Overview
Kedarkantha is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in India. It is well-known for its surrounding spectacular beauty and the splendid architecture of the temple. It lies in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas in the Rudraprayag district. Kedarkantha is situated at an altitude of 3,553m above sea level. To reach the spectacular Kedarnath temple you need to hike through the Kedarkantha trek from Gauri Kund. Kedarkantha temple is among the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Kedarkantha temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas thousands of years ago and has been refurbished by Adi Shankaracharya. The Kedarnath temple is surrounded by majestic snow-clad mountains and is accompanied by the meandering Mandakini river.
With the spectacular and spiritual temple of Kedarkantha along with scenic views of the majestic Himalayas, a huge number of travelers visit Kedarkantha each year. To reach the temple you need to trek for about 16 km from Gaurikund. A 4km long trek from Gauri Kund to Jungle of Chatti via Rambara bridge will be the initial part of your Kedarkantha Trek. On this journey, you will enjoy a beautiful and easy trail. From there onwards you will then trek for 3km to reach Bheem Bali.
This journey has a lenient gradient and you can easily travel along. From Bheembali to Linchauli the trail starts becoming steep and stays for 4 km and becomes steeper for another 4km. After trekking for this long you will finally arrive at the base camp of the Kedarkantha trek. From the base camp, you trek for one more kilometer to reach the Kedarnath temple.
On completing your Kedarkantha trek you will reach the Kedarnath temple. The temple is a great artwork with splendid architecture. The snow-clad mountains at the backdrop add more beauty to the view of the Kedarnath temple.
All about the Kedarkantha trek.
The Kedarkantha trek distance covers a trekking journey of 8 days from your arrival to departure. Let’s have a look at the 8 days trekking journey.
Day1: Arrival at Delhi
Day2: Travel to Haridwar by train
Day3: Drive to Guptkashi from Haridwar
Day4: Drive to Gaurikund and trek to Kedarkantha
Day5: Trek to Vasukital and back to Kedarkantha
Day6: Trek to Gaurikund and drive to Rudraprayag
Day7: Back to Rishikesh
Day8: Back to Delhi and departure.
Day 1: Arrival at Delhi
On the first day, you arrive in Delhi. Then you get to your hotel in Delhi, have your dinner and relax. If you arrive early then you can explore the surrounding places.
Many Kedarkantha trek packages are available ranging from pocket friendly to luxury ones. You can choose the one that you like, but make sure it is affordable.
Day 2: Travel to Haridwar by train
After relaxing on the first day you will travel to Haridwar by train. The train journey covers 217.6 km of distance. You reach Haridwar railway station in about 6 and a half hours. You will then descend towards your hotel where you can have food and then explore the attractions in Haridwar in the evening.
Day 3: Drive to Guptkashi from Haridwar
On the 3rd day, you will drive to Guptkashi. Your road trip will cover a distance of 203.5km and you will reach Guptkashi in 6 hours and 20 minutes. On reaching Guptkashi you will get to your hotel and spend a night in the hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Gaurikund and trek to Kedarkantha
On the 4th day get up early and set for your actual trekking journey. From Guptkashi you will drive for about 15.3km and then trek for 14 km to Kedarkantha. On reaching Gaurikund you must take some packaged food along with you on your Kedarkantha trek. After you cover the 14 km trek to Kedarkantha base camp you can take a rest in the hotel.
Day 5: Trek to Vasukital and back to Kedarkantha
Get up early and begin the Kedarnath temple trek. You will trek for 8 km to reach Vasuki Tal. On reaching Vasukital you will witness the picture-perfect beauty of nature and the majestic pristine lake. On exploring the beauty of Vasukital you will then descend back towards Kedarkantha. When you arrive at Kedarkantha, rest overnight in the hotel.
Day 6: Trek to Gaurikund and drive to Rudraprayag
On the 6th day of your Kedarkantha trek, you will get up early and travel back to Gaurikund. On your way back you will trek for 14 km to reach Gaurikund and then drive for 41.2 km to reach Rudraprayag. On reaching Rudraprayag, take a rest in the hotel.
Day 7: Back to Rishikesh
Wake up early and travel back to Rishikesh by road. Your road trip will cover 141,7 km of distance. In about 4 hours and 10 minutes, you will reach Rishikesh. On reaching Rishikesh, freshen up in your hotel and stay overnight.
Day 8: Back to Delhi and departure.
The 8th day is the last day of your Kedarkantha trek. On this day you can enjoy sightseeing in the city of Rishikesh. Explore the city and enjoy the local markets and take a tour of the city. In the evening travel back to Haridwar and get ready to descend to Delhi. On arriving at Delhi railway station you are free to travel back to your home town with lots of beautiful memories.
Conclusion
Kedarkantha trek is a mesmerizing trekking experience that is filled with natural beauty and tests your energy at many places on the trekking trail. The beautiful and gigantic Himalayan snowclad mountains in the backdrop and the beautiful forests and meadows that come across your journey and the beautiful Mandakini river make the trekking journey worthwhile.
