Kedarnath is a holy town situated at a height of 11,755 ft near the head of Mandakini River in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Kedranath is famous for Kedarnath Temple which is one of the four Chardhams of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is s thronged by thousands of tourists each year. Kedarnath is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva.
As per the rituals it is believed that after the war of Kurushetra Pandavas came here to meet Shiva on the advice of the Ved Vyasa, as they wanted to seek forgiveness for killing their kin during the war. Shiva did not want to forgive them: so, he turned into a bull and hid among the cattle on the hill. When the Pandavas managed to track him, he tried to disappear by sinking himself head-first into the ground. Than Bhim grabbed his tail, forcing him to appear before them and forgive them. The Pandavas then built the first temple at Kedarnath. The portions of Shiva’s body later appeared at four other locations; and collectively, these five places came to be known as “Panch Kedar”.
Accessible from major destinations of Uttarakhand, the motorable road towards Kedarnath temple stretches till Gauri Kund only. After that one needs to trek 17 kms towards Kedarnath temple. Ponies and palanquins are easily available. One can also avail helicopter services.
Due to extreme weather conditions Temple remains open only for 6 months from April End to November End.
Day 01: Haridwar – Guptakashi/Sitapur (280 KMS/8-9 HRS)
Welcome to Chardham Yatra!!! On arriving at Haridwar you will be greeted by AMT’s representatvie. Haridwar is called the “Gateway of Chardham”. After warm greetings proceed to Guptkashi. The route is full of scenic beauty & breathtaking view. Youn can stop to caprure the beauty in your cameras for a blissful memory. Arrive Guptkashi/Sitapur by evening & check in at hotel. After having dinner go for a pleasant night stay.
Day 02: Guptakashi/Sitapur – Sonprayag – Kedarnath(17 KMS Trek/6 HRS)
Early morning (3 AM) we will drop you to Sonprayag. From here only Govt. vehicles are operational till Gauri Kund which is at a distance of 5 kms. Gauri Kund is a starting point of 17 kms long trek to Kedarnath Temple. One can also hire ponys/palanquies to cover the trek. Travelers should have to carry general medicines, woolen clothes, toiletries & Water Bottle. It will take 6 to 7 hrs to complete the trek & arrive at Kedarnath Dham. After arriving take a spectacular view of the sorrounding. After darshan proceed to check in at the Govt. tents (on your own cost). Take a deep sleep on the Lap of Himalaya near Mahadev.
Day 03: Kedarnath – Sonprayag – Sitapur/Guptakashi
Try to wake up early in the morning to avoid heavy rush & to get morning Aarti. It will take 3-4 hrs for Darshan of Lord Shiva due to rush of Pilgrims all over the India. After Darshan start your trek to Gaurikund. After arriving at Gaurikund take the govt. shuttle for Sonprayag. After arriving proceed to Guptkashi/Sitapur for a overnight stay.
Day 04: Guptkashi/Sitapur – Haridwar (220 KMS/9 HRS)
Morning drive to Haridwar, en-route visit Devprayag. Devaprayag is the sacred event of merging two heavenly rivers, Alakananda and Bhagirathi, to form the holy Ganga. Later continue your road journey Haridwar for the drop. Your arrival at the Haridwar Railway Station will mark the end of the tour & services of AMT with everlasting memories.
Inclusions:
- Assistance on Arrival at Airport.
- Accommodation in well furnished rooms.
- With Breakfast & Dinner.
- Use of recreational activities available in the hotels.
- All sightseeing & transfers by Exclusive Private Car.
- Co-operative driver with local knowledge.
- Transport charges inclusive of Fuel charges, Driver Allowance, Night Halt, Road taxes and Parking.