Overview
You said:
Kedarnath is a revered town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) above sea level. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and forms part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra and the Panch Kedar.
The town is best known for the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to have been originally established by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple, built of massive stone slabs, stands against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks, with the Mandakini River flowing nearby.
Despite its remote location, Kedarnath draws thousands of pilgrims and trekkers every year, accessible primarily through a challenging trek from Gaurikund or via helicopter services. The temple remains open only from April/May to November due to heavy snowfall during winters.
Kedarnath is not only a spiritual hub but also a destination for natural beauty and adventure, offering serene landscapes, trekking trails, and a glimpse into Himalayan culture. The devastating floods of 2013 significantly impacted the town, but restoration efforts have revived its religious and cultural significance.
Highlights
- Trek to the world-famous Everest Base Camp
- Enjoy the amazing view of the Himalayas from Kala Patthar
- Travel through the Sherpa villages of Namche, Khumjung, Khunde, and Dingboche
- Visit Tengboche the biggest and oldest monastery n the region.