Exploring Kedarnath: A 5-Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
    Located in the Kedarnath mountain range.

    The day starts with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the midst of the majestic Kedarnath mountain range, which is a sight to behold. After darshan at the temple, visitors can explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the tranquillity that comes with being in the mountains.

  2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal trek
    14.5 km away from the Kedarnath temple.

    The Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake situated amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Kedarnath range. The trek to Vasuki Tal from Kedarnath is a 6km long downhill trek and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. After reaching the lake, visitors can take a dip in its crystal-clear waters, or simply just sit by the shore and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

  3. Day 3: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
    17.4 km away from Vasuki Tal.

    Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the district of Uttarkashi. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including animals like musk deer, snow leopard, and the Himalayan black bear. Visitors can take a guided nature walk and explore the sanctuary, or opt for a jeep safari to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

  4. Day 4: Gandhi Sarovar
    10.8 km away from the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

    The Gandhi Sarovar is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 14,000 feet. It is named after Mahatma Gandhi who visited the area in 1946. Visitors can trek to the lake from Kedarnath, which takes around 5-6 hours. The trek is challenging but rewarding, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

  5. Day 5: Sonprayag
    18.5 km away from Gandhi Sarovar.

    The final day of the itinerary includes a visit to Sonprayag, a picturesque town located at the confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. It is believed to be the place where the two rivers originated from the love of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Visitors can take a dip in the holy waters, or just enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kedarnath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
  • Vasuki Tal trek (6-7 hours, free)
  • Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (4-5 hours, Rs. 2,500 for jeep safari)
  • Gandhi Sarovar trek (5-6 hours, free)
  • Sonprayag (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 2,500

Useful Tips

For visitors with more time, they can consider visiting nearby attractions such as Triyuginarayan Temple or Gaurikund. Visitors with less time can opt to skip the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and head straight to Gandhi Sarovar. It is also advised to carry warm clothing and rain gear as weather conditions at high altitudes can be unpredictable.

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