Devotees traveling to Kedarnath have set a record this year. Over 1.1 million have already visited the revered site. Every year, millions are drawn here. Even after the 2013 disaster, the enthusiasm hasn’t waned; people consistently brave challenges to undertake this pilgrimage. If you're considering visiting Kedarnath but hesitating due to budget constraints, here’s a comprehensive and economical tour plan.
If you’re traveling by train, Haridwar and Rishikesh are the stations you'll want to arrive at. Ticket prices depend on the class you choose to travel in. From Delhi, a general ticket costs about 200 INR. From the railway station, proceed to Sonprayag, where buses and taxis are readily available. Bus fare is around 600 INR, while a shared taxi will cost about 800 INR. The bus will drop you at Sitapur, 2 kilometers from Sonprayag. Alternatively, taxis will take you directly to Sonprayag. Those traveling by private vehicle can park at Sonprayag.
Registration is mandatory at Sonprayag, or you can show your online registration here. After registering at Sonprayag, you’ll proceed to Gaurikund. Taxis from Sonprayag to Gaurikund charge around 50 INR, covering approximately 6 kilometers. Accommodation, like hotels and guest houses, is available in Gaurikund.
Source: aajtak
In Gaurikund, you can also visit the Gaura Mai Temple. There's a holy bathing pool popular among pilgrims preparing for their journey. Known as the Tapta Kund, it offers warm water even in winter. From Gaurikund, you can choose from porters or palanquins, with rates displayed. Horse rides are available further along, or you can trek on foot.
Three kilometers from Gaurikund is the Chirwasa Bhairon Nath Temple. Another kilometer brings you to Jungle Chatti, equipped for overnight stays with tent facilities, food supplies, and a medical camp. As you ascend, the weather changes, offering opportunities to rest overnight and resume the pilgrimage the following day. You’ll encounter glaciers en route. At a kilometer from the Kedarnath Temple is the horse and mule stand. From here, it's a kilometer-long walk.
Near the helipad is the tokens counter for visiting slots. Comfortable tents for overnight stay can be found for 500 to 1200 INR.
Source: aajtak
The token assigns you a time slot for your visit. Post visiting Mahakal, explore the Shri Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple to the left. Behind the temple is the Bhim Shila, which shielded the shrine during the 2013 disaster. For viewing inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum, a separate counter sells entry passes for 1,100 INR. A unique aarti is conducted at 7 PM every evening at Baba Kedarnath. Nearby lies the samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who constructed the temple.
