Char Dham Yatra is an important pilgrimage every Indian wishes to take at least once in their life. This spiritual pilgrimage takes one to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri and is said to provide salvation. The most important part of the pilgrimage is the Kedarnath Temple, which everyone journeys to regardless of visiting the other three important sites. If you want to embark on a spiritual journey and take on the Kedarnath Yatra 2024, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll go through every detail related to this important pilgrimage in India, from registration to stay and route. Stay tuned!

The Importance of Kedarnath Temple for Kedarnath Yatra 2024

It is said that after fighting the battle of Kurukshetra against their brothers during Mahabharata, the Pandavas built the Kedarnath Temple as a token of gratitude and penance for Lord Shiva to gain his apology for killing their brothers for materialistic pleasures. They set out on a journey to Uttarakhand and built Kedarnath Temple along with four other temples, collectively known as the Panch Kedar. Panch Kedar is also a pilgrimage taken by religious Hindu devotees.

Inside the temple, a Shivlinga is established, along with idols of the Pandavas. The temple opens only for six months, from April/May to October/November, and devotees can engage in darshan and aarti during this time. To reach the temple, one takes a 16-kilometre trek via many means from Gaurikund. We’ll discuss these, as well as their prices, in the blog.

Kedarnath Opening Date 2024

This year, important priests of the temple have decided that it will open for devotees from 10th May at 07.00 A.M. The closing dates are yet to be decided, but the temple is speculated to be closed in November 2024.

How to Reach Kedarnath Temple

To reach Kedarnath Temple, one needs to reach Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Haridwar has a railway station that is well-connected to all major cities of India. The nearest airport is in Dehradun, the Jolly Grant Airport, which is also easily accessible from all major Indian cities.

From Haridwar, you will need to travel to Gaurikund via Sonprayag by bus. Buses are readily available at Haridwar and charge around Rs. 1000 for each way.

If you’re doing the Kedarnath Yatra 2024 by helicopter, you will have to reach Guptkashi, Phata or Sersi. From there, a helicopter will fly you directly to the helipad of Kedarnath Mandir.

The 16-kilometre trek to Kedarnath Temple from Gaurikund is possible in many ways. But first, registration is necessary.

Kedarnath Temple Registration Process

If you are embarking on a spiritual journey to any of the Char Dhams, you must register yourself first. It is an important step to reach Kedarnath Temple. If you’re travelling by yourself, register yourself on Uttarakhand Tourism’s website [https://www.registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in] as a pilgrim along with others in your group.

If you’re going through a package, contact your tour operator to register on your behalf. A passport-sized photograph of yourself, along with your Aadhar Card details, is required for the registration. There will be a form on the website for you to fill out. You have first to sign up, and then you can fill out the form.

You can also register from WhatsApp. On the website, you will find a link for WhatsApp registration that you can click on to follow the guidelines in your messages.

Those wanting to register offline can do so in Haridwar and Rishikesh. In Haridwar, you can register at the Rahi Hotel. In Rishikesh, there are three locations where you can register for the Kedarnath Yatra 2024: ISBT, RTO, and Gurudwara.

You will be provided with paper strips to be strapped to your hand for verification at the checkpoints. Those registering online will receive a QR code on their phone, while those who have registered offline will receive a strap.

There are 5 points where you will need to show your registration details and confirm your identity for further travel. If you’re only going to the Kedarnath temple, you will only need to verify your identity at the checkpoint for the Kedarnath Temple, which is in Sonaprayag.

The rest of the checkpoints are in other locations. For Yamunotri, it is in Barkot. For Gangotri, it is in Hina. Badrinath is in Pandukeshwar, and Hemkund Sahib is in Govind Ghat.

Kedarnath Temple Registration Fee

Registration is absolutely free, and there are no hidden charges.

Kedarnath Yatra 2024 Travel Guide

Now, how will Kedarnath Yatra 2024 be done after the registration?

If you’re travelling by a package, there’s no need to worry. The packages include all the facilities, and they help you trek to the temple as well. The majority of the tour packages are curated by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and will cost you anywhere between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000, according to the locations. You can check out their websites to book the packages online.

The process is also very easy if you’re going by yourself. Let’s take a look!

Reaching Gaurikund

Once you arrive in Haridwar, you will need to reach Gaurikund. You can also reach Sonaprayag and then travel to Gaurikund, but travelling directly to Gaurikund is a hassle-free journey.

You will find many buses to Gaurikund. The distance is 230 kilometres, and a bus ride will cost you around Rs. 1000 each way, and a taxi will cost you around Rs. 2500 each way. There are many bike rental options available in Haridwar as well for you to drive to Gaurikund by yourself! A bike/scooty will cost you around Rs. 1000 a day, excluding the fuel price.

Kedarnath Helicopter Services

IRCTC provides helicopter services for those wishing to reach Kedarnath Temple directly. The travel time lessens considerably, and this is a unique way to do the Kedarnath Yatra 2024.

Helicopters take off for the temple from three places. You can choose to fly from anywhere according to your budget: Guptkashi (Rs. 7740), Phata (Rs. 5500), and Sersi (Rs. 5498). These prices do not include convenience fees and other applicable charges.

Note that you will have to reach one of these places from Haridwar. This is the distance list for the same:

· Guptkashi – 200 kilometres from Haridwar

· Phata – 211 kilometres from Haridwar

· Sersi – 219 kilometres from Haridwar

To reach any of these places, you will be required to hire a taxi or take a bus.

Kedarnath Yatra 2024 – From Gaurikund to the Temple

Once you reach Gaurikund, the 16-kilometre trek to Kedarnath Temple starts. It will take you a whole day to complete.

If you have travelled here by a scooty or bike, there are many parking facilities available in Gaurikund where you can park the vehicle.

Along the route, you will find 8 halts where you can have food and refreshments. If you want to change your mode of travel, you can find many ways here as well.

These are the halts:

• Jungle Chatti
• Bhim Bali
• Ram Bara
• Chhota Linchauli
• Linchauli
• Chhani Camp
• Rudra Point
• Kedarnath Temple Base Camp

Now, let’s see how you will traverse to the temple!

Options for Trekking to Kedarnath Temple

There are many ways to trek to the temple, the most common one being by foot. When you reach Gaurikund, you can buy a wooden cane that will help you walk better and more comfortably as you ascend the route.

Another option is travelling by ponies, called ‘khachchar’. The round trip of a pony ride here costs around Rs. 12,000 per person. Make sure you check for the government rates on a billboard in Gaurikund and at other halts so you don’t get charged higher than the decided amount. This way is more comfortable for those who have trouble walking.

Another way to do this pilgrimage is to travel in a palanquin. These four-legged palanquins that people carry over their shoulders cost around Rs. 10,000 for a round trip. Prices for them are also mentioned on billboards along the route. Those who cannot walk can opt for this option, which is a great way for elders to do the yatra.

Another unique way is by travelling in a ‘Pitthu’. This is a basket that is heaved over a person’s shoulder, and you have to sit inside the basket to be carried to the temple. This is much like a palanquin. Pitthus cost more, around Rs. 7000 each way. The prices also vary according to a person’s weight. Check the billboards for the prices!

Ponies and palanquins are allowed only for the first 14 kilometres of the trek. For the next two kilometres, you will have to walk or take a pitch. Pitthus are allowed to travel to the temple.

Stay Options for the Kedarnath Yatra 2024

As the trek is 16 kilometres long, you will be required to stay at least one night here. There are many places to stay around Kedarnath.

Sonaprayag is a popular place for pilgrims to stay, with many good hotel options in the town. People can also stay in Gaurikund.

When you trek the pilgrimage, you will find many hotels and tents along the way. These accommodations accommodate pilgrims. As you traverse higher, the rates for the tents and rooms also increase.

A feasible option would be to stay in a dormitory or a tent closer to the temple. The facilities are top-notch, and you will find many food stalls, restaurants and permanent toilets along the route, making the pilgrimage easy and comfortable for all.

You might even find Wi-Fi networks at some of the halts and hotels here!

Private tents are also a good option for staying. You can find tents ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000 based on their facilities and proximity to the temple. You can also bring your tents to pitch in the valley. The only drawback of staying in tents is that you might need help finding attached washroom facilities and electricity.

As for hotels and dorms, there are many popular options to choose from. Please make sure these are within your budget and book them in advance to avoid hassle. Most of these properties are owned by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, and due to the heavy rush during peak season (April to June), you will have to make your bookings at least 2 months in advance! Let’s look at some of the stay options near Kedarnath Temple:

· The Bikaner House – This hotel is nestled in the valley just 50 metres from the Kedarnath Temple and provides a serene staying experience. You can find rooms and beds here and can book accordingly. You can book online as well as offline and contact them via phone for booking and room rates.

· Hajari Bhavan – Hajari Bhavan is situated right in front of the Kedarnath Temple and is one of the most sought-after and expensive stays here. They do not do online booking, and their room rates fall anywhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 12,000 for a night, depending on the season and tourist flow.

· Huts – A hut facility by GMVN has been established just a few metres from the temple and offers dormitories to all seeking shelter. The washrooms are clean, and the rooms are well-maintained. A bed here costs about Rs. 1200 for one night per person.

· Swargarohini Complex – The GMVN owns this hotel, and it is the most beautiful and comfortable hotel to stay in. If you want to stay here, make your booking well in advance to avoid any hassle. A four-bedroom costs Rs. 7700 here. This hotel is the most recommended one for all who have made this spiritually significant pilgrimage.

How Much Will Kedarnath Yatra 2024 Cost?

The cost of your pilgrimage depends upon your route, mode of travel, accommodation, and other factors. Let’s see how much it might cost!

Haridwar to Gaurikund: If you travel via bus, it will cost you around Rs. 2000 for a round trip. If you travel by rented vehicle, it will cost you more due to the number of days you have booked the vehicle and the fuel cost. Generally, for three days, it will cost you around Rs. 4000.

If you aren’t travelling to Gaurikund and are rather taking the helicopter service, it will cost around Rs. 7000 to Rs. 10,000 to reach and return to Kedarnath Temple directly. Add the travel cost from Haridwar to Phata/Guptkashi/Sersi, too! If you’re travelling by bus, it will cost around Rs. 2000 for a round trip.

If you choose to travel from Haridwar by taxi, it will cost you around Rs. 2000-3000 each way.

Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple: If you choose to walk, it won’t cost you anything. The walking cane will cost you around Rs. 200.

If you choose to go for the Pitthu, it will cost you Rs. 14,000 per person and will drop you off and pick you up for the complete trip.

If you choose to reach the Kedarnath temple on a pony, a round-trip ride will cost you around Rs. 12,000.

As for the palanquin, a round trip will cost you around Rs. 10,000.

Accommodation: Your accommodation cost depends on the type you choose. If you choose to stay in a ground-bedded tent, it will cost you around Rs. 800-1000 for the night, depending upon its location. Tents with sleeping bags located further away from the temple will cost you around Rs. 300-500 for the night.

As for dormitories on site, they will cost you around Rs. 900-1200 for a bed. Hotels are costlier, with rooms ranging between Rs. 4000 and Rs. 12,000 a night, depending upon their location and facilities. It is important to check the GMVN’s website for details on booking prices before choosing accommodation. If you want to book a room/bed with GMVN, do so at least 2 months in advance. You can book tents in advance by calling the operators or looking for them online as well.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple

As the temple is set to open in May 2024, you will find a heavy rush of pilgrims from all over the country and the world here. For a more peaceful pilgrimage, plan your trip in the later months near the closing dates of the temple. July and August are cheaper and less crowded, but there is a high risk of landslides and natural calamities due to the rainy season. The best time to embark on this spiritual journey would be between September and November when the crowd is low and the chances of rainfall have decreased.

Note that due to the high altitude, it rains a little and snows at all times of the year.

Conclusion

Kedarnath Yatra 2024 is starting soon, and you must embark on this amazing pilgrimage if you haven’t yet done so. If you get the chance, tour the Char Dhams along with Kedarnath temple and do the Panch Kedar Yatra as well while you’re here! We hope you liked our blog. Save it for future reference and share it with those who need it!

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