Kedarnath Yatra (Kedarnath Trek) 2021- 4 Days

Kedarnath Yatra (Kedarnath Trek) is the holy temple of the Hindu religion, located in the Rudraprayag region of Uttarakhand India. It is one of the Char Dhams located in the Uttarakhand Himalayas.  Kedarnath shrine is situated at the height of 3584 meters above sea level near the head of the Mandakini River.

Chorabari glacier is very close to Kedarnath temple which has an altitude of 3,835 meters about 12,582 feet above sea level drains into Chorabari lake.

Kedarnath Yatra (Kedarnath Trek) only opens during the summer and monsoon season but it closes for the next 6 months in the winter season. So if any reverent wants to worship Baba Kedarnath then they can visit Omkareshwar Temple at Ukhimath Uttarakhand. Because after the Diwali festival the main worship place of Baba Kedarnath is shifted to Ukhimath temple along with Badrinath, Gangotri & Yamunotri.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Samiti announces the opening and closing dates of the temple every year. The opening date announces on the occasion of Mahashivratri. The opening date of Kedarnath Temple 2021 is yet not decided.

Kedarnath is also part of Panch Kedar Dhams as well as one of the Jyotirling out of 12. So this is also the reason for the popularity of the Kedarnath Temple among the pilgrims.

"केदारनाथ 12 में से एक ज्योतिर्लिंग के साथ-साथ पंच केदार धामों का भी हिस्सा है। 
इसलिए तीर्थयात्रियों के बीच केदारनाथ मंदिर की लोकप्रियता का कारण भी यही है।"

History of Kedarnath Temple

One of the famous Hindu methodology related to the origin of Baba Kedarnath Temple, which explains that, after the Mahabharat war, the Pandavas was doing worship of Lord Shiva for beg of killing their own ancestors, but Lord Shiva doesn’t want to appear in front of Pandavas then Bheem started searching him. One day Lord Shiva change his appearance into a Bull but Bheem caught him and he attacks the bull’s hind part with his mace then bull disappearing into the earth, and five parts of his body appears at different places in Gharwal Himalayas and the famous as Panch Kedar पंच केदार.

The hump raising in Kedarnath Temple, the arms in Tunganath, the navel and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar, the face appears at Rudranath, and the hair shows in Kalpeshwar and the head at Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple.

Kedarnath is also called “Jyotirling”(ज्योतिर्लिंग) where Lord Shiva appears in diving avatar.

People believe if the pilgrims are going to Kedarnath but they don’t go to Badrinath then his worship is incomplete.

Kedarnath Flash Flood 2013

The trekking route is around 16km from Gaurikund nowadays but it was 14km just before Kedarnath Tragedy in 2013. The cause of the disaster by a cloud burst over the Chorabari lake and the water level was increased at the topmost level but the peripheral mountains were not able to hold the excessive rainwater and it burst which caused the damage of this trek.

How to reach Kedarnath?

The major route starts from Rishikesh, reach Rishikesh by Bus, train and nearest airport is in Dehradun.

Reach Rishikesh by any transport then head to Sonprayag which is around 211 Km and it will take an 8hours journey.

Sonprayag to Gaurikund is 3.7 km which is the last motorable route then start 16 km trekking towards Kedarnath Valley.

Helicopter Service to reach Kedarnath

Helicopter service is also available for Kedarnath, Government has allowed seven companies to operate helicopter services, Aryan, Thumby Aviation, Arrow Air, Pawan Hans, UTair, Indocopter, and Himalayan Heli.

These companies provide services from three helipad locations Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.

Latest fair 2021

Booking Link Click Here

Hotel availability near Kedarnath & Sonprayag

Hotels are easily available in Sonprayag where you can stay at night and take a rest. But is difficult to find hotels during the Char Dham Yatra season, also the locals have increased the charges. But the normal charges for one room (for 3-4 person) is around 1500 INR.

Availability of rooms near Kedarnath temple is also easy but the same thing, it is very difficult to find a room during peak time, so pre-book if you are going during Char Dham Yatra season of any festive season.

How many days required for Kedarnath Trip?

4 days is the minimum required to complete this trip from Rishikesh to Rishikesh.

Best time to visit Kedarnath?

From May to October, the temple is open but September to Mid November is a good time, and no rush these days.

Is an E-pass required for One of the Char Dham Shrine?

Yes, an E-pass is mandatory for any of Char Dham yatra temple, you can get an e-pass from the below link.

Things required to Carry for this Trek

• ID proof
• Winter Jackets & cloths
• Raincoat or poncho
• Chardham E-pass
• No Covid Test required these days

Near By Places

1. Bhairav Baba Temple

The most famous temple is very close to Kedarnath just around 20 minutes of walking. The route is going from the right side of the Kedarnath temple by crossing the Mandakini river by foot over the bridge. The beauty of the whole Kedarnath valley is clearly visible from this temple. Don’t forget to carry oil and Dhup Batti for worship to Bhairav baba.

2. Vasuki Tal

This is also famous for its own natural beauty, the route starts from the left side mountains of Kedarnath temple. The trek is difficult and 7km which takes 5-6 hours. So you have at least one day extra to attempt this incredible trek. According to Hindu methodology if trekkers are reached at the Vasuki Tal then they should complete the circular periphery of the lake by walk then his trek considered a complete trek.

This trek is not easy for beginners so you can also hire a local guide who will available at 1000-1500 rupees.

3. Chorabari Tal

Chorabari Tal is formed by the Chorabari glacier and this is around a 3 km trek from Kedarnath Temple. This lake is also called Gandhi Sarovar due to some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered after his death in the lake. Chorabari Tal is situated at an altitude of 3,900 m. Kedarnath Pilgrim also does this trek.