Kedarnath and Gaurikund are two important pilgrimage sites situated in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Kedarnath, a town in the Rudraprayag district, is renowned for the Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town is positioned at an elevation of 3,583 meters above sea level, surrounded by the majestic snow-covered Himalayan mountains.
Gaurikund is a smaller town located at the foot of the trek to Kedarnath, serving as the starting point for pilgrims journeying to the Kedarnath Temple. The name Gaurikund is derived from Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, who is said to have meditated at this location to attain Lord Shiva’s affection.
Key Takeaways
- Kedarnath and Gaurikund are two important pilgrimage sites in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, known for their religious significance and natural beauty.
- The most common way to reach Kedarnath and Gaurikund is by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar, followed by a trek or helicopter ride to Kedarnath.
- On Day 1 of the tour itinerary, visitors can explore Gaurikund, take a dip in the hot water spring, and visit the ancient Gauri Temple.
- Day 2 includes a trek to Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and a visit to the Bhairavnath Temple.
- Visitors can enjoy scenic views, trekking, and spiritual experiences in Kedarnath and Gaurikund, along with witnessing the confluence of Mandakini and Saraswati rivers.
- Accommodation options in Kedarnath and Gaurikund range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, and dining options include local eateries serving traditional Indian cuisine.
- Tips for visiting Kedarnath and Gaurikund include carrying sufficient warm clothing, staying hydrated, and respecting the religious customs and traditions of the region.
How to Reach Kedarnath and Gaurikund
Reaching Kedarnath and Gaurikund involves a combination of road and trekking routes. The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 239 kilometers away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, which is around 207 kilometers away from Dehradun.
The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is the Rishikesh Railway Station, which is approximately 221 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, one can take a taxi or bus to reach Gaurikund. For those traveling by road, Gaurikund is well-connected by road to major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
Once in Gaurikund, visitors have to trek for approximately 16 kilometers to reach Kedarnath. The trekking route is well-marked and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Kedarnath and Gaurikund Tour Itinerary: Day 1
On the first day of your tour to Kedarnath and Gaurikund, you can start by reaching Gaurikund from your point of arrival, whether it’s Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. Upon reaching Gaurikund, you can check into your accommodation and rest for a while before starting your trek to Kedarnath. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete.
The route is well-maintained and offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. Along the way, you will come across several small tea stalls and resting points where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments. As you approach Kedarnath, you will be greeted by the sight of the majestic Kedarnath Temple nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks.
Upon reaching Kedarnath, you can visit the temple and seek blessings from Lord Shiva before retiring for the night. On the first day of your tour to Kedarnath and Gaurikund, you can start by reaching Gaurikund from your point of arrival, whether it’s Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. Upon reaching Gaurikund, you can check into your accommodation and rest for a while before starting your trek to Kedarnath.
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The route is well-maintained and offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains and lush greenery. Along the way, you will come across several small tea stalls and resting points where you can take a break and enjoy some refreshments.
As you approach Kedarnath, you will be greeted by the sight of the majestic Kedarnath Temple nestled amidst the snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching Kedarnath, you can visit the temple and seek blessings from Lord Shiva before retiring for the night.
Kedarnath and Gaurikund Tour Itinerary: Day 2
On the second day of your tour, you can start by exploring the surroundings of Kedarnath. You can visit Bhairavnath Temple, which is located around 1 kilometer from Kedarnath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Bhairav, who is believed to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath.
From here, you can also trek to Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 4,150 meters above sea level. The trek to Vasuki Tal offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region. After exploring the area around Kedarnath, you can start your descent back to Gaurikund.
Once back in Gaurikund, you can rest and relax before continuing your journey to your next destination. On the second day of your tour, you can start by exploring the surroundings of Kedarnath. You can visit Bhairavnath Temple, which is located around 1 kilometer from Kedarnath Temple.
The temple is dedicated to Bhairav, who is believed to be the guardian deity of Kedarnath. From here, you can also trek to Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 4,150 meters above sea level. The trek to Vasuki Tal offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
After exploring the area around Kedarnath, you can start your descent back to Gaurikund. Once back in Gaurikund, you can rest and relax before continuing your journey to your next destination.
Things to Do and See in Kedarnath and Gaurikund
Kedarnath and Gaurikund offer a range of activities and sights for visitors to explore. In Kedarnath, the main attraction is the Kedarnath Temple, which is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also an architectural marvel. The temple’s stunning location amidst the Himalayan peaks adds to its allure.
Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Bhairavnath Temple and Vasuki Tal for a deeper experience of the region’s natural beauty and religious significance. In Gaurikund, visitors can take a dip in the hot water spring believed to have medicinal properties or visit the Gauri Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Kedarnath and Gaurikund offer a range of activities and sights for visitors to explore. In Kedarnath, the main attraction is the Kedarnath Temple, which is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also an architectural marvel. The temple’s stunning location amidst the Himalayan peaks adds to its allure.
Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Bhairavnath Temple and Vasuki Tal for a deeper experience of the region’s natural beauty and religious significance. In Gaurikund, visitors can take a dip in the hot water spring believed to have medicinal properties or visit the Gauri Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Accommodation and Dining Options in Kedarnath and Gaurikund
Accommodation options in Kedarnath and Gaurikund range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels catering to pilgrims and tourists visiting the region. In Kedarnath, there are several guesthouses and dharamshalas offering basic amenities for a comfortable stay near the temple premises. In Gaurikund, visitors can find budget hotels and guesthouses with facilities such as hot water, clean rooms, and vegetarian meals.
Dining options in both towns mainly consist of vegetarian food served at local eateries and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy simple yet delicious meals such as dal, rice, roti, and local delicacies like pahadi rajma and kheer. Accommodation options in Kedarnath and Gaurikund range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels catering to pilgrims and tourists visiting the region.
In Kedarnath, there are several guesthouses and dharamshalas offering basic amenities for a comfortable stay near the temple premises. In Gaurikund, visitors can find budget hotels and guesthouses with facilities such as hot water, clean rooms, and vegetarian meals. Dining options in both towns mainly consist of vegetarian food served at local eateries and restaurants.
Visitors can enjoy simple yet delicious meals such as dal, rice, roti, and local delicacies like pahadi rajma and kheer.
Tips for Visiting Kedarnath and Gaurikund
When visiting Kedarnath and Gaurikund, it’s essential to be prepared for high-altitude conditions and variable weather. It’s advisable to carry warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit for any emergencies during your trek or stay in these towns. It’s also important to respect local customs and traditions while visiting religious sites in these towns.
Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid littering or causing any harm to the natural environment during their stay in this pristine region. When visiting Kedarnath and Gaurikund, it’s essential to be prepared for high-altitude conditions and variable weather. It’s advisable to carry warm clothing, rain gear, sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first-aid kit for any emergencies during your trek or stay in these towns.
It’s also important to respect local customs and traditions while visiting religious sites in these towns. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid littering or causing any harm to the natural environment during their stay in this pristine region. In conclusion, a visit to Kedarnath and Gaurikund offers a unique blend of spirituality, natural beauty, and adventure for travelers seeking an enriching experience in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region.
Whether it’s seeking blessings at ancient temples or trekking through picturesque landscapes, these towns have something special for every visitor. With proper planning and preparation, a trip to Kedarnath and Gaurikund can be an unforgettable journey filled with awe-inspiring moments and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
If you are planning a trip to Kedarnath, you may also be interested in exploring the nearby town of Gaurikund. Gaurikund is a popular starting point for the trek to Kedarnath and is also home to the Gauri Temple. For a detailed Gaurikund tour itinerary, you can check out this article which provides information on the best places to visit during the Amarnath Yatra.
FAQs
What is Kedarnath with Gaurikund Tour Itinerary?
Kedarnath with Gaurikund Tour Itinerary is a travel plan that includes visiting the holy town of Kedarnath and the nearby town of Gaurikund in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The itinerary typically includes details of the places to visit, accommodation, transportation, and other important information for travelers.
What are the main attractions in Kedarnath?
The main attraction in Kedarnath is the Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds great religious significance for Hindus. The town is also known for its scenic beauty and offers opportunities for trekking and exploring the surrounding Himalayan mountains.
What is Gaurikund known for?
Gaurikund is known as the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. It is also famous for its hot water springs and the Gauri Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
What activities can be included in the Kedarnath with Gaurikund Tour Itinerary?
Activities that can be included in the itinerary are visiting the Kedarnath Temple, trekking in the surrounding mountains, taking a dip in the hot water springs of Gaurikund, and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath and Gaurikund?
The best time to visit Kedarnath and Gaurikund is during the summer months of May to June and the autumn months of September to October. The weather is pleasant during these times, making it ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
What are the transportation options for reaching Kedarnath and Gaurikund?
Travelers can reach Kedarnath and Gaurikund by road from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. The nearest airport is in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is in Haridwar. From Gaurikund, a trek of approximately 16 kilometers leads to Kedarnath.