The Kedarnath Yatra
A Sacred Journey to the Abode of Lord Shiva

The Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most revered and spiritually significant pilgrimages in Hinduism. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), the Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It is the most remote of the Char Dham (four sacred sites) and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas—the holiest shrines of Shiva spread across India.

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The Kedarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it’s an act of devotion, a test of willpower, and a path to spiritual awakening. Whether you're drawn by faith, mythology, or nature’s raw beauty, Kedarnath offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the lap of the divine.

Hotel Maya Residency
  • TREK TO KEDARNATH
  • HELICOPTER SERVICES
  • THINGS TO CARRY
    Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card mandatory)
    Medical certificate (required for registration)
    Warm clothes (thermal innerwear, gloves, woolens)
    Waterproof jacket, raincoat
    Trekking shoes, walking stick
    Water bottle, dry snacks, energy bars
    Torchlight, personal medication, basic first-aid
    Power bank, toiletries
  • YATRA REGISTRATION (MANDATORY)
  • TEMPLE DARSHAN DETAILS
    Open: ~4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
    Special Poojas: Rudrabhishek, Mahabhishek, Laghu Rudra
    Booking for Poojas: Can be done via GMVN or temple committee site
  • MYTHOLOGICAL SPOTS TO VISIT NEAR KEDARNATH
    Bhairavnath Temple (2 km uphill): Guardian deity of Kedarnath
    Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: Spiritual reformer’s final resting place
    Gaurikund: Where Goddess Parvati meditated
    Vasuki Tal: High-altitude lake (8 km trek from Kedarnath)
  • DOS & DON'TS
    ✅ DO:

    Acclimatize before trek (stay at Guptkashi for a day)
    Follow local administration and weather updates
    Hire registered porters/pony services
    Respect temple customs and sanctity

    ❌ DON’T:

    Trek alone or at night
    Litter the sacred trail
    Ignore health symptoms like dizziness or breathlessness (high altitude sickness)

The Kedarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it’s an act of devotion, a test of willpower, and a path to spiritual awakening. Whether you're drawn by faith, mythology, or nature’s raw beauty, Kedarnath offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the lap of the divine.

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Mythological Significance
The origins of Kedarnath are deeply rooted in ancient mythology:

According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve themselves of the sins of killing their kin during the war. Shiva, unwilling to forgive them so easily, disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and fled to the Himalayas. When the Pandavas found him, he tried to burrow underground, but Bhima, one of the brothers, caught the bull by its tail and hind legs. In the struggle, Shiva vanished into the ground, leaving behind his hump, which appeared in Kedarnath. Other parts of his body appeared at Tungnath (arms), Rudranath (face), Madhyamaheshwar (navel), and Kalpeshwar (hair)—together forming the Panch Kedar temples. The temple at Kedarnath marks the site where the hump appeared and is worshipped as a swayambhu (self-manifested) form of Shiva.

The Temple History
The Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas and later revived and renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Built from large grey stone slabs without mortar, the temple’s architecture stands resilient even against harsh Himalayan conditions. Despite natural calamities, such as the devastating 2013 floods, the temple itself survived miraculously, reinforcing the deep spiritual faith people have in its divine protection.

The Yatra Experience
The Kedarnath Yatra typically begins from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, passing through Guptkashi and Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From Gaurikund, pilgrims undertake a 16–18 km trek (now with optional pony, palanquin, or helicopter services) to reach the temple.

Highlights of the journey:
Gaurikund: A holy spot named after Goddess Parvati (Gauri), where she is believed to have meditated for Shiva.
Scenic Trails: The route offers stunning views of snow-clad peaks, dense forests, and glacial rivers, creating a deeply serene atmosphere.
Bhairavnath Temple: Near Kedarnath, dedicated to Bhairava, who is considered the temple’s guardian during the winter months when Kedarnath is closed.

Yatra TIme
Best Time to Visit

The temple opens every year around late April or early May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes after Diwali (usually in October or November), depending on the Hindu calendar. Winters are extremely harsh, and the deity is moved to Ukhimath for worship during this time.

HOW TO REACH KEDARNATH
Best Time to Visit

1. By Air: Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~238 km from Gaurikund) From Dehradun, take a taxi or bus to Sonprayag/Gaurikund
2. By Train: Nearest Stations: Haridwar (250 km), Rishikesh (225 km) Continue journey by road via bus/shared cab to Guptkashi or Sonprayag
3. By Road: Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh ➝ Rudraprayag ➝ Guptkashi ➝ Sonprayag ➝ Gaurikund Regular buses and shared jeeps available Parking available at Sonprayag (shuttle to Gaurikund)

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Children are welcome at our property! We offer a family-friendly environment, and children aged 0 to 4 years can stay for free when using existing bedding in the room. Please note that children in this age group may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast unless specifically stated. For families with older children or those requiring additional bedding, extra beds can be provided upon request for an additional charge of Rs 1,000 per night. We strive to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for guests of all ages.

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