A JOURNEY TO KEDARNATH

                                      A JOURNEY TO KEDARNATH

WELCOME TO :

The journey to Kedarnath is a sacred pilgrimage undertaken by thousands of devotees each year. Kedarnath is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its ancient and revered Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The journey to Kedarnath is not just a physical one but also a spiritual and emotional experience.

 Delhi or Haridwar :

The journey  usually starts from Delhi or Haridwar, both of which serve as major transit points to reach Kedarnath. From Delhi, one can take a train or bus to reach Haridwar, which is around 200 kms away. From Haridwar, the next leg of the journey is by road, usually by hiring a taxi or taking a shared jeep. It takes around 8-10 hours to drive from Haridwar to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek, and covers a distance of around 200 kms.

Himalayas :

Gaurikund is a small village situated at an altitude of about 1,980 meters. This is the last motorable point before the start of the journey to Kedarnath. The journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 kms long and takes about 6-8 hours to complete depending on the speed of the person. The trek is tough and challenging with narrow paths, rocky terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The trekking route has many halts and rest stops where the pilgrims can rest and enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas with a new energy. These halts include places like Rambada, Garuda Chatti and Bhimbali. The most famous stop on the route is the Triyuginarayan Temple, which has mythological significance as the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married.

KEDARNATH :

Ultimately, after a physically arduous but spiritually enriching journey, the pilgrims reach Kedarnath situated at an altitude of about 3,583 metres. Kedarnath Temple situated amidst the snow-capped peaks is a testimony of ancient architecture and devotion. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata and holds immense religious significance for Hindus

After offering prayers at the temple and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva, the pilgrims usually spend some time in the serene environment, enjoying the calmness and natural beauty of the place. The return journey also follows the same route, with pilgrims traveling on foot to Gaurikund and then traveling by road to Haridwar or Delhi.

A visit to Kedarnath is not just a physical excursion, but also a deeply spiritual experience that allows devotees to connect with their faith and find solace in the lap of the majestic Himalayas. It is an adventure that tests one's patience, but the reward of reaching Kedarnath and experiencing its divine aura is truly incomparable.

With this the journey of Kedarnath was completed.

                                        jay Kedarnath.