Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple, kedarnath trek 2023,

 

Kedarnath Trek and Yatra – Where, What & How? All the information you need

About this Blog: Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most spiritual pilgrimages in India. Kedarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva attracts thousands of devotees within a span of 6 months when the shrine remains open. Kedarnath is a part of the sacred Char Dhams (4 pilgrimages) as well as a part of the Panch Kedars. This blog is about our experience of the Kedarnath Trek done in the month of October. Read on to know more about Kedarnath Yatra, how to reach and where to stay and other related information.

Kedarnath is not just a place of pilgrimage for me. The place has much more significance. It was the first place that I had ever travelled with my family. I do hear every now and then that I had been a very difficult 2-year-old during that time who gave a tough time to my parents. Well, what else to expect from a toddler! Now after almost three decades, I was again ready for Kedarnath Yatra again with Agni in tow. Only this time, we decided to go on foot from Gaurikund and I was quite excited about the Kedarnath trek.

History & Mythology

It is believed that post the battle of Kurukshetra, Pandavas went on a journey to Banaras in order to repent killing their own and seek blessings from the Lord. But, Shivji wanted to avoid meeting with the brothers, and thus, took solace in Guptakashi.

However, Pandavas were relinquishing in their search for the Lord and when they found him, Shivji decided to take the form of buffalo so that they couldn’t recognize him. Now, when Shivji saw the Pandavas approaching closer, he wanted to hide even further.

Thus, He took the decision to also become invisible by way of going underground. However, brother Bhīma tried hard to stop him from leaving by holding on to the legs and tail of the bull. Unfortunately, the Lord dived and evaporated at that place leaving behind his hump which is now worshipped at Kedarnath Temple.

It is however believed that through cosmic energy, the Pandavas were exempted from their sins and Shivji informed that from then onwards He would be present in Jyotirlinga form at Kedarnath.

Weather

In line with the Himalayan weather, Kedarnath experiences cool summers while the winters are extremely difficult and harsh. Summer is ideal for all sight-seeing, temple visits and experiencing nearby attractions as well. The average temperature is around 17 degrees in the summer.

Monsoon months are difficult and the area has suffered extreme rainfall many times, particularly in 2013. Monsoon weather is around 12 degrees. Winters are cold, complex and inhabitable. The palki of Lord Kedarnath is transferred to its winter abode near Guptakashi – Ukhimath from November to April. Weather in this season is always in the negative!

Best time to visit Kedarnath

Right at the beginning of the season in April till the onset of monsoons and post-monsoon till close of the season. Kedarnath has a cold climate for most part of the year and the best months to travel are May, June, September, October.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Road

Kedarnath is a remote pilgrimage site located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It is not directly connected by road, and the last motorable point is at Gaurikund, which is about 16 km away from the temple. Here’s how you can reach Kedarnath by road:

By Bus

You can take a bus from major cities in Uttarakhand like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund. There are also private bus operators that run buses from Delhi to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you need to trek for about 16 km to reach the temple.

By Taxi

You can hire a taxi from major cities in Uttarakhand like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund. It’s a long drive, and the road conditions can be challenging, especially during the monsoon season. From Gaurikund, you need to trek for about 16 km to reach the temple.

By Helicopter

If you want to avoid the long and arduous trek, you can take a helicopter from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are available from May to October, and you need to book your tickets in advance.

Self-Drive

You can also drive to Gaurikund from major cities in Uttarakhand like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. The road conditions can be challenging, and you need to be an experienced driver to navigate the steep and narrow roads.