Is it just a difference in spelling, or are Kedarnath and Kedarkantha treks really different? If you are someone who wants to know if both are similar, then this is just the right post to continue reading.
Both are not just different in spelling but different in the experience and purpose of the trek. The Kedarnath pilgrim trek is undertaken for religious and spiritual purposes and comes under the Char Dham Yatra. Kedarnath Temple is located on the banks of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by surreal mountains on all sides. The Kedarkantha trek is a favourite winter trek in Uttrakhand and is very popular among trekkers. So read further to know more about both of the Himalayan treks.
7 Differences Between Kedarnath Trek and Kedarkantha Trek
History
The Kedarnath trek, or pilgrimage as it is called, is undertaken by Lord Shiva devotees. It falls under the Char Dham Yatra besides other famous pilgrimages of Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath. It is said that Lord Shiva would meditate in the Himalayas and one day was disturbed by a bull. So he left and went in search of another place, which is now known as Kedarnath.
The earlier place where Lord Shiva got disturbed by the bull is Kedarkantha. Its name signifies, “Kedar” as Lord Shiva, and “Kantha” as Throat – Lord Shiva’s throat however “Kantha” also means mountain in the local common tongue. At the Kedarkantha peak, there is a beautiful stone temple structure where it is said that Lord Shiva meditated.
Location
Kedarnath temple is situated in Rudraprayag district, Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund at 6502 ft. and treks up to Kedarnath temple in Kedar valley at 11,755 ft.
Kedarkantha is located in the Himalayan mountain ranges in the Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand and starts from basecamp Sankri or Kotgaon.
Basecamp
The base camp for Kedarkantha is Kotgaon or Sankri, and for the Kedarnath pilgrim yatra is Gaurikund.
Purpose
The purpose of partaking in the Kedarnath pilgrimage is for religious and spiritual purposes. Pilgrims from India and all over the world pay reverence to Lord Shiva.
The Kedarkantha Trek is a trek in the Himalayan mountains. It is open all year but is mostly visited by trekkers during the winter to experience the snow-filled trails. You get to see the Swargarohini peaks, Bandarpooch mountain, and a few glimpses of Jaonli, Gangotri, Draupadi Ka Danda, and Jorkanden, as well as Har ki Dun and Phulara ridge trek.
When is the best time to trek?
Although the Kedarkantha trek is open and can be done in all seasons except during the peak rainy season of July and August. It is highly preferred in winter. Hence, it is also known as a trekker’s favorite winter trek.
Whereas the Kedarnath pilgrim trek is open from May to November, prior permission needs to be taken before the start of the trek.
Altitude
The Kedarkantha summit trek is at an elevation of 12,500 ft.
Kedarnath Temple is located at an elevation of 11,755 ft.
Days required to trek
Kedarkantha is a 5-day trek, and covers a distance of 22 km from Kotgaon (offbeat trek) and return. Kedarkantha takes more time as it is a high-altitude winter trek. The ascend is 12,500 ft, which is steep and completed in a span of five days.
Kedarnath is a 2-3 day trek, covering a distance of 18 km from one side all the way from Gaurikund.
Conclusion
I hope this post has cleared up your confusion about the Kedarkantha trek and the Kedarnath pilgrim trek. Let us know which and when your next trek is in the great Himalayas. Need any details of upcoming winter treks in Uttrakhand, feel free to contact us at +91 7819044830 or drop an email at info@tripotude.com
