About Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath yatra is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus. The yatra starts from Haridwar / Rishikesh and winds its way through the Panch Prayags along the holy river Ganges. You go up to Sonprayag where you need to take a sharing jeep to Gaurikund. The trek to Kedarnath starts from there. You also have the option to take a helicopter to Kedarnath.
About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is located at a height of 3584mts in the district of Rudraprayag. Kedarnath is one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Kedar or Lord Shiva. The temple is flanked by dramatic mountains covered with snow covered peaks. It is made of large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones. It was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. A conical rock formation is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. There is a large statue of the Nandi Bull outside the temple. It is open for the common people for six months from Vaishaka to Kartik. During the remaining six months the temple is closed and the area gets submerged in snow. It is believed that during these months the Devas themselves come for the Lord’s darshan.
KEDAR DARSHAN
You can use the helicopter service to Kedarnath. It operates from Gupt Kashi in Rudra Prayag district. There are multiple operators like Pinnacle Air, Prabhatam, Pawan Hans, Heritage Aviation, etc. The helicopter service is safe and affordable.
After the June disaster of 2013, only government tented accommodation is available for overnight stay. It is free of cost and the government also provides free medical facilities and food.
PANCH KEDAR
- Kedarnath
- Madhmaheshwar (3289 m)
- Tungnath (3810 m)
- Rudranath (2286 m)
- Kalpashwar (2134 m)
- Rishikesh (218 km) Pipalkoti-(15 km)-Helang-( 09 km trek) Urgam-(02 km)
- Kalpeshwar
Kedarnath Sightseeing
Gandhi Sarovar
Only a km trek away from Kedarnath. Floating – ice on the crystal clear waters of the lake fascinates the visitors.
Vasuki Tal
Situated at a height of 4150mt, the lake is surrounded by high mountains and offers an excellent view of Chaukhamba peaks.
Trijuginarayan
According to legend, this was the place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnised. In front of the Shiva Temple is an eternal flame, which is said to be a witness to the marriage. It can be reached by a 12 km drive from Sonprayag.
Weather
The days are pleasant in summer but the nights are always cold. One can never predict when the temperature will suddenly change. During winters it snows heavily and the place is closed for six months.
