Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan region, holds great religious importance for Hindus due to being the home of one of twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva – Kedarnath Temple – one of which stands as one of twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva (one of twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva is located here and therefore of particular note for them).
This Yatra offers great religious significance as a pilgrimage spot surrounded by beautiful natural features ranging from snow-capped mountains with verdant woods and pure rivers at high altitude in Garhwal Himalayas. In this blog we provide all necessary details related to the best time to visit Rishikesh including the routes available so you can make sure your trip goes as smooth as possible and takes you all the way!
Why visit Kedarnath from Rishikesh?
In Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is considered an important Hindu pilgrimage site. Situated deep within the Garhwal Himalayas in Garhwal’s Garhwal Himalayan ranges, this small and remote village sits at the confluence of two rivers that flow together – one from glaciers into northern plains while the other directly flows south – marking it out as one of Uttarakhand’s Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. However, considering the best time to visit Rishikesh can make a great difference. You can also book the Chardham Yatra Package from Haridwar.
Kedarnath is a beloved hiking and mountaineering spot due to the serenity of the snow-capped Himalayas and its religious significance, drawing both hikers and mountaineers as well as pilgrims alike. Kedarnath can either be visited alone or combined into longer pilgrimage itineraries that also include visits to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Devprayag, for example.
If you are traveling from Rishikesh to Kedarnath by road trip, a road journey is the most efficient and scenic method of travel. In case you can’t trek to the temples, consider booking Chardham yatra by Helicopter services.
On your journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath by road, you will pass other major pilgrimage spots and Himalayan villages in Uttarakhand before entering glacial regions with breathtaking rides through pine forests, valleys, and winding mountain roads along the foothills of the Himalayas.
On your travel, you will pass some iconic locations such as Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag; at any one of them, you could stop for a break or visit one of their sacred sites, photograph scenic splendor, or gain insight into local culture.
What Is The Best time to Visit Rishikesh?
Due to Kedarnath’s high altitude in the Himalayas, its weather can often be extremely harsh for much of the year – however many visit year-round regardless. To ensure an enjoyable trip experience, you should select an optimal season and time when making plans to visit this holy site.
March through June is the best time to visit Rishikesh to travel and discover Kedarnath, as these months feature ideal summer conditions with less chance of snowfall affecting travel plans than winter does, though experienced hikers and mountaineers typically can handle it. You could also travel between September and November, as this period marks post-summer travel before the arrival of winter. Monsoon is not the best time to visit Rishikesh.
What is the Best Route to Visit Rishikesh to Kedarnath?
Rishikesh to Kedarnath via Rudraprayag
Distance: Approximately 207 km
Route: Rishikesh — Rudraprayag — Agastyamuni — Kund — Guptkashi — Gaurikund (base for Kedarnath trek) — Kedarnath
Rudraprayag lies at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. You can reach Rishikesh to Devprayag via Devprayag’s pier where Alaknanda, Bhagirath rivers converge into Ganges – making for stunning landscape views along its journey before turning east towards Rudraprayag and on to Garhwal Himalayas, finally arriving in Rudraprayag where Kedarnath trek starts from Gaurikund; this route makes an unforgettable pilgrimage experience! itinerary Rishikesh to Kedarnath via Devprayag
Rishikesh to Kedarnath via Devprayag
Distance: Approximately 197 km
Route: Rishikesh — Devprayag — Srinagar — Rudraprayag – Agastyamuni Kund Guptkashi Gaurikund Gaurikund Trek to Kedarnath.
Uttarakhand’s hilly landscape boasts some breathtaking and dramatic routes, but none more so than that which runs between Rishikesh and Kedarnath via Devprayag in Uttarakhand’s hill country, located amid Himalayan peaks. Trekkers starting their pilgrimage trek towards this religious hub begin from Devprayag – at which Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet. Hence, plan during the best time to visit Rishikesh.
Rishikesh to Kedarnath via Kotdwar is an undiscovered but equally beautiful route from Rishikesh. Travelers seeking an unconventional experience should consider traveling through Kotdwar. This peaceful, meandering path skirts the foothills of the Himalayas while providing ample opportunity for spiritual cultivation along with exploring Uttarakhand’s breathtaking nature.
Please be mindful that depending on the season and weather conditions, road conditions and travel time could change considerably, so travel arrangements for Kedarnath temple visits should be made accordingly. Furthermore, remember the final leg is an approximately 16km hike from Gaurikund to Kedarnath!
Final Thoughts
The Kedarnath Dham offers great spiritual significance and an immersive experience. The beauty of Rishikesh and Kedarnath will captivate you minds and you will receive divine blessings from the Lord. Hence, when planning your Yatra, consider the best time to visit Rishikesh. Book your travel plans with LIH Travel.
