Harda to Kedarnath – A Spiritual Journey

The journey from Harda to Kedarnath embraces the faith and dedication of those who undertake the pilgrimage to Lord Shiva in Kedarnath. The distance from Harda to Kedarnath is a transformation of landscapes, from the plains to the mountains, from the commonplace to the Holy. The entire distance traveled during the journey is about 1,000 kilometers. Travelers encounter towns, villages, rivers, and forests, each contributing to the sacred journey.

About Harda – A Town in Madhya Pradesh

Harda is a historical and religious site on the Narmada River’s banks. It is home to historic temples, lively festivals, and a rich cultural past, creating a feeling of community among its residents. What makes Harda even more noteworthy is its function as the beginning place for a pilgrimage with deep spiritual significance. Harda district occupies an area of 2,644 km and has a population of 681,62 people, according to the 2011 Indian census.

About Kedarnath – A Spiritual Holy Place

Kedarnath is situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Himalayas. It is integral to the Char Dham Yatra, including Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Every year millions of devotes visit Kedarnath to seek blessings and cherish the pilgrimage of the divine Lord Shiva. Kedarnath holds immense religious significance and comes with a rich history and stories from Hindu mythology of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati and its connection with the existence of Kedarnath temple.

Multiple ways to Reach Harda to Kedarnath

1. Harda to Kedarnath by Road

The road journey between Harda to Kedarnath covers a considerable distance of 1416 km. The route starts with the road trip from Harda to Rishikesh, covering a distance of 600 kilometers. The trip continues from Rishikesh to GauriKund, traveling roughly 610 km. And the tour reaches its final destination from GauriKund to Kedarnath with the trekking of approx. 16Km.

Traveling by personal vehicle or car is another good alternative available to complete the tour from Harda to Kedarnath. The journey by car provides the comfort, convenience, and flexibility that a person may need. But it also comes with the responsibility of driving long routes, so before planning the trip, consider all the options which will make the travel more convenient.

2. Harda to Kedarnath by Train

The train journey begins at Harda railway station and ends at the nearest station, Rishikesh or Haridwar, about 1197 km of distance covered. Following the completion of the spectacular rail journey, the road excursion to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the base camp for the hike to Kedarnath, begins. The trek is around 16 km (about 10 miles).

Note: There could be availability of some other trains also. Please check the official IRCTC website before booking.

2. Harda to Kedarnath by Plane

The simplest way of reaching Kedarnath from Harda is through the airways. The nearest airport from Harda is Bhopal or Indore to reach Dehradun city, from where the road journey begins in Gaurikund and ends in Kedarnath. The distance covered during the travel from Bhopal or Indore is roughly 500 to 600 km.

Helicopter services

Once you reach Gaurikund the starting point of the trek helicopter services are provided for travelers who have difficulty trekking or want to save time to reach the shrine. These flights are generally operated during April to November depending on the weather conditions and they are in high demand so it’s necessary to make your bookings in advance.

How to Reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund

Gaurikund serves as the base camp for the tourists visiting Kedarnath and is the starting point of the trek, which is approximately 16 km. Thousands of Lord Shiva devotees visit the temple yearly, including people from different age groups, from kids to senior citizens. Walking makes it difficult for them to finish the tour. It took almost 6 to 8 hours to reach the temple.  These include Palki or Palanquin, Helicopter services, Pitthoo or porter, and Pony or Mule, making the journey less burdensome.

Note: You can also check our Group Packages & Private Tour Packages by visiting our website DevDham Yatra.

Weather Details

The Kedarnath Temple is situated, at a higher altitude in the Himalayan regions of Uttarakhand. The weather in Kedarnath is unpredictable as you see in different months its weather changes frequently. In the winter seasons, the temperature can drop down to sub-zero levels and can be extremely cold making it unsafe for travelers to visit the pilgrim with heavy snowfall for this reason the doors of Kedarnath close for six months.

Travel Tips for Harda to Kedarnath Journey

• Always carry your warm clothes on the journey regardless of the month you choose to visit.
• Try to avoid visiting Kedarnath temple from July to August due to heavy rainfall and also the area is prone to frequent landslides.
• During the journey try to stay hydrated as the trek is about 16 km.
• Pack the essentials and medications during the trip.

Note: You can also check our Group Packages & Private Tour Packages by visiting our website DevDham Yatra.

FAQ’s

Q1. What are the challenges Faced During travel to Kedarnath.
A1. The route from Harda to Kedarnath is a combination of hardships and hurdles experienced by visitors who visit Kedarnath temple. The following are several variables that could present difficulties while traveling:

• Weather: Weather conditions can be highly unpredictable in the region, especially in the mountain regions. Heavy rainfall, fog, and snowfall are common, which could reduce road visibility.
• Health and Safety: The journey involves long hours of travel, and access to medical facilities might be limited in some regions. So, it’s necessary to carry medications and stay hydrated.
• Accommodations: The accommodations facilities are available in Kedarnath, but it’s advisable to make travel arrangements well in advance owing to the rush during the season.
• Terrain and Roads: The roads to the pilgrimage are steep, narrow, and winding, making it difficult to travel and time-consuming.

So, it’s important to list dos and don’ts while traveling to avoid emergencies and be ready to overcome the challenges. Some of them include planning, packing essentials, being hydrated, carrying travel documents, and staying updated.

Q2. Is Kedarnath trek Difficult?
A2. Trek to Kedarnath Dham is about 18 km, it takes almost 6-8 hours to complete the trek. The difficulty level of the trekking depends on the travelers planning and packing of all the essentials which will be required. The best time to start your trek is early in the morning at 3:00 am and you can complete it by 2 pm to avoid the heat and always remember to take necessary breaks.

Q3. When is the Best Time to travel from Harda to Kedarnath?
A3. The best time to travel Harda to Kedarnath Dham is from May to June. It is the time of early summer when snow is melted and the temperature is mild. And you can see beautiful valleys in the surroundings with a clearer view of mountain ranges as compared to other seasons. Even, the month of September to October is considered a favorable time to visit Kedarnath temple as during this time the crowd is less and in day time weather is pleasant although, nights are chilled so, carry your warm clothes.