"Misty Mountain Hop" Kedarnath by little_calvin

Shiva the embodiment of destruction, love, hatred, fear, death & mysticism all rolled in one is worshipped here. For the Hindu Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages. One that winds up through some of the most stunning mountainscapes of Garhwal following the Ganga and then a tributary the Mandakani to its source - Kedarnath.

first sunrise

Kedarnath is situated at altitude of of 3,581 mt. above sea level. And is a a 14 km trek from Gaurikund. Roughly spread over an area of about 2-3 sq.km. the temple town (if you cna call it one) has a fair share of hotels and rest houses and dharmshalas (places to stay and eat associated with temple trusts). The ideal time to visit is between May- October when the weather its not too cold. Its never warm in Kedarnath, the temperature hovers around a comfortable 10C and below.
The temple closes by November every year and reopens only in April due to very heavy snowfall.

chorabari glacier

To reach there start from Delhi (preferably) and get down to Rishikesh (you can choose to spend soemtime there if you wish). from Rishikesh its a 7-8 hr. drive to Gaurikund start as early as possible driving in the hills is really that easy at night.
Stay at Gaurikund where there are a few decent places to stay (recommend the ones right near the Garam Kund or Hot Water Spring). From there its a 14 km. uphill walk (i took close to 5 hrs. depends on you) to Kedarnath. Do stay there the night if you can its a beautiful experience.

From Kedarnath there are a multitude of treks - the shorter ones are to Chorabari lake (Gandhi Sarovar) about 1.5 km. The source of Mandakani and the Chorabari Glacier are not far from here (wonderful places to visit).

The there's Vasuki Tal this is a difficult trek located at a height of 4,150 mt. the lake is surrounded by high montains, and certainly spending a night at. There is no accomodation or food here. Tents and food are to be carried along if you wish to stay.

• Pros:one of the most wonderful and easiest treks
• Cons:absolutely nuthing
• In a nutshell:get there!