Kedarnath Temple tour

 Kedarnath Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It holds great religious importance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India. The temple is situated in the majestic Kedarnath mountain range, at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level. Here's a brief history of the Kedarnath Temple:

History of Kedarnath Temple:

According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath Temple was built by the Pandavas, the legendary heroes of the epic Mahabharata. After the great Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins they committed during the war. Lord Shiva eluded them and took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. The Pandavas followed him, and upon being recognized by Shiva, he dived into the ground, leaving behind his hump. The remaining parts of Lord Shiva appeared at four other locations, which are worshipped as the Panch Kedar (five shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva).

How to Reach Kedarnath from Howrah Station:

To reach Kedarnath from Howrah Station, you will have to take a combination of train, road, and trekking.

1. Train: Start by boarding a train from Howrah Station in Kolkata to Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath. Several trains connect Howrah to Haridwar and Rishikesh. The journey usually takes around 18-20 hours, depending on the train.

2. Road: From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. The distance between Haridwar/Rishikesh and Gaurikund is approximately 200 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours, depending on the road conditions.

3. Trek: From Gaurikund, you need to trek a distance of approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) to reach Kedarnath Temple. The trek is moderately challenging and usually takes 6-8 hours, depending on your fitness level and pace. Ponies and palanquins are also available for hire if you prefer not to trek the entire distance.

Itinerary and Budget:

Here's a sample itinerary and budget for a Kedarnath Temple tour:

Day 1: Departure from Howrah Station

- Board a train from Howrah Station to Haridwar/Rishikesh

Day 2: Arrival in Haridwar/Rishikesh

- Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh and check into a hotel

- Explore local attractions like Har Ki Pauri, Rishikesh temples, etc.

- Overnight stay in Haridwar/Rishikesh

Day 3: Journey to Gaurikund

- Hire a taxi or shared cab to Gaurikund

- Reach Gaurikund and rest for the day

- Overnight stay in Gaurikund

Day 4: Trek to Kedarnath Temple

- Start early morning trek to Kedarnath Temple

- Reach Kedarnath Temple and have darshan (worship)

- Explore the surroundings and enjoy the scenic beauty

- Overnight stay in Kedarnath (limited accommodation available)

Day 5: Return journey

- Start the trek back to Gaurikund

- Reach Gaurikund and travel to Haridwar/Rishikesh

- Overnight stay in Haridwar/Rishikesh

Day 6: Departure from Haridwar/Rishikesh

- Board a train from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Howrah Station

- Journey concludes

Budget:

The budget for a Kedarnath Temple tour can vary based on several factors such as accommodation, transportation, food preferences, and personal expenses. However, here's a rough estimate:

- Train tickets (Howrah to Haridwar/Rishikesh): INR 1,500-2,000 (approximately)

- Accommodation in Haridwar/Rishikesh (2 nights): INR 1,500-3,000 per night (approximately)

- Taxi/Shared cab to Gaurikund (round trip): INR 6,000-8,000 (approximately)

- Ponies/palanquins for trekking (optional): INR 3,000-4,000 (approximately)

- Food and miscellaneous expenses: INR 2,000-3,000 (approximately)

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on various factors, including the season and your preferences. It's advisable to do thorough research and consult with local travel agents for accurate and up-to-date information on travel arrangements and costs.

Make sure to check the weather conditions and plan your visit during the pilgrimage season (usually from April/May to October/November) when the temple is open and accessible.