Kedarnath Temple is also one of the four Dhamand Panch Kedars, joining the twelve Jyotir lingas in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains in Uttarakhand. It is the largest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand, built by connecting huge rock cut stones. These rocks are brown in color. The temple is built on a platform about 6 feet high. Its sanctum is ancient, believed to be around the 80th century. Kedarnath Dham and temple are surrounded by mountains on three sides. On one side there is about 22 thousand feet high Kedarnath, on the other side there is 21 thousand 600 feet high Khetkund and on the third side is 22 thousand 700 feet high Bharatkund. The Kedarnath temple is not only a confluence of three mountains but also five rivers - Mandakini, Madhuganga, Kshirganga, Saraswati and Swarnagouri. Some of these rivers no longer exist, but the Mandakini, a tributary of the Alaknanda, still exists.
Highlights
- Pilgrimage.
- View of snow – covered peaks.
- Experience of ancient culture.
Morning arrived Dehra Dun Airport, meet our representative and drive to Guptkashi, on arrival check in to the resort for dinner and overnight stay.
Morning after breakfast drive to Son prayag, from there take a local cab for 2 km to reach Gaurikund, from here start your trek towards Kedarnath, on arrival check into the Guest House. Evening visits Kedarnath temple and witnesses the evening Aarti. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
Gaurikund: At 5 kms from Sonprayag and at an altitude of 1982 meters. One can take bath in the hot water pond here and visit the Gauri Temple. This is the place where Goddess Parvathi meditated to attain Lord Shiva. It is the base for a trek to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the back drop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer. 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. There maining 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 head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.
Early morning visit Kedarnath temple for Aarti, return to the guest house for breakfast, later start descending to Gaurikund, and drive to Rudraprayag. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel, later if time permits visit the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini River, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Morning after breakfast drive to Badrinath. On arrival check in to the hotel. In the evening visit the Badrinath temple and witness the evening aarti of Lord Badri Vishal. Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Badrinath one of the 'Four Dhams' is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neel kanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus, the place got the name "Badri van", meaning "forest of berries".
The morning after breakfast return drives to Rishikesh. Enroute at Devprayag, take a short photo stop of its magnificent confluence view of Bhagirathi & Alaknanda. Take a further 3 Hrs to drive to DEHRADUN Airport.
DEVPRAYAG: The small town of Devprayag at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi. From this confluence point onwards, the new river is called as Ganga. Before this point, Bhagirathi is considered Ganga. The place is of high religious importance, as Ganga takes it real form here. The town is named after a sage DevSharma, who lived here and meditated. He is said to have been blessed with aglimpse of god. Devprayag is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims. Religious a blutions take place at two basins excavated in the rock at the junction of the holy streams. One on the Bhagirathi known as the Brahm Kund and the other on the Alaknanda called VashisthKund.
- Accommodation for 04 nights on double sharing rooms in the hotel, Guest house, and Swiss tent as per itinerary.
- Meals: Breakfast & dinner.
- Transportation by A.C Sedan, Innova & Tempo Traveler (AC will not work in hilly areas).
- Local sightseeing at both dhams.
- Any guide services.
- Personal expenses such as table drinks, room service items, laundry, telephone calls at hotels or tips, etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by or liability for disturbance in the trip program due to circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots, etc.
- Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents, or loss of goods.
- Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'.
- Early check-in or a late checkout room(s) at any hotel(s) unless specified above.
- Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in flight and train schedule.
- It does not include any meals unless and otherwise specifically mentioned.
- Optional, suggested or unspecified activities.
- Any dispute regarding the child age to be settled directly with the hotels.
