A Day Trip to Kedarnath: A Journey to the Abode of Lord Shiva

1. 5:30 AM: Kedarnath Temple Darshan
   Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, Kedarnath Temple is one of the four sacred shrines of the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas and is famous for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
   Time and Distance Estimate from the Bus Station: 10 minutes (2 km)
   Opening Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
2. 7:00 AM: Breakfast at BSNL Guest House
   After an early morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple, head to the BSNL Guest House to savour a delicious breakfast. The guest house offers a comfortable stay and serves authentic North Indian cuisine in a serene atmosphere.
   Time and Distance Estimate from Kedarnath Temple: 5 minutes (600m)
   Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
3. 8:00 AM: Trek to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   Located at the base of the Himalayas, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of rare flora and fauna species such as snow leopards, Himalayan musk deer, and monal pheasants.
   Time and Distance Estimate from BSNL Guest House: 1 hour 30 minutes (11 km)
   Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
4. 11:00 AM: Gaurikund Temple Visit
   Gaurikund Temple is known for its religious significance as it is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to please Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by beautiful water streams and pristine landscapes.
   Time and Distance Estimate from Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: 1 hour 30 minutes (36 km)
   Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
5. 1:00 PM: Lunch at Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas Vikas
   Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas Vikas, which serves a variety of mouth-watering dishes such as paneer butter masala, dal makhani, and chicken tikka.
   Time and Distance Estimate from Gaurikund Temple: 15 minutes (2.5 km)
   Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
6. 2:00 PM: Visit Vasuki Tal
   Vasuki Tal is a beautiful high-altitude lake situated at a height of around 4,150 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and offers a surreal experience to visitors.
   Time and Distance Estimate from Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas Vikas: 3 hours (53 km)
   Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
7. 6:00 PM: Return to Kedarnath Temple
   After visiting Vasuki Tal, head back to Kedarnath Temple for an evening darshan.
   Time and Distance Estimate from Vasuki Tal: 3 hours (53 km)
   <
   Opening Hours: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple Darshan (30 minutes, Free)
• Breakfast at BSNL Guest House (45 minutes, INR 300)
• Trek to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (3 hours, INR 2,000 for guide)
• Gaurikund Temple Visit (1 hour, Free)
• Lunch at Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas Vikas (1 hour, INR 500)
• Visit Vasuki Tal (4 hours, INR 1,500 for guide)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 4,300

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, you can visit other nearby attractions such as Gandhi Sarovar, Triyuginarayan Temple, and Sonprayag. However, if you have less time, you can skip the trek to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and visit Kedarnath Helipad instead. It takes only 10 minutes from the temple and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.