India Tour Operator offers Kedarnath Yatra which is one of the most revered pilgrimages for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is part of the larger Chardham Yatra and is significant because kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and holds immense spiritual importance in Hinduism.

Kedarnath holds a special place in Hindu mythology. According to legend, the Pandavas, after the Kurukshetra war, sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to atone for their sins. Lord Shiva, however, avoided them and took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When the Pandavas tried to follow him, Lord Shiva disappeared into the ground, leaving his hump behind, which is now worshipped at the Kedarnath Temple. The temple is considered one of the highest Jyotirlingas, symbolizing the presence of Lord Shiva as the “Lord of Kedar Khand.”

Upon reaching Kedarnath, pilgrims are greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of the Kedarnath Temple, surrounded by towering snow-clad peaks, including the Kedar Dome and Bharatekuntha range. The temple is built with massive stone slabs and is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas, with the present structure dating back to the 8th century, restored by Adi Shankaracharya.

The primary deity worshipped in the temple is a conical-shaped Shiva Lingam that represents Lord Shiva’s hump. The temple remains open from late April or early May to November, after which the idol is shifted to Ukhimath for winter worship due to heavy snowfall in the region.

Kedarnath Temple:

• Location: Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,583 meters. The temple is set against the majestic backdrop of the Kedar Range near the Mandakini River.
• Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as the Lord of Kedar. It is believed that Pandavas, after the Mahabharata war, sought Lord Shiva’s blessings here to absolve their sins.
• Mythology: The temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is considered a place for attaining moksha (liberation).

Journey and Route:

1. Starting Point: Pilgrims typically begin their journey from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
2. Travel to Gaurikund: The road journey ends at Gaurikund, a small town from where the 16 km trek to Kedarnath begins. Gaurikund is also home to a hot water spring and a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
3. Trek to kedarnath: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is steep and challenging, taking 6-8 hours depending on fitness levels. Horses, palanquins, and helicopter services are available for those unable to trek.
4. Helicopter Services: For ease of travel, many pilgrims opt for helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi, or Dehradun. This is especially popular for elderly or physically challenged devotees. 

Spiritual Significance:

Visiting Kedarnath with Chardham Yatra Tour Operators is considered a deeply spiritual experience, believed to wash away past sins and grant devotees salvation. It is said that just visiting the temple with devotion brings one closer to moksha, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Places to Visit Near Kedarnath:

• Bhairavnath Temple: Situated just 500 meters from Kedarnath, it is believed that Lord Bhairav protects the region and the Kedarnath temple during winter months when the area is inaccessible.
• Vasuki Tal: A scenic lake located 8 km from Kedarnath, surrounded by snow-clad peaks, is another significant spot for pilgrims seeking a serene environment for meditation.

Best Time to Visit:

The Kedarnath temple is open to pilgrims from April/May to November, depending on weather conditions. During winter, the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall, and the deity is moved to Ukhimath, where winter worship takes place. The ideal time to visit is between May and June, and again from September to October after the monsoon season.

Travel Packages:

Several travel agents in haridwar offer comprehensive Kedarnath Yatra packages that include transportation, accommodation, meals, and helicopter services​.

The Kedarnath Yatra, with its rich mythological, spiritual, and natural appeal, draws thousands of devotees every year, seeking divine blessings and a deeper connection with Lord Shiva. The temple was said to have been revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Pilgrims travel to Kedarnath by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund, though helicopter services are available. The temple is open between April/May to November, with the deity being worshipped in Ukhimath during the winter months when the area becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.  Kedarnath is a key destination in the chardham yatra and is believed to grant moksha (liberation) to those who visit with devotion.