Kedarnath Dham is one of the four holy sites of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage, which also includes holy shrines like Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Every year lakhs of Hindu devotees visit the temple, located in the Himalayas at a high altitude in the state of Uttarakhand, to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. This year the temple opened its door for devotees on Akshaya Tritiya (May 10) and is likely to remain open till Kartik Purnima (November 15).
Registration for the Yatra has been made mandatory for all pilgrims by the Uttarakhand government on their portal. It is extremely important to register yourselves as providing your information to the government helps them keep track of your whereabouts during the trek. The information is also used to contact you or your family in case of an emergency.
Before embarking on the spiritual journey through challenging terrain and varying weather conditions, it is important to prepare yourselves. Here are for some tips for a safe & hassle-free journey.
Kedarnath is nestled in the Himalayas, where the weather changes rapidly. Hence, it is advisable to plan your trek in the summers as snowfall and rains during winters often cause landslides making the journey extremely dangerous. So before you embark on your journey always keep an eye on weather forecasts.
Last-minute trip can take a toll on your planning and may compromise your safety. To avoid such disappointment, book your transportation, lodgings and darshan tickets well in advance.
Warm clothes and comfortable footwear are a must. Also, keep an emergency medical and hygiene kit along with your personal identification and travel documents. Flashlights, umbrellas and battery banks also coming in handy for a hassle-free trek.
The trek is long and can be physically challenging so keep an adequate supply of water and healthy snacks to give you an instant boost of energy.
Diligently follow the guidelines and rules set by the government. Respect the timings set by the authorities. Do not disturb the natural flora and fauna and don't leave any trash behind.
Kedarnath is a holy town. It is important to respect and follow the customs and traditions established by locals.
Do not rush the walk. Allow your body to adjust to the altitude, especially if you are travelling from lower altitudes and take pauses whenever necessary. Take adequate amount of rest during your overnight stays to be rejuvenated and energised for the morning trek.
While the government is trying their level best for your smooth and safe journey, the Kedarnath Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that tests your physical and mental strength. Follow these tips to make your pilgrimage a transformative and memorable experience.
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