Kedarkantha Trek: History
and Some Interesting Facts
Ready to Explore the
Wonders of Kedarkantha Trek?
If you are an adventure
enthusiast and nature lover, you would have definitely thought of exploring the
majestic Kedarkantha Peak at least once. Situated in the mesmerizing Garhwal
region of Uttarakhand, India, the Kedarkantha
Trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and
thrilling experiences.
In this blog, we will delve
into the fascinating history of the Kedarkantha region and uncover some
interesting facts about this iconic trek. So, if that is something you find
fascinating and would like to know more about, stay tuned with us till the end!
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day?
Kedarkantha Trek: Some
Prominent Geographical Details
The Kedarkantha
trek distance covers about 20-22 kilometers of enchanting Himalayan
trails in Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary
and National Park. The trek starts from Sankri, a small village in the
Uttarkashi district, and then takes you through breathtaking landscapes and
diverse ecosystems.
This trek, renowned for its
moderate difficulty level, is an ideal opportunity for both novices and
seasoned trekkers to experience the Himalayas over a manageable Kedarkantha
trekking distance.
The summit, which is
located at an altitude of around 12,500 feet, provides awe-inspiring vistas of
the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys. The trail also crosses several
pristine streams, adding to the natural beauty of the trek. If you’re taking
the journey of the Kedarkantha
trek from Mumbai, note that you will have to deboard at the nearest
airport, i.e., Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and then take a cab or hire a
bus to reach Sankri, the base village.
Suggested Read► How many days required to visit
Kedarkantha?
Are There Any Legends
Related To Kedarkanth Trek?
The Kedarkantha trek is a
mesmerizing journey that not only challenges the body but also captivates the
soul with its rich mythological and legendary heritage. Here are a few interesting
tales from the history!
- The Legend of Lord Shiva
The most prominent legend
associated with Kedarkantha is the tale of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of the
Hindu religion. It is believed that Lord Shiva chose the summit of Kedarkantha
as his abode for meditation and solitude. However, a bull galloped past, which
disturbed his peaceful state. This frustrated Lord Shiva and he decided to
relocate to Kedarnath, a more secluded place, where he could meditate without
any interruptions.
- The Pandavas and Kedarkantha
Another legend is the one
that relates Kedarkantha to the Pandavas, the five legendary heroes of the
Hindu epic Mahabharata. After their victory in the Kurukshetra war, the
Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for their sins of killing
their kin during the battle.
However, Lord Shiva, still
resentful of their actions, evaded them by transforming into a bull and fleeing
into the Himalayas. The Pandavas pursued him, and in the ensuing struggle, Lord
Shiva's body was divided into five parts, each falling at a different location.
The throat fell on Kedarkantha, which further solidified its association with
Lord Shiva.
- Juda-ka-Talab: A Mirror to the
Heavens
This pristine lake
surrounded by lush greenery is located at the base of Kedarkantha. Legend has
it that this lake is a reflection of the heavens, a celestial mirror that was
created by Lord Shiva when he unlocked a strand of his hair and water dripped
from it forming this beautiful creation. It is believed that bathing in the
holy waters of Juda-ka-Talab washes away sins and brings spiritual
enlightenment.
What’s The Real History of
Kedarkantha Trek?
While the Kedarkantha trek
is deeply steeped in mythology and legends, its real history is equally
fascinating. The trek was first explored by British mountaineers in the early
19th century, who were drawn to the region's stunning beauty and challenging
terrain. Subsequently, the first recorded ascent of Kedarkantha was made in
1883 by British mountaineer William Martin Conway.
- Early Explorations and
Mountaineering
In the late 19th and early
20th centuries, Kedarkantha continued to attract adventurous mountaineers, who
sought to conquer its summit and explore the surrounding valleys. These early
explorers laid the foundation for the modern trekking industry in the region,
paving the way for future generations of trekkers to experience the wonders of
Kedarkantha.
- Emergence of Trekking as a
Recreational Activity
In the mid-20th century,
trekking began to emerge as a popular recreational activity, and Kedarkantha
quickly became one of the most sought-after treks in the Himalayas. Its
accessibility, stunning scenery, and cultural richness made it an ideal
destination for both experienced trekkers and novice adventurers.
You must need to know about this trekking spot in Uttrakhand ► Chopta Chandrashila Trek
What Are Some Interesting
Facts About The Kedarkantha Trek?
- Kedarkantha is one of the few
treks in the Himalayas where you reach the actual summit of a mountain.
Most treks in the Himalayas are considered passes, leading to a ridge or
mountain pass, but Kedarkantha offers the unique experience of reaching
the actual peak.
- At the summit of Kedarkantha, you
will find a small stone-sheeted shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This
shrine makes the peak even more sacred for pilgrims and adds a touch of
spiritual significance to the trek.
- The clear skies and remote location
of the Kedarkantha trek make it an ideal destination for stargazing. You
can actually enjoy breathtaking views of the Milky Way and countless stars
here and have an unforgettable experience under the vast expanse of the
night sky.
- It is also an excellent spot for
birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. You can
spot Himalayan snowcocks, whistling thrushes, Himalayan monals, and other
colourful and melodious birds.
Experience The Serenity of
Kedarkantha Trek With Us!
At Universal Adventure, we
understand that trekking is not just about the destination but also about the
journey and the stories you create along the way. That's why our Kedarkantha
trekking packages are craftly designed to offer you the best
arrangements and cost-effective experiences!
- Trek from Sankri to Sankri (5N/6D)
- ₹3,999 per Person
- Trek from Dehradun to Dehradun
(3N/4D) - ₹4,499 per Person
- Trek from Dehradun to Dehradun
(5N/6D) - ₹4,999 per Person
- Trek from Dehradun to Dehradun
(5N/6D) (Premium Package) (Above 7 People) - ₹9,500 per Person
- Trek from Dehradun to Dehradun
(5N/6D) (Premium Package) (1-7 People) - ₹11,500 per Person
By choosing Universal
Adventure, you're not just booking a trek; you're ensuring an adventure that's
safe, enjoyable, and memorable, all while being light in your pocket.
Kedarkantha Trek: A Walk
Through Time
Wrapping up our journey, it
won’t be wrong to say that Kedarkantha is not just a trek but a living museum
of myths and nature's marvels. Through Universal Adventure, you can experience
the essence of this historic trek, where every view has a story, and every
trail speaks of the past. As you return home, you will carry with you not just
memories of the vistas but also the timeless tales of Kedarkantha.
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