Introduction
A trek which will take you to a holy temple of India which is Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to lord Shiva which has the most important spiritual significance in hinduism because Kedarnath temple is one 12 Jyotirilinga and Panch Kedar. Kedarnath Yatra is one of the sacred pilgrimage Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. This temple is located in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand in Rudraprayag district, situated at an altitude of 3583 meters from the bank of mandakini river. Every year lots of people visit Kedarnath or Char Dham to prove their faith in the Idol of Kedarnath, it is said that the way to kedarnath can wash away your sins because this way will go to heaven. This yatra is a test of faith, courage, and Devotion, which is organized by god.
The Legend and Spiritual Significance
Kedarnath temple mentioned in hindu scripture which is Skand purana one of the eighteen mahapuranas that’s why kedarnath is deeply rooted to Hinduism. According to legend, after kurukshetra (Mahabharat) pandavas come here to get atone from lord shiva for their sins which killing his relatives but lord shiva don’t want to forgive them and then they take the form of Nandi (Bull) but Bhima one of Pandavas recognized lord Shiva then lord Shiva disguised in ground by leaving his Hump which is Jyotrilinga and that hump worshiped in Kedarnath Temple.
In 2013 when Uttarakhand witnessed an unexpected flood where everything was destroyed and lots of people died, injured and lost but Kedarnath Temple survived due to his spiritual energy, an unexpected mountain rock come from mountain and stand the in front of temple and cut the flood wave and protected the Kedarnath Temple. In present time that big mountain rock stays behind the kedarnath Temple and is known as Bhimshila.
The Journey Begins: Planning and Preparation
Before going to Kedarnath you have to plan well that when to go, which time is better for boarding to Kedarnath and also you have to physical prepare yourself for Kedarnath Trek which is 16Km and situated at an high elevation of 3583 meters where oxygen is thin to inhale, but you don’t have to worry about it we will guide when you can go and how you can prepare yourself.
1. Best Time to Visit: If you don’t know when to go and which month will be better for Kedarnath Yatra then you have knowledge about it. Kedarnath is open for only six months April/May to September/October. If you like pleasant weather then you can during April to June and if you want to enjoy the snowfall or you love the winter season then you can between September to October before the temple closes. Avoid monsoon months which are July and August because these months are risky and dangerous due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
2. Permits and Registration: To get entry for the way for Kedarnath you have to register yourself or your member who is going with you, on government website which is registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in to get permit for Kedarnath Yatra or Char Dham Yatra.
Registering yourself on the gov website is compulsory for Kedarnath yatra otherwise you will be unable to participate in the Kedarnath Yatra.
3. Physical Preparation: It is essential to prepare yourself physically. You have to start preparation a month before your boarding date, you have to do exercise like running, brisk walking, normal wait lifting, squats, shoulder, pushups and Yoga includes breathing exercise. These exercises will help you to build your stamina and strength.
4. What to Pack and Carry: Packing smart is essential to make your journey smoother and struggle free so you have to pack Layered clothes which will help you to take your body warm, take sturdy shoes which will help you to trek, pack reusable water bottle to be hydrated during your yatra, pack dry fruits, raincoat, and have some cash because atm are not avail there.
Route Option to Kedarnath
Kedarnath Yatra has several routes depending on how much you are ready to face and how much convenience you need. The conventional trek begins at Gaurikund and has 16 km of steep and difficult terrain, a demanding but spiritually rewarding journey, with stopovers at Rambara. There are helicopter services for the people who wish to have a speedy journey up, it can be hailed from Phata, Guptkashi or Sirsi but its bookings should be in place as it is usually in busy demand. For those who can’t walk pony and palki (palanquin) services are available, it’s a trade off between cost and comfort. Ponies are economical and palkis are for aged and physically challenged devotees. Both routes are beautiful, trekkers love the rugged dedication of the climb and the helicopter travelers love the celestial perspective from above. On both paths the journey to Kedarnath is of faith and fortitude.
Challenges Faced During the Yatra
During your Kedarnath Trip you can face some challenges. Kedarnath is divine but to reach kedarnath you should be ready for challenges physically and mentally. The weather of Himamlayan is unpredictable. There is no idea in Kedarnath thet when will it rain, when will there be landslides, when will there be heavy snowfall and when will it be extremely cold and these challenges make your journey risky. It is essential to be active with the local weather report of Kedarnath. Also you have to complete the 16 Km trek to reach Kedarnath temple and when you reach kedarnath then you have to face thin air and low oxygen level because kedarnath temple is situated at an high elevation of 3583 meters.
What is the Kedarnath Yatra Package?
This last tip but not in the list, but there are a lot of people who don’t want to struggle for it and waste their time in Registering, booking accommodation, and booking Transportation. So, if you are one of those people who don’t want to struggle then you can go with the Kedarnath Yatra Package. The kedarnath package includes pre-planned itinerary, stay near temple, transportation, meals and guide. To trust on any travel agency you can read their google reviews and quora reviews.
Conclusion
Kedarnath Yatra is a tough test for the body and spirit organized by gods which defines your faith, courage and devotion. Kedarnath is one of 12 Jyotirlinga, dedicated to lord Shiva which define how holy the sacred Kedarnath Temple is. And the survival of 2013 flood adding to its devine charm
To reach this sacred destination is challenging, so this journey requires careful planning which includes the right season, physical and mental preparation for the 16 Km trek. You have to be ready for unpredictable weather.
Some people don’t want to struggle before their trip and want a smoother trip, then they can book the Kedarnath Yatra package for a smoother journey to Kedarnath.
