Kedarnath Trek

History and Legends of the Kedarnath Trek

Kedarnath, nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, is a sacred Hindu town known for the Kedarnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to absolve their sins from the Kurukshetra war. Shiva eluded them repeatedly and finally, in the form of a bull, disappeared into the ground at Kedarnath, leaving his hump behind. The remaining parts of Shiva appeared in different places and are worshipped there as his manifestations.

Built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, the Kedarnath Temple’s architecture showcases ancient Indian grandeur and resilience, standing strong amidst the backdrop of snow-capped peaks and serene valleys. The trek to Kedarnath is not only a journey of spiritual significance but also an exploration of the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region.

Kedarnath Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Guptkashi

6:00 AM: Departure from Dehradun.

• Drive: 8-9 hours to Guptkashi.
• Route: Dehradun – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi.
• Lunch: Not included in the package. Have lunch en route at a local eatery.
• Arrival in Guptkashi: Evening, check-in at a guesthouse/homestay.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel (provided).
• Meals Included: Dinner.

Day 2: Guptkashi to Gaurikund and Trek to Kedarnath

Morning:

• Breakfast: Early breakfast at Guptkashi.
• Drive: 1.5 hours to Gaurikund.
• Trek Start: Begin the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
• Trek Distance: 7-8 hours, approximately 16 kilometers.
• Altitude: Gaurikund (1,982 meters) to Kedarnath (3,583 meters).

   Afternoon:

• Arrival at Kedarnath: Check-in at guesthouse/camps.

   Evening:

• Rest: Relax and acclimate at Kedarnath.
• Visit Kedarnath Temple: Attend the evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse or camps (provided).
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 3: Kedarnath Exploration and Return to Gaurikund

   Morning:

• Breakfast: Early breakfast at Kedarnath.
• Exploration: Visit the Kedarnath Temple and explore the surroundings.
• Optional: Short trek to Vasuki Tal (high altitude lake).

   Afternoon:

•  Return to Gaurikund: Descend back to Gaurikund.

   Evening:

•  Drive to Guptkashi: 1.5 hours drive from Gaurikund to Guptkashi.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel (provided).
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 4: Guptkashi to Rishikesh

  Morning:

• Breakfast: Early breakfast at Guptkashi.
• Drive Start: Begin the drive from Guptkashi to Dehradun.
• Drive Distance: 8-9 hours.

   Afternoon:

• Lunch: En route at a local eatery.

   Evening:

• Arrival in Dehradun: Around 6:00-7:00 PM.
• Meals Included: Breakfast.

Inclusions

• Transportation: From Rishikesh/Haridwar to Guptkashi and back.
• Accommodation: In tents and guesthouses.
• Meals: As specified in the itinerary.
• Experienced Trekking Guide.
• Camping Equipment: Tents and sleeping bags.
• Any Necessary Permits.

Exclusions

• Lunch on Day 1 and Day 4 (trekkers need to arrange their own lunch en route).
• Personal Expenses.
• Rental Gear Fees (if applicable).
• Any Costs Arising Due to Unforeseen Circumstances like roadblocks, weather conditions, etc.