Kedarnath Trek
Region
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 Days, 5 Nights
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Altitude
12500 Ft.
Distance
20 KM
Trek Price: ₹10,000
Add-ons
| Items | Price (₹) | Items | Price (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| River Rafting (with Safety Kayaker) | 1500 | Bungee Jumping | 2500 |
| Offloading (Backpack) | 1600 | Single Occupancy Tent | 1600 |
| Trekking Shoes Rental | 550 | Down Jacket Rental | 550 |
| Trekking Pole Rental | 250 | Poncho / Rain Cover | 200 |
| Gloves | 200 | Thermal Water Bottle | 300 |
| Insurance | 100 / day |
Overview
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.
Short Itinerary
Short Itinerary – Kedarnath Trek
Day 1: Rishikesh → Guptkashi
- Scenic drive via Devprayag & Rudraprayag
- Overnight stay at Guptkashi
Day 2: Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Drive to Gaurikund
- 16 km trek to Kedarnath
- Overnight stay at Kedarnath
Day 3: Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Guptkashi
- Morning temple visit
- Descend trek to Gaurikund
- Drive back to Guptkashi
Day 4: Guptkashi → Rishikesh
- Return drive
- Tour ends
Detailed Itinerary
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.
Rental Gear List (Pre-booking required)
- Trekking Poles: ₹200 (adjustable) / ₹150 (fixed)
- RainPoncho: ₹200
- Flask: ₹300
- Gloves: ₹150/₹250
- LunchBox&Tiffin Boxes: ₹250
- Headlamps: ₹150
- Extra WarmJackets: ₹550
- Trekking Shoes: ₹550
- Trekking Pants: ₹450
Packing Essentials
- Clothing: Warm layers, quick-dry t-shirts, rain poncho.
- Footwear: Good trekking shoes.
- Accessories: Sunglasses, trekking poles, personal medications.
- Backpack: 20-30 liters daypack.
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.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the Kedarnath Trek?
The Kedarnath Trek is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage trek in Uttarakhand that leads from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva located in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Q2: How difficult is the Kedarnath Trek?
The trek is considered Moderate. It involves a steady uphill climb of around 16 km with steep sections, but it is well-marked and regularly used by pilgrims.
Q3: What is the altitude of Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.
Q4: What is the best time to do Kedarnath Trek?
The best time for the Kedarnath Trek is from May to June and September to October, when the temple is open and weather conditions are relatively stable.
Q5: How many days are required for Kedarnath Yatra?
The Kedarnath Yatra typically takes 3 to 4 days, depending on travel time from Rishikesh/Haridwar and trekking pace.
Q6: Is the Kedarnath Trek safe?
Yes, it is a well-established pilgrimage route with regular facilities, rescue support, and pilgrim traffic, but weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains.