Kedarnath is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. Here are the ways to reach Kedarnath:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 239 km away from Kedarnath. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh railway station, which is located about 216 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath.
By Road: Kedarnath is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and nearby states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Delhi to reach Kedarnath.
By Helicopter: There are also helicopter services available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi to Kedarnath. These helicopter services are operated by private companies and are subject to weather conditions.
Please note that the last few kilometers of the journey to Kedarnath is a trek, and it can be a challenging trek due to steep terrain and high altitude. You can also hire ponies or palanquins to make the trek easier.
Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath Yatra is a religious pilgrimage to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the four sacred temples in India known as the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The Kedarnath Yatra is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
The Kedarnath Yatra typically starts from the month of April or May and lasts until November, when the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall in the region. The yatra involves a trek of about 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which can take around 6-8 hours depending on the speed of the trekker. The trek route passes through beautiful and scenic locations such as Rambara, Garurchatti, and Bhimbali.
The Kedarnath Yatra can be done either on foot, by hiring a pony or a palanquin. There are also helicopter services available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi to Kedarnath. However, the helicopter services are subject to weather conditions and availability.
During the Kedarnath Yatra, pilgrims visit the Kedarnath temple and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. They also take a dip in the holy Mandakini river, which is believed to have the power to wash away sins. The Kedarnath Yatra is not just a spiritual journey, but also a challenging adventure for many trekkers, who are inspired by the scenic beauty of the region.
It is important to note that the Kedarnath Yatra can be physically demanding, and requires good fitness levels and proper preparation. It is recommended to consult a doctor and take necessary precautions before embarking on the yatra.
