Holy Pilgrimage –Char Dham (Kedarnath) at 9:02 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Char Dham (Kedarnath)   

Char Dham
(Famous Four Pilgrimage sites)


Badrinath (or alternatively the Himalayan towns of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri) compose the Char Dham (four abodes) pilgrimage circuit.
Char Dham is : 'the four abodes/seats') are the names of four piligrimage places in India that are widely revered by most of the "Hindus".
The Char Dham defined by Adi Shankaracharya consists of three Vaishnavite, one Shaivite, and one mixed site. Over the years, the term "Char Dham" has lent itself to the all-denomination Char Dham pilgrimages in the Garhwal Himalayas, where Adi Shankaracharya attained freedom from embodiment.
Earlier known as Chota Char Dham or 'Little' Char Dham to differentiate them from the bigger circuit of Char Dham sites, after the mid-20th century they themselves started being called the Char Dham^[1] Today, the term "Char Dham" usually refers to the all-denomination Himalayan Char Dham. The Char Dham are often considered the most revered sites for Hindus that have to be visited in one's lifetime.

 

Kedarnath

Kedarnath (Hindi: केदारनाथ) is a Hindu holy town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a nagar panchayat in Rudraprayag district. The most remote of the four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, about 3584m(11759 Ft.) above sea level near the head of river Mandakini, and is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.
Kedarnath hosts one of the holiest Hindu temples, the Kedarnath Temple, and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims from all over the world, being one of the four major sites in India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage.
Kedarnath is named in honor of King Kedar, who ruled in the Satya Yuga. He had a daughter named Vrinda who was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. She performed austerities for 60000 years. In honour of her, the land is named Vrindavan. However, Kedarnath and its temple exist from the Mahabharata Era when the Pandavas are supposed to have pleased Lord Shiva by doing penance there

ccessibility

Kedarnath is difficult to reach. There are 2 ways to reach the town:

1.   By foot for a steep 14 km trek through a paved path (horses or palanquins are available for rent) from Gaurikund, which is connected by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and other known hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttarakhand

2.   Through helicopter service.

Overview

The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April end or first week of May) and closes on Bhai Duj (October end or 1st week of November) due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather during winter. Gaurikhund is 75 km from Rudraprayag. In between Rudraprayag and Kedarnath there are several places of pilgrimage such as Agastyamuni, Ukhimath, Phauli- Pasalat Devi Maa, Bamsu (Lamgoundi) Vanasur, Maa Kali at Kalimath, Trijugi Narayan (7 km from Son Prayag) (Where Lord Shankar got married to Goddess Parwati from when the fire of hawan kund is still alive) and Kashi Vishwanath at Guptakashi.
Udar Kund is located here. It is written in Kedar Khand of Shiv Mahapuran that the water of Udak Kund is mixture of all the 5 Oceans and always remain fresh even when kept for many years. The holy water of Udak Kund is used for purification rituals. Hans Kund, Bharo Nath, Navdurga Mandir, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Ishaneswar Mahadev Temple, Ret Kund, Panch Ganga Sangam, Chaurwari Taal now known as Gandhi Sarowar, Bashuki Taal are also places to visit here. There are several guest houses in Kedarnath with reasonable rates.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Mandir (Hindi: केदारनाथ मंदिर, Kēdārnāth Maṃdir ) is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located atop the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in India. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open only between the end of April to Kartik Purnima (the autumn full moon). During the winters, the murtis (idols) from Kedarnath temple are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months. In this region Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the 'Lord of Kedar Khand', the historical name of the region. This temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam (the 275 Holy Abodes of Shiva on the continent), praised by the Tamil Nayanars saints in the 6th-9th century CE.
The temple is not directly accessible by road and has to be reached by a 14 km uphill trek from Gaurikund . The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Sankaracharya^[1] and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva. The older temple existed from the times of Mahabharata, when the Pandavas are supposed to have pleased Shiva by doing penance in Kedarnath. The temple is also one of the four major sites in India's Chota Char Dham pilgrimage of Northern Himalayas

Jyotirlinga

As per Shiv Mahapuran, once Brahma (the Hindu God of creation) and Vishnu (the Hindu God of saving) had an argument in terms of supremacy of creation.^[2] To test them, Shiva pierced the three worlds as a huge endless pillar of light, the jyotirlinga. Vishnu and Brahma split their ways to downwards and upwards respectively to find the end of the light in either directions. Brahma lied that he found out the end, while Vishnu conceded his defeat. Shiva appeared as a second pillar of light and cursed Brahma that he would have no place in ceremonies while Vishnu would be worshipped till the end of eternity. The jyotirlinga is the supreme partless reality, out of which Shiva partly appears. The jyothirlinga shrines, thus are places where Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light.^[3][4] Originally there were believed to be 64 jyothirlingas while 12 of them are considered to be very auspicious and holy.^[2] Each of the twelve jyothirlinga sites take the name of the presiding deity - each considered different manifestation of Shiva.^[5] At all these sites, the primary image is lingam representing the beginningless and endless Stambha pillar, symbolizing the infinite nature of Shiva.^[5][6][7] The twelve jyothirlinga are Somnath in Gujarat, Mallikarjuna at Srisailam in Andra Pradesh, Mahakaleswar at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh, Kedarnath in Himalayas, Bhimashankar in Maharastra, Viswanath at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Triambakeshwar in Maharastra, Vaijanath at [[Parali|Parali] in maharashtra, Hingoli at Hingoli in Maharashtra, Rameshwar at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Grishneshwar at Aurangabad in Maharastra.^[2][8]

Temple and significance

The actual temple is an impressive stone edifice of unknown date. During the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, the kith and kin of the Pandavas were killed; in order to absolve themselves of this sin, the Pandavas undertook a pilgrimage. But Lord Vishweshwara was away in Kailasa in the Himalayas. On learning this, the Pandavas left Kashi. They reached the Himalayas via Hardwar. They saw Lord Shankar from a distance. But Lord Shankara hid from them. Then Dharmaraj said: “Oh, Lord, You have hidden yourself from our sight because we have sinned. But, we will seek You out somehow. Only after we take your Darshan would our sins be washed away. This place, where You have hidden Yourself will be known as Guptkashi and become a famous shrine.”
From Guptakashi (Rudraprayag), the Pandavas went ahead till they reached Gaurikund in the Himalayas valleys. They wandered there in search of Lord Shankara. While doing so Nakul and Sahadev found a he-buffalo. It was unique to look at.
Then! Bheema went after the buffalo with his mace. The buffalo was clever and Bheema could not catch it. But Bheema managed to hit the buffalo with his mace. The buffalo had its face hidden in a crevice-in the earth. Bheema started to pull it by its tail. In this tug-of war, the face of the buffalo went straight to Nepal, leaving its hind part in Kedar. The face of the buffalo is Doleshwar Mahadev located in Sipatol, Bhaktapur, Nepal.^[9][10][11]
On this hind part of Mahesha, a glorious JyotirLinga appeared. Lord Shankara appeared from this great light. He appeared before the pandavas. By getting a Darshan of Lord Shankar, the pandavas were absolved of their sins. The Lord told the Pandavas, “From now on, I will remain here as a triangular shaped JyotirLinga. By taking a Darshan of Kedarnath, devotees would attain piety”. Near Kedarnath, there are many symbols of the Pandavas Raja Pandu died here, when he tried to make love to Madri. This place is famous as Pandukeshwar. The tribals here perform a dance called “Pandav Nritya”. The mountain top where the Pandavas went to Swarga, is known as “Swargarohini”. When Darmaraja was leaving for Swarga, one of his fingers fell on the earth. At that place, Dharmaraj installed a Shiva Linga, which is the size of the thumb.
To gain Mashisharupa, Shankara and Bheema fought with maces. Bheema was struck with remorse. He started to massage Lord Shankara’s body with ghee. In memory of this event, even today, this triangular Shiva JyotirLinga is massaged with ghee. Shankara is worshipped here in this manner. Water and Bel leaves are used for worship.
When Nar-Narayan went to Badrika village and started the worship of Parthiva, Shiva appeared before them. A few days later, a pleased Shiva granted them some boons. Nar-narayan wished that for the welfare of the humanity, Shiva should remain there in his original form. Granting their wish, in the snow-clad Himalayas, in a place called Kedar, Mahesha himself stayed there as a Jyoti. Here, He is known as Kedareshwara.
By visiting Kedareshwar, sorrows do not come even in dreams. By worshipping Shambara (Kedareshwar) Pandavas were rid of all their sorrows. Badri-Keshwar’s darshan rids one of the material ties. Whoever gives Dan (alms) at Kedareshwar, just gets assimilated into Shivaroopa.
Srimat Shankaracharya praised Lord Shiva thus:
mahAdripArshve cha taTe ramantaM sampUjyamAnaM satataM munIndraiH | surAsurairyaxa mahoragADhyaiH kedAramIshaM shivamekamIDe || Meaning: Oh Lord, who resides in the great heights of Himalayas, oh Lord, thou, who art worshipped forever by saints, Hermits, Demons, Gods, Yakshas and Maha Nag (giant snakes), I bow and offer millions of Pranams. As a matter of fact, as one enters the main temple, the first hall contains statues of the five Pandava brothers, Lord Krishna, Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva and Virabhadra, one of the greatest guards of Shiva. An unusual feature of the temple is the head of a man carved in the triangular stone fascia of the temple. Such a head is seen carved in another temple nearby constructed on the site where the marriage of Shiva and Parvati was held. No specific family of pujaris supervise rituals at Kedarnath, where the focus is on veneration of the stone lingam that rests in the inner sanctum of the temple.
Behind the temple is the samādhi mandir of Adi Sankara.^[12]
Tamil saints Nayanars of 1st century like Sundarar and Sambanthar praised the deity in their hymns famous by the name of Tevaram

Situated in the backdrop of the majestic Sri Kedarnath range, Kedarnath Temple is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.
At Kedarnath there are several Kunds (pools, tanks) that are known for their religious significans - shivkund, Retkund, hanskund, Udakkund, Rudhirkund are the most important. A little away from Kedarnath is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when temple of Kedarnath is closed. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Sri Kedarnath.
During the winters, the shrine is submerged in snow & hence is closed. Fortunate are those who have good weather, but twice blessed are those who are at Kedarnath on a moonlit night- the snow peak gleams like hundred silver pinnacles atop the glittering mountains.
The holiest of Shiva's shrines is linked to Gold among base metals so that every pilgrims finds peace here, and it is said that devotees who die here become one with Shiva himself. Beyond the temple is the highway to heaven, called Mahapanth

Head Priest

The head priest (Rawal) of the Kedarnath temple belongs to the Veerashaiva community from Karnataka. However, unlike in Badrinath temple, the Rawal of Kedarnath temple does not perform the pujas. The pujas are carried out by Rawal's assistants on his instructions. The Rawal moves along with the deity to Ukhimath during the winter season. The present Rawal of Kedarnath temple is Shri Bhima Shankar Ling Shivacharya who is one of the five Jagadgurus of (Shakti Vishistadwita philosophy) veerashaiva

 

Overview

During winter due to heavy snowfall, the Temple is closed and no one stays in Kedarnath. For six months (November to April) the Palki of Lord Kedarnath is transferred to a place near Guptakashi called Ukhimath. People shift their settlement too from Kedarnath to nearby villages. Around 360 families of Tirtha Purohit of 55 villages and other nearby villages are dependent on Kedarnath for livelihood.

Kedarnath Temple Guide

The opening of date of Kedarnath Temple is fixed and depends on the Shiva Ratri and decided by priests in Ukhimath. Normally Kedarnath temple opens on Mid May. The closing date of Kedarnath is fixed on Yama Dwitiya (second day after Diwali, November).
Kedarnath Temple is open for devotees from 6 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Shingar Darshan is from 5 pm onwards and Aarti is performed at 6:45 pm. Sharavani Annakoot Mela is celebrated on the day before Raksha Bandhan during August. Special Samadhi puja is help on the closing day of Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Temple committee office organises booking for special pooja which is performed before the general darshan in the morning.

The Opening and Closing Date of Kedarnath Temple 2013

Note: The dates when kapat of Shri Kedarnath Temple will open will be decided on Shiv Ratri. The opening and closing date of Kedarnath 2013 will be updated soon.

Kedarnath of Winter

With the arrival of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is shifted from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who gather from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (October-November) and reopens in Vaishakh (April-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.

Panch Kedar Travel Information

Panch Kedar refers to the five temples of Lord Shiva popularly known as Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. Panch Kedar is one the most difficult pilgrimages in India as routes are difficult to trek with few lodges and

Legend and Mythology of Panch Kedar

The five Kedar lies in the valleys between the rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. The term Kedar itself means a natural rock formation or a glacial moraine. According to legend, himalayas Kedarnath, the chief seat of the Panch Kedar, come into being during the period when the five Pandava brothers were asked to seek Shiva's blessings, purging them off sin of fratricide, or killing their cousin brothers in the terrifying bettle of Kurukshetra.
Shiva disguised himself as a bull and started to plunge underground when he was spotted by Pandavas. No wonder the natural rock formation that is worshipped here resembles the rump of bull. The other four places where Shiva is worshipped take their appearance from different part of his body - the navel at Madmaheshwar, the arm at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, and the matted hair at Kalpeshwar.

List of Panch Kedar Temples

• Kedarnath
• Madhmaheshwar
• Tungnath
• Rudranath
• Kalpeshwar

When to go to Panch Kedar

Due to snowfall and harsh winter, Panch Kedar temples are closed during winter except Kalpeshwar. The temples are open from April to November. However, trained trekkers can go during winters but they have to be well equipped with food and trekking gears.

Madhyamaheshwar

Madhmaheshwar (3289 m) - Shiva is worshipped at Madhyamaheshwar in the form of navel - shaped lingum. Located at base of Chaukhamba peak, at an altitude of 3,289 mts, the classic temple architecture belongs to the north - Indian style. So sanctified is the water here that even a few drops are considered sufficient for absolution.
The natural scenery is dramatically wild, with deep gorges and himalayas valleys, mountainsides flung upwards towards the skies, and forests where the snow lies thick in winter, only to be replaced by a carpet of greenery in the summer.
Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks are also visible from here, the entire ring of mountains associated with the life and times of shiva. The confluences of two streams at Gaundar just short of the temple, is one of the prettiest spots in the region.
The temple opens at 7 am and aarti is performed in the evening from 6 pm to 6:45 pm

Route to Madhyamaheshwar

Rishikesh – Shivpuri – DevPrayag – Srinagar – RudraPrayag – Agastyamuni – Suyal Saur – Ukhimath – Uniana – Ransi – Gaundhar – Bantoli – Madhyamaheshwar

General Information Madhmaheshwar

Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 244 Km in Dehradun.
Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 227 Km.
Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available.

Tungnath

Tungnath (3810 m) - Tungnath is the place where the arm (Bahu) of Shiva appeared.. The sanctity of the region of Tungath is considered unsurpassed. The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that from the river Akashkamini. At this temple at 3,680 mts, Shiva's arm is worshipped.
The highest hindu shrine in the Himalayas, 3kms uphill from Chopta, Tungath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows and rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoromic views. The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest, most picturesque pocket of the Himalaya.
The Tungnath temple opens from 6 am to 7 pm. And aarti is performed daily at 6:30 pm

Route to Tungnath

From Rishikesh: Rishikesh – Shivpuri – DevPrayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Agastyamuni – Suyal Saur – Kund – Ukhimath – Chopta – Tungnath
From Gopeshwar: Badrinath Kedarnath Road – Chamoli – Gopeshwar – Mandal – Chopta - Tungnath

General Information Tungnath

Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 232 Km in Dehradun
Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 215 Km.
Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available and hotels at Chopta.

Rudranath

Rudranath (2286 m) - Rudranath is where the face of Shiva (Mukh) is said to have appeared. Here there is a natural rock temple in which the Shiva Mukha is worshipped. Devotees come to Rudranath to offer ritual obeisance ti their ancestors, for it is here, at Vaitarani river that the soal of dead cross when entering another world.
The temple of Rudranath at 2,286 mts, entails trekking through ridges at almost twice that height before reaching the meadow where it is located. Within the sanctum, Shiva's image is worshipped in the form of his face. The temple is surround by several pools - Surya Kund, Chandra Kund, Tara Kund, Manas Kund - while the great peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Ghunti rear overhead.
The Rudranath Temple opens at 7 am, there is special Shingaar Pooja takes place at 7:30 pm. Aarti is performed in the evening at 6:30 pm.

General Information Rudranath

Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 258 Km in Dehradun.
Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 241 Km.
Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available.

Kalpeshwar

Kalpeshwar (2134 m) - situated in the beautiful valley of Urgam, here Shiva is worshipped in his matted hair form (Jata). A favorite spots for sages who come here to meditate, following the precedent of Arghya who performed austerities and created the celebrated nymph, Urvashi, here, and the irascible Durvasha who meditated under the wish fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha, Pilgrims pray at the small rock temple at a height of 2,134 mts. before the matted tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum sanctorum.
The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. Surrounded by thick forests and terraced fields in the Urgam valley, the temple is reached following a 10 km. long trek.
The Kalpeshwar Temple opens at 7 am and aarti is performed in the evening at 6 pm

General Information Kalpeshwar

Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant 272 Km in Dehradun.
Nearest Rail : Rishikesh 155 Km.
Accommodation : Dharamshalas are available.

Places to visit in and around Kedarnath

Shandaracharya Samadhi

The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Chorbari (Gandhi Sarovar)

Only 1 km trek away from Kedarnath. Floating - ice on the crstal clear waters of the lake fascinates the visitors.

Vasuki Tal

Situated at a height of 4,150mt, the lake is surrounded by high mountains and offers an excellent view of Chaukhamba peaks.

Gaurikund

Gaurikund is the base for a trek to Kedarnath and serves as a roadhead. The village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and hot water springs.

Trijuginarayan

According to legend,this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple.

Ukhimath

Ukhimath is winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the rawal of Kedarnath.Cinnected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centers.

Panch Kedar

Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar with Kedarnath form the Panch Kedar, the five most important temples of Lord Shiva in Garhwal Himalayas.

Madmaheshwar

One of Panch Kedars, the temple of Madmaheshwar is located at an altitude of 3,289 mt above sea-level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 km north-east of Guptkashi. There is a motorable road from Guptashi to Kalimath.
The best statue of Har Gauri in India measuring over a metre high is found in the kali temple. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is distinguished by wild unparalleled scenic beauty and engulfed by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the confluence of Madmeshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one reaches Madmaheshwar, the place where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of belly.

Tungnath

The arms of Lord Shiva came out as per the Kedarnath myth at Tungnath. He is worshipped here as one of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath Temple at an altitude of 3,680mt is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch kedars but the easiest to reach from Chopta, the nearest roadhead.

Rudranath

The face of Lord Shiva is worshipped at the Rudranath temple, at an elevation of 2,286 mt above sea-level and is 23 km from Gopeshwar. 5 km of the has to be trekked. The trek passes through wild orchards and picturesque bugyals and involves trekking over high ridges (some times 4,000 mt). The temple site provides magnificent views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghungti, Trishuli and many other peaks. There are a number of holy Kund near Rudranath temple namely - Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund etc. The entire area is utterly enchanting and unmatched in scenic beauty.
Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km.

Kalpeshwar

The more hardy to tourist may like to trek about 35 km to Kalpeshwar, where the locks (hair) with head, of Lord Shiva are worshipped. Located in Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,134 mt above sea-level, the temple is a further 10 k m trek from Rudranath to Helong, the motor head on Rishikesh- Badrinath route.

Deoria Tal

At an altitude of 2,440 mt, the beautiful lake of Deoria Tal is located on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road about 3 km away from Sari. Another trek is from Ukhimath.
In the early morning, the snow Kedarnath are clearly refected on the lake waters. The lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching

Best Time to visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May-October.

Check out the latest Kedarnath Packages: Kedarnath Tours : Badrinath Kedarnath Tours

CLIMATE
Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.
Winter: Snow-bound. Touching sub-zero.   

Average Temperature in Kedarnath
Month	Max Temp.	Min Temp
Apr	3 °C	0 °C
May	5 °C	0 °C
Jun	14.5 °C	5.9 °C
Jul	18.2 °C	10
Aug	18 °C	10.5
Sep	16 °C	8.5
Oct	12.5 °C	5.6 °C
Nov	5 °C	0 °C
Dec-Mar	Covered with snow

CLOTHING
Summer: Light Woollens.
Winter: Very Heavy Woollens.

How to reach Kedarnath

Kedarnath is well connected through road. The National Highway (NH 58, total length 538 km) from Delhi to Mana is accessible throughout the year.
Air: Jolly grant (Dehradun)-239 km away from Kedarnath of which 225 km is by road and rest 14 km is on foot.
Rail: Railhead at Rishikesh, 221 km away of which 207 km is by road and the rest 14 km is on foot.
Railhead at Kotdwara, 250 km away, of which 236 km is by road and rest 14 km is on foot.
Road: Kedarnath is approachable on footfrom Gaurikund, which is connected by road with Rishikesh, Kotdwara, Dehradun, Haridwar and other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.
Bus This service is available at Rishikesh, Haridwar and Kotdwara for Gaurikund. During Yatra season, some special Yatra services are also arranged to Gaurikund.
Distance from Rishikesh to kedarnath 223 km, via Deoprayag 70 km, Srinagar 35 km, Rudraprayag 34 km, Tilwara 9 km, Agastyamuni 10 km, Kund 15 km, Sonprayag 3 km Gaurikund 5 km, Rambara 7 km, Garurchatti 4 km, Sri Kedarnath 3 km.
Transport: Buess, private taxies and other light vehicles also ply between Rishikesh and Garikund-Badrinath and back. The charges are not fixed.
Horses, Dandies and Ponies are available at Gaurikund for going and carrying luggage to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath STD Codes
Rishikesh - 0135
Deoprayag - 01378
Srinagar - 01346
Rudraparyag - 01364
Guptkashi - 01364
Gaurikund - 01364
Kedarnath - 01364 

Kedarnath Road Route Plan

Route 1 from Haridwar
Haridwar - Rishikesh – Devprayag - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Phata - Sitapur - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath

Route 2 from Dehradun
Dehradun – Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Chamba – Tehri - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Phata - Sitapur - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath

Route 3 from Kotdwar
Kotdwar - Pauri- Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Phata - Sitapur - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath

Kedarnath Treks

 Kedarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Lord Shiva situated in Rudraprayag district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is one of the four dham in Uttarakhand and the most important dham among panch kedar. Kedarnath is situated at a magnificent height of 3586mts above sea-level.
The temple is situated in the beautiful green valley of majestic snow capped peaks of Himalayan range like Kedarnath parbat, Kirti stambh, mahalaya parbat and mandani parbat. Gaurikund(1986mts) is the point from where the trek to Kedarnath commences. In order to reach Kedarnath one has to trek 14kms of easy trek with good food and water facilities en route.
There are two adventurous excursions from Kedarnath, one is Vasuki tal which is quite well known because of its panoramic beauty and it is a moderate trek. The other is Chorabari tal which is touched with Chorabari glacier in the foots of Kedarnath Parbat. It’s very sad to say that global warming is affecting all the enchanting glaciers of Uttarakhand very rapidly and Chorabari glacier is one of them. Panch kedar are heavenly and most sacred temples of Lord Shiva and all of them are situated in Rudraprayag district.

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )