Overview
The Kedarnath Temple stands as the most sacred haven devoted to Lord Shiva in Hindu beliefs. It was erected in the 8th century A.D., attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. Located near the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas, Kedarnath is a venerable and ancient edifice, with a history spanning over a millennium.
Following the destructive floods of 2013, efforts have been undertaken to restore the Kedarnath Temple complex. This restoration includes the addition of modern facilities like helipads and guesthouses. Moreover, the pilgrimage experience has been modernized, allowing online reservations for various aspects, including Kedarnath Puja. This innovation enables devotees to partake in the puja without the need for a physical presence.
The daily rituals at Kedarnath Temple commence at 4:00 a.m. with the Maha Abhishek and continue until approximately 7:00 p.m., concluding with the Shyam aarti. The temple opens its doors at around 6:00 a.m. for visitors from across the globe to participate in the revered darshan ritual. Up until 3:00 p.m., devotees are permitted to perform Abhishek with ghee and touch the idol. After 5:00 p.m., direct access to the idol is restricted, but darshan from a distance remains possible.
The Kedarnath Temple operates only during the six months when the sun is in the Aries zodiac sign and during the Scorpio month's total eclipse. This limited period marks the time when the temple welcomes pilgrims and travelers through its doors.
06 Days / 05 Nights
6-15 persons
Highest Point 13,123 ft
Short Itinerary
Day 01: From Dehradun to Sankri drive
Day 02: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
Day 03: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
Day 04: Trek base camp to Kedarkantha summit
Day 05: From Kedarkantha base camp to Sankri
Day 06: Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
Itinerary
Day 01: From Dehradun to Sankri drive
The congregation is set to occur in Dehradun, serving as the initial point of departure. Your journey will commence as you are transported to the base camp, the starting point for the upcoming trek. While the entire voyage from Dehradun to Sankri holds its own allure, a particularly noteworthy aspect is the sight of majestic pine trees that greet you after the passage through Purola. The most enchanting stretch, however, unfolds as you traverse the Mori valley alongside the Tonnes River.
The duration of travel between Dehradun and Sankri spans approximately 10 hours, covering a distance of 220 kilometers. Sankri, positioned at an elevation of 2,000 meters (6,400 feet), boasts limited network connectivity due to its high-altitude location.
Day 02: Trek from Sankri to Juda Ka Talab
Following an overnight stay in Sankri, our journey progresses towards the next destination—Juda Ka Talab. This enchanting location spans an elevation ranging from 6,400 feet to 9,100 feet. The hike spans approximately four hours and guides travelers through dense pine forests, groves of maple trees, and numerous babbling streams. Along this picturesque trail, the captivating Juda Ka Talab awaits.
The legends surrounding Juda Ka Talab are diverse, each weaving its own unique narrative. One such tale recounts that Lord Shiva, in ancient times, sought solace at this very site for his meditation. Overcome by thirst, he is said to have plucked a single strand of hair from his mane and cast it upon the earth. This simple gesture is said to have given rise to the tranquil pool of water that now graces this location. Another local version of the story narrates the existence of two distinct water bodies that eventually merged into the unified expanse known as Juda Ka Talab.
Day 03: Trek from Juda Ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base Camp
In this leg of the trek, we will cover a total distance of 4 kilometers while ascending from an altitude of 9,100 feet to 11,250 feet. During this phase, participants will be treated to panoramic views of renowned mountains such as Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, Kala Naag, and Ranglana. These mountains carry a plethora of myths and tales, yet as the adage goes, "Find contentment in the experience, not in the narrative," as myths and legends can evolve. Nevertheless, the imprints of an experience remain unparalleled.
Nightfall will find us stationed at the Kedarkantha Base Camp. The subsequent day will see us embarking towards the summit, ready to conquer the next leg of the journey.
Day 04: Trek base camp to Kedarkantha summit
The stunning Himalayan vistas that unfold at the culmination of the battle serve as ample recompense for the exertions invested. Moreover, nestled in a picturesque expanse, stands a modest temple dedicated to the deities Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha. This locale is recognized as a sanctum, with a legend narrating Lord Shiva's bestowal of his blessings upon it. This tale stems from the annals of mythology. Astonishingly, an extraordinary element about this spot awaits your discovery—a connection that draws you back repeatedly, compelling you to return as often as possible. Here, avenues to receive divine favor lie open.
Search for the sanctuary that resonates with your inner tranquility, fortifying you for the rigors of daily life. When time permits, consider indulging in moments of meditation. This proves to be the most efficacious approach to unwind and revitalize following a whirlwind journey. Following a sojourn in this haven, our descent shall eventually commence, guiding us back to the Kedarkantha Base camp.
Day 05: From Kedarkantha base camp to Sankri
As we approach the culmination of the Kedarkantha trek, we will reach our destination, marking our final evening together, cherishing the collective experience. The descent back to Sankri holds an equal measure of excitement, mirroring the thrill of our ascent to the summit.
Day 06: Drive from Sankri to Dehradun
Our arrival at the destination aligns with the culmination of the Kedarkantha trek, marking the final day of our shared expedition. This evening holds a special significance as it's the last night we'll spend cherishing this collective journey. The descent from the mountain's summit to Sankri is equally thrilling and invigorating, mirroring the excitement that accompanied our ascent to the peak initially.
Inclusion
From Day 01 through Day 6 of your walk, you will be sleeping in various hotels and tents.
All meals are provided, beginning with the first night’s dinner and ending with breakfast on day sixth. On all days of the walk, we provide simple, healthy vegetarian meals.
We will provide for round-trip transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun
Trekking permits and camping expenses in the woods are all accounted for.
Tents and sleeping bags of the highest quality will be provided at each camp. Fortunately, we have high-altitude sleeping bags that are good down to ten degrees Celsius.
Gaiters, microspikes, and ropes are available.
Exclusion
Costs associated with carrying personal items, such as luggage, on the hike.
The term “emergency costs” refers to any and all costs that crop up as a direct consequence of a crisis.
There will be no access to bottled water at any point throughout the walk.
Cost of transportation from Dehradun to Sankri (between 1000 and 1500 INR)
