Kedarnath Packages From Kolkata

Kedarnath Temple Guide

Planning to book a Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata? Here is a useful guide to visiting the famous Kedarnath Mandir, one of the Char Dhams in India. While booking your Kedarnath package from Kolkata, you should be aware of the opening and closing dates of the temple. Your Kolkata to Kedarnath tour package should be booked after registering at the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.

Kedarnath lies approximately 3,584 metres above sea level near the Mandakini River. The sight of the snow-laden Himalayan peaks is captivating for tourists, who visit in large numbers every year. There is huge demand for Bangalore to Kedarnath packages and holiday packages from many other Indian cities due to the spiritual aura of this destination. The temple stays open from end-April to the beginning of November, which is something that you should not forget while booking your Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata. 4G networks enable decent connectivity in the area and you should use BSNL, Airtel or Jio sim cards.

The daily opening time for the temple is 07:00 AM. It closes during lunch and reopens at around 05:00 PM. The evening Aarti begins after the temple closes at approximately 06:00-6.30 PM.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

Wondering which is the best time to book a Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata? You should book your Kedarnath package from Kolkata ideally between April and November, when the temple stays open. You should always check the opening and closing dates carefully before booking the Kolkata to Kedarnath tour package. Most people prefer booking their Kedarnath tour package from Mumbai and other cities around April to June. This period is characterised by soothing and comfortable weather conditions. It is an ideal season for trekking and indulging in outdoor activities.

The monsoon season is also ideal for travellers. Do book your Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata in this period to witness the lush green landscapes and soothing weather. The winters are anyway unsuitable for booking a Delhi to Kedarnath package or holiday packages from other cities. This is because the temple closes in the month of November due to heavy snowfall. Temperatures also plunge below freezing point in the region.

Book your Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata only after considering these aspects carefully.

How to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata

If you are booking a Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata, you should also research on the ways you can reach the holy destination. Reaching Kedarnath from Kolkata is possible through flights.

You can take a direct flight to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, reaching in approximately 2.5 hours. Connecting flights are also available, taking around 4-5 hours on average. Once you reach the Dehradun Airport, you can take a cab or bus to reach Gaurikund or Sonprayag in approximately 6.5-7 hours.

If you are flying to Delhi (requires around 2.30 hours on average), you can take a cab from the airport to reach Gaurikund in approximately 11 hours and 16 minutes. You can also take a train to Haridwar and take a cab from there to reach Gaurikund in around 7 hours. Gaurikund is the starting point of the trek to the Kedarnath temple.

Shopping in Kedarnath

Those booking a Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata should make a note of the shopping destinations in and around the town. People booking a Kedarnath package from Ahmedabad or any other city can expect to find several shopping outlets or stores here. There are a few shops near the Kedarnath Temple, while the town does not have any other market or shopping centre. You will find these small outlets selling souvenirs like portraits and photographs of Badrinath and Kedarnath. You can also buy Rudraksh Malas at these stores, along with Saligrams, Shivalingas in various sizes (made of diverse materials like wood, rock and crystal), Herbs, precious stones, Tulsi beads and several other items.

There are a few gift shops nearby offering mementos, paintings and pictures depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in multifarious ways, along with the temple. The area is also popular for the famous natural herb Shilajit and many other rare herbs. Most people go shopping in Joshimath which has a few markets and shops selling daily essentials.

Dining Options and Top Dishes of Kedarnath

If you are booking a Kedarnath tour package from Kolkata, you should ensure that it has sufficient time to check out a few local eateries. Only vegetarian cuisine is allowed in Kedarnath. You will find a few dhabas on the road near the temple. They usually operate till midnight, opening early at around 4 AM. You can try basic Indian dishes at these eateries. Gaurikund is home to several Chinese and Indian restaurants, including eateries offering Rajasthani, north Indian and Gujarati delicacies. Here are a few dishes that you should not miss trying in the region:

• Aloo Ke Gutke Kumaoni- It is a famous preparation in the region that uses fried potatoes with coriander leaves, red chilli flakes and other diverse spices. It is a comforting dish that will satiate your cravings after a long day.
• Bhatt ki Churkani- You will love this simple yet appetising dish that is rich in fibre and protein alike. It is made with black soya bean that is fused with rice to create a thick paste. The authentic taste and appearance of this dish make it a hit with the locals.
• Dubuk- Dubuk is a special gravy made with Gahat, Arhar or any other lentil. It is a traditional Kumaoni dish that is often served on special occasions. Pulses are neatly grinded to create a paste with rice flour. The mixture is then cooked over fire with spices.
• Bhang ki Chutney- Followers of Lord Shiva should not miss trying this unique mountain dish. Bhang seeds are the core ingredients that are roasted before being mixed with garlic, tamarind, pomegranate seeds and cumin. The paste is then made into chutney served with breakfast and lunch.