Kedarnath
Tour Details
Embark on a spiritual journey to Kedarnath, a sacred town nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The town is famous for the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which stands as a testament to ancient Indian architecture and devotion. Perched at an elevation of 3,583 meters, the temple is surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, making it not only a pilgrimage but also a nature lover's paradise. Your journey begins with a trek from Gaurikund, covering a distance of approximately 16 kilometers. The trail is dotted with picturesque landscapes, gushing streams, and vibrant flora. As you ascend, the air becomes crisper, and the views more awe-inspiring. Along the way, you'll encounter fellow pilgrims and quaint tea stalls offering respite and local delicacies. Reaching the temple, the aura of spirituality and the serene ambiance create a deeply moving experience. Witness the evening aarti, a ritual of devotion that fills the air with chants, incense, and the flickering light of oil lamps. Whether you seek spiritual solace, adventure, or natural beauty, a tour to Kedarnath promises an unforgettable blend of all these elements, leaving you with memories etched in tranquility and reverence.
Price Includes
- Toll & Parking
- Food (as per book plan)
- All transportation in destination location
- Trekking Gear
- Travel Insurance
Price Excludes
- Personal Expenses
- Emergency Evacuation
- Additional Activities
- Entry Fees to Non-Included Attractions
- Medical Expenses
- Permit Fees
Complementaries
- Physical fitness and medical readiness
- Documents (ID proof; permits)
- Essential gear (clothing; trekking shoes; rain gear; backpack)
- First aid; hygiene items; water purifier
- Snacks and drinks
- Safety measures; weather updates
What to expect
Kedarnath, cradled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a mesmerizing blend of spirituality and natural beauty. At an elevation of 3,583 meters, the air is crisp, and the vistas are breathtaking with towering snow-capped peaks. The primary attraction is the Kedarnath Temple, an ancient and revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by the Pandavas, its architecture and spiritual ambiance create an awe-inspiring experience, especially during the evening aarti with its enchanting chants and lights. The journey involves a 16-kilometer trek from Gaurikund, offering scenic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. The path is dotted with small tea stalls and rest points, making it both a physical and spiritual journey. Upon arrival, besides the temple, you can explore nearby spots like the serene Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) and the Bhairavnath Temple. The tranquility and natural beauty of the area provide a deeply immersive experience. Expect basic accommodations and local cuisine that offers a taste of regional flavors. Weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for sudden changes, especially during the pilgrim season from April to November. A trip to Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage; it is an enriching experience, blending adventure, spirituality, and nature.
Day 1 Arrival in Haridwar/Rishikesh and Travel to Sonprayag/Gaurikund
Morning: Arrive at Haridwar or Rishikesh by train or bus. Haridwar and Rishikesh are well-connected by road and rail to other major cities. If you are coming by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 35-40 km from Rishikesh. From there, take a taxi or bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Noon: After arriving in Haridwar/Rishikesh, have lunch at a local restaurant. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the ghats in Haridwar or visit some famous temples in Rishikesh like Triveni Ghat or Neelkanth Mahadev.
Afternoon: Start your journey toward Gaurikund by road. Gaurikund is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek, and the distance from Haridwar/Rishikesh is about 200-220 km, depending on your route (usually around 7-9 hours by road).
Evening: Reach Gaurikund and check into your hotel or guesthouse. Gaurikund is a small town at the base of the Kedarnath trek. If time permits, visit the Gauri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, and take a dip in the hot water springs here, which are believed to have healing properties.
Overnight Stay: Sonprayag/Gaurikund
Day 2 Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek
Early Morning: After an early breakfast, begin your trek to Kedarnath. The distance is around 16-18 km and takes about 6-8 hours, depending on your pace. The trek is quite steep and can be challenging, so pace yourself and take frequent breaks. You can opt to travel by mule/pony (if you prefer not to trek) or hire a palanquin.
Midday: Stop at Rambara, a popular rest point on the way. You can have some light snacks and rest before continuing your trek. Many trekkers take a short break here before reaching Kedarnath.
Afternoon: Continue your trek to Kedarnath. As you ascend, the scenery becomes more awe-inspiring with views of snow-covered peaks, rivers, and valleys.
Evening: Reach Kedarnath by the evening. Check into your accommodation (simple guesthouses or camps). Visit the Kedarnath Temple in the evening if you arrive before the temple closes (usually around 7:00 PM). You can attend the aarti if it's scheduled, or simply sit and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this sacred place. Have dinner and rest for the night, as the next day will involve temple rituals and spiritual activities.
Overnight Stay: Kedarnath
Day 3 Kedarnath Temple and Explore Surroundings
Early Morning: Wake up early to witness the morning aarti at the Kedarnath Temple, which typically starts at 4:30 AM. This is a special, deeply moving experience as thousands of pilgrims gather to offer their prayers.
Morning: After the aarti, you can explore the Kedarnath Temple. Admire its unique architecture, made of large stone slabs. It is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. You can spend some quiet time in meditation or prayer within the temple complex.
Midday: Take a break for breakfast at your accommodation or local eateries. Post breakfast, you can explore the Kedarnath Glacier area or go for a short trek to the Chorabari Tal (also known as Gandhi Sarovar), about 2-3 km from the temple. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountain views and is a peaceful spot for reflection.
Afternoon: After returning from the lake, you can visit other nearby temples like Bhairon Temple, dedicated to Lord Bhairon, which is located on a hilltop. The temple provides panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed evening in Kedarnath. You can take in the majestic views of the mountains around you and relax before the next day’s trek back down to Gaurikund. You may also want to visit the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, which is located near the temple. This is where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have meditated before passing away.
Overnight Stay: Kedarnath
Day 4 Kedarnath to Gaurikund and Return to Haridwar/Rishikesh
Early Morning: After breakfast, begin your trek back from Kedarnath to Gaurikund. The descent will be easier and quicker than the ascent, taking about 4-5 hours. If you want, you can take a mule for the return journey as well.
Midday: Reach Gaurikund by noon or early afternoon. Take some rest, have lunch, and freshen up.
Afternoon: Afterward, board a taxi or bus for your return journey to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Depending on your mode of transport and the time of day, you may arrive by evening or night.
Evening: If you’re returning to Haridwar, you can attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a must-see spiritual experience. It’s a serene and mesmerizing conclusion to your Kedarnath trip.
End of Trip: Depart from Haridwar/Rishikesh for onward travel.