Kedarnath Trek/Yatra
Uttarakhand trek Kedarkantha yatra is a popular winter trek offering stunning views and a chance to summit a Himalayan peak.
Kedarnath Trek Highlights
- Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri ghat. A grand spectacle of light and color
- Darshan of the magnificent Kedarnath Mandir
- Visit the samadhi sthal of saint Adi Shankaracharya
- Snaan in geothermal spring, Tapt Kund
- Experience the natural miracle of hot springs
Things to Carry
Shri Kedarnath Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment.
Trek Essentials: You can’t do the trek without these.
- Trekking Shoes
Phulara Ridge needs sturdy trekking shoes that can withstand snow and have a good grip.
Rental: We have the proper Quechua trekking shoes for rent. Rent trekking shoes here.
2. Backpack
A backpack of 50-60 liters is required for a trek such as Phulara Ridge. Your backpack should have good hip and shoulder support, and pockets should be easily accessible.
3. Clothing
Layering is the best way to protect yourself in the mountains. Layers provide maximum protection against all the elements. Layers are also great for protecting against the elements, especially when they change rapidly in the mountains.
4. Base Layer:3-T-shirts
Bring 2 T-shirts and wear 1. Wear full-sleeve, dry-fit T-shirts, preferably with collars. These will protect your neck and arms from sunburn. UV radiation can quickly burn you, especially in the high altitudes of the trek.
Dry-fit T-shirts dry quickly and are quick-drying in the event of rain. Collared T-shirts work better than those with rounded necks.
Cotton or Synthetic? We Indians love cotton. It makes sense to wear cotton down in the plains, where the heat can reach 40 degrees Celsius. It takes a while to dry once it is wet. Synthetic is the best choice for mountains where temperatures are cooler. They are quick to wick sweat and dry quickly. They can smell fast, so make sure to have a roll-on deodorant.
Expert Tip: If you’re more prone to colds, you can carry a pair of thermal inners. From our past experiences, using 2 T-shirts over others helps to prevent cold.
Where to Buy: Buy from Decathlon.
5. Insulation Layer in Winter.
The Phulara Ridge Trek can be done in winter. You will need, at minimum, 5 layers of warm clothing if you are going between December and March.
You will require 1 inner thermal, 2 light fleece, 1 light sweater, and 1 padded jacket. Don’t buy your grandma’s sweaters. They can be very heavy. You want fleece jackets and sweaters that fold easily.
A padded jacket is the best choice for your outer layer. Water-resistant materials are not necessary. You do need an outer jacket with a padded lining that keeps out the cold and wind. Make sure your padded jacket includes a hood.
6. Two Trek Pants
This trek requires at least one pair of trekking pants and a maximum of two. One pair of pants should be worn, and one additional pair should be worn when it rains/snows. Trek pants with zip-off thighs at thighs make them ideal for trekking. You should also choose quick-drying pants over cotton. Even in colder climates, they dry quickly.
Track pants or trekking pants? Track pants can be used as a backup or double as thermal bottoms. Track pants aren’t trek pants, so they shouldn’t be your main outerwear. They should be used as an emergency backup.
Accessories
Compulsory Accessories Without these, you will not be equipped to perform the trek or be able to do Trek.
These accessories are necessary to carry. These accessories are mandatory for anyone who travels to Phulara Ridge. Trekkers tend to delay borrowing or purchasing accessories. We recommend the opposite. These accessories should be gathered first.
- Sunglasses
Sunglasses are required to prevent snow blindness. Expect to be walking on snowy stretches during a winter trek, such as Phulara Ridge. Snow blindness can be caused by a small amount of direct sunlight (around a half-hour’s exposure). Because fallen snow acts like thousands upon thousands of mirrors, reflecting direct UV rays. You will need sunglasses that provide UV protection.
If the trekking day is sunny and bright (on meadows, open sections), you should wear sunglasses. You must not remove your sunglasses from a snowy section until it is fully crossed.
In case you use spectacles: You can buy oversized sunglasses for your glasses, which you can wear over your regular glasses (buy at Decathlon). Photochromic lenses are also available if you find this cumbersome.
Contact lens users: Contact lenses can be worn on the trek if you have them. The lens solution won’t freeze. It will not be a problem to change your lens inside your tent. You will only need enough cleaning solution to clean your fingers. Your contact lenses can be covered with sunglasses.
2. Suncap.
Suncaps are mandatory. A sun cap is mandatory for trekking. It can cause headaches, sunstroke, rapid dehydration, and a drop in performance.
Important Information: The golden rule of the mountains is to always cover your head. A sun cap is a protective layer that protects you from the sun’s harsh rays during the day. It also works well with naked UV rays. Sun caps keep your body’s temperature in check. The reverse is true in the morning/evening. Your head quickly loses body heat. The woolen cap stops heat from escaping your head.
3. Hand Gloves.
You will be handling snow quite a lot on a trek like Phulara Ridge. To grip things or hold onto snow, gloves are essential. The gloves should also keep you warm. You should get synthetic gloves with waterproofing on the exterior and a padded interior. Wear a tight-fitting fleece glove in your synthetic hand glove if you have difficulty obtaining the combination (not likely). This trek requires hand gloves.
Rent hand gloves right here….
4.Woollen Cap or Balaclava.
These should cover your head. You lose the most heat in the cold mountains from your head and not your hands, feet, or other parts of your body. Protecting your head is important, especially in the evenings when the sun sets. Your woolen cap should be worn at all times, including early mornings and late evenings.
A woolen cap that covers your ears can protect your sensitive ears. Balaclavas are a modernized version of the woolen cap. The balaclava covers your ears, neck, and other parts of your face. A woolen cap that covers only your head will not be sufficient; such as a woolen cap, it will require a neck warmer or scarf.
Buy a woolen cap right here….
5. Socks (3 sets).
You should also have three to four pairs of each of socks for sports. You get warmth and cushioning from sports socks. The mantra here is to wear synthetic socks, or at the very least, a synthetic blend. Cotton socks absorb sweat and water. These socks are difficult to dry.
Woollen socks are warm and cozy in the winter. Two sports socks are sufficient if you can’t get woolen socks.
Buy woolen socks here
6. Head torch/head Lamp
Many trekkers don’t know if they should get a torch or a headlamp. A headlamp is essential because it allows you to use your hands for other activities. You’ll need to use your hands for the Phulara Ridge Trek, including washing dishes, setting up tents, and holding your trekking poles.
7. Trekking Pole/Trekking Stick
You can balance and stabilize yourself with trekking poles. You can reduce your energy use by up to 40%. There are steep ascents and descents on the Phulara Ridge Trek. A pair of trekking sticks can make the difference between a pleasant and strenuous trek. India uses a single trekking stick. Two trekking poles will give you more stability and balance. You can also walk faster with them.
8. Rainwear.
Weather can quickly change on a trek. In a matter of seconds, a bright sunny day can quickly turn into a torrential downpour. To combat this, you will need a poncho and a rain jacket. A poncho, a large rain cover that covers your arms and head, is what you need. Because it covers you and part of your backpack, it is very effective. It is very light and weighs almost nothing.
9. Rain cover for your Backpack.
Backpacks can save your life. Your backpack will hold all of your dry clothes and warm gear. Your backpack should be kept dry at all times. Most backpacks have rain covers built in. If your backpack does not come with a rain cover, you can either buy one or make a large sheet of plastic to fit the dimensions of your backpack. The plastic sheet can be wrapped around the backpack and held in place by a string or elastic.
10. Daypack (20-30 liters, optional).
Some trekkers choose to load their bags onto a mule or porter while on the Phulara Ridge Trek. Although we don’t encourage it, if you do choose to offload, then a daypack is required. You will need to carry water bottles, rainwear, and emergency medicines. The campsites are the only place you can find your main backpack, which contains most of your equipment.
A daypack is a small version of the backpack that generally has a 20–30 liter capability.
How to Reach
Dehradun is easily accessible from Delhi by bus, train, or air. We discuss the details below:
By air
- Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Dehradun by plane, which is about 25 km from the city. You can find regular flights from Delhi to Dehradun.
- However, if you are planning to reach Dehradun by flight then it is better to come one day in advance.
By Train
In case, you want to reach Dehradun from Delhi by train, then two express trains are quite convenient. The train, it is an overnight journey. The two trains are mentioned below:
- Nandadevi Express – Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50 pm; Arrival 5:40 am)
- Dehradun Express – Train no: 12687 (Departure – 9:10 pm; Arrival – 5:00 am)
By Bus
From Delhi, you can find a regular bus service for Dehradun. ISBT Kashmere Gate is the main bus station in Delhi, from where you will find both ac and non-AC buses for Dehradun.
However, it is always better to take government buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT. The bus will drop you at Dehradun ISBT and then we will send our staff who will pick you up from Dehradun Railway Station, so you need to reach there.
- At 06:00 am, a Tata Sumo or any other vehicle like this will only pick you up from Dehradun Railway Station.
- By 04:00 pm, you will be reaching Sankri.
- In the trek cost, food from Dehradun to Sankri is included
Food Provide
We give just Indian veggie-lover food, and fundamentally, your dinner will contain Indian bread, vegetables, lentils, and Rice alongside a delightful treat. During your trip, we will serve three suppers daily including breakfast, lunch, and supper.
At night, you will likewise be served tea and tidbits and lip-smacking soup before supper. If it will be a drawn-out day of traveling, you will be given a pressed bite.
In the wake of doing a great deal of exploration on the wholesome prerequisites for the travelers, we set up the menu. Before assembling every one of the suppers, we likewise consider height acquired and climate.
The supper served by us while journey is impeccably offset with the perfect proportions of calories, sugars, nutrients, protein, fiber, and minerals. You want to realize that every one of our cooks has extraordinary ability in cooking and has gone through exhaustive preparation. Thus, prepare to appreciate luscious and lip-smacking dishes during your trip.
You will be presented with lemon tea in the tent to begin your day with a revived inclination. Before leaving the camping area for traveling, you will be given a hot finger-licking breakfast like upma, egg bhurji, maggi, or omelet alongside tea or espresso.
On the off chance that your trip will be longer than we additionally offer a few new neighborhood natural products, for example, apples and, surprisingly, solid beverages like Frootie or Maaza. In the early evening, you will be served a straightforward and solid lunch, while at around 04:00 pm, you will be given tea and a light night breakfast.
After you arrive at your campground around evening time, you will be served a warm and wonderful supper. After understanding this, you probably got the possibility that with us, you don’t have to stress over food. In this manner, we will give you remarkable encounters.
Overview
- Where is Lord Kedarnath Worshipped In Uttarakhand?
This Shiva temple is covered in snow for about half a year after Lord Shiva is transferred from Kedarnath to Ukhimath Dham. Sages who devote themselves to Baba Kedar practise contemplative yoga and love him even during the coldest months of the year. According to tradition, Lord Shiva may be seen in many temples, including his arms in the Tungnath sanctuary, his face in the Rudranath sanctuary, his stomach in the Madmaheshwar sanctuary, and his head with hair in the Kalpeshwar sanctuary. Give. Panch Kedar is the term used to describe Kedarnath and the additional four sanctuaries. whWherebyll of the Dhams worship Lord Shiva
- Route and Difficulty Level
The Kedarnath Trek travels a predetermined path from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath Temple, covering a distance of roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles). Along its course, the journey offers various levels of difficulty:
The first section of the journey from Gaurikund to Rambara (7 km/4.3 mi) entails a gentle elevation alongside the Mandakini River. The track is established and rather simple to follow, making it appropriate for trekkers in a moderate way.
From Rambara to Garud Chatti, a distance of 4 km (2.5 miles), the trail gets steeper and has more rocky areas and steps. It requires a fair amount of physical stamina and endurance.
From Garud Chatti to Kedarnath, the distance is five kilometres (3.1 miles), and the last section of the journey is a difficult ascent over uneven ground and stone steps. This section may require physical.
- Highlights and Scenic Beauty
The Kedarnath Trek is well known for its magnificent scenery and intriguing attractions. The following are some of the main highlights you might anticipate seeing along the trek:
Majestic Himalayan Views: Along the way, you’ll get to see breathtaking panoramas of the towering Himalayan mountain range. The backdrop is made up of sweeping views of snow-covered mountains, notably the Kedarnath Peak.
Alpine Flora and Lush Greenery: The trail passes through diversely vegetated, deep forests. You will see a colorful tapestry of flowers, including rhododendrons, orchids, and wildflowers, which give the surroundings a touch of natural beauty.
River Confluence: Along the way, you will pass the Mandakini and Vasuki Ganga River Confluence, which is considered Sacred. It is breathtaking to see these pure rivers converge despite the rough landscape.
The journey’s greatest accomplishment is arriving at the famed Kedarnath Temple. The ancient temple, which is located at a height of 3,583 metres (11,755 feet), is of great spiritual value to followers of Lord Shiva. It is a special destination to visit because of the magnificent architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) Lake: The tranquil Chorabari Lake, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, is located not far from the Kedarnath Temple. This glacial lake offers a serene and beautiful location for introspection because it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Serenity & seclusion: The Kedarnath Trek takes you down relatively less-used paths, allowing you to feel a sense of tranquilly and seclusion in the magnificent alpine setting. A fantastic vacation from the busy world, the tranquil atmosphere, and the unspoiled natural beauties give.
Your excursion may include a bit of nature adventure if you come across animals like Himalayan black bears, musk deer, blue sheep, and other bird species.
For all trekkers, the Kedarnath Trek offers a singular synthesis of breathtaking natural beauty, profound spiritual importance, and serene surroundings, making it an unforgettable and visually arresting experience. Environmental Conservation and Responsible Trekking
- Environmental Conservation and Responsible Trekking
When discovering the natural splendour of the Kedarnath Trek, responsible trekking and environmental preservation are of the utmost significance. Here are some rules and behaviours to guarantee less environmental effect and encourage sustainable trekking:
Follow the “Leave No Trace” philosophy by taking out all of the trash you produce while hiking, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable things. Use the authorised trash cans to properly dispose of rubbish or bring it back to the designated waste management facility.
Reduce the usage of single-use plastics by avoiding the use of bags, utensils, and water bottles. Bring a reusable water bottle, and filter the water you find along the way from reputable sources. Use environmentally friendly substitutes like bamboo or steel cutlery and cloth bags to transport necessities.
Use established campsites wherever possible because they are intended to have the least negative environmental impact. To avoid contamination, stay away from establishing tents next to water sources. Place tents over sturdy ground, such as gravel or rocks, as opposed to delicate plants.
Use of Firewood and Cooking: To reduce the risk of forest fires, cook on the hike using a camping stove rather than an open fire. Carry cookware that uses less energy. Use only dead and fallen wood for collecting firewood, and do it sparingly and according to local laws.
Respect for Local Culture and Customs: Recognise and honour regional traditions, customs, and cultural practises. Before taking pictures of individuals or holy locations, get permission. Dress modestly, especially when visiting or around places of worship.
Support Local Economy: You may help the community by using your money to pay for goods, services, and food that are produced nearby. To help local communities maintain their way of life, whenever possible, choose local tour operators, porters, and lodging alternatives.
Educate and Raise Awareness: Inform other trekkers about responsible hiking techniques and drive home the significance of environmental preservation. Inspire others to adopt sustainable habits and have a good environmental influence.
We can contribute to preserving the natural beauty of the Kedarnath Valley for future generations and ensuring that it continues to be a pristine and sustainable travel destination by implementing responsible trekking practices.
- Conclusion and Personal Reflection
The Kedarnath Trek is a life-changing experience that combines spirituality, adventure, and a profound connection with nature. It is more than just a physical trek through stunning scenery and high-altitude pathways. With the famed Kedarnath Temple at its center and pilgrims from all over the world, the trip is noteworthy in terms of culture and history.
It is crucial to emotionally and physically prepare for the Kedarnath Trek while also making sure you have all the necessary supplies. The path offers a variety of rewards and difficulties, including hard ascents, peaceful valleys, lush forests, and magnificent mountain vistas. Be aware of safety precautions, acclimatisation, and environmental care throughout the trek.
The Kedarnath Trek can be a transforming experience for one’s self-reflection. Introspection and a sense of awe are sparked by the natural beauty and spiritual ambience. A profound awareness of one’s capacities, a fresh appreciation for the power of religion, and a strong sense of connectedness to nature may all be brought on by the trek.
With the Kedarnath Trek, you may test your physical limits, immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture, and unwind in the tranquilly of the mountains. It is a journey of the body, mind, and spirit that leaves behind fulfilling memories.
Carry the knowledge gained, the beauty seen, and the moments of tranquilly experienced with you as you complete the walk. The Kedarnath Trek is a soul-stirring experience that transforms you, leaving you with a deep regard for nature and an awe of the spiritual world’s power.
