- Camping
- Fall Treks
- Family Friendly
- Garhwal Treks
- Jul-Aug
- Long Trek
- May-Jun
- Moderate Grade Treks in Himalayas
- Monsoon Trek
- Spring Treks
- Summer Treks
- Uttarakhand
Description
Nestled amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas in Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath stands as the epitome of sacredness, attracting pilgrims from far and wide. At an elevation of 3,553 meters above sea level, the awe-inspiring Kedarnath Temple awaits trekkers who embark on the mystical Kedarnath Dham Yatra from Gaurikund. This revered shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds immense significance as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Kedarnath Dham Yatra: A Spiritual Adventure
The Kedarnath Winter Trek, known for its sanctity and breathtaking vistas, spans a distance of 16 kilometers, commencing from Gaurikund. The journey begins with a gentle 4-kilometer trek from Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti, passing the renowned Rambara Bridge. This leg of the trek is relatively easy, allowing you to immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty without exerting much energy. From Jungle Chatti, a further 3-kilometer trek leads you to Bheembali, offering a lenient gradient for a pleasant hiking experience.
As you progress, the trail gradually becomes steeper during the subsequent 4-kilometer stretch from Bheem Bali to Linchauli. With determination and a sense of adventure, you conquer this challenging terrain, reaching Kedarnath Base Camp. Finally, a final kilometer remains to be covered before you stand in awe of the magnificent Kedarnath Temple.
Arriving at the sacred shrine of Kedarnath, you are greeted by the resplendent architecture of the ancient temple, harmoniously blending ancient and modern styles. Constructed thousands of years ago by the Pandavas, this architectural marvel was later restored by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple’s intricate carvings and unique design evoke a sense of wonder and reverence.
Immersed in Mythology
The Kedarnath Temple holds immense historical and mythological significance, making it an essential destination for spiritual seekers. According to legend, it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva absolved the Pandavas of their sins after the epic Mahabharata war. The temple’s ancient roots and association with Hindu mythology add to its allure, drawing devotees from all walks of life.
The temple’s highlights extend beyond its sacredness and architectural grandeur. Kedarnath Temple is part of the renowned Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage tour considered one of the holiest in Hinduism. Its lofty altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level places it among the highest temples in India, offering a spiritual experience amidst the towering Himalayan peaks.
Best Time to do the Kedarnath Yatra
The best time to undertake the Kedarnath Trek is during the summer months of April to June and September to late October. During these periods, the weather remains mild, ensuring comfortable temperatures for families and friends to embark on this spiritual journey. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, with colder nights.
Brief itinerary for Kedarnath Dham Yatra:
Day 1: Drive from Haridwar to Guptkashi (Drive – 220 km | 8-9 hrs) – Height: 1,319 m
Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath (165 km |5-6 hrs)
Day 3: Kedarnath to Guptkashi (165 km | 5-6 hrs)
Day 4: Guptkashi to Haridwar (220 km | 8-9 hrs) – Departure Day
How to Reach
To reach Kedarnath from Haridwar, you can avail of shared taxis or buses that will transport you to Gaurikund, the base camp for the trek. The approximately 14-kilometer trek typically takes 6-8 hours to complete, offering mesmerizing sights of waterfalls, lush forests, and enchanting valleys along the way.
During the Char Dham Yatra season, facilities such as accommodation options, medical services, and food stalls are available for pilgrims. It is advisable to come prepared with warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, and basic first aid supplies, considering the unpredictable weather and challenging terrain.
Conclusion
Embarking on the Kedarnath yatra is a soul-stirring experience that combines adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. As you tread the hallowed path to Kedarnath Temple, you join a community of devotees seeking solace and divine blessings. The awe-inspiring Himalayan backdrop, coupled with the temple’s rich history and religious significance, makes the Kedarnath Yatra a memorable journey that will stay with you forever. Discover the magic of Kedarnath and create cherished memories that will resonate in your heart for a lifetime.
Kedarnath Trek Highlights:
Duration: 4D/3N
Prerequisite: Prior high altitude trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
Grade: The trek is of moderate difficulty, suitable for trekkers with some experience.
Physicality: 7/10.
Trail Length: Approximately 28 km (14 km each way).
Highest Point: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.
Seasons: The best time to undertake the Kedarnath trek is during the summer months of April to June and September to October. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Further Option: For those seeking additional challenges, there are side trips available, such as Kirti Bamak or Sumeru Bamak, Nandanvan, and Vasuki Tal. These side trips are of a difficult grade and require advanced trekking skills.
Access: The trek begins at Gaurikund, which can be reached by road from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi.
Airport: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, offering convenient access from Delhi and other major cities.
Upcoming scheduled dates for Kedarnath Dham Trek:
- You can check the scheduled Fixed Departure dates in the calendar available inside Booking Form or inside REGISTER NOW form. Tour starting Dates are highlighted as per our itinerary (Day 1 of 5 days itinerary).
- At present BOOK NOW functionality is disabled. You can get all the information in your email by submitting the REGISTER NOW form.
- If you are a group of people and available dates are not matching then you may select Custom date mode (by clicking the Select your custom date) and fill in the displayed form.
- You can also check all the available dates at a glance in our TREK CALENDAR.
- Trekkers need to reach Haridwar on Day 1 morning (latest by 7 am) or the previous night. Return to Rishikesh on Day 5 evening (around 6 pm approx). Arrange your tickets for inward journey and return accordingly
Day 1:
Journey to Guptkashi from Haridwar (Drive 6 hrs, 220 km)
Embark on a scenic drive from Haridwar to Guptkashi, the gateway to Kedarnath. After a delicious breakfast and checking out of your hotel, get ready for a 6-hour journey filled with breathtaking vistas. Arrive at Guptkashi, check-in at your hotel, and savor a delectable dinner before resting for the night. Get ready to immerse yourself in the Himalayan charm that awaits you.
Day 2:
Drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund (15 km) – Trek to Kedarnath (14 km)
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your Guptkashi hotel before setting off on an unforgettable adventure. Drive to Gaurikund and begin your trek to the revered Kedarnath Dham. With packed lunches in tow, embark on a 14-kilometer trek, surrounded by nature’s splendor. Arrive at Kedarnath, check-in at your hotel, and freshen up. Indulge in a delicious dinner and retire for the night, knowing you are in the presence of divine tranquility.
Day 3:
Descending to Guptkashi (165 km | 5-6 km)
Awaken to the scenic grandeur of Kedarnath and relish a healthy breakfast before commencing your descent. Carry your packed lunch and embark on a 165-kilometer journey back to Guptkashi. Absorb the enchanting sights and immerse yourself in the spiritual energy of the region. Check-in at your hotel, unwind, savor a delightful dinner, and prepare for a blissful sleep.
Day 4:
Return to Haridwar – Cherishing the Memories
Rise and shine to a delightful breakfast at your Guptkashi hotel. Bid farewell to the enchanting town as you embark on a scenic drive back to Haridwar. In approximately 6 hours, you will reach the spiritual haven. Check-in at your hotel, refresh yourself, and cherish the memories of the incredible Kedarnath trek. Relish a piping hot dinner before retiring for the night, knowing that this remarkable journey has touched your soul.
How to Reach Haridwar:
To begin your treks in Garhwal, Haridwar serves as the usual starting point. Rishikesh, located 25 km away, is also considered a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. You have the option to fly or take a train to New Delhi from any part of India, based on your convenience.
Direct trains from Kolkata to Haridwar include:
1. Kumbha Express – Train No. 12369: A great option that arrives in Haridwar by 5 pm. You can spend the night in Haridwar and continue your journey by car the next morning.
2. Upasana Express – Train No. 12327: Another good option that arrives in Haridwar by 5 pm. You can spend the night in Haridwar and proceed with your onward journey by car the next morning.
3. Doon Express – Train No. 13009: Avoid booking this train if you plan to embark on a long onward journey immediately in the same morning.
When booking train tickets, it is advisable to avoid waitlisted (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Instead, book Sleeper class (SL) or Second Sitting class (2S) tickets, which usually have more seats/berths and a better chance of confirmation.
From New Delhi, you can easily reach Haridwar by train or bus, which takes approximately 5 to 6 hours covering a distance of around 210 km.
By train, the following daily running trains are good options to reach Haridwar:
1. DDN Janshtbdi – Train No. 12055: Arrives in Haridwar in the evening at 7:30 pm, a suitable choice if you plan to stay the night in Haridwar and have a long drive ahead the next day.
2. Nanda Devi Express – Train No. 12205: Arrives in Haridwar early morning at 4 am.
3. Utkal Express – Train No. 18477: Arrives in Haridwar at night around 9 pm.
4. Mussoorie Express – Train No. 14041: Arrives in Haridwar in the morning at 5:45 am.
Again, it is recommended to avoid booking waitlisted (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL) or Second Sitting class (2S) tickets for a better chance of confirmation.
By bus, you can find frequent government-operated buses from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi, which provide day and night services. Tickets for these regular buses are available onboard. To reach ISBT Kashmiri Gate from Delhi Airport or Station, you can use the Delhi Metro service, and it is a mere 4 km distance from NDLS (New Delhi Railway Station). Private buses can also be booked online through various portals such as redBus.in, offering overnight Volvo, A.C, and push-back bus services.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun (Airport code: DED), which is 35 km away from Haridwar. This airport is easily accessible from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Flights to Jolly Grant Airport are mostly connected via Delhi.
Accommodation in Haridwar:
For trekkers arriving the day before their actual trek, it is necessary to spend the night in Haridwar. There are several accommodation options available in Haridwar, ranging from premium, standard, to budget choices. These options include privately operated hotels/lodges, state-run tourist rest
TREK FEE: ₹ 12,999 (Haridwar to Rishikesh/Haridwar) + 5% GST
Book for 5 persons and get a 10% Group Discount on TREK FEE.
Inclusions:
All meals during the trek. Regular Indian style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek, breakfast packed/hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.
Excellent trekking guide, who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails around.
Specialised Cook, Support staff, Porters/Packed Animals for carrying the central logistics of the trek.
Stay in tents (3 persons dome or ridge shaped tents) on sharing basis during the trek.
Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, Gaiters, Micro spikes/Crampon. (Bring your own sleeping if you have a high altitude specific personal Sleeping Bag. This is always better for hygienic reasons.)
Kitchen tent, dinning tent and toilet tent as required during the trek.
All permit fee, camping charges, forest levy required for the trek.
Basic Medical & First Aid kit.
Exclusions:
Stay in Haridwar (in case if you reach at Day 0 or plans to stay after trek ends).
We assume that you will carry your personal Rucksack/Backpack with all your personal belongings. If you want to offload your Rucksack and be carried by our Pack Animal/Porter then you need to pay additional ₹ 2500 for the entire duration of the trek. The Rucksack should not weigh more than 10 Kg.
Anything which is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal in nature.
Booking:
- We assume that you have read and understood our “Terms & Conditions” (https://greenvalleyhimalayas.com/terms-and-conditions) before Booking a trek/tour.
- To reserve your place in a scheduled Fixed Departure trek or a Customised/Private trek pay 25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE as the initial “Booking Deposit”. You can pay by Net banking/Draft/Cheque/Credit/Debit/AMEX cards. This will ensure your participation in the desired trek and we will reserve your place in the scheduled date. You need to pay the remaining amount at least 15 days before Trek Starting Date.
- If you book a Trek/Tour before 14 days or less from Trek/Tour Starting Date, you need to pay the full TREK/TOUR FEE.
Cancellations:
- “Booking Amount” i.e.25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE is Non-Refundable at any stage.
- If in case you are not able to make it due to unavoidable reason(s), we provide you a very flexible choice of Shifting to another trek within next one year. One year is counted from the starting date of the trek/tour you booked initially with us.
- In case you postpone your trip you need to informminimum of 15 days before the trek/tour starting date. (Though we suggest to inform us earlier if known)
- In case you postpone a trek/tour before 15 days of the scheduled Trek/Tour Starting date or prior, you may shift to another group of the same trek/tour scheduled in the same season or within next one year. You may shift to another suitable route also. For changing any, you need our approval first. Your request must be in written communication through your registered email with us.
- If you cancel/postpone a trek/tour from 14 days to 8 days before tour starting date, your Booking Amount is Non-Refundable. We will not take any request of shifting dates. We will charge 50% of the amount as Cancellation Charges and process refund of remaining 50%. You may also shift to another group within next year but 25% Booking Amount will be deemed as Cancellation Charge and the rest amount will be transferred to the shifted group.
- If you cancel a trek/tour 7 days (i.e. a week) before Trek/Tour Starting Date or later, there will be NO REFUND.
- In case of any unforeseen incident including but not limited to natural calamities like flood, earthquake, landslide, forest fire or any political unrest, if we are compelled to cancel the trek/trip, you will be entitled to redeem the full amount for the same/similar kind of trek/trip within next one year.
If you need more clarifications write in to info@greenvalleyhimalayas.com
Leave a Review
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.