The Kedarnath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at a height of 3,580 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas, near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, India. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are sacred representations of Lord Shiva.
Because of extreme weather, the temple is only open from April (Akshaya Tritiya) to November (Kartik Purnima). In winter, the deity is moved to Ukhimath for worship.
According to legend, the Pandavas built the temple after pleasing Lord Shiva with their prayers. The temple is part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage and is the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas.To reach the temple, visitors must complete a 22-kilometer uphill trek from Gaurikund. There are services like ponies and mules available to help pilgrims on the journey.
TTD Online Darshan Tickets Booking 2024: Timings & Price
Procedure To Register Onto The Kedarnath Website
Certainly! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register for the Kedarnath Yatra on the official website:
Visit the Official Website:
- Go to the official website for Kedarnath Yatra registration (link).
Create an Account or Log In:
- If you already have an account, log in. Otherwise, create a new account.
Fill in Required Details:
- Provide your personal information, including name, contact details, and address.
- Specify your travel dates for the yatra.
- If you’re traveling with others, include their details as well.
Upload Necessary Documents:
- Upload a valid ID proof (such as Aadhar card, passport, or driver’s license).
- Also, upload a recent photograph.
Submit Your Registration:
- Review the details you’ve entered.
- Click the appropriate button to submit your registration.
Remember to keep an eye on any updates or changes due to COVID-19 or other factors. Safe travels
Overview of the Kedarnath temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India |
| Altitude | 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) |
| Best Time to Visit | May to June and September to October |
| Temple Opening Date | Late April or early May |
| Temple Closing Date | November |
| Mode of Transport | Trekking, Helicopter, Pony, Palanquin |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rishikesh (approx. 229 km) |
| Trek Distance | 16 km from Gaurikund |
| Starting Point | Gaurikund |
| Accommodation | Guest houses, hotels, tents, and dharamshalas in Gaurikund and Kedarnath |
| Permits Required | Biometric registration (can be done online or at various points en route) |
| Major Attractions | Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi |
| Weather Conditions | Cold and unpredictable; heavy snowfall in winters |
| Essential Items | Warm clothing, trekking shoes, raincoat, first aid kit, torch, personal medication |
| Health Advisory | High-altitude acclimatization recommended; consult a doctor if you have health conditions |
What are the Services Available In Kedarnath Temple
Here are the basic details about the Kedarnath Darshan ticket prices:
Puja Slots:
- You can attend puja at both Kedarnath and Badarinath temples.
- There are 17 puja slots available for Kedarnath and 34 for Badarinath.
- The earliest puja booking date is July 29, 2024.
Helicopter Tickets:
- Helicopter services are available for Kedarnath.
- Ticket prices vary based on the departure point, seating category, and demand.
- One-way helicopter tickets usually cost between INR 7,000 and INR 12,000 per person.
- VIP darshan passes at Kedarnath Temple are available for Rs. 1100/person.
- Return tickets from the Sersi sector cost Rs. 5,498.
Yatra Formalities:
- Complete necessary formalities before starting your journey.
- Check for updates from the official portal, especially for any changes due to COVID or other reasons.
FAQs on Amarnath Yatra
1. What is the Amarnath Yatra?
The Amarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave which is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave houses a naturally forming ice Shiva Lingam, which is considered a sacred symbol by Hindus.
2. When does the Amarnath Yatra take place?
The Amarnath Yatra typically takes place during the months of July and August. The exact dates vary each year and are determined by the Shravan Purnima, according to the Hindu calendar.
3. How can I register for the Amarnath Yatra?
Pilgrims can register online through the official Amarnath Shrine Board website or at designated bank branches. Registration involves filling out a form, submitting required documents, and paying a registration fee.
4. What documents are required for registration?
Pilgrims need to provide a duly filled registration form, a compulsory health certificate (CHC) issued by an authorized doctor, and a passport-sized photograph.
5. What is the Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)?
The CHC is a medical certificate that confirms a pilgrim’s fitness to undertake the trek to the Amarnath Cave. It must be issued by an authorized medical practitioner and is mandatory for registration.
6. What are the main routes to reach the Amarnath Cave?
There are two main routes to reach the Amarnath Cave:
- Pahalgam Route: This is the traditional and longer route, approximately 46 km, usually taking 3-5 days.
- Baltal Route: This is a shorter but steeper route, approximately 14 km, usually taking 1-2 days.
7. What are the accommodation options available during the Yatra?
Accommodation options include tents, huts, and guesthouses provided by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and private operators. Pilgrims can also stay in hotels and lodges in the base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal.
8. What should I carry for the Amarnath Yatra?
Pilgrims should carry warm clothes, raincoats, trekking shoes, walking sticks, personal medicines, water bottles, snacks, and essential toiletries. It’s also recommended to carry a first aid kit and oxygen cylinders for high altitudes.
9. Is there any age limit for the Amarnath Yatra?
Yes, children below 13 years and adults above 75 years are not allowed to undertake the Yatra. Pregnant women of more than six weeks are also not permitted.
10. Are there any restrictions on the number of pilgrims per day?
Yes, there is a limit on the number of pilgrims allowed per day on each route to ensure safety and manage the environment. The number is determined by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and announced before the Yatra.
11. What safety measures are in place for pilgrims?
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board ensures various safety measures, including medical facilities, emergency evacuation plans, and weather monitoring. Pilgrims are advised to follow the guidelines issued by the Board for a safe pilgrimage.
12. Can I use my mobile phone during the Yatra?
Mobile connectivity is available at certain points along the route, but it may be limited due to the remote and high-altitude terrain. It’s advisable to inform family and friends about your itinerary before starting the Yatra.
13. Are there any environmental guidelines to follow?
Yes, pilgrims are encouraged to follow strict environmental guidelines, including not littering, avoiding the use of plastic, and respecting the natural surroundings. The use of eco-friendly materials and proper disposal of waste is highly recommended.
14. What is the best time of day to start the trek?
It is recommended to start the trek early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and potential weather changes. This allows ample time to reach designated stops before nightfall.
15. How do I reach the base camps for the Yatra?
The base camps for the Amarnath Yatra are Pahalgam and Baltal. These can be reached by road from Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is well connected by air and rail to major cities in India.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive guide for pilgrims planning to undertake the Amarnath Yatra, ensuring they are well-prepared for a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage experience.