Kedarnath, holding at an altitude of 3,553 meters from the sea level, is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Of all the Chardham Yatra, Kedarnath Yatra holds greater importance because of its religious significance and also because of the level of difficulty it involves to reach the shrine of Lord Shiva. The journey to this holy shrine includes a trek from Gaurikund. Though Kedarnath trek is known to be very difficult, however, with a well-planned Kedarnath Travel Guide, you can complete it at ease. Shrine Yatra offers you the opportunity to avail a specially curated trek guide to Kedarnath only for you.
Route to Reach Kedarnath by Trek
The devotees need to reach Gaurikund first because the 16 kilometres Trek to Kedarnath begins from there. You can reach Sonprayag from Haridwar, Rishikesh by Taxi or Bus via Guptkashi. You may also avail air route to Guptakashi/Phata/Sitapur via Dehradun or can also do Kedarnath helicopter yatra. You may also reach Kedarnath by Road from Delhi by buses or Taxi. Follow the Route- Delhi >> Haridwar >> Rishikesh >> Devprayag >> Rudraprayag >> Guptakashi >> Sonprayag >> Gaurikund >> Kedarnath. According to the New Trek Route to Kedarnath after the flood, follow the trek route given below:
- Reach Gaurikund from Sonprayag approx 6 Kms by sharing taxi.
- Trek again to Jungle Chatti approx 4 Kms via Rambara Bridge.
- Bheembali Linchauli, approx 4 Kms.
- Reach Kedarnath Base Camp from Linchauli, Approx 4 Kms.
- Visit Kedarnath Temple from Kedarnath Base Camp, 1 km.
Kedarnath Trekking Time
The trek to Kedarnath begins from 4 AM, early in the morning and continues till 1:30 PM in the afternoon. No treks can be commenced after that because Kedarnath is located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary so a specific time shall be maintained. Those pilgrims who want to return same day, leave before 5 PM from Kedarnath.
Facilities to Avail During Trekking to Kedarnath
While doing the Kedarnath trek, you can go on foot or you can also avail Palki Dandi, Kandi, Mule or Ponies. Helicopter services to Phata Helipad and others are also available from Kedarnath Helipad. En-route, there are many lodges, guest houses, ashramas and camps where you can find cheap accommodations and good food. There are plenty of refreshment options available throughout the trek route. Tented accommodations, drinking water facilities and some shops and restaurants are available in the route. You can also find several medical and first aid facilities near Lancholi and Base Camp. There are several police check posts and also a government hospital located only 200 metres from the Kedarnath Temple for some medical emergencies.
Things to Remember Before Going for Kedarnath Trek
- Make sure you have medical fitness and you are physically fit to climb the steep slopes. Especially, individuals with respiratory problems and high blood pressure should avoid the trek.
- If you want to avail Palki or Pony services for the trek, then bookings are required either from Gaurikund or Sonprayag.
- Remember not to carry heavy baggage during the trek because it may slow down your trekking pace.
Follow the complete trek guide to Kedarnath to avail a smooth and flexible Kedarnath trek with Shrine Yatra.