Itinerary
- DAY 01:- Delhi to Guptkashi (450kms/10-11hr) Height: 1319 MTS – Pick up from Delhi and start journey to Guptkashi. The Mandakini river comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptakashi. Overnight stay at Guptakashi.
Guptakashi:- The name GuptKashi means “Hidden Benares. Mythology describes how when the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but later fled from them further up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. There are more tangible connections as well-the Kedarnath pandas (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through GuptKashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.
- DAY 02:- Guptkashi Phata – Kedarnath (30 kms by road & 19kms Trek) Height: 3384 MTS – After medical check-up proceed to Sonprayag, Trek start from Sonprayag to Kedarnath (3584 mts) by Pony / Doli. Tour members should carry personal medicines, heavy woolen, toiletries and clothes for an overnight halt at Kedarnath. Visit Kedarnath Temple. Overnight stay.
Kedarnath:- The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as PanchKedar.
- Day 03: Kedarnath – Guptkashi – Delhi (19Kms down Trek & 480kms/12hr by Road) – Early morning you get up before dawn and after taking bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the ‘Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostrate with your head touching the deity etc. After Temple Darshan trek down to Sonprayag. Further drive to Guptkashi & and overnight journey to Delhi.
