Kedarnath is located in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 3,580 meters, close to the Chorabari glacier. Kedarnath is one of four major pilgrimage sites of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage in India, along with Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath. It is built around the famed Kedarnath temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country. Before beginning the Kedarnath Yatra, there are a few highlights that every visitor should keep in mind.
- The main attraction of Kedarnath Yatra is the Kedarnath temple which is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has magnificent architecture constructed of large but evenly cut grey stone slabs. The Nandi Bull, regarded as Lord Shiva's 'Mount', stands vigil outside the shrine. Visitors can observe idols of numerous Hindu Gods and Goddesses inside the temple. There is also a Mandap where religious rites are held within the temple grounds.
- The Kedarnath temple is one of 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India. The temple shutters on the first day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November) and reopens the following year in Vaishakh (April-May). The Kedar Dome, Kedarnath mountain, and other Himalayan peaks may be seen behind the temple.
- Usually, the temperature of Kedarnath ranges between -2 and 28 degrees Celsius. The ideal months to do the Kedarnath yatra are May to June and September to October. If you are a pilgrim visiting the Kedarnath Temple, avoid going during the months from November to March. The temple remains closed during this period due to the drop in temperature and heavy snowfall. The monsoon season occurs between late June and August in this location. You must arrange your travel before or after that time as the path leading to the temple becomes extremely risky due to the high frequency of landslides and floods during the peak monsoon season.
- You can see many more tourist attractions and pilgrimages near Kedarnath, such as trekking expeditions and high-altitude lakes. During the Kedarnath yatra, you can also visit Guptkashi, Deoria Tal, Chandrashila, Agastyamuni, Triyuginarayan, Chopta, Panch Kedar, and Kalimath.
Visit this beautiful place and admire the serenity and pureness of the place. Contact team Manchala Mushafir and get the assistance of the complete Kedarnath Yatra Trek.