of the most picturesque surrounding of the Himalayan region during your journey. After climbing for about 6 to 7 hours, you will reach Kedarnath.
Day 4 - Sightseeing in Kedarnath
Firstly, pay your heartily homage to the idols of Kedarnath temple and then, you can go on a sightseeing trip to other gems hidden in Kedarnath. You can visit places like Gandhi Sarovar, Sonprayag, Gaurikund temple, Vasuki Tal, Triyuginarayan temple, Bhairavnath Temple, etc. So, enjoy your full day here and learn about the local culture now that you are here.
Day 5 - Trek back from Kedarnath to Gaurikund
After having breakfast, trek back to Gaurikund and today also you can enjoy the walking in the downward direction. Because this will also be a very great experience to follow. Once you reach Gaurikund safely, stay here only.
Day 6 - Gaurikund to Haridwar
On your day 6, take a bus back to Haridwar and enjoy your stay in another highly spiritual place of India where thousands come every day. From there, you can enjoy your forward journey.
Tips and Tricks
- Drink plenty of water before your trek – you should triple your water intake in order to avoid dehydration.
- Choose trekking shoes which are a number larger than your normal size. Sometimes, it becomes highly uncomfortable if you choose to walk in your normal shoe size. You may end up getting sore fingers and blisters once the trek ends.
- If in case you are carrying a camera or a mobile phone, make sure to carry plastic waterproof bags to keep those things safe.
- When you start trekking, try to walk in your natural rhythm otherwise you will feel tired early. Never attempt to walk too fast or too slow because that can lead to premature fatigue.
- Take 5 minutes rest after covering 2 to 3 miles and eat some snacks during that rest.
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