Kedarnath - Badrinath Yatra & Vasuki Tal Trek
Date: Oct 07, 2018 to Oct 14, 2018
KEDARNATH
The way of the pilgrim…
Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu, highest among the 12 Jyotirlinga, ensconced at an altitude of 3584 meters. And is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death, and mysticism, manifested through his various forms.
A magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was originally built by the Pandavas at the base of Kedarnath peak's southeastern face, and millions of pilgrims now come here to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva. The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic Mahabharata as well. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.
The 16 km gentle trek starts from Gaurikund, where there is a hot water Sulphur Spring. While approaching Kedarnath, one passes through stately forests and comes across some beautiful waterfalls. Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent and a moderately difficult trek. The view of Chaukhamba Peaks and Mandakini Valley is wonderful from there. Pony/Palki available for those not wanting to trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund.
VASUKI TAL TREK
pilgrim continues his way…
At a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal or Vasuki Lake is an enchanting lake situated at an altitude of 4135 meters. In the beautiful hills of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. Vasuki Tal is surrounded by very high mountains and provides a beautiful view of several peaks of Himalayas. This is the lake where Lord Vishnu is believed to have bathed in ancient times. Crystal clear water flowing through the lake revealing the rock stacks inside is an amazing view in itself. The neighboring Chaukhamba peaks reveal themselves in full glory from this glacial lake. There are several beautiful flowers that bloom around the Vasuki Tal and one of the famous flowers is Brahma Kamal. During winter this lake is completely frozen.
Vasuki Tal is quite large and also the trekking is moderately difficult for a novitiate trekker. The total distance of Vasuki Tal trek is about 8 km from Kedarnath. The trek from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal is a continuous ascent along a narrow track. To get to the lake one has to cross the Chaturangi Glacier and Vasuki Glacier. These glaciers are filled with ravines and crossing them demands good fitness. Trekking enthusiasts usually form a group of at least six members before starting the trek. During October the weather is expected to be mild and pleasant. This Trek is an optional activity. One can choose to rest and enjoy themselves at the haloed Kedarnath Dham itself.
BADRINATH
touching the stillness within…
The Badrinath town nestles at the height of 3,133 meters, at the site where a forest of Badri (berry) trees, known as the mythical Badrivan, once covered the area. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu came to the area, called ‘badri-van,’ or the berry garden, to meditate after sage Narad rebuked the Lord for being immersed in worldly pleasures. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri Badrinathji is the key destination in Badrinath town. On the bank of Alakananda River is a hot water spring known as "Tapt Kund," a bath which is very refreshing to all travelers.
The great Neelkanth peak (6,558 meters) towers over the temple set deep down on the Alakananda river bank. The rulers of Garhwali built the present temple of Badrinarayan some two hundred years ago. The original Badrinath shrine, built by the 9th-century saint Shankara, has been rebuilt several times over due to damage from avalanches and snowfall. This sacred abode of Nar-Narayan sages had been a revered seat and the Vedas like Srimad Bhagavatam, give testimony to its devoutness.
Road Journey
Tempo Traveller will be ready for pick up at Dehradun Airport on 07th October morning, and post-Yatra will drop the group back to Dehradun Airport on 14th afternoon.
- Dehradun to Gaurikund 250 km
- Gaurikund to Badrinath 233 km
- Badrinath to Dehradun 325 km
Accommodation
Shared accommodation for seven nights, mostly twin/triple sharing basis at GMVN Tourist Bungalows; at Kedarnath, there will be Dormitory style accommodation.
Retreat Fees
- Registration Rs. 39,500.00 for payment received on or before 31st July 2018 (To pay non-refundable Rs. 14,500 on or before 31st Jul and remaining amount by 15th Sep)
- Rs. 44,500.00 for payment received on or before 31st Aug 2018 (To pay non-refundable Rs. 24,500 on or before 31st Aug and remaining amount by 30th Sep)
Retreat Fees is inclusive of road transport, shared accommodation, all meals (07th October breakfast to 14th October lunch), yatra permits, yoga/meditation classes, scheduled pilgrimages/trek/sightseeing
Retreat Fees does not include airfares, porter/pony charges, medical expenses if any, water bottles, and anything not mentioned as included in the above paragraph.
As and when requested the participants will have to submit valid ID proof, fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner, photographs, emergency contact details and fill in and sign a waiver form as well. It is the sole responsibility of the participant to consult his/her physician to establish their suitability for undertaking such a Yatra.
Disclaimer
Mystic Yoga or the Mystic Coaches can in no way be held responsible for any increase in trip cost, also partial or complete cancellation of the trip, due to flight delays, traffic snarl, changes in government policies, natural calamity, political agitation, basically for any reason beyond their reasonable care and control. Any increase in trip cost due to reasons beyond the scope of the organizers will have to be directly borne by the participants themselves.