Located at an altitude of 3584 m, Kedarnath –the site of one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ of Lord Shiva is the most revered sacred sites of the Hindus. Standing at the head of the Mandakini valley, Kedarnath surrounded by lofty Himalayan peaks provides one of the most stunning views of the mighty Himalayas. Said to be about a thousand years old, the Kedarnath Temple built by Adi Guru Shankaracharya in the 8 th century and lying adjacent to the site of an ancient temple that was built by Pandavas is a fine example of Indian architecture. With its walls exquisitely embellished with figures of deities and scenes from mythology, the temple has a conical lingam - the main idol, a statue of Nandi - the celestial bull, a 'garbha grab' for worship and a 'mandap' for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors.
Some six kilometers from Kedarnath and at a height of 4,135 mts, lies the crystal clear lake of Vasuki Tal. Encircled by snow capped lofty mountains, the lake offers a picturesque view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
ITINERARY ONE:
Delhi-Rishikesh -
Gaurikund -
Kedarnath -
Vasukital - Kedarnath-Gaurikund -
Rishikesh – Haridwar-Delhi. (6 Days)
Day 01: Delhi-Rishikesh
Arrive at Rishikesh. Visit Lakshmanjhula, Ramjhula and attend Ganga Aarti at one of the Ashram. Dinner and overnight stay at Muni-ki-Reti.
Day 02: Rishikesh - Gaurikund
Kedarnath Vasukital Trek begins. Drive for 209 km to reach Gaurikund. Camp overnight at Gaurikund- the trekking base of Kedarnath
Day 03: Gaurikund - Kedarnath
15 kms trek to Kedarnath. Visit the temple of Lord Shiva and the Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Dinner and stay at Kedarnath.
Day 04: Kedarnath- Vasukital- Kedarnath
Trek 8 kms to Vasukital. Spend time admiring the surroundings and trek back to Kedarnath in the afternoon. Night stay at Kedarnath.
Day 05: Kedarnath-Gaurikund
15 kms trek to Gaurikund. Visit the temple dedicated to Gauri and the hot thermal springs said to be of medicinal value Camp overnight.
Day 06: Rishikesh – Haridwar-Delhi
Drive to Haridwar via Rishikesh. Visit Chandi Devi temple, Mercury Shivlinga, Daksh temple and watch the 'Aarti' (holy ceremony) performance at the river 'Ghat' at sunset. Stay overnight or leave for Delhi
|