Kedarnath is one such journey that may be done at any time of year, but the best time to visit kedarnath is in the winter. I think these hikes are for all of you who have made the mountains your permanent residence! It’s a great chance if you’ve always dreamed of spending time in the mountains.
The Kedarnath hike will provide you with invaluable insight into the everyday lives of rural Nepali citizens. You’ll also achieve the satisfaction and happiness that you seek.
When I first started travelling, I used to go hiking or trekking every chance I got. I have done this hike over a hundred times, and I am the foremost expert on it. These hikes seem to begin close to my hometown, and I can see the excitement on people’s faces whenever they start on them these days. These hikes fall somewhere in between being simple and tough.
Best time to visit kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between the months of May and June, or September and October. Temperatures in Kedarnath average around 20 degrees Celsius in the spring and fall, making them ideal travel months.
It’s important to know that the Kedarnath temple is closed during the winter because it gets a lot of snow and is very cold. Hence, if you are seeking the best time to visit Kedarnath, you should avoid going between November and April.
Kedarnath is a popular place for pilgrims to visit, so the temple is often crowded and there are long lines, especially in the spring and fall. If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Kedarnath is in the spring, fall, or during the week.
Why is fitness important on the Kedarnath Trek?
Day distances for easy-moderate treks often range from 5 to 6 kilometers. There will be some little hills and valleys to navigate. Around 12,500 feet in altitude are expected to be reached. These hikes are not technically challenging, but there may be brief stretches of uneven ground or steep hills. You should be able to run 5 kilometres in about 38 minutes without stopping.
Note: If you are 58 or older, you must turn in your treadmill test within 7 days of signing up.
What should you pack for the Kedarnath Trek?
The most typical inquiry we receive as a trekking, adventure, and travel agency is “What should we bring for the trek?” Sometimes it’s hard to explain in detail, therefore we’ve made a comprehensive packing list that will be useful for all trekkers visiting the Himalayas. If you’re going on a hike or just starting to pack, it’s best to remember to work your way down from your head to your feet or up from your feet so you don’t forget anything.
1. Backpack
For a weeklong hike, a pack that’s 60 to 70 litres in volume should be about the right size to contain all of your gear without feeling heavy. A backpack’s hip and shoulder straps should be comfortable, and its pockets should be easy to access.
2. Daypack
Daypacks are an important part of any trek because they let you carry your things on shorter hikes, trips to see sights, and day trips without having to drag your whole backpack behind you.
3. Footwear
1. Trekking shoes: ankle-supporting, waterproof footwear is preferred.
2. Walking or hiking sandals: These can be used off-trail, for example, in the morning and evening hours, to give your feet a break from heavy boots. It can also be used to cross streams and rivers, which is more pleasant and safe than crossing barefoot or wetting your boots.
3. Sneakers (optional): Suitable for everyday use on the road or in camp.
4. Socks (3–4 pairs): Be sure to pick a material that is both warm and comfortable, as well as one that dries quickly.
4. Clothing’s
1. Hiking or trekking jacket: Layered coats of high quality should be carried.
2. Hiking pants: Try a pair of long, breathable, and fast-drying pants made from a nylon blend. Layering garments, such as ski pants or tracksuit trousers lined with fleece,
3. You should wear underwear that fits your normal size and shape.
4. T-shirts and pants (3-4) that are warm and comfortable
5. Ordinary shirt or T-shirt: In case the weather becomes bad and you need to go exploring, you’ll be prepared.
6. Long-sleeve shirt: wear as an underlayer on chillier days. minimum of four to five pairs of socks
7. Leggings are effective in keeping you toasty on chilly mornings and evenings.
8. Thermals: We think you should get at least two sets of thermal underwear to deal with this problem properly.
9. A buff or balaclava: You should always have something to cover your neck with, and this is the best option for keeping your throat toasty.
10. Beanie Cap: You should always have one on hand because it is extremely useful on windy days and, in extreme cases, you can even sleep in it.
11. Hiking Hat: During the day, this will protect you from the sun and its rays; at night, it will keep the cold and the wind away from your head.
12. Gloves: Even just one pair will be sufficient to keep your hands nice and toasty.
5. Rain wears
1. Raincoat and pants: Bring a pair along to keep your feet dry in the wet weather. OR
2. Rain Poncho: Raincoats lose their ability to keep you dry after a while, but ponchos might help you stay dry.
3. Rain covers: Your backpack, daypack, and electronic devices should all have a small waterproof cover.
6. Gadgets and electronics
1. Trekking Poles
2. Mobile phone
3. Camera
4. Sunglasses
5. At a convenient time, some books of your choice
6. Spare phone and camera batteries, as well as a powerbank
7. waterproof bag made of plastic for cameras
8. Music system or Bluetooth
9. Plug or converter for electrical items
10. lightweight flash light or headlight
11. A journal and a pen are a good way to keep track of your notes.
12. 1 litre water bottle
13. Get into the habit of keeping a map and guidebook of the region.
7. Hygiene & Personal Toiletry
1. Sunscreen with UV protection
2. Shampoo
3. Biodegradable soap
4. Toilet paper/tissues/wet-wipes
5. Toothbrush, toothpaste, or mouth freshener
6. Sanitary pads or tampons (for female travellers)
7. Deodorant or talcum powder
8. Lip-gloss/salve
9. Your other personal items that you use on a daily basis
8. Personal First-Aid Kit and Energy:
Talk to your doctor before taking any of the medicines listed below, as they may be needed or recommended for your upcoming trip.
1. Butterfly bandage for small cuts
2. Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pads for larger wounds
3. Carry some nutrition/energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic).
4. Some pain killers
5. Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
6. Medicine for diarrhoea (upset stomach)
7. Medicine for a cold, flu, or fever headache
8. ORS pouches
9. Latex gloves are used when the wound bleeds.
10. Dimox or a similar medication for altitude sickness
11. Quick pain relief spray (external use)
Note: Before buying or using any medication, please check with your doctor.
9. Compulsory Documents to Carry
You’ll need to bring these documents with you on your hike to the Forest Service. You won’t be allowed to hike without them. Two sets of government-issued photo IDs are required. Have valid photo identification on you at all times.
Important note: Make sure you only have to carry around the essentials by carefully planning what you need to bring from home and what you can obtain from us in advance of your trip.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
The following is important information: Jollygrant Airport is the nearest airport, while the Dehradun Railway Station is the closest train station. ISBT and Dehradun Bus Stand are the two closest bus stations.
You should budget at least 5 nights and 6 days to finish the journey in luxury and with adequate acclimatisation.
It is a moderate trek that anyone can undertake and complete. This hike is great for gaining altitude quickly, but only if you start working out beforehand. Thus, it is important that you maintain a healthy level of physical fitness.
The overall distance of the journey is around 20–22 kilometres, and it passes through breathtaking landscape, with breathtaking views of the sunrise and the Himalayas in all directions.
The best time to visit kedarnath is from October to April, though if snow is your thing, go between the middle of November and the beginning of February.
The coldest months are December and January, with average highs of around 10-15 degrees Celsius and lows of -4 degrees Celsius.
Kedarnath is a Yatra trip, while Kedarkantha is a real trek; both are in India, but they are very different from one another. Both Kedarnath and Kedarkantha are located in the state of Uttarakhand, although Kedarnath is in the Rudraprayag district and Kedarkantha is in the Uttarkashi region.
Also checkout this: Places to visit in kedarnath 2023
