Place: - Kedarnath + Badrinath + Haridwar
Hotel Booked: Haridwar A ( 8th May 12.00pm to 9th May 11.00am)
Guptkashi 1 (9th May 12.00pm to 10th May 11.00am)
Kedarnath 2 (10th May 12.00pm to
11th May 11.00am)
Gopeshwar 3 (11th May 12.00pm to 12th May 11.00am)
Badrinath 4 (12th May 12.00pm to 13st
May 11.00am)
Karnaprayag 5 (13th
May 12.00pm to 14th May 11.00am)
Haridwar 6
(14th May 12.00pm to
15th May 11.00am)
How to Reach: Started from Mumbai
on 7th May evening and reach to New Delhi by flight. Take first train at reach
Haridwar by noon.
Place to Visit:
DayA : Hotel Himalaya
Haridwar, literally translated as the Gateway to
God, is one of the Hindu holy places in India and a centre of Hindu
religion and mysticism for centuries. Located on the banks of the River Ganges
(Ganga), at the point where the Ganges descends from the hills to the
North Indian plains,
It is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh
Mela, held in its magnitude every twelve years – the other three being Nasik,
Ujjain & Allahabad.
Went to Ganges and had a wonderful bath. It is a lifetime experience
bathing in Ganges, especially if you are a first timer. I was a first timer as
well!. It was very clean and safe. There are Iron rails and chains all along
the bank. With very few people around, we selected a place and stepped in the
river. It was really cold as expected.
Ganga Aarti is the famous. They perform it every
evening. You need to be there bit early to get the right place. The clock tower
to your right would be the ideal place to watch it straight opposite. Try to
grasp the seat near to Holy Ganga River. Try to reach by 4.00 pm to get the
favorable seat.
The Ganga Matha Idol was brought and some six seven
priests were doing the regular rituals. By now the chanting of manthras and the
holistic bell sound started filling the air. It’s a divine experience not to
miss if you are in Haridwar. It was over around 6.45 p.m. and small floats of
lamps with flowers were offered to Ganga by many people. It was a great sight
to see lot of small lamps flowing on the river.
Ensure that you will reach by 4.00 pm and grasp the
seat near to Clock Tower to see the evening Aarti Of Ganga
Visit Manasa Devi temple in Haridwar. Mansa Devi
Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Haridwar. This temple is
located on Bilwa Parvat, and the temple is only accessible by a thrilling
ropeway ride that takes you to the top of the hill from where one can enjoy the
gorgeous panoramic views of Haridwar town. The temple is dedicated to Mansa
Devi who is believed to the form of Shakti that emerged from Rishi Kashyap.(Not
visited)
Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple offers a gorgeous view from the top. Just like Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi is also accessible by ropeway. Visitors go here to enjoy 360 degree views of the area surrounding Haridwar as well as for the exciting ropeway ride to the top of the hill.(Not visited)
If time permits, visit Bharat Mata Temple , Moti Bazar. (Not visited)
Day 1: GMVN Guptkashi
Started our journey early in the morning 4.00am
from Haridwar to Guptkashi.
Tip:-
1. Start early to avoid traffic
2. Calculate the average speed of 25km per hour for
calculating driving time in hilly area because of
various factor like bend, slopes of hill, traffic,
construction, stone on path etc
Enroute you can see Mandakini river, the river
comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptkashi.
The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.
Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi
Visit Ardh Nareshwar Temple (Not visited)
Ensure that Registration has been done so that tomorrow journey will be hassle free. There is an office where biometric scanning is done for each visitor. (Try to do Online, it is available at https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/ )
Before moving further try to understand the how to reach of Kedarnath
There are 4 ways to reach the Kedarnath.
1st is Helicopter ( Helipad is at Guptkashi, Phata and Sersi)
Distance between Guptkashi and Phata is 14.3 and
that of Phata and Sonprayag is 15.6 km
Distance between Guptkashi and Sersi is 22.3 and
that of Sersi and Sonprayag is 7.6 km
Tip:- Helicopter booking is done only by
government website https://heliservices.uk.gov.in/. Try
to book as early as possible as all ticket book instantly, the moment ticket
start
Palki go till Kedarnath Helipad which is 1/2
km before Temple. One have to walk/Basket to reach Temple
2nd is Trekking
You have to trek 16 km(actual 18 km) from
Sonprayag.
Sonprayag is the last destination till where
private vehicle can reach. After that you have to take share jeep to reach
Gaurikund. The distance between Sonprayag and Gaurikund is 5 km.
(Though the distance is 5 km, it takes hours
(average 3 hours) to reach Gaurikund. There used to long queue for jeep
and you have no other option other than to wait)
Distance between Guptkashi and Sonprayag is 30.0
km.
Distance between Phata and Sonprayag is 15.6 km
Distance between Sersi and Sonprayag is 7.6 km
3rd is Ponny
Ponies Rates from Sonprayag/ Gaurikund to Kedarnath
From To Distance (in kms)
Total Cost ()
Sonprayag Kedaranth 19
2500
Kedaranth Sonprayag 19
1700
Kedaranth Gaurikund 14
1500
4th is Palki/Basket
Dandi (Palanquin) Rates from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
From
To Distance
Upto 75 kgs Upto 90 kgs More
than 90 kgs
Gaurikund Kedaranth 16
4550
5550
6550
Gaurikund Kedaranth 32
7950
8950
10650
& Return Back
Kedaranth Gaurikund 16
3950
4950
5850
Tips:-
It is always good to travel by helicopter as it is
convenient mean to reach Kedarnath
But there are many possibilities that you are not
able to book for helicopter or your helicopter got cancelled because of bad
weather
In that case try for Palki. Here also one problem
is there that the number of Palki are very less
Third is Basket (Sushant Singh Rajput) preferred
for less weighted person/old person as single person used to carry basket for
whole 16 m treek
Fourth is Self Trekking
Last option is Ponny but be careful as these ponny
used to all down many times and hurts the rider. Back pain is sure for Ponny
rider
As a first timer, I would like to reiterate few
points for other first timers, who wish to take the trek route.
• Reasonable fitness would be highly
helpful.
• At least a month before, do practice some deep
breathing for few minutes, regularly.
• Pair of shoes are a must.
• If you are prone to nausea, take a lemon / avomin
etc.
• Do carry few pain killers, paracetamol, ointment
.
• Small torch would be handy.
• A water bottle and electrol or Glucose.
• Keep Kapoor with you as you go up in Mountain.
You feel breathing problem.
• Shops are available almost every 1 -2 kms.
• Walk slowly. Do not get tempted by people walking
past you. Listen to your body.
• Obviously do not take heavy food when you stop in
the middle. There are shops serving very hot Aloo paratha and tea.
• Carry a plastic sheet rain coat ( Rs.20/-) . It
may not protect you from heavy rains. But would definitely come in handy to
save your camera, phones etc.
• Carry less weight. I found my backpack became
very heavy in the last few kms causing shoulder pain.
• Backpack should have a chest strap, so that the
load is evenly distributed.
• It’s a very scenic route. Take regular breaks and
never miss out them.
• We started around eight a.m. and reached around
4.30 pm.
• During my visit the weather was quite sunny on
that day and I could wear just a t shirt up to 1 p.m. The weather changes
drastically in this terrain, especially in the afternoons. It rained for about
half an hour as we were reaching the temple.
• More importantly, when you rest in between, do
not sit like you are sitting in the chair or even lower. Lean against a rock or
post. This would be very helpful when you start the trek again.
• Carry enough cash. Don’t depend on your plastics.
They are banned
Route of Trekking/Palki/Pony/Basket
Gaurikund to Ramnara Bridge to Jungle Chatti to
Bheembali to Linchauli to Kedar Base to Temple
Jeep from Sonprayag will reach you to Gaurikund.
You have to walk for 1/2 km to reach the place where you can take Ponny/Palki
Pony go till the place which is 1and1/2 km before
Temple. One have to walk/Basket to reach Temple
Palki go tilL Kedarbase which is 1 km before Temple. One have to walk/Basket to reach Temple
Day2: GMVN Cottage Booked but Stayed in Hotel
near to Mandir
Started our journey early in the morning 4.00am
from Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Though planned to take the first helicopter and
reach to Kedarnath. Finally gone by Ponny.
The word Kedar stands for Mercy and Nath stands for
lord so the Kedarnath together can be referred to as The Lord of Mercy
"Kedarnath". The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord
Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop 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. The rsemaining 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.
Do darshan straight away at reaching. Pray to Lord Shiva.
Pay homage to divine statue of Nandi bull, located at the temple entrance gate.
Also have a look for the Pandava’s statues inside the temple.
Also see Bhimsheela, Bhimsheela is a large boulder
located behind the Kedarnath Temple in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand,
India. It is believed to have saved the temple from destruction during the 2013
Kedarnath flood disaster.The boulder is about 100 feet (30 m) long and 50 feet
(15 m) wide. It is said to have been dislodged from the mountains during the
flood and rolled down the hill towards the temple. However, the boulder is said
to have stopped just short of the temple, blocking the path of the floodwaters
and preventing them from reaching the temple.The boulder is now a popular
pilgrimage site, and many people believe that it is a sign of the divine
protection of Kedarnath Temple. The boulder is also known as "Bhim
Shila" or "Bhima's Boulder", after the Pandava warrior Bhima. It
is said that Bhima threw the boulder at the temple to protect it from an enemy
attack.
Attend the Night Aarti at temple.
Ensure that Biometric has been done yesterday so that journey will be hassle free. There is an office where biometric scanning is done for each visitor.
Ensure that a good amount is cash in hand as
there is no place where digital payment happen
· Ensure that woolen cloth, blanket, shawl, jacket, gloves,
cap, muffler and wind cheater are kept
· Ensure that raincoat, umbrella is kept with you
· Do carry few pain killers, paracetamol, ointment, Headache
reliefer Asprin, Vomiting Medicine, Kapoor (for breath), Glucose,
your regular medicine
· Small torch would be handy.
· A water bottle and electrol or Glucose.
· Carry snacks like biscuit etc
Day3: GMVN Gopeshwar but will advise not to
book and stay as per your arrival to Sonprayag
Wake up early in the morning at 4.00am, have
darshan once again.
Do jal abhisek at morning to
Kedarnath Shivling
The atmosphere around 6 a.m. was very mystic,
cloudy and lofty mountains, ringing of the big bell before the temple and some
slogans. You could feel being very close to nature and divinity.
Take water from Amrit Kund, the place where you well get jal as prasad which has been poured on Shivling.
Visit Adi Guru Shankracharya Samadhi
Visit Bhairav Baba Mandir
Visit Retas Kund where water will boil by saying the name of Lord Shiva
Though planned to Take first helicopter and return
back. Take basket/trek to come down
Day4: Badi Villa Resort, Badrinath
Started our journey early in the morning 4.00am
from Gopeshwar to Badrinath through Pipalkoti/Josimath, a very old math,
Shri Shankracharya Math and a Narasinga Murthy temple.
Visited Mana village(the last village of India) which is around 3kms from the temple further up. Mana Village holds the distinction of being the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border. This picturesque hamlet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pristine streams, and mystical charm, offers a glimpse into the traditional mountain way of life.
Also visited:-
Vyas Gufa: This cave is believed to be the place
where the Hindu sage Ved Vyas composed the Mahabharata
Ganesha Gufa: This cave is believed to be the place
where the elephant-headed god Ganesha wrote down the Mahabharata as it was
dictated to him by Ved Vyas.
Swargarohini: This is a mountain pass that is
believed to be the gateway to heaven. It is said that the Pandavas, the heroes
of the Mahabharata, passed through this pass on their way to heaven.
Bheem Pul: This is a bridge that is said to have
been built by the Pandavas.
The last tea shop in Mana village is called
"Hindustan Ki Antim Dukan" which means "India's Last Shop".
It is located at an elevation of 3,118 meters (10,248 feet) above sea level,
just a few meters from the Indo-China border.
Further up is the Saraswathi river, which not to be
missed.
If you have time and energy you can visit Vasudhara
falls and Charanpaduka
Take Rest and adore the beauty of Badrinath in
night.
Day5: GMVN Karnaprayag
Wake up early morning @4.00 am and take a
holy dip in Tapt Kund @ Badrinath
Tapt Kund is a hot spring located in Badrinath,
Uttarakhand, India. It is a sacred site in Hinduism, and is believed to have
medicinal properties. It is believed that bathing in the spring can cure a
variety of ailments, and can also help to cleanse the soul.The legend has it
that Tapt Kund was created when Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation,
meditated in the area. The heat from his body is said to have created the hot
spring.
It is really wonder to watch hot spring Tapt Kund
at one side and Alakananda river flowing with full strength at other side.
After take a holy dip in Tapt Kund, visit to the
main temple for Darshan and to seek the blessings of Shri Badrinath ji.
"Badrinath Dham is located between the two mountains i.e. Nar and Narayan,
Badrinath Dham or Badrinarayan temple is a holy shrine, dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. The sacred temple is first among the four holiest Char Dham of India
& prime among the Chota Char Dham of Uttarakhand. The majestic holy shrine
is also one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu."
Badrinath one of the 'Ancient 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 Neelkanth 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".
Attend the morning Puja at Badrinath temple, which
includes Maha Abhishek, Abhishek, Gita Path, and Bhagwat Path.
Visit Charan Paduka: This is a rock with the footprints of Vishnu. It is located near the Badrinath Temple(Not Visited)
Enroute see Panch Prayag
Vishnuprayag: The Alaknanda River, which originates from Satopanth glacier
is joined by the Dhauli Ganga River near Joshimath (on Joshimath - Badrinath
route). Alaknanda flows in front of the Badrinath temple, one of the most revered
Hindu shrines. Dhauli Ganga originates from the Niti Pass, after traveling a
distance of 25 km (15.5 mi) from its source to the Vishnu Prayag
Nandaprayag: Nand Prayag (30°19′56″N 79°18′55″E) is the second prayag in
the cascade sequence of the confluences where the Nandakini River joins the
main Alaknanda River.
Karnaprayag:Karn Prayag (30°15′49″N 79°12′56″E) is the location where
Alaknanda River is joined by the Pindar River that originates from the Pindar
glacier, below the Nanda Devi Mountain range
Rudraprayag : At Rudra Prayag (30°17′16″N 78°58′43″E) the Alaknanda meets
the Mandakini River(The river runs for approximately 81 kilometres (50 mi)
between the Rudraprayag and Sonprayag areas and emerges from the Chorabari
Glacier.[2] The river merges with river Songanga at Sonprayag and flows past
the Hindu temple Madhyamaheshwar at Ukhimath.[1] At the end of its course it
drains into the Alaknada, which flows into the Ganges.[1]).
Devprayag: Dev Prayag (30°08′43″N 78°35′52″E) is the confluence of the two
holy rivers, the Bhagirathi - the chief stream of the Ganges and the Alaknanda.
It is the first prayag on the way to Badrinath. Beyond this confluence, the
river is known as Ganges. The holiness of this place is considered equal to the
famous Triveni sangam confluence at Allahabad where the Ganges, Yamuna and
Saraswati rivers merge.
Day6: Hotel Himalaya, Haridwar
Start as early as possible around 4.00 am and move
towards Haridwar.
Enroute visit Rishikesh Sight Seein. Rishikesh, the 'place of sages' is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of "Hrishikesh" and this area henceforth came to be known as Rishikesh, the YOGA CITY. Later transfer to Haridwar.
Also see Ram Jhulla , Lakshman Jhulla , GeetaBhawan
, Swarg Ashram on the way.
Start your journey at midnight from Haridwar
Famous:-
Place to Stay: - https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/
https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in/login
https://heliservices.uk.gov.in/
Best Time to Visit:- As per timing
announced for visit to Kedarnath and Badrinath
Preferable at the beginning April – May
