The Gaurikund to Kedarnath distance is 16 km and it can be accessed only by walking trek. There is no motorable road after Gaurikund.
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Distance
- The distance between Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a 16 km long trek on foot.
- The new trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a recently developed route that offers an alternative to the traditional trekking route.
Here is a detailed description of the new trek:
Starting point: Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the traditional starting point for the Kedarnath trek and is located at an altitude of 1,982 meters above sea level. It is a small town that serves as a base camp for the pilgrimage to Kedarnath. The new trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath starts from a different point than the traditional trekking route and is about 16 kilometers long.
Kedarnath Trek
The new trek starts from a village called Soneprayag, which is located about 5 kilometers from Gaurikund. From Soneprayag, the trek goes through a forested area with a gentle ascent, passing through several small streams and waterfalls. After trekking for about 4 kilometers, you reach a village called Bheembali, which is situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level. This is a popular resting point for pilgrims and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After crossing Bheembali, the trek becomes more challenging as you climb up a steep path with a series of switchbacks. The path is well-marked and passes through beautiful rhododendron forests, offering panoramic views of the mountains. The trek then continues along a ridge, passing through several small villages and offering views of the Mandakini River below.
The final stretch of the trek is a steep climb up a series of switchbacks, with the Kedarnath Temple visible in the distance.
As you approach the temple, you will see the Bhairav Temple on the left-hand side, which is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The Kedarnath Temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is one of the holiest shrines in India.
The Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is a magnificent stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era.
The temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Pilgrims believe that a visit to the Kedarnath Temple washes away all sins and grants them salvation.
In conclusion, the new trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath offers a unique and challenging alternative to the traditional trekking route. It is a journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty with religious significance and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
How to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund?
Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage site located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The most common way to reach Kedarnath is by trekking from Gaurikund. Here is how to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund:
By Trekking: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 kilometers long and takes around 6-8 hours to complete. The trek is a challenging one, and it is recommended that you are physically fit and well-prepared for the journey. The trek passes through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and narrow gorges before reaching the Kedarnath Temple.
By Helicopter: Helicopter services are also available from Phata, which is located about 37 kilometers from Kedarnath. The helicopter ride takes around 10 minutes, and the ticket cost varies depending on the season and availability.
By Pony/Mule: Ponies and mules are also available for hire from Gaurikund, and they take around 4-5 hours to reach Kedarnath. However, this mode of transport can be uncomfortable for some, and it is important to ensure that the animals are well-treated and not overworked.
The time taken to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund depends on the mode of transport you choose. Trekking takes around 6-8 hours, while helicopter services take around 10 minutes. The journey on a pony/mule takes around 4-5 hours. It is important to note that the trek is a challenging one and requires physical fitness and proper preparation.
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