The Kedarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) and holds great religious significance for Hindus.
During the Kedarnath Yatra, devotees undertake a journey to reach the Kedarnath Temple, which is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the majestic Garhwal Himalayan range. The yatra typically begins in the months of April or May, after the winter season ends and the temple is reopened. The temple remains accessible until the onset of winter, usually in November, when it is closed due to heavy snowfall.
The traditional route to Kedarnath involves a trek of approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the yatra. Gaurikund can be reached by road from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. From Gaurikund, pilgrims have the option to trek or hire a mule or a palanquin (doli) to reach the temple.
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath takes you through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and steep trails. Along the way, you will come across several resting points, refreshment stalls, and basic accommodation facilities. The most notable resting point is Rambara, which is around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Gaurikund and serves as a popular spot for taking a break.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, pilgrims visit the ancient Kedarnath Temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by magnificent snow-clad peaks, including the imposing Kedarnath Peak (6,940 meters or 22,769 feet).
After offering prayers at the temple, devotees return to Gaurikund following the same route. Many pilgrims also visit other nearby places of religious significance, such as Triyuginarayan Temple, Guptkashi, and Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple in the world).
It’s important to note that the Kedarnath Yatra can be physically challenging due to the high altitude and steep terrain. Pilgrims are advised to be well-prepared, physically fit, and equipped with suitable clothing, shoes, and essentials for the journey. It is also recommended to check the weather conditions and seek guidance from local authorities before embarking on the yatra.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up to September 2021, and it’s always a good idea to verify the latest updates and guidelines regarding the Kedarnath Yatra from reliable sources or official authorities before planning your trip.
Overview
The Kedarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) and holds great religious significance for Hindus.
During the Kedarnath Yatra, devotees undertake a journey to reach the Kedarnath Temple, which is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the majestic Garhwal Himalayan range. The yatra typically begins in the months of April or May, after the winter season ends and the temple is reopened. The temple remains accessible until the onset of winter, usually in November, when it is closed due to heavy snowfall.
The traditional route to Kedarnath involves a trek of approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the yatra. Gaurikund can be reached by road from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. From Gaurikund, pilgrims have the option to trek or hire a mule or a palanquin (doli) to reach the temple.
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath takes you through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and steep trails. Along the way, you will come across several resting points, refreshment stalls, and basic accommodation facilities. The most notable resting point is Rambara, which is around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from Gaurikund and serves as a popular spot for taking a break.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, pilgrims visit the ancient Kedarnath Temple, believed to be built by the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by magnificent snow-clad peaks, including the imposing Kedarnath Peak (6,940 meters or 22,769 feet).
After offering prayers at the temple, devotees return to Gaurikund following the same route. Many pilgrims also visit other nearby places of religious significance, such as Triyuginarayan Temple, Guptkashi, and Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple in the world).
It’s important to note that the Kedarnath Yatra can be physically challenging due to the high altitude and steep terrain. Pilgrims are advised to be well-prepared, physically fit, and equipped with suitable clothing, shoes, and essentials for the journey. It is also recommended to check the weather conditions and seek guidance from local authorities before embarking on the yatra.
Please note that the information provided is based on the knowledge available up to September 2021, and it’s always a good idea to verify the latest updates and guidelines regarding the Kedarnath Yatra from reliable sources or official authorities before planning your trip.
