Kedarnath or Kedarkantha: which one’s for you?

Introduction

The Majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand offer numerous journeys, each one unique in its way. The most famous destinations are Kedarnath and Kedarkantha, which are both different in their characteristics and experiences. On the one side, Kedarnath is one of the most revered shrines of Hindus.  Kedarnath is a challenging but spiritually fulfilling journey for pilgrims. It’s marked by a strong sense of devotion and spirituality. On the other hand, Kedarkantha is famous as a winter trekking site for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is a popular scenic trail, known for its stunning beauty with dense forests, captivating landscapes, and snow-covered peaks.  One is a spiritual site, and the other is a scenic trail; choosing between them depends on the individual's interests. Let’s learn about which one of these two Himalayan gems is perfect for you in detail.

Kedarnath: A spiritual journey of devotion & faith

Kedarnath is one of the four major pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand. It is also an integral part of the 12 Jyotirlinga and Panch Kedar, dedicated to lord shiva.  Located in the lap of the Himalaya in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 11,755 feet (3583 meters) above sea level. Kedarnath temple is situated on the bank of the Mandakini River, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The temple is accessible by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath; the trek route is considered moderate to difficult and passes through glaciers and waterfalls, and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and It takes 6-8 hours to complete. You can hire ponies to avoid the trek.  As per the legends and holy scriptures, it is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas. The trip to Kedarnath temple is perfect for seeking the divine blessings of lord shiva; it is believed that this pilgrimage purifies the souls of devotees. Thus, this is the journey of devotion and faith with great spiritual significance. The chant of “Har Har Mahadev” or “Om Namah Shivaye”  during the trek, combined with the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, makes your spiritual journey unforgettable. If you are seeking your soul's fulfilment with the divine blessings of lord shiva, Kedarnath is the perfect destination for you.

Best Time to visit: May-June and Sep-Oct are the best times to visit Kedarnath, as the weather is pleasant and the temple remains open. 

• Avoid the monsoon (July-August), as this region observes the maximum rainfall during this time, causing an impending danger of road blockage, landslide, slippery ground, flood, shooting stones, and much more. 

Kedarkantha: A perfect destination for a winter trek

Kedarkantha is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 12,500 feet (3810 meters). This is a popular winter trekking site, renowned for its lovely landscapes, panoramic Himalayan views, Summit push, and mesmerising 360-degree view of snow-capped mountains and the deep valley all around. The Kedarkantha trek route is about 20 km from Sankri village (starting point); it is considered easy to moderate, and it is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The journey to Kedarkantha Peak passes through the lush meadows, dense forest, and captivating landscapes, which offer breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Swargrohini, Bandarpoonch,  and Black Peak.

Things to Offer: The journey to Kedarkantha offers you the opportunity of snow trekking, campsites like Juda ka talab and Kedarkantha base camp, and the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from the Kedarkantha peak. It also allows you to explore the local culture of Sankri village and the Himalayan region. 

Best time to visit: December to March is an ideal time, as it is a popular destination for winter trekking. During this period, Kedarkanth transforms into a winter wonderland, which offers an opportunity for snow-trekking and other outdoor activities.

 Kedarkanth is the best for first-time trekkers, its easy terrain making it a suitable option for beginners.

The trek takes 5-6 days to complete, and hiring a trek guide is optional but recommended for first-timers. Highlights of this scenic trail include dense forest, campsites, and 360-degree views of Kedakantha summit.

Kedarnath vs Kedarkantha: A quick comparison 

Metrics of comparison:      Kedarnath (pilgrimage site),      Kedarkantha (Adventure site)

• Type of trip:       Spiritual site,               Scenic site

• Height/Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet),       3,810 meters (12,500 feet)

• Distance: 16km (one-way route),               20 km (round trip)

• Right Season: May-June & Sep-Oct,             Dec-Mar (winter months)

• Level: Moderate to difficult,     Easy to moderate  

• Main Attraction:         Kedarnath Temple and               Snowy landscapes and

                                         Nearby spiritual sites,          panoramic views of the Himalayas

• Who should choose? Spiritual & pilgrimage seekers Adventure seekers

Which one should you choose?

Kedarnath and Kedarkantha are both located in the Garhwal Himalayas. Both sites provided trekking experiences and panoramic views, but both have their different features and experiences. Choosing between these two sites ultimately depends on an individual's interests, preferences, and the goal of the journey. 

Choose Kedarnath: If you are seeking a spiritual experience and wish to visit a revered pilgrimage shrine, then Kedarnath is perfect. The divine aura of Kedarnath invites you to immerse yourself in the serenity of the Himalayas and let the journey enrich your soul and spirituality. Be prepared for a physically challenging trek and be aware of the weather forecast. 

Choose Kedarkantha: If you are an adventure seeker and wish to do camping activities under the stars, Kedarkantha is an excellent option. This trek offers panoramic views of snowy landscapes and Himalayan peaks. It’s a moderate trek suitable for beginners, also. 

Conclusion

Both Kedarnath and Kedarkantha offer captivating and unforgettable experiences in the majestic Himalayas. Choosing between those two depends on your interest, capability, and the purpose of your journey. If you are a spiritual person and want to enrich your spiritual experience, you can go on the Kedarnath yatra, a blend of devotion and serenity. The trek to Kedarnath Temple offers devotees the opportunity to witness the devotion of thousands of pilgrims and explore the surrounding beauty of the temple. May-October is the best time to visit Kedarnath, as at this time the weather is pleasant and the temple is open. Avoid July-August (monsoon season); at this time, Kedarnath experiences heavy rainfall. But if you are an adventure seeker and want to enjoy snow trekking and thrilling activities in the Himalayan peaks, Kedarkantha is a perfect option, popular for its stunning beauty and the queen of winter treks. Winter months (Dec-Mar) are the perfect time for experiencing snow trekking. Both trekking sites offer you the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayan peaks and region more because both are located in the Himalayan region. Consider your fitness level and the time of year when making your decision.