Kedarnath Dham

Geographic Details of Kedarnath


Location : 14 Km Trek From Gaurikund
Dedicated To : Lord Shiva
Altitude : 3,581 mt
Built In : 8th Century AD
Best Time to visit:-The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.

Kedarnath

Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. It is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.

At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.

Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.

The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow - covered mountains, and during summer grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.

The Mythological Past
There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own Kith and Kin and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull.

On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations.

The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

An imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

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Itinerary(CHARDHAM TOURS)
Duration : 10 Night / 11 Day
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Haridwar - Yamnotri - Uttarkashi-Gangotri-Gaurikund-Kedarnath-Joshimath-Badrinath-Rishikesh

Day 01 : Delhi —Haridwar

Morning Train (shatabdi ) at 6:50am – arrival at Haridwar railway station at 11:30 am- Transfer to hotel – visit local Haridwar and ganga aarti at har ki Pauri –night stay at Haridwar.

Day 02 : Haridwar - Barkot (195 kms/9 hrs, Ht : 1352 mts.)

Drive to Barkot from Mussoorie. Enroute visit Kempty Fall and other tourist spots. Later drive straight to your Hotel for night halt.

Day- 3- Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot (36 kms drive & 6kms Trek (one way) Ht : 3293 mts.)

Drive to Jankichatti, trek starts from here to Yamunotri (6kms). You can either walk or go by horse or by Doli at your own cost. Arrive at Yamunotri. One can cook rice by packing it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water of Garamkund. Pilgrims take this cooked rice home as "Prasad". Near the temple "Pooja" can be offered to Divya Shila, after taking bath in Jamunabai Kund's warm water. After taking "Darshan" of pious "Yamunaji" return to Jankichatti. Later drive back to Barkot. Stay overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day- 4- Barkot - Uttarkashi (115 kms, 5 Hrs drive, Ht :1158 mts.)

After breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. Later visit the famous Vishwanath Temple. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Day- 5- Uttarkashi - Gangotri – Uttarkashi (100 kms. each way Ht : 3048 mts.)

Early morning 06:00 A.M. drive to Gangotri, enroute at Gangnali take a holy dip in Garam Kund, then drive to Gangotri via beautiful Harsil Valley. Harsil is famous for its nature beauty and for the majestic views of the Deodar trees, and mountains. On arrival at Shree Gangotri, take a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges which is also called Bhagirathi at its origin. Perform Pooja and Darshan, after that relax for some time in the lovely surroundings. After lunch in the afternoon drive back to Uttarkashi, on arrival check into the Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day- 6- Uttarkashi – Sitapur/Gaurikund (223 kms. Drive 9 - 10 Hrs, Ht : 1319 mts.)

Morning after breakfast drive to Guptkashi, via Moolgarh, Lambgoan. Lunch enroute. On the way, see Tehri Dam from Dam View Point, then continue your journey towards Guptkashi. Thenyou can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi. On arrival Check In at the Hotel, evening visit Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ardh Narishwar Temple. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Hotel. Gupt Kashi's main temple is of Shiva as Vishvanath, "Lord of the Universe" (the most important Shiva temple in Benares).

Day- 7- Sitapur/Gaurikund – - Kedarnath- Sitapur (By Helicopter ) Ht : 3384 mts.

After breakfast, we proceed to helipad . Take helicopter to Kedarnath (12 mintuts flight time) visit Kedarnath Temple for Darshan, Aarti & pooja. Fly back to hotel- night stay at hotel Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar

Day- 8- Sitapur/Gaurikund - Joshimath 165kms/8-9 by Road)

After breakfast drive to Joshimath/Pipalkoti via chopta Check into Hotel at . Overnight stay at hotel.

Day- 9- Joshimath - Badrinath-Joshimath - (55km(one side)/2hrs) Ht : 3133 mts.

Drive to Badrinath from Joshimath. Check into the Hotel. Later visit Badrinath Temple for Aarti.. Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries". visit mana village and drive back to joshimath/pipalkoti . night stay at hotel.

Day- 10- Joshimath – Rishikesh(255 kms/8-9hr) : After breakfast

Drive back to Rishikesh via Nandprayag, Karanprayag,Rudraprayag & Deoprayag. Arrive and check into your Hotel. Stay overnight at Rishikesh.

Day- 11- Rishikesh /Haridwar –New Delhi-:

After Breakfast visit local places of Rishikesh , Ram jhula & Laxman jhula, Swarg ashram and in evening take Train – (shatabdi) at 6:00 P.m back to Delhi.

*The above itinerary can be modified as per our client requirement .

Cost Includes

  • Non Air-Conditioned Hotel Accommodation On Twin / Triple Share Basis.
  • All Travel / Transport as per request.
  • All Sightseeing as Per The Itinerary.
  • All Toll Taxes, State Taxes, Parking charges.
  • Daily Breakfast at The Hotel.

Note:

  • In All Hotels Base Category Rooms are allocated for the Stay, In Case Of Up Gradation It will be charged.
  • Check In & Check Out 10AM at Hotels.
  • Air Conditioned will not run in Hill Area.

Cost Excludes

  • Entry fees at the monuments/ temples.
  • Soft drinks and hard drinks.
  • Laundry, telephone calls, drinks, tipp and guide charge etc.
  • Insurance-Any type.
  • Anything which is not mentioned in above itinerary is not part of the package.

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Hotels Name Available on Request

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