Kedarnath Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, hiking routes, food and drink scene, local culture, and travel tips for Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. This detailed travel guide covers everything you need to know to plan a trip to Kedarnath.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Kedarnath: Explore the Best of Uttarakhand

Kedarnath, a small town in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. It is located in the Himalayan North and surrounded by snow-capped peaks and scenic landscapes.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the best things to do, places to visit, hiking routes, food and drink scenes, local culture, and travel tips for Kedarnath. Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay, this guide has everything you need to know to make your trip a memorable one.

Introduction to Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, as it is home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are considered to be the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. It’s a beautiful and serene destination, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, making it an excellent place for nature lovers too.

The town is located at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level, and the Kedarnath temple is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world.

List of Places to Visit in Kedarnath

There are various places to explore in Kedarnath, from culturally important attractions to natural scenic views. Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kedarnath:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kedarnath Temple
  • Shankaracharya Samadhi
  • Gaurikund Temple
  • Triyuginarayan Temple
  • Guptkashi Temple
  • Vasuki Tal

Natural Attractions of Kedarnath: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Chorabari Tal
  • Bhairavnath Temple
  • Gandhi Sarovar
  • Kedarnath Peak

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a popular destination among hikers and bikers, with numerous treks starting from the town. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Kedarnath:

  • Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal Trek
  • Kedarnath to Kedartal Trek
  • Kedarnath to Gaurikund Trek
  • Kedarnath to Chopta Trek
  • Kedarnath to Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek

Best Things to Do in Kedarnath: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting tourist attractions, there are numerous fun-filled activities to do and tours to take in Kedarnath. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Trekking
  • Pilgrimage
  • Mule Rides
  • Nature Walk
  • Camping and Bonfire

Week-Long Itinerary for Kedarnath

If you’re planning to spend a week in Kedarnath, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Kedarnath and visit Kedarnath Temple
2 Trek to Vasuki Tal
3 Trek to Kedartal
4 Visit local temples and explore the town
5 Trek to Chopta
6 Explore the wildlife sanctuary and surrounding hills
7 Departure from Kedarnath

Food and Drink Scene of Kedarnath

Kedarnath offers a range of delicious and authentic North Indian cuisine, as well as some local delicacies. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kachmauli
  • Singori
  • Bal Mithai
  • Arsa
  • Bhang ki Chutney
  • Chainsoo

Local Beverages

  • Arak
  • Chhang
  • Tharra

Where to Stay in Kedarnath: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kedarnath offers various accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kedarnath:

  • Kedarnath Tourist Rest House
  • Shankar Shri Haveli
  • GMVN Tourist Bungalow
  • Bansal Resort
  • Birla Guest House

What to Buy in Kedarnath: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kedarnath offers some unique and local products for shopping. Here are some must-buy items to bring back home:

  • Rudraksha
  • Woolen garments
  • Wooden artifacts
  • Local Spices

Local Culture and Customs of Kedarnath

Kedarnath is home to a rich and diverse culture, with a mix of Garhwali and Kumaoni traditions. The locals celebrate various festivals throughout the year, including Holi, Diwali, and Shivratri.

As Kedarnath is a pilgrimage site, visitors should respect the local customs and traditions, dress modestly, and avoid smoking and drinking.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from April to November, which is the summer and monsoon season in the region. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the temperature ranges from 5 °C to 30 °C.

The winter season from December to March is not recommended for visiting Kedarnath because of the heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather conditions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kedarnath

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately, with modest clothing.
  • Carry warm clothes and rain gear, as weather conditions can change quickly.
  • Hire professional guides and porters for trekking.

Don’t:

  • Smoke or drink in public places.
  • Litter or harm the environment.
  • Swim in rivers or lakes without caution.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kedarnath

Kedarnath is generally a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions while trekking and hiking. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Follow the instructions of local guides and avoid trekking alone.
  • Carry a first-aid kit and necessary medicines.
  • Take necessary precautions during the monsoon season, as it can cause landslides and flash floods.

Health in Kedarnath

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a common concern for visitors to Kedarnath, as the town is located at high altitude. Visitors should take necessary precautions to avoid AMS, such as:

  • Drink plenty of water and fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking.
  • Take frequent breaks and rest.

Visitors with pre-existing medical conditions should consult their doctor before planning a trip to Kedarnath.

Getting to Kedarnath: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road or air. Here are some transportation options to reach Kedarnath:

Airports Near Kedarnath

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 238 km away. Visitors can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Kedarnath.

Bus Stations Near Kedarnath

The nearest major bus station to Kedarnath is in Haridwar, which is approximately 223 km away. Visitors can take a bus from Haridwar or hire a private taxi to reach Kedarnath.

Other Options

  • Visitors can drive or hire a taxi, but the roads to Kedarnath are narrow and winding, so caution is advised.
  • Visitors can take a helicopter ride from Phata, which is approximately 4 km away from Kedarnath.

How to Get Around in Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a small town, and most of the tourist sites are within walking distance. Visitors can also hire a mule or horse for trekking and exploring the town.

Where to Go Next from Kedarnath: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kedarnath is a gateway to several beautiful tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. Here are some nearby destinations to explore:

  • Badrinath
  • Hemkund Sahib
  • Valley of Flowers National Park
  • Rudraprayag
  • Chamoli

Conclusion

Kedarnath is a beautiful and serene destination that offers a mix of spiritual and adventure tourism. This comprehensive guide has covered everything you need to know to plan a trip to Kedarnath, from the best things to do, places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, and travel tips.

We hope this guide has inspired you to add Kedarnath to your travel bucket list and plan a visit soon!

Near to Gaurikund- Kedarnath trail Near to Gaurikund- Kedarnath trail Kedarnath View from 1 km behind. Kedarnath View from 1 km behind. Trekking towards the Kedarnath Ji temple. Trekking towards the Kedarnath Ji temple. Pony's Shelter near to kedarnath ji temple. Pony's Shelter near to kedarnath ji temple.