Kedarnath Yatra

An Amazing Trip to Kedarnath

I didn’t have any plans to reach Kedarnath shrine. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3553m in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. But when the mind wanders who knows what will be next. To spend a few peaceful days in the Himalayas, you neither need a particular destination nor a lot of money. I left my home with all these thoughts in October 2019, to spend a few peaceful days.

I boarded a bus from Kashmere Gate ISBT to Rishikesh (Delhi to Rishikesh approx. 240 km, 7 hours journey, Fare Rs.265/- per person, Oct 2019). The bus departed from Delhi at around 11 PM and reach Rishikesh at 6:30 AM. From there I took a bus for Guptkashi (Rishikesh to Guptkashi Approx 185 km, 8 hours journey, Fare approx. Rs.400/- per person, Oct 2019). I remained sleepy in part of the journey until Rudraprayag. The atmosphere was slightly cold on the opposite bank of the river, small villages, green fields, and the mountains with dense forest covers was pleasant to see. Finally, the bus journey came to an end and I reached Guptkashi by 3 PM. From there, lots of vehicles were available for further journey to Sonpryag.

I was looking for a direct vehicle to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath Temple. After 20 minutes, I finally boarded a direct shared jeep to Gaurikund (30 km, 1-hour journey, Fare: Rs.50 per person, Oct 2019).

Nowadays people are excited about the helicopter ride to Kedarnath Shrine. The helicopter service providers are based in Phata, a small town at the distance of 15 km ahead of Guptkashi. It takes only 10 minutes ride from Phata to Kedarnath (Price: Rs. 7000 for two way, Rs. 3500 for one way per person,). The helipad at Kedarnath is close to the temple, it takes 2 - 3 hours to visit the temple and ride back to phata.

Anyway, I was not interested in a helicopter ride, but a trek. Sonprayag is the last town before starting the trek, where you can find a place to sleep. I managed to get a decent room for Rs.700 for a night. Mostly the prices remain high around Rs. 2500- 3000, but due to off season I got at cheaper prices.

Gaurikund is a small village situated on the bank of Mandakini River. It is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath Temple. The trekking route is approx.16 km long from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. In between there are stops, where you can get food, and running drinking water is available throughout the route. The route is completely changed and renovated, emergency measures are there. After the 2013 floods, the route is completely changed and renovated, emergency measures are there. Despite the tragic memories, faith is powerful to overcome all the difficulties thousands of pilgrims still visit Kedarnath shrine every year.

Starting from Gaurikund, you can find many beautiful waterfalls, green serene Himalayan Sheepdogs on the way to Rambara. The old route of Kedarnath on the left side of the Mandakini River was destroyed in floods. Therefore, a new route is constructed on the right side of the river. The new route is longer and steeper than the older one, but it is also much wider and more comfortable. After that arrives at Lincholi a small village. Kedarnath temple is 6 km from Lincholi. There was a small shop I got some soft drinks and rested for a while. After an hour I started to move again as I have to reach the temple at the earliest. It took me two and a half hours to reach near the helipad. The Mandakini River appears calm and narrow near the Kedar Dham. A proper bathing ghat with steps has been constructed. After crossing the bridge over Mandakini, I entered in the main street of Kedarnath Dham. Sings of floods were clearly visible broken structures, newly build guest houses.

The main temple of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath was somehow safe during the flood. When the floodwater of Gandhi Sarovar carrying large blocks of stones moved downwards, a big rockfall down and stopped behind the temple. The large rock diverted the path of water from both sides of the temple and thus the temple remains intact. After offering prayers at the Kedarnath temple, I walked behind to look at the big rock, the savior of the main shrine. That big rock is also a holy place now and pilgrims started praying here.

After spending nearly two hours near the temple, I started the return journey to Gaurikund. Taking breaks during the downward travel, I returned to Gaurikund in 4 hours. Luckily, a shared jeep was available directly to Guptkashi. I reached Guptkashi well in time to continue my onward journey to Rudraprayag.

Few Useful Information for Kedarnath Trek:

Food:  Food is available throughout the route as shops are there to get food items at a reasonable price.

Shelter: Shelters are built at every 4-5 km. So pilgrims can take rest at intervals.

Water: Water supply is available on the entire route. There are water taps at repetitive distances to get water.

Internet/Mobile Network: Free wi-fi internet zones are available at Junglechatti, Bheembali, Lincholi, and Kedarnath. BSNL on the complete route, JIO on the complete route, and Vodafone postpaid (up to Lincholi) are also available.

Toilets: Toilets wrapped by the tents are available at the repetitive distances on the entire trekking route.

Overall Experience

The place is heaven on earth with marvelous scenic beauty and full of adventure. After 16 km of trekking, you have a glimpse of this old historical and religious places. No words can express the beauty of the place and surroundings. You can feel the energy of god’s blessings everywhere. A must see place in India who have faith in God and also want to experience the trekking.