Kedarnath is a town located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Himalayas, at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters above sea level. Kedarnath is known for its ancient Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, according to Hindu mythology.
Kedarnath is also the starting point for the famous Kedarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage that attracts thousands of devotees every year. The yatra involves a trek of approximately 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, passing through beautiful landscapes and stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range.
In 2013, Kedarnath was hit by a catastrophic flood and landslide that caused significant damage to the town and surrounding areas. However, efforts have been made to rebuild and restore the area, and Kedarnath remains a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.
The most convenient way to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath is to take a combination of road and trek. Here are the general steps:
- By air or train, travel from Delhi to Haridwar or Dehradun, which are the nearest major cities to Kedarnath.
- From Haridwar or Dehradun, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the town of Guptkashi or Sonprayag, which are the base points to start the trek to Kedarnath.
- Trek from Guptkashi or Sonprayag to Kedarnath, which is approximately a 16 km trek that can take around 6-8 hours depending on your pace and the weather conditions.
- After reaching Kedarnath, you can explore the town and visit the Kedarnath Temple.
Please note that during the monsoon season (July to September), the region experiences heavy rainfall and landslides, so it’s best to avoid traveling during this time. Also, as the trek involves walking for several hours in a high altitude region, it’s recommended to be physically fit and prepare well for the trek by carrying appropriate clothing, footwear, and other necessary supplies.
