Dehradun To Kedarnath Package
The journey from Dehradun to Kedarnath is a spiritually enriching experience that takes pilgrims through the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas to one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarnath, nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a vital part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. The trek to Kedarnath is not only a test of physical endurance but also a journey that deepens one’s spiritual connection with the divine.
### **The Significance of Kedarnath**
Kedarnath is not just a destination; it is a pilgrimage that holds immense religious significance for Hindus. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought to atone for their sins by seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. However, Shiva, wanting to avoid them, took the form of a bull and hid in Kedarnath. When the Pandavas tried to catch him, he dived into the ground, with different parts of his body appearing at various locations. The hump appeared in Kedarnath, making it one of the most sacred sites for worshippers of Shiva.
The temple of Kedarnath, believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, stands as a testament to the devotion and faith of millions of pilgrims who visit every year. Located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, the temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the Mandakini River, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
### **Planning the Dehradun to Kedarnath Package**
When organizing a package from Dehradun to Kedarnath, several factors need to be considered to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling journey for the pilgrims. These include the itinerary, transportation, accommodation, meal planning, health and safety measures, and cultural experiences. Below is a detailed guide to organizing a comprehensive Dehradun to Kedarnath package.
#### **1. Itinerary Planning**
A well-structured itinerary is crucial for ensuring that the pilgrimage is not only spiritually fulfilling but also logistically smooth. The journey from Dehradun to Kedarnath can be covered in several ways, depending on the pilgrims’ preferences, including a combination of road travel, trekking, and helicopter services.
**Suggested Itinerary:**
– **Day 1:** Arrival in Dehradun
– Pilgrims arrive in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty. The day is spent exploring the city, visiting local temples like Tapkeshwar Mahadev, and preparing for the journey ahead. Overnight stay in Dehradun.
– **Day 2:** Dehradun to Guptkashi
– The journey begins with a drive from Dehradun to Guptkashi, a town located on the way to Kedarnath. The drive offers stunning views of the Himalayan range and takes pilgrims through the beautiful towns of Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Rudraprayag, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers merge. Upon arrival in Guptkashi, pilgrims can visit the famous Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
– **Day 3:** Guptkashi to Kedarnath
– Pilgrims have two options to reach Kedarnath: trekking from Gaurikund or taking a helicopter from Phata or Sersi.
– **Trekking:** For those who choose to trek, an early morning drive to Gaurikund is arranged. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 km and takes pilgrims through dense forests, steep inclines, and along the banks of the Mandakini River. Along the way, pilgrims can take breaks at various resting points, where local vendors offer refreshments.
– **Helicopter:** For pilgrims opting for the helicopter service, a short drive to Phata or Sersi is arranged, followed by a quick helicopter ride to Kedarnath. The aerial view of the Himalayan peaks and valleys adds a unique and breathtaking dimension to the pilgrimage.
Upon arrival in Kedarnath, pilgrims can perform darshan at the Kedarnath Temple and participate in the evening aarti. The spiritual atmosphere of the temple, surrounded by towering peaks and the sound of the Mandakini River, offers a profound sense of peace and devotion. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
– **Day 4:** Kedarnath to Guptkashi
– After the morning aarti and darshan at the Kedarnath Temple, pilgrims begin their return journey to Guptkashi. Those who trekked the previous day will trek back to Gaurikund, while those who opted for the helicopter service will return by helicopter. The day ends with an overnight stay in Guptkashi.
– **Day 5:** Guptkashi to Dehradun
– The final leg of the journey involves a drive back to Dehradun. Pilgrims can stop at various points along the way to appreciate the natural beauty of the region and reflect on their spiritual experience. Upon arrival in Dehradun, the pilgrimage concludes with an overnight stay.
– **Day 6:** Departure from Dehradun
– Pilgrims depart from Dehradun, carrying with them the blessings of Lord Shiva and the memories of a spiritually uplifting journey.
#### **2. Transportation Arrangements**
Transportation is a critical aspect of the Dehradun to Kedarnath package. The journey involves traveling through mountainous terrain, so it is essential to ensure that the vehicles used are comfortable, reliable, and capable of navigating the challenging roads.
– **Road Travel:** Depending on the group size, the package can include options such as SUVs, tempo travelers, or mini-buses. The vehicles should be air-conditioned and driven by experienced drivers who are familiar with the mountainous roads. Given the unpredictable weather in the Himalayas, it is important to have vehicles equipped with necessary safety features.
– **Helicopter Services:** For pilgrims who prefer a quicker and less physically demanding route to Kedarnath, helicopter services from Phata or Sersi can be included in the package. Helicopter services not only save time but also offer a unique aerial perspective of the Himalayas. The package should include round-trip helicopter tickets, along with assistance at the helipad for smooth boarding and deboarding.
#### **3. Accommodation Arrangements**
Given the remote location of Kedarnath, accommodation options are limited but essential for ensuring a comfortable stay for pilgrims. The package should include accommodations that are clean, hygienic, and provide basic amenities such as hot water, clean bedding, and vegetarian meals.
– **Dehradun:** In Dehradun, the package should include accommodations in comfortable hotels or guesthouses that offer modern amenities and a peaceful environment.
– **Guptkashi:** Accommodation in Guptkashi can be arranged in hotels or dharamshalas that are close to the Vishwanath Temple and provide a serene environment for rest before and after the journey to Kedarnath.
– **Kedarnath:** Given the high altitude and remote location, accommodation in Kedarnath is typically in basic lodges, guesthouses, or tents. The package should ensure that pilgrims have access to clean and warm accommodations, especially considering the cold climate of Kedarnath.
#### **4. Meal Planning**
The package should include vegetarian meals that are nutritious, sattvic (pure), and easy to digest, particularly considering the high-altitude conditions. Meal planning should account for the different stages of the journey:
– **Dehradun and Guptkashi:** In these locations, pilgrims can be provided with a variety of Indian vegetarian dishes, including local delicacies. Meals should include options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, with an emphasis on light and wholesome foods.
– **Kedarnath:** Given the remote location and challenging weather conditions, meals in Kedarnath should be simple yet nourishing. The package should include arrangements for hot meals that are easy to prepare and consume in the cold climate, such as khichdi, dal-rice, and warm beverages.
#### **5. Health and Safety Measures**
Health and safety are paramount, especially given the challenging terrain and high altitude of Kedarnath. The package should include the following safety measures:
– **Medical Assistance:** Basic first aid kits should be available at all times, along with access to medical assistance in case of emergencies. Pilgrims should be informed about the symptoms of altitude sickness and the necessary precautions to take.
– **Oxygen Cylinders:** Given the high altitude of Kedarnath, the package should include the provision of portable oxygen cylinders for those who may experience difficulty in breathing due to the thin air.
– **Travel Insurance:** Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays due to weather or other factors should be included in the package.
#### **6. Spiritual Activities and Rituals**
The spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage is the core of the Dehradun to Kedarnath package. The package should include arrangements for various rituals and ceremonies that allow pilgrims to deepen their connection with the divine:
– **Puja and Aarti:** Special puja (worship) and aarti (ritual of light) services at the Kedarnath Temple should be arranged, conducted by local priests. The package can also include options for private pujas or havans (sacrificial fire rituals) for individual pilgrims or groups.
– **Darshan:** Arrangements for priority or special darshan (sacred viewing) at the Kedarnath Temple can be made, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons when the temple is crowded.
– **Meditation and Bhajan Sessions:** Evening bhajan (devotional singing) sessions or meditation practices can be organized at the accommodation sites, allowing pilgrims to reflect on their journey and strengthen their spiritual connection.