Kedarnath History

Kedarnath Temple is one of the four Chota Char Dham sites and has been a pilgrimage center since ancient times. The architecture of the temple is like most of the architecture of the ancient temples of its period, known as the Ashlar style. Kedarnath temple is located in the Himalayas and there is no valid description of who built the temple. According to the Mahabharata legend, the Pandavas chased Lord Shiva to ask Him to forgive their sins. He appeared in the form of a bull. Bhim identified Him and grabbed the bull's back but it started sinking into the earth. The bull's body parts emerged in 4 other locations in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, and the bull's back remained here. The Shivaling in the temple is also in a form of a bull's hump. The temple is also said to be rebuilt by the religious Guru Adi Shankaracharya to its existing structure. 

Kedarnath Geography

The holy place of Kedarnath temple is situated in the district of Rudraprayag. This holy place is the premier center for the pilgrims who are making their way from Kedarnath to Badrinath or vice versa. This holy pilgrimage town is situated 86 km away from the district headquarter of Rudraprayag. The ancient temple is situated next to the glacier of Chorabari which leads to the formation of the head of river Mandakini. The entire trekking route will pass through hairpin bends and the paved paths formed by cutting the mountains. The whole valley is surrounded by hills and crystal clear water of river Mandakini which makes this valley more beautiful.

Plan My Package Recommendations for Kedarnath

• Bhairav Temple which is close to Kedarnath is a temple where God Bhairavnath Ji is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening and closing of Kedarnath. Visiting the temple is recommended by Plan My Package.
• Chorabari Tal is located in the mouth of Chorabari Bamak Glacier and it is also known as Gandhi Sarovar. The Lake is full of crystal clear water, lies on the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh Peak.
• Vasuki Tal holds mythological significance as people believe that Lord Vishnu bathed in this lake at the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Vasuki Tal is considered to be a moderately difficult trek, it is around 8 KMs from Kedarnath. It is a high-altitude glacial lake. 

How to Reach Kedarnath

Kedarnath by Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the closest domestic airport in Dehradun, it is about 239 km from Kedarnath and operates regular flights to Delhi. Taxis service is also available from Dehradun airport to Kedarnath and another nearest option is the international airport in Delhi.

Kedarnath by Train

The closest railway station is at Rishikesh, 221 km away. You can hire taxi services at the railway station. You need to travel 207 km by road and the rest 14 km on foot to reach Kedarnath.

Kedarnath by Road

Regular bus service is available from Rishikesh and Kotdwar to Kedarnath. You can also hire private taxis from these places. The National Highway from Delhi to Mana remains open throughout the year. You can also reach Kedarnath on foot from Gauri Kund. The bus fares may be changed depending on the season.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

• May to June and September to October are preferred as the best months to visit Kedarnath. During monsoons, the season is difficult to trek because landslides and floods are very common during this time of the year. The best months to visit Kedarnath are from May to June and September to October. Monsoon Seasons are rather dangerous due to the risk of landslides and floods.

       Kedarnath Weather

• Kedarnath in Summer
• The best season to visit Kedarnath is summer (April- June) when the sun is warm and; a gentle cool breeze lingers in the environment. The temperature stays between 15-30 degrees Celsius.
• Kedarnath in Monsoon 
• During the monsoon season (July - September), Kedarnath becomes unpredictable. Due to heavy rain, there's a constant danger of landslides and roadblocks.
• Kedarnath in Winters
• Winters (October - March) is harsh and cold in Kedarnath. Oxygen levels drop as you climb higher, and you may encounter trouble breathing. The landscape is beautiful; however, temperatures are below freezing point at times.

Places to Stay in Kedarnath

Yatra Hill Resort

Yatra Hill Resort provides pilgrims seven deluxe cottages with an attached washroom and 24-hour water and electricity supply. Amenities Provided: Free parking, Internet (Wi-Fi), Restaurant, Breakfast, Pets Allowed.

Maini`s Hill Cottage

Maini's Hill Cottage has two cottages. Each cottage consists of multiple rooms and is rented out as a whole. Amenities Provided: 18-hole mini-golf course, parking, Free Internet (Wi-Fi), breakfast, Hiking, Books, DVDs, music for children.

Nest and Hives

Nest and Hives rooms are spacious with an ample sitting area inside with an attached private deck. They have mountain view rooms, suites, and family rooms. Some rooms come with a small kitchenette and dining table. Amenities Provided: Free parking, Restaurant, Archery, Badminton, Children's playground, Pets Allowed, Car hire and many more.

Do's and Don't in Kedarnath

Do`s

• Before entering the temple, take off your shoes and cover your head with a cloth.
• Do wear proper clothes on the temple premises.
• Do respect the locals of the place.
• Do carry sufficient warm clothes.
• Wear a mask during the entire trip and use sanitizer.

Don`t

• Do not litter here and there in public places.
• Do not wear short dresses while visiting the temple
• Do not click pictures at strictly prohibited places.
• Do not overstrain steep gradients. 
• Do not try to wash hands/ clothes or bathe in the river.