Visiting Kedarnath, one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva nestled in the majestic Himalayas, had always been on my bucket list. Finally, I made it—and here's how you can too, based on my experience!
Day 1: Kathmandu to Bhairahawa – The Journey Begins
We started our journey from Kathmandu, choosing either a flight or tourist bus to reach Bhairahawa. The bus ride takes about 8–10 hours, while the flight is quicker, taking just around 35 minutes.
From Bhairahawa, we headed to Sunauli, the Nepal–India border, by local taxi or bus.
🛂 Note: You only need your Nepali citizenship card or valid ID to cross the border—no visa required.
Day 2: Sunauli to Gorakhpur to Haridwar
After crossing the border, we took a shared taxi or bus to Gorakhpur (around 3–4 hours depending on traffic). From there, we caught an overnight train to Haridwar—a spiritual city on the banks of the Ganges.
Tip: Book your train tickets in advance online for convenience and better seat options.
Day 3: Exploring Haridwar
We arrived at Haridwar early morning. The spiritual vibe here is unmatched—chanting, river aartis, and the scent of incense in the air.
🕉️ Must-do: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in the evening—it’s a surreal experience.
Day 4: Haridwar to Rishikesh to Guptkashi/Sonprayag
From Haridwar, we took a bus to Rishikesh, another beautiful holy town just an hour or two away. We explored the Laxman Jhula, the Ganga river banks, and soaked in the peace.
After a short stay, we continued our journey towards Guptkashi or Sonprayag by bus or jeep, stopping overnight to rest.
Day 5: Gaurikund to Kedarnath – The Trek Begins
Early morning, we headed to Gaurikund, the base point for the trek. From here, it's a 22–23 km uphill trek to Kedarnath.
🚶♂️ The trail is challenging but scenic, filled with chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views.
Day 6: Reaching Kedarnath – A Divine Experience
Finally, after hours of trekking, we reached the holy shrine of Kedarnath. Standing in front of the ancient temple surrounded by snow-capped peaks was a truly emotional and spiritual moment.
🙏 Tip: Dress warmly, keep rain gear, and stay hydrated. You can also book ponies or palanquins if needed.
Day 7: Return Journey
After darshan and spending a peaceful night near the temple, we began our descent the next morning. From Gaurikund, we retraced our route back toward Sonprayag → Rishikesh → Haridwar → Gorakhpur → Sunauli → Bhairahawa → Kathmandu.
Final Thoughts
The Kedarnath yatra was more than a trip—it was a soulful adventure, a test of endurance, and a spiritual awakening. If you're planning to go, just prepare well and stay determined. The experience is worth every step.
Har Har Mahadev!
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