The moment I step into the Kedar valley, I feel connected to a divine power. A power that allows pilgrims to cover a trek of 23 km with ease. Kedar valley is the house of Kedarnath temple. It is located in the Himalayas. There were many valley all around , but this one is truly a heaven on earth, created by God. Kedarnath, is the abode of Lord Shiva, the Supreme power. In todays time, this serene almost hidden valley is visited by climbers, trekkers, nature lovers, naturalists and pilgrims. Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, which are the holiest Hindu shrines of Shiva. It's believed that visiting Kedarnath brings spiritual benefits and liberation.
Valleys are a natural geological formation that can be a source of inspiration. They can be a stunning example of nature's work, and can be a place to experience the beauty of the natural world. Valleys can have many different features that make them beautiful, such as waterfalls, mountains, and other features. All of these features, I witnessed during my trek to Kedarnath temple situated in the Kedar valley.
Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,584 meters on the banks of the Mandakini river. Kedarnath is surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks and is considered to be an extravagantly beautiful location. According to Hindu legend, the Pandavas built the temple after pleasing Shiva through penance. The temple is said to symbolize the back of Lord Shiva, who took the form of a bull to avoid the Pandavas. Considered to be one of the challenging and toughest trekking route in hindy pilgrimage. However, looking at the natural serenity and presence divine power, I feel, it is worth trekking to the valley.
The trek is challenging due to the altitude gain of 5,072 feet, which requires greater endurance. The entire route is quite dangerous due to landslides now and then. Infact few days ago one such landslides causes 9 lives lost innthe valley. It is importsnt to make proper inquiry before begining the trek. The traditional trekking route to Kedarnath Temple is about 16 kilometers long, starting from Gaurikund. However, some say the trek is actually closer to 22 kilometers long. The trek can take 11–12 hours for an average person to complete.
Encounter to the majestic place, we were mesmerised with so many beautiful landscapes all around the corner. There were dense greenary everywhere, there were people trekking, towards the top and what many waterfalls and above that danger of falling boulders. Though it was not happened, but the risk was there a lot.
On top of the valley, there were many y establishment that comes up near the temple area. It is a like a small town, which constitutes of shops, hotel, restaurants to carter the need of the viator. The entire region is covered with snow for moat part of the year. The temple and the area is open for public only for few months. And those were too during the rainy when the trekkings gets too difficult due to various factor. Still people visit the place to seek divine power and it's blessings.
It was wonderful experince of making a successful trek to top. I think the natural landsscape all around the route never let me to feel tired. This is my entry to @qurator Photo Quest competition with the theme "Valley" for this week.
