About Kedarnath
Lucknow to Kedarnath distnce : 700 km
Estimated travel time : 18 hours
Lucknow 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 Lucknow to Kedarnath is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Lucknow to Kedarnath by car is well connected via NH731 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Lucknow to Kedarnath distance is 740 Km and is 18 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 :
Sitapur - Naimisharanya, Rudravart Mahadev, Lalita Devi Mandir, Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple, Hanuman Garhi
Bareilly - Alakhnath Temple, Doopeshwarnath Temple, Dargah e Ala-Hazrat, Trivati Nath Temple, Chunne Miyan's Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Fun City etc
Pilibhit
Rudrapur - Atariya Temple, Paanch Mandir, Nanak Matta, Lake Paradise, Kashipur
Rampur - Hatkoti Temple, Chander Naun, Tannu Jubbar Lake, Sarahan, Janjehli
Haldwani - Kathgodam, Gaula Dam, Shitla Devi Temple, Jeolikot, Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal Lake, Hanuman Garhi Temple
Almora - Katarmal Sun Temple, Golu Devta Temple, Jageshwar Dham, Nanda Devi Temple
Nainital - Tiffin Top, Kilbury, Snow View Point, High Altitude Zoo, Land's End
Ramnagar - Ram Nagar Mahal, Ramnagar fort, Lakhundar chiler Sangam
Srinagar - Shri Yantra tapu ganga vatika, Panch Pipal, Sri Yantra Tapu Martyrs Park, Shree Kamaleshwer Mahadev Temple, Srinagar Garhwal
Rudraprayag - Confluence point of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, Nara temple, Koteshwar temple
Karanprayag - Karnprayag Sangam, Pokhri karnaprayag bridge, Pokhari Road Tunnel, Karna Temple
Guptkashi - ancient Vishwanath temple similar to Varanasi (Kashi), Barahi Temple, Bhainsari