Joshimath&Kedarnath

JOSHIMATH
Joshimath, which is also

known as Jyotirmath, is a
sacred place in the state
of Uttarakhand. It is the
winter seat of Lord Badri
and is highly revered due
to the fact that Adi
Shankaracharya
established one of the
four ‘Maths’ here in the
8th century. He
witnessed the holy Kalpvriksha, which is believed to be more than
1200 years old. There are several temples in the city, primary of
them being devoted to Narsimha and Gaurishankar, which attracts
lakhs of devotees here annually. This establishes the city as one of
the most significant cities of Uttarakhand for pilgrims. Thus, temples
are the key places to visit in Joshimath.
The city of Joshimath is also the pivot of activities such as mountain

climbing, trekking, and other exciting happenings for people who like
the pump of adrenaline. This is also the starting point of one of the
most scenic places in Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers. One is also
required to cross the city of Joshimath to reach Hemkund. Also, the
city of Auli, which is a popular destination for skiing, is very close to
Joshimath, and several travelers treat this as their relaxing spot. It
serves as the gate to Malari and Niti Valley, the landscapes of which
are strikingly similar to Ladakh. One may catch alluring views of the
Himalayas from the city, and it is filled with rich flora and fauna all
across.
How to Reach?
There are several means of transport if you’re willing to visit

Joshimath. However, the last leg of the journey can only be done by
bus. Here are the options you have via different modes.
 By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport

from Joshimath and it takes approx. 9 hours to cover the 270
km by road. Hence, it is a good idea if you consider a taxi or
take a bus.
 By Rail: The nearest railway stations from Joshimath are in

Haridwar and Rishikesh at distances of 277 km and 250 km
respectively. It is again an overnight journey from these 2 cities
and one can decide to take a taxi or board a bus.
 By Road: The National Highway 58 connects Joshimath with

other cities of the state. It is also well connected with Delhi,
and one can get taxis easily for the to and fro journey.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Joshimath experiences pleasant summers and chilly winters. The

winters bring along with it heavy snowfall, and tourists visit the place
to experience the lovely weather during this time. Summer is the
right time to visit if one expects to take part in some interesting
activities like trekking and camping. Sightseeing is also best done
during the summers when the sky is clear and temperatures are low
enough to take a stroll around the city.
On the hottest days, Joshimath experiences temperatures of not

more than 26 or 27 degrees. Monsoons let the city to cool down
further, and temperatures fall to under 15-degrees Celsius. The rains
are heavy in this part of the country, and there are chances of a
roadblock. So, if you’re willing to travel during monsoons, you should
keep a day or 2 extra in the itinerary. During the winters, the city
experiences sub-zero temperatures. However, tourists hoard
Joshimath even in December and January as they visit to witness
snowfall. Yet again, tourists are advised to keep a couple of days
extra in their itinerary to make up for any inconvenience caused due
to the weather.
Where to stay?
There are many hotels and Dharamshalas that are located in the
town as well and these cater to the visitors. GMVNL Tourist
Bungalow, which is situated near bus stand in Joshimath, is a good
value for money and offers satisfactory services. One thing to make a
note is that beside this one there is another GMVNL property in
Joshimath. However the aforementioned is a new building. So before
booking one must confirm which property he or she is booking.
Average room rent would be around 600-800 Rs. for a double bed
room. Besides you have other hotels like Hotel Dronagiri where in a
night might cost you anywhere around Rs. 800 – Rs. 4000 depending
upon the class of room you choose or Hotel Mount View.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath literally means

the Lord of the field, and it
is so called because the
“crop of liberation” grows
here. While it is not
certain who constructed
the temple or when! One
of the earliest references
of Kedarnath is in the 7th
or 8th century. It is also believed that Adi Shankara died near the
sanctuary.
It is believed that post the battle of Kurukshetra, Pandavas went on a
journey to Banaras in order to repent killing their own and seek
blessings from the Lord. But, Shivji wanted to avoid meeting with the
brothers, and thus, took solace in Guptakashi.
However, Pandavas were relinquishing in their search for the Lord
and when they found him, Shivji decided to take the form of buffalo
so that they couldn’t recognize him. Now, when Shivji saw the
Pandavas approaching closer, he wanted to hide even further.
Thus, He took the decision to also become invisible by way of going

underground. However, brother Bhīma tried hard to stop him from
leaving by holding on to the legs and tail of the bull. Unfortunately,
the Lord dived and evaporated at that place leaving behind his hump
which is now worshipped at Kedarnath Temple.
It is however believed that through cosmic energy, the Pandavas
were exempted from their sins and Shivji informed that from then
onwards He would be present in Jyotirlinga form at Kedarnath.
How to reach?
 By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport (35 kms from Dehradun) is the

nearest Airport to Kedarnath situated at a distance of 235kms.
Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights.
Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly
Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to
Gaurikund.
 By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh.

Rishikesh railway station is situated 243kms before Gaurikund
on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with
major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent.
Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with
Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh,
Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Tehri and many other destinations to
Gaurikund.
 By Road: Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with

major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar,
Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate
New Delhi. Buses and Taxis to Gaurikund are easily available
from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun,
Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri etc. Gaurikund is
connected with Ghaziabad by National Highway 58.
Weather and best time to visit
Winter (October to April)
Winters has chilly days. Minimum can touch sub zero levels and
snowfall is very common. These months are not the perfect time for
travelling.
Summer (May to June)

Summer (May to June) are very pleasant with moderately cold
climate. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing and the holy Kedarnath
pilgrimage.
Monsoon (July to mid-September)

Monsoon (July to mid-September) are accompanied with regular
rains and also temperature drops down. The region is prone to
occasional landslides and travelling can be difficult.
The holy city of Kedarnath is open for public views from May to
October/November but the temple remains closed during the
monsoon months as landslides are common.
The region experiences pleasant and cool summer while winters are
very chilly and snowfall is a regular occurrence.
Where to stay?
Following options of accommodation are available at Sh Kedarnath &
nearby places.
Dharamshalas of various organizations at nominal charges.
Accommodation at Nearby Places
As Shri Kedarnath Dham is at High altitude, Piligrims can stay at
following nearby places and complete Kedarnath darshan in a Single
day trip by Helicopter/Pony
1. Sitapur (near Sonprayag)(Around 20 Km from Kedarnath): Private
Hotes are available at Sitapur.
2. UCDDMB Guest Houses at Sonprayag & Guptkashi: Guest houses
of UCDDMB are available both at Sonprayag & Guptkashi. These
accommodations can be booked online using Online Accommodation
Booking Facility Given of this portal.

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JOSHIMATH

Joshimath, which is also

The city of Joshimath is also the pivot of activities such as mountain

There are several means of transport if you’re willing to visit

 By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport

 By Rail: The nearest railway stations from Joshimath are in

 By Road: The National Highway 58 connects Joshimath with

Joshimath experiences pleasant summers and chilly winters. The

On the hottest days, Joshimath experiences temperatures of not

Kedarnath literally means

Thus, He took the decision to also become invisible by way of going

 By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport (35 kms from Dehradun) is the

 By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh.

 By Road: Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with

Summer (May to June)

Monsoon (July to mid-September)

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