Front side of the the temple.
Kedarnath Temple, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters, the temple is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travelers and devotees alike. My recent trip to Kedarnath was an unforgettable experience, and I would like to share some of the highlights of my journey.
Pilgrimages are going to the temple.
Some pilgrimages taking photo beside a snow wall though it was very risky to stand there.
In high altitude normal food is rare. This precious Samossa took Rs. 20 each.
On April 5 of 2022 I got a chance to visit this holy place with 3 of my other tour-mates We started our journey from Sonprayag at 2 am in the morning and reached Gourikund after walking for 4 km. The trek from Gourikund to the Kedarnath Temple is 16 km long and can be completed on foot, by horse ride, dhuli, or helicopter. Helicopters start from Phata. You must buy ticket in advance to get a chance to ride on helicopter. We chose to walk, enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh mountain air. Along the way, we saw several small shops selling snacks and fruits, which helped us keep our energy levels up.
I made friendship with some Indian pilgrimages and spent the whole time with them.
Many beautiful fountains are there. I drank the cold and pure water of them.
You can see beautiful scenes like this all the way to the temple.
As we walked, we were surrounded by stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and lush green valleys. The scenery was awe-inspiring, and it was impossible not to stop and take pictures every few minutes. We also saw several streams and waterfalls, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
And, you can feel the cloud sometimes that is really exciting.
When we finally reached the Kedarnath Temple, we were overwhelmed by the spiritual energy of the place. The temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas in ancient times and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. We spent a couple of hours inside the temple, taking in the peaceful surroundings and offering prayers to Lord Shiva.
Side view of the temple.
Back view of the temple.
One thing that struck me about the Kedarnath Temple was the sheer number of people who were visiting. Thousands of pilgrims come to the temple every year, and the sense of community and devotion was palpable. We met people from all over India who had come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and to seek blessings for their families.
We saw many holy people (Sadhu Baba)there.
One of my tour-mate is taking blessings from a Sadhu Baba.
After spending time at the temple, we took our lunch and started our journey back to Gourikund at 3 pm. Unfortunately, we encountered heavy rain on our way back, but the beautiful scenery made up for the discomfort. We returned to Gourikund by 8 pm, exhausted but exhilarated by our journey. You must start your return journey as early as possible because there is no street lights, road is steep and wet and rain may start at any time. If you cannot start early, you should stay there and start next day morning.
This beautiful lake will remove all of your tiredness.
In addition to the temple, there are several other attractions in the area that are worth visiting. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, located nearby, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and snow leopards. The Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake, is also a popular destination for trekkers and nature lovers. The beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys is truly breathtaking and can be enjoyed through various treks and trails.
Finally, me and my other tour-mates.
Overall, my journey to the Kedarnath Temple was a truly unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone. The combination of spiritual significance and natural beauty made it a truly unique destination. Whether you are a devotee of Lord Shiva or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the Himalayas, a trip to Kedarnath is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
Google Maps links of of some POIs
GMVN at Kedarnath
You can also read: My tour to India, part-4, Kedarkantha peak
You can see some of my video clips in this link.
