Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of 3,580m, Kedarnath is an ancient temple with exquisite architecture. It makes up the third stop on the iconic Char Dham Yatra, which begins at Yamunotri, goes to Gangotri, then Kedarnath and finally, Badrinath. The Yatra will open to devotees on May 10 this year.
The Kedarnath Temple is built of extremely large but evenly shaped grey stone slabs. A conical rock information inside the temple is believed to be the form of Lord Shiva, the temple's deity. The site also has the distinction of being one of 12 "Jyotirlingas" in the country. Recently, Shilpa Shetty visited Vaishno Devi and Kedarnath with her mother and sister to celebrate Mother's Day this year. Her sister Shamita Shetty also posted a video and a picture on Instagram from their memorable trip.
Here are some travel tips to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey to the Kedarnath Temple.
A journey to Kedarnath is both physically and mentally tiring. The Kedarnath trek is almost 16km long and starts from Gauri Kund. The difficulty increases as the trek curves uphill after the first 5-6km. Accordingly, your preparation should start one month before the journey. Brisk walking, light jogging and breathing exercises are ways you can prepare for the difficult trek.
You will want to take photos nearly every minute during your trek to Kedarnath due to the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas and the surrounding landscape. However, it’s crucial to do so respectfully. Always seek permission before photographing locals, and refrain from intruding on private moments.
The fragile ecosystem should also be treated with respect. This translates to carrying reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and carrying your trash with you until you reach a proper disposal site like a rubbish bin. This also extends to keeping noise pollution at a minimum by speaking in normal, soft tones and not playing loud music.
The trek to the temple is long and arduous and you will be physically worn by the end of it. To keep your health and spirits up, it is advisable to keep munching on light but satiating snacks like dry food, peanuts, dates, chocolates and energy bars. Keep yourself hydrated, too.
There are plenty of accommodation options for visitors to choose from at Kedarnath. Ashrams and guesthouses offer a comfortable stay while those seeking a more rustic experience can opt for tented accommodations. You can also consider a stay at the underground Rudra Cave. Remember to book beforehand as demand for lodging is high during the Char Dham Yatra.
It is important to carry physical currency as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system has limited reach in the town. ATMs are available but can stop working out of the blue or have long queues of people waiting to use them.
Carry essential items such as sweaters, fleece jackets, thermals, woollen caps, proper footwear, gloves, ID cards, raincoats, first-aid kits, sunscreen and a power bank. A battery-operated torch can also come in handy. Avoid travelling during the monsoon season as rockfalls and landslides can trap you for days at Kedarnath. Follow official guidelines and keep up to date with the weather and news.