Kedarnath is one of the most famous pilgrimage spots in India. It is a dream destination for many people in India and abroad. Located at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level in the middle of snow-capped mountains. The beautiful location of Kedarnath is the reason it attracts both young and old equally. This beautiful journey comes with many challenges so if you are planning to visit Kedarnath yatra you need to plan it carefully. Here are a few tips that you need to take care of before planning your trip.
1) It's advisable to avoid monsoon season to visit Kedarnath temple. In this season Kedar Valley receives heavy rainfall in this season which brings challenges like landslides, stone shooting, slippery ground, road blockage, etc. The path to Kedarnath temple gets highly dangerous and challenging.
2) Always pack light and only carry the necessary items with you. You have to carry your load on your own. If you are traveling with a large bag and baggage then keep your luggage in the locker room and carry only a shoulder bag with you. Trekking with a light shoulder bag will help you to trek easily.
3) Avoid visiting Kedarnath temple if your age is more than 70 years or else you can take a helicopter service to visit Kedarnath temple with same day return. Kedarnath temple is located at a very high altitude so you face breathing problems or other breathing problems.
4) Don't forget to carry your personal use medicines with you and always consult your family doctor before planning your trip for Kedarnath yatra. It may be hazardous to travel to Kedarnath with bad health.
5) If you are visiting Kedarnath for the first time and you have very little idea about Kedarnath and all then it's recommended to book a Kedarnath yatra package with a reputed company. Otherwise, you may end up paying an extra amount for your yatra. In general, Kedarnath yatra packages cost around Rs 8000 to 10500 per person. The Kedarnath yatra price will totally depend on the quality of service, duration of the tour, location covered, etc.
6) If you are planning to travel by Helicopter then always book your ticket with irctc website. Even if you are paying someone else to book your ticket then check that company thoroughly before paying that company, Lots of fraud is going on daily in the name of helicopter booking for Kedarnath temple. So be aware and cautious before paying anyone.
7) The Kedarnath yatra involves a tough trekking of around 22 km which will demand high physical and mental strength. So it's recommended to prepare for this trek much before visiting there. It will help you enjoy the trek to the fullest making it a cakewalk for you.
8) Always carry moisturizer, sunscreen, lip balm, and other personal care items with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of more than 40 It will protect your body from harmful radiations and adverse climates all around.
9) Carry your personal use toiletries and cutleries with you. You may face hygiene issues in this area. Also don't forget to carry a headlamp or battery-operated touch that will help you during night time.
10) Always try to start your trek early in the morning. During this time you will find less rush and comfortable weather to trek in and you will reach Kedarnath temple on time.
11) Get yourself registered for the Kedarnath yatra well in advance. Last minute you may face problems like no slot available and all. You can register yourself online by visiting https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/ . For more details about Yatra registration and modes available to do this, you can read this article on Char Dham yatra registration
Kedarnath is located in very tough terrains and you will not get any direct convenience for Kedarnath from your home town. Haridwar / Dehradun / Rishikesh are some of the most convenient places you can reach and then take other convenience to reach Kedarnath. Here are all the possible means that are available to you.
Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport also known as Dehradun Airport. Flight companies like Air India, Indigo, and Spice Jet have regular flights to Dehradun from all the major and minor cities of India. The nearest international airport to Kedarnath is Indra Gandi International (IGI) airport. If you are not finding a direct flight to Dehradun or Jolly Grant Airport you can also check for IGI Airport which is in New Delhi.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath temple is Rishikesh railway station. But you may not find any direct train from your city to Rishikesh. You can also book your train for Haridwar or Dehradun. These stations have direct connectivity to many major and minor cities.
By Road:- Road is the only mode to reach Kedarnath. There are three means to reach Kedarnath, The first one is to hire your personal cab from Haridwar which will stay with you till the completion of your trip. The second option is to get a shared cab to reach Kedarnath, it's the most convenient and economical way to reach Kedarnath. The third option is to get a bus from Haridwar to reach here. It is one of the most economical ways to get there. But it may not be the very convenient way.