Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a sacred town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, known for its ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s one of the Char Dham Yatra sites and a revered pilgrimage destination.

Geography and Climate
Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. The climate varies:

• Summer (April to June): Cool with temperatures between 5°C to 18°C
• Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rainfall with temperatures between 7°C to 15°C
• Autumn (October to November): Chilly with temperatures between 3°C to 12°C
• Winter (December to February): Harsh winters with temperatures below freezing

History
The Kedarnath Temple has a rich history dating back to the Mahabharata era, believed to have been built by the Pandavas. It’s one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Places to Visit

• Kedarnath Temple: A sacred Shiva temple
• Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the protector of Kedarnath Temple
• Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude glacial lake
• Sonprayag: A scenic confluence of rivers Basuki and Mandakini
• Shankaracharya Samadhi: A shrine honoring the saint Adi Shankaracharya
• Gaurikund: A sacred site with hot water springs
• Chorabari Tal: A glacial lake also known as Gandhi Sarovar
• Tungnath Temple: A 1,000-year-old Shiva temple
• Triyuginarayan Temple: A temple marking the site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s wedding

Things to Do

• Trekking: Explore trails to Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal, and Chandrashila
• Pilgrimage: Visit sacred sites like Kedarnath Temple and Bhairavnath Temple
• Nature Walks: Enjoy scenic views around Sonprayag and Gaurikund

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, with pleasant weather ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

How to Reach

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (239 km away)
• By Road: Gaurikund is well-connected by road, with taxi and bus services available
• Trek: 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
• Helicopter: Services operate from Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi to Kedarnath

Accommodation
Options include:

• GMVN Tourist Rest House: Basic accommodation facilities
• Shri Kedar Guest House: Modest accommodations near Kedarnath Temple
• Himalayan Comfort Stay: Simple accommodations with basic amenities
• Chardham Camps: Tented accommodations with meals

Tips and Essentials

• Pack warm clothing for varying temperatures
• Stay hydrated and protected from the sun
• Take necessary precautions against altitude sickness

Safety

• Be cautious during monsoons due to landslides
• Stay informed about weather conditions

Language
The local languages spoken in Kedarnath are Hindi and Garhwali.

Currency
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the local currency.

Shopping

• Local handicrafts: Woolen items, wooden carvings
• Souvenirs: Religious artifacts, idols, paintings

Food

• Traditional dishes: Thukpa, momos, phagshapa
• Local specialties: Gundruk soup, sel roti ¹ ² ³