Transport Day 1 Haridwar to Guptkashi (220kms/8-9hr)
Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Rudraprayag & Devprayag. Enroute you
can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini river comes from
Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in
Guptakashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptakashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
Guptakashi:- The name Gupt Kashi means “Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how
when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed
himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where
the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well
the Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the
Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt
Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.
Guptkashi Weather – pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree
Celsius. Cold in winters.
Hotel Day 2 Guptkashi to Kedarnath (30kms by road & 19kms Trek)
Morning after breakfast drive to Gaurikund, start your trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
(by Pony / Doli / Helicopter at your own cost/we arrange only on prior booking).
Overnight stay in Camps/Hotel (as per availability) in Mandir Parishad in Kedarnath Ji.
Trekking Route: If you are going by trek for Kedarnath then our car will drop you at
Sonprayag. You have to hire a local jeep for Gaurikund then your trek will start for
Kedarnath Ji 19 km one way. Same as when you return.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic
spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another
name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the
Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought
the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing
took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the
ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms
appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar, and his
locks (hair) with the head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned
shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath Weather – Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for
the most part of the year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe.
During the summer season the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woollen
wear is recommended. The winter season in Kedarnath is severe with the mercury
falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well.
Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.