Kedarnath is one of the most frequented and widely visited places of Shiva worship in the world. People take up this lengthy journey to the Garhwal Himalayas in order to feel a lot closer to the lord. The pilgrimage is a challenging one. The terrain is jagged and the 18 kms of trek leading up to the Jyotirlinga is very steep throughout. It is better to go through some interesting tricks, tips and hacks to make it.
Visiting Kedarnath requires familiarity with the road routes and other such important measures. While planning a trip to Kedarnath, it is important to go through some commonly concerning questions.
Here are some frequently asked questions for Kedarnath, answered by pro travelers and travel experts:
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the months of early April to early June. This is the summertime as well as the peak travel season in Kedarnath tourism. Be sure to book your Kedarnath package before the start of the season as they get sold out pretty quickly.
If you wish to see snow in Kedarnath then the time of its closing from Late September to November is the perfect time for that.
Which Is The Most Comfortable Way To Reach Kedarnath?
The most comfortable way to reach Kedarnath is via a helicopter ride. It is the best option for people on a limited number of holidays and individuals who are physically unable to complete the yatra on foot. The Kedarnath helicopter tour package also includes Yatri registration, stay at luxury accommodation, smooth transfers, and a VIP Darshan pass. The Darshan pass will allow the pilgrim to skip the long waiting lines in front of the temple.
What Is Kedarnath Road Condition?
This has to be one of the most frequently asked questions for Kedarnath. Especially after the 2013 flood disaster. The road leading up to Gaurikund is very smooth. Be prepared to drive on narrow roads as it is located on the hills. The roads for Kedarnath are a part of NH 58 and NH 109. People who have experience driving on the hills should drive on these roads. Many people also choose to go there in their private vehicles.
What Are Some Nearby Places To Explore In Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is a very popular tourist spot in Uttarakhand. It is a must-visit choice for spiritual and adventure enthusiasts. There are a number of places people can visit in and around Kedarnath. These places include Triyuginarayan Temple, Rudra Gufa or the Kedarnath Cave, Deoria Tal, etc. people can also indulge in trekking, hiking, and camping activities near the temple. The pilgrimage in itself is a combination of spirituality and adventure.
Are There Taxi Services Available In Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is a very important destination for Pilgrims and Shiva devotees. People go through extreme lengths to make the trip to Kedarnath. The government of Uttarakhand has taken special measures to make the Darshan available for all no matter from where or how they are coming. There are many car rentals and taxi services available in Gaurikund. Rishikesh also has these services for people looking to travel in a rented vehicle from Rishikesh to Kedarnath. People can also book cabs in Gaurikund to visit places like Chopta, Guptkashi, and Augustmuni, etc. the rate of taxis vary depending on the kilometers covered and the vehicle selected.
What Is The Stay And Food Quality In Kedarnath?
When it comes to food and hotel services there are plenty of options available. No matter your budget this place can accommodate every pilgrim and devotee. When it comes to stay options, there is everything ranging from luxury resorts to government Homestays, Dharamshalas, Camps, and Lodges. The food in Kedarnath consists of fast food like Maggi and bread Omelette. The main course consists of locally prepared meals like rice, roti, locally sourced vegetables, dal etc. being a religious place the food available here is purely vegetarian. The food is prepared using locally sourced ingredients.
Is It Safe To Travel To Kedarnath Now?
After the 2013 flash flood disaster, many pilgrims have this question on their minds. This is because hundreds of thousands of pilgrims lost their lives. After the disaster, the government of Uttarakhand has taken extreme measures to make every Yatri and pilgrim feel secure. The roads are well made, the stays are stronger now and the temple is also surrounded by a huge strong boundary wall.
However, every Yatri should be extra careful while traveling to Kedarnath during the monsoon. During the monsoon months of July to September, the region remains exposed to harsh and sudden climatic changes like landslides and floods. This can cause unforeseen problems in your trip planning.
What Is Kedarnath Opening Date 2024?
The doors of the Kedarnath temple will open on May 15, 2024. The opening dates are decided to open on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya. This date is announced during the holy occasion of Shivratri and announced at the winter abode of Kedarnath in Omkareshwar temple, Ukhimath. The time for opening is 6:25 am. The idol of Kedarnath is carried from the winter abode in Ukhimath to the main temple shrine in Kedarnath. This is done amidst great celebrations, folk music, and traditional dances using various instruments.
What Can I Expect From A Standard Kedarnath Tour Package From Delhi/Rishikesh?
The tour package for Kedarnath from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or anywhere actually commences from Rishikesh. For this reason, Rishikesh is also known as the gateway to Chardham Yatra. From Rishikesh, the pilgrims choose either shared jeeps, rent a taxi service or get a bus ticket to Gaurikund. The overall distance of Kedarnath from Rishikesh is 227 kms. The narrowly winding roads of the Himalayas make it a very lengthy journey. The regular route followed is Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Tilwara – Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Phata – Rampur – Sonprayag and finally the final road head to Kedarnath in Gaurikund.
Can I Book A Helicopter Trip To Kedarnath From Gaurikund?
Yes. You can book a helicopter ride to the temple right on the spot as well. However, it is ideal to book a Kedarnath Helicopter Package beforehand online instead of booking it on the spot. Mainly because the seats fill up really quickly.
These are some popular and very frequently asked questions for Kedarnath. Going through them will help plan out your trip better.
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