Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar – Guptkashi
Distance covered: 210 km
Time taken: 8-9 hours
Take an early morning yummy breakfast and then we drive up to Guptkashi. The name “Guptkashi” translates to Hidden Benaras, and is derived from the legend that Lord Shiva, who once hid himself from the Pandavas at this location. Guptkashi is an extremely pleasant place to visit in the summer season. The temperature never goes beyond 30 degrees. During the winter months, however, it can get considerably cold here.
We start the journey via the Devprayag and Rudraprayag route, which offers us breathtaking glimpses of river Alaknanda and Mandakini. One interesting fact is that river Mandakini actually originates from Kedarnath, which only adds to the spiritual energy and aura that makes this entire trip special.
While driving alongside the river, we soon find ourselves at the Ardh Narishwar temple at Guptkashi. After taking some time to visit the temple and offer prayers, we check into our hotel, and take the night to recuperate.
Day 2: Guptkashi – Kedarnath
Distance covered (by road): 30 km
Distance covered (by trek): 19 km
Time taken: 1 hour (by road)
Day 2 is one of the most eventful days of the entire Kedarnath yatra. Our destination for the day is Kedarnath, possibly the most well known and widely travelled dham. According to old legends, Kedarnath is the place where Lord Shiva granted the Pandavas redemption after many prayers and requests, upon the end of the Kurukshetra war. “Kedar” is one of the many other alternative names for Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath shrine boasts the entire robust Kedarnath mountain range in the background, and is situated at one of the most majestic locations possible.
Because its at an altitude of 3,583 m, the temperature at the Kedarnath shrine is almost always cold. Light to semi-heavy layers of clothing are recommended even during the summer months. During winters season, the weather is so cold that it is not even widely travelled to, and because the climatic conditions can be risky, it is even avoided during peak winters.
There are two main ways of reaching the Kedarnath shrine :
I) One could either take the helicopter (cost not included in package), for which you will be dropped to the helipad in the morning soon after breakfast. This route, though quicker, stands on the relatively expensive side.
II) Another way to reach the shrine is by trek. You will be driven to Sonprayag, after which a local jeep to Gaurikund will seamlessly bring you to your starting point for the trek. To make your way back, you will have to follow the same route and take a local jeep to Sonprayag again. Regardless of which mode you choose to opt for, you may inform the driver about the duration of your flight or trek, so he can find a suitable place to park and pick you up the next day without any hassle.
After visiting the shrine and spending some time at the dham, we check into a hotel for the night stay.
Day 3: Kedarnath – Guptkashi
Distance covered (by road): 30 km
Distance covered (by trek): 19 km
Time taken (by road): 1 km
After a vibrant, calming pooja and a delicious breakfast, we check out of our hotel and make the journey back from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. After your driver picks you up at the predecided place, we drive back to Guptkashi, where we check into the hotel once again. The itinerary for the rest of the day is empty, giving you enough time to take in and the warm, spiritual energy of the journey so far, and resting for the next few days to come.
Day 4: Guptkashi – Haridwar
Distance covered: 210 km
Time taken: 8-9 hours
Morning after breakfast we will proceed our journey to Haridwar. End of the trip with happy memories.
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