Kedarnath Trek

​The Kedarnath temple, located at an altitude of 3583m, is one of the Panch(5) Kedars of Lord Shiva and is revered as one of the most important shrines of Lord Shiva.

It is a relatively easy trek of 23km. This distance will shortly be reduced by another 5km once the repair work of the route post the destructive floods that ravaged the area in 2013, is complete. This trek is typically a pilgrim’s trek with the trail until Bhimbali being a level one and one that doesn’t offer too many views. However, your patience until Bhimbali will pay off as the trail does get interesting from there onward and Kedarnath itself offers stunning views of mountain peaks.

For the more adventurous ones, there is a trek to Vasuki Tal (not to be confused with the Vasuki Tal in Gangotri Valley) which is a high altitude lake. Please note that the Gandhi Sarovar or Chorabari tal no longer exists over there as it was destroyed completely during the floods.

Overview

An important Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is a Must-visit pilgrimage site. The temple is flanked by the mighty Himalayas in the backdrop. 

Itinerary

Arrive at Haridwar and check in to your hotel.

Drive to Guptkashi about 200km from Haridwar. Overnight at a guest house / hotel here.

We drive to Son Prayag today. We get our permissions and medical certifications from here. If a shuttle to Gaurikund is available we take that, otherwise we'd have to cover that stretch of 5km on foot which is pretty easy. From Gaurikund we trek another 9km to reach Bhimbali via Jungle Chhatti. We break for lunch at Bhimbali. From Bhimbali we start towards Limchouli which is a relatively steep trek (although the trail is well paved). At Limchouli we stay at Govt. appointed guest rooms.

Today's trek is steep but again the trail is very well paved. Start early to avoid ponies on the way. From Limchouli, you will start seeing great views of the mountains and in no time, you'll be in Kedarnath. The temple is located around 500m away from the guest houses. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the area.

Trekkers wanting to go up to Vasuki Tal would need to start very early in the morning so as to be able to back in Kedarnath by noon time as the weather is very unpredictable.

Today we come straight down to Son Prayag where our vehicle will be waiting for us. From here, we can drive to a nearby temple Triyugi Narayan , around 12km from Son Prayag. The sacred fire that burns in this temple is believed to be the very fire round which Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had married each other. Couples offer wood to the fire as a mark of respect. We can drive back to Guptkashi from here or also drive to Ukhimath for those wanting to embark on the Tunganath and Chandrashila trek.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

  • 1) Transfers in a non-ac cab ex Rishikesh.
  • 2) Accommodation throughout the trip in hotels/guest houses.
  • 3) First Aid Kit with oxygen cylinder
  • 4) Services of a guide
  • 5) Breakfast included on all days.

Exclusions:

  • 1) Any meals except breakfast
  • 2) Tips/Gratuities.
  • 3) Any other expenses of a personal nature.
  • 5-15 people