Kedarnath Trek

The best time for the Kedarnath trek is from April to June, and then from September to October, as during these months the weather is quite clear and pleasant. However, it is always a wise idea to check the current weather conditions before planning your trek.

The famous Kedarnath trek is located at a height/altitude of 11,755 feet (3,583 meters). This high-altitude trek brings various high-altitude sicknesses such as nausea, blurred vision, fatigue, headache, etc. To avoid these kinds of health issues, it is a must for hikers to stay hydrated, ascend slowly, and get well acclimatized.

Kedarnath lies under a moderately challenging trek, including a trek for a good few hours on the trekking route with steep climbs, rocky terrain, and low oxygen levels that make this trek challenging to a manageable degree. Participants must work on their physical fitness before this trek.

A welcoming stay in hotels will be provided to the trekkers as accommodation for a comfortable and cosy stay during your Kedarnath Yatra.

The 2-night and 3-day duration of the Kedarnath Trek gives hikers a great experience to cherish forever. 

Kedarnath’s trek starting point is Gaurikund. Gaurikund is 75 kilometres from Rudraprayag, the nearest city to Gaurikund.

The distance from Gaurikund to Delhi is around 450 kilometres, which takes around 11-12 hours to reach.

For the Kedarnath Trek, one needs to prepare their bodies well enough to bear the moderate-level challenges this trek offers to the trekkers. Start with stretching, brisk walking for at least 30 minutes, and running for 4 kilometres minimum; that would help increase your physical stamina and ease your trekking experience.

Kedarnath Trek is safe, although the trekkers need to keep certain things in mind before planning this trek. Participants must be physically and mentally prepared. The unpredictable weather, low oxygen levels, and challenging trails while on the Kedarnath trek can test your physical and mental capabilities. Follow the safety guidelines and trek leader’s professional instructions for a thrill-filled, safe, and smooth trekking experience.

The Kedarnath trek is suitable for fit beginners and first-timers. A basic fitness regime should be followed to undertake this trek without any difficulties. 

Age: 12 years is the minimum age limit for the Kedarnath Trek (they must be accompanied by their guardians or parents), and the maximum age limit is 60. Above 60, it is advisable to consult a doctor before participating in this trek, as this is one of the most challenging treks, demanding good physical fitness and endurance.

Fitness Endurance:

• Before commencing this trek, people are advised to prepare themselves physically and mentally before coming on this trek, as the difficulty level of the Kedarnath Yatra Trek is relatively moderate to high, and they need to be fit. 

• People with respiratory disorders or any other ailments that can hinder their trekking experience are advised not to do this trek. 

• If a person can run 4 kilometres in around 30 minutes, they’re considered a decent fit for this trek with some prior trekking experience.
• To improve your fitness level, start with stretching (to avoid any muscle pain or strain) and move on to exercising vigorously daily for about an hour.
• Climbing stairs, rock climbing exercises, jogging, lunges, squats, cycling, and push-ups are some of the suggested fitness regimes that you should follow to boost your stamina and experience the lifetime experience without struggling physically or mentally.

If you’re planning to go on an adventurous trek, be it moderate or difficult, you’re expected to carry some of the essential items. For the Sar Pass Trek, you’re expected to carry the items listed below:

• Identity cards: Any of the mentioned government identity cards (such as an Aadhar card, driver’s license, passport, or voter ID for identification purposes).
• Trekking essentials: Include a waterproof bag, rain cover, and a backpack to carry all your essentials.
• Clothing: a full-sleeve T-shirt and a lower; a waterproof and warm jacket; a warmer; a raincoat; a pair of warm gloves; a pair of warm socks; shades; and a woollen cap. 
• Shoes: Good-branded trekking shoes will do wonders and will provide a great grip on uneven surfaces, which regular shoes lack. Trekking shoes will help you get away with strains or bruises. For trekking, Quechua is one of the good brands one can go for.
• Toiletries: One must carry a small pack of toothpaste, toothbrush, napkins, paper soaps, hand sanitisers, sunscreen with good SPF, moisturisers, and lip balms (to avoid any cracks or dryness).
• Instant Energy: For instant energy while on the Kedarnath Yatra Trek, kindly carry energy bars, dry fruits, and snacks to get instantly energized.
• Medication: Carry medicines for a specific ailment, if any. Also, carry any pain relief sprays to get immediate relief from spasms, sprains, joint pain, etc. Bandages, anti-allergic tablets, and pain relief tablets—antiseptic solutions to heal a wound—need to be carried.
• Miscellaneous: a map, a torchlight, a mobile phone, a power bank, and a camera to capture nature’s captivating beauty. Also, you may keep checking the weather forecast to prepare yourself with all the required stuff accordingly.