About Kedarnath
Joshimath to Kedarnath distnce : 185 km
Estimated travel time : 6.5 hours
Joshimath to Kedarnath is the most popular route for pilgrimage. Kedarnath shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most important Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Kedarnath is the holiest pilgrimage for Hindus. Apart from strong religious belief Kedarnath has unmatched natural beauty which also attracts adventure seekers for trekking. Kedarnath is situated in middle of Garhwal mountains and Mandakini river is flowing in front of Kedarnath shrine. Kedarnath temple can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek. Pilgrims from all over world visit this shrine to take blessings of 'Supreme Being'. Kedarnath is very scenic place. Kedarnath shrine is surrounded by snow covered mountains and alpine forests. Immediately behind the temple is Keadardome peak. The sight of temple and the peak takes you to another world. Kedarnath shrine remains open in summers only i.e. from April to October. During the winters from November to May, the deity is shifted from Kedarnath temple to Ukhitmath. Other attractions of Kedarnath are Sonprayag, Gaurikund temple, Vasuki tal and for adventure seekers the famous Chadrashila trek. It starts from village Tungnath, which is known as the starting point of the popular Chopta Chadrashila Trek. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak gives you with a 360 degree view of the valleys below. The peaks of Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nilkanth and Kedarnath are all covered during the trek.
Taxi from Joshimath to Kedarnath is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Badrinath to Kedarnath by car is well connected via NH7 and NH107A and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Delhi to Kedarnath distance is 224 Km and is 7.5 hours journey. Cars are allowed till Sonprayag. After that one has to take local vehicle till Gaurikund. Gaurikund to Kedarnath is beautiful trek. You can walk or take Pony or Palki. Pony can be booked at Sonprayag. Helicopter booking should be done in advance and it is advised to keep 1-2 buffer days as Helicopter ride is weather dependent. CAUTION -- NO NETWORK AFTER SONPRAYAG. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
Auli - Auli Hill Station, Auli Skiing, Foot step to Auli
Langsi - Shri Jakh Devta Temple, Hanuman Temple, Shiv Temple
Pakhi - Garur Ganga Temple, Gurudwara Sahib
Pipalkoti - Shiv Temple, Natura Waterfall, Durga Mandir, Park
Tartoli - Hanuman Temple, Maa Nanda Devi Mandir, Adventure Sports
Chamoli - Alakeshwar Mahadev Mandir, Alakananda River
Gopeshwar - Garhwal hills, Shri Gopinath Temple, Shri Ganesh Temple, Vaitarni Mandir Samuh, Sri Oleshwar Raja
Koteshwar - Mahadev Temple, Mandal Valley, Chandika Mandir, Ram Leela stage
Bhulkan - The Hidden Waterfall, Camping, Mountain Views, Park
Chopta - Chopta Wildlife Camps Resorts, Kedarnath Reserve National Park, The Hidden Waterfall (Soul Rover), Organic Himalaya Village Dugalbitta
Ukhimath - Kedarnath Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Camping
Guptkashi - Perwaad Dhar, Barahi Temple, Shree Vishwanath Temple of Guptkashi
Khumera - Pramukh Swami Waterfalls, Bagar