Kedarnath is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Char Dhams, four sacred shrines in Hinduism, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated near the Mandakini river in the Himalayas and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The temple is considered to be over 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the most difficult pilgrimage sites to reach due to its high altitude and remote location. The temple is open to visitors during the summer months, while it is closed during the harsh winter months due to heavy snowfall. Thousands of pilgrims visit Kedarnath every year to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Who Built Kedarnath Temple?
The exact origin and the builder of the Kedarnath Temple is not known, but it is believed to have been built by the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. According to legend, the Pandavas built the temple to seek Lord Shiva's forgiveness for the sin of killing their own cousins during the Kurukshetra War. The temple has been renovated and expanded over the centuries by various rulers and dynasties, including the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty and the Chand dynasty. The current temple structure is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, the founder of the Advaita philosophy.
Where is Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the northern part of the country. It is situated in the Himalayan mountain range, near the Mandakini River, at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level. The temple is located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. To reach the temple, one has to undertake a challenging trek from Gaurikund, which is the nearest road head. The temple is one of the four sacred shrines known as the Char Dhams and is considered one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India.
Delhi To Kedarnath Distance
The distance between Delhi and Kedarnath is approximately 775 kilometers (481 miles) by road and approximately 431 kilometers (268 miles) as the crow flies. The quickest way to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath is by air, with a flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, followed by a road journey to Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. The total journey time by air and road can take around 11 to 12 hours, depending on the flight schedules and road conditions. Another option is to take a train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then continue the journey by road to Kedarnath. The total journey time by train and road can take around 15 to 16 hours, depending on the train schedules and road conditions.
Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance
The distance between Rishikesh and Kedarnath is approximately 223 kilometers (138 miles) by road. The quickest way to travel from Rishikesh to Kedarnath is by road, either by private vehicle or by shared taxi. The journey takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. The road route from Rishikesh to Kedarnath goes through the cities of Haridwar, Dehradun, and Uttarkashi, and passes through the scenic Garhwal region of the Himalayas. From Uttarkashi, the road turns into a mountain road and the journey becomes more challenging, with steep inclines and hairpin bends. The road ends at Gaurikund, which is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for the trek to the temple. The temple remains open to visitors during the summer months, while it is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
From June to September, the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to the region, which can make the trek to Kedarnath difficult and the roads slippery. During the winter months, from December to April, the temperature drops significantly and the region experiences heavy snowfall, making the trek to Kedarnath almost impossible.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer and autumn months when the weather is favorable for the trek and the views of the surrounding mountains are clear.
Kedarnath Yatra Package Cost
The cost of a Kedarnath yatra package can vary depending on several factors such as the time of year, the duration of the trip, the mode of transportation, and the type of accommodation. On average, a 4 to 7-day Kedarnath yatra package can cost anywhere from INR 10,000 to INR 25,000 per person.
The package may include transportation to and from Rishikesh or Haridwar, accommodation in Kedarnath or Gaurikund, and food. The cost of a helicopter tour can be significantly higher, starting at around INR 10,000 per person for a one-way trip.
It is important to note that prices may vary based on the time of year and the level of demand, so it's always best to check with a travel agent or tour operator for the latest prices and availability. Additionally, it's also advisable to compare prices and packages from multiple providers to find the best deal.
Kedarnath Yatra Registration
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