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by anilrajput

Gurudwara Pahli Patshahi, Lakhpat, Gujarat

Situated 171 km from Bhuj , Lakhpat is a  city of ruins of buildings , once it use to be a flourishing town within a seven km fortress wall protected and guarded by the soldiers . It use to be a port on the mouth of river Sindhu ( Indus) on Arabian Sea. This city was established by Rao Lakha Ji and wall to protect the city was erected under the supervision of  Fort Commander  Fatheh Mohmmad in 1801 AD . The earth quake in the year 1819 changed the course of Sindhu River it drifted further to west about 50 km and this city lost its importance as a port.

Gurudwara Paheli Patshahi , Lakhpat , Gujarat


Lakhpat was also called Basta Bander and was part of Sindh till 1947 . Historically it has been very important trading post connecting Gujarat to Sindh. The waters of Sindhu River used to flow into Lakhpat and further onto Deshalpar  travelers were using this port for travel to Persia , Basra and Saudi Arabia , it was famous for Muslim pilgrims traveling for Hajj to Mecca and Madena in Saudi Arabia  , Guru Nanak Dev Ji who started travelling ( Udasis )  at the age of thirty with his Muslim companion Mardana who played Rabab instrument  to preach about his views the message of GOD in local languages , during his Udasis in 1506-1513 AD  and 1519-1521 AD he stayed in Lakhpat on his way to Mecca and Madina .

Door to the Compound


Until 1972 this place where Guru Nanak Dev Ji stayed was a   Satnami Udasi Dera . Satnami  Udasi sect was established  by Sri Chand  elder son of Guru Nanak Dev Ji , The Udasi Sect principles were more close to the the Yogis way of life, staying away from the mortal world where as Guru Nanak Dev Ji teachings were with the normal family way of life ,  the last care takers were Baba Mool Dass Hari Dass until 1972  The Udasis Sect. claimed to be followers of Guru Nanak Dev Ji . The Sindhi and Sikh community who were settled in nearby  cities after the partition of India , requested the Govt. to hand over the place to them , it was handed over with the condition that its original structure will not be changed as it is a Historical Heritage property .
The Gurdawara was restored to its present  state by the  efforts of United Nations volunteer program and the locals of nearby areas. It has the unique distinction of being awarded the Asia Pacific Heritage Conservation award for the year 2004 by UNESCO

Varanda and door to the Gurudwara


The 200 years old building a courtyard structure with a nakkar khana ( drums beating enclosure)  constructed in limestone, the Gurdwara has elephants, flowers, Chabutras, statues in human and animal form embedded to its walls. The wooden doors , pillars and roof was carefully cleaned of over paint of enamel ,natural chemicals were  used to preserve the age old structures ,  best thing came out when the layers of white wash lime were removed the inscription on wall in Lariwar Gurmukhi  which is extinct from Punjab  was found , it was written by the pilgrims about their stay their visit to other places of pilgrimage and their names in bright ink about 200 years ago.

Original Wooden pillars and ceiling


The Gurudwara was damaged in the year 2000 AD by a strong Cyclone and then by earthquake in 2001 AD
 

Wooden Sandals of Guru Nanak Dev Ji


Here in one room the Charan Paduka or Khadaun ( Wooden Sandals) and a wooden Palki suppose to be used by Guru Nanak Dev Ji are kept with high respect , there are two manuscripts belonging to the heads of  Udasi sect.

More than 200 years old Lariwar Gurmukhi  on wall of Gurudwara


There are no hotels or staying facilities or meals available in the ruined city but one can stay a night at gurudwara   and have food from the community kitchen the Langar .

Old Floral design on wall of Gurudwara


 
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by anilrajput

Bhalka Teerath, Somnath, Gujarat

Bhalka Teerath is in Veraval near Somnath . Legend is at this place Lord Krishna after the Mahabharata war was over he left  Mathura to save and protect his people, established Dwarka on the Sea shores as his capital , Veraval is called Prabhas Kshetra ,  one day he was having his dhyan  under a Peepal tree with his back resting  on tree trunk sitting on a deer skin with his left foot over his right leg , a hunter named Jara was  in search of  some animal to be hunted , he misunderstood the foot  of Lord Krishna to be an eye of a deer and shot an arrow ( in Gujarati arrow means Bhall Baan ) and badly injured the Lord ,   realizing his mistake he apologized to Lord but Lord Krishna told him that it is not a mistake , but it was his own deeds of previous births he was paying off . He ( Zara ) was Monkey King Bali brother of Sugreev , he was killed by him with a shot of an arrow , hiding behind the trees in his ( Lord Krishna) previous incarnation as Ram 

Bhalka Teerath , Veraval, Somnath


Lord Krishna appeared before the hunter  Zara , holding conch, chakra, mace and padma in his four hands ,  The Viraat Roop Lord Vishnu .
 

Bhalka Teerath Temple with Holy Peepal Tree


After Lord Krishna was badly injured he walked some distance to Prabhas Patan the Triveni , confluence of river Hiranya , Kapila and Saraswati  and breathed his last and at same place he was cremated
 

Balram Gufa ( Cave) Bhalka Teerath Somnath


The place where  Balarama (Incarnation of Sheshnag ) also known as Baldev , Lord Krishna’s elder brother departed from the earth  in his  serpent form after Lord Krishna left for Nijdham ( Heavenly abode). This is marked by an ancient holy cave called “Dauji-ni Gufa”
 

Triveni Ghats , cremation site of Lord Krishna


 
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by anilrajput

Sudama Temple , Porbandar , Gujarat

Sudama temple is situated in the city of Porbandar of Gujarat state , Sudama is the childhood friend of lord Krishna when they were having their education at Rishi Sandipni ashram at Mathura .
The present temple is built at same place where there use to be an old Sudama temple under the patronage of Sri Ramdev Ji Jethwa from the royal family of Porbandar during 1900-1908 AD , to complete the construction funds were raised by performing stage shows and received donations from the rich people .

Sudama Temple , Porbandar , Gujarat


Its architecture  is a simple with carved marble pillars and shikhar , open from all the sides situated in a garden with a small step-well and a temple dedicated to lord Ganesh Ji .
 

Sudama Temple , Porbandar , Gujarat


Sudama was born at this place and went to Mathura  at Rishi Sandipni Ashram where he met Krishna  , after the studies returned to his home and living a poor life , one day his wife asked him why not to meet his childhood friend who is a King of Dwarka for a help , Sudama went to meet Lord Krishna and when Lord heard about him he ran bare foot and receive his friend at the doors , offered him his seat  and washed his feet himself , upon lord Krishna’s request Sudama stayed few days as his guest , due to hesitation he never asked for any help as long as he was guest and returned home feeling guilty as to what he will reply to his wife, after reaching home he could not find his hut but instead there was a big mansion where his family was staying , he was then informed by his wife how Lord Krishna has helped them .
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by anilrajput

Helicopter Charters Yatra Chardham 09 May 2014 onwards

Yatra Chardham 2014,  doors will open on 02 May at Yamunotri and 05 May at  Sri Badrinath Ji . 
The last year cloud burst and floods washed away roads and bridges at most of the places in Uttrakhand , lots of work by the Govt. agencies were put in action  to make the roads and bridges  travel worthy but still the roads and treks at higher reaches could not be brought up to the  satisfactory level specially the areas around and above Guptkashi towards Sri Kedarnath and Joshimath area onward the Lambagarh roads are yet to be fully repaired , the repair work will start after the month of March when the snow will melt and heavy machines are put in action.
The news coming in from the unconfirmed sources are that Govt. of Uttrakhand will not allow the pilgrims to have night halt at Sri Kedarnath and also the new trek will be longer than the last years .

Yatra Chardham Helicopter service


The helicopter service may be affected this year in this area due to the private helicopters services will be diverted in use by the political parties in  the Lok Sabha elections .
Pilgrims planing Yatra Chardham this year must decide and make bookings in advance with us to make sure their pilgrimage is successful and without any problems.
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by anilrajput

Thikse Gompa, Leh , Ladakh

Thikse Gompa ( Monastery) is 19 km from Leh at an altitude 3600 meters from Sea , it is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastry establised in early 15th Centenary of Gelugpa School . It has a resemblance of Potala   Palace in Lahsa . It is a Twelve Story structure , built as a Fort Monastery it is the largest structure in Ladakh , its position is such that is gives excellent East and West view of Indus plains , Matho Gompa in the East, Royal Palace of Stok across the Indus and Shey Palace to the West have excellent views

Thikse Monastery Ladakh


The main attraction is fifteen meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue largest in Ladakh besides Buddhist art stupas, Thangkas, wall paintings and arms.  Sherab Sangpo one of the Six disciples of  Tsongkhapa founder of Gelugpa school carried bone powder and drop of blood of his Guru Tsongkhpa and a small statue of  Amitayus as a gift for king of  Ladakh in early 15th Centenary in 1433 with the help from King a small monastery in a village of Stagmo, to the north of the Indus river was shifted to this place , legend is when Sangpo  after the prayers, offering kept in a plate  were taken away by two  crows, later it was found the offerings with plate were lying at a stone   in an undisturbed condition , it was taken as a divine directive to build a monastery here . Thikse became prominent second to Hemis Monastery in Ladakh . Around 1770 the Lama of Hanle dictated that the elder son will be the King of Ladakh while the younger brothers will serve as Lamas at Thikse and Spituk Monasteries

Thikse , Beautifull roof


The main attractions are the Bhavachakra the wheal of Life  has insignia images of a snake, a bird and a pig that signify ignorance, attachment, and aversion . Next to this is the main assembly hall for prayers , a number of old manuscripts and hand painted collection of books along with 225 volumes of  Tangyur warped in silk are kept , it also have a Eleven headed Avalokitesvara with Padmasambhava . There are murals of Mahakal and Dukar  In the center of hall is a seat for His Holiness The Dalai Lama and on right is the seat of head of the monastery .

Two stories tall Maitreaya Budhha Statue at Thikse


A temple dedicated to Tara with 21 images , a small shrine of protector  deity of Thikse the Cham-spring ,  an image of the Buddha with two of his disciples and the deity Yamantaka can be seen. In the courtyard murals of   Tsong Khapa, the Buddha , the Padmasambhava , Palden Lahmo and Mahakal are there.
Only men are allowed to enter the top floor of the monastery  the Lamokhang temple above the temple  local boys from the villages near by are students , among them few are chosen as Lamas , there is also an Nunnery  located within the precincts of the monastery  is managed by the Monastery Administration. In Ladakh, nunneries were held in a grossly inferior status ,  In the 1990s, awareness was raised on the status of the nuns  to ensure a shift in their functional role of servitude and to one of true spiritual practice the Chief Lama, Thiksey Rinpoche of this Monastery was  important in the positive developments in the betterment of nuns.
Gustor Ritual is celebrated every year from 17th to 19th day of Ninth month of Tibetan calander which falls in October/November . Scared Mask Dance or Cham Dance is performed as a part of the ritual . Morning prayers are followed by chanting of Buddhist sutras , people from far villages gather and meet the other villagers, a trade fair is also held where locals barter trade items .
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by anilrajput

Hemis Gompa, Leh , Ladakh

Hemis Gompa in Hemis town 40 km from Leh city , it is a famous monastery founded by King Senge Nampar Gyalva  in 1672 AD , every year in the month of July a colorful festival is held in the compound attended by not only the locals but people from all over the world. Hemis gompa is also believed to have been established in 1630 by Lama Tagstang Raspa and built by Palden Sara under the patronage of King Sengge Namgyal on a site previously sanctified by the construction of a cave hermitage dating from the 12th century. This monastery is the oldest one in the area belonging to the Kargyu school .

Hemis Gompa main compound


This two-day festival depicts a dance-homage to the birth anniversary of Lord Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche. The festival is the largest and biggest of the Tibetan Buddhist Gompa festivals in Ladakh. It is celebrated across three days from the 9th to the 11th day of the fifth month of the lunar Tibetan calendar, vibrant and endless dances are accompanied by discordant sounds of cymbals, large-pan drums, small trumpets and large  size wind instruments . The lamas  get transformed into demons and gods , bang on drums and crash symbols together as others gyrate and leap to fight off demons.
 

Hemis information display at entrance


The predominantly practiced religion in Ladakh is the Mahayana Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism is based on the eighth tenet of the concept of the eight fold part as propagated by Lord Buddha. This form of Buddhism stresses on meditation and concentration. One of the most innovative concepts introduced by the Mahayanists is that of the bodhisattvas. 
As one enters the courtyard, to the right are two large temples up small flight of stone steps. The fronts have a wooden verandah of Kashmiri style, rising two storeys. As one faces them, the temple on the left is the Tshogs-khang and on the right is the Dukhang. The Dukhang contains the throne of the Rimpoche and seating areas for the lamas.  Tall wooden pillars rise in the center to a square cupola with windows that supply light to the throne. The walls also have paintings of Sakyamuni (the Historical Buddha) with the blue hair, other Buddha figures and paintings of Tantric deities such as Hevajra and Samvara. In the Tshogs-khang is a large gilded statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha with blue hair surrounded by several silver chortens decorated with semi-precious stones. In front of the Buddha is a throne made of painted and lacquered wood, a present from the former Maharaja of Kashmir to a former Incarnate Lama of Hemis

Pehar Gyalpo the protective Deity of Hemis


Pehar Gyalpo, revered as the protective deity of Hemis. It is said that Pehar was once the lord protector of Sam-Yas monastery and a monk from there by hiding the spirit of this deity inside a cymbal had brought it to Hemis. Each day sacred rituals are performed to evoke Pehar’s blessings.
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by anilrajput

Zoji – la, Ladakh

Zoji – La is a high altitude pass  11575 ft from sea level on Indian National Highway NH-1D , connecting Kashmir valley from Sonmarg to Ladakh Valley , it is 9 km long the second highest pass on Srinagar – Leh highway always covered with snow it is closed in winters due to heavy snow fall.

Zoji-la , frozen river and Leh – Srinagar highway


The pass links a Valley of Kashmir with Ladakh. For many centenaries various trade routes took merchants to China, Tibet, and Central Asia. Renchen Shah of Leh moved into Kashmir via this pass and was the ruler of the territory in the 14th century. Mirza Haider Doughlat also marched on through this pass to raid Kashmir. The previous name of the pass was Shurji La, which stands for the mountain of Lord Shiva.

Rock called the India Gate , entrance to Kashmir valley Zoji-la


Zoji-la , at a height of 3,528 meters, which  is the lowest drivable pass on the Great Himalayan Mountain Range. It witnesses violent winds  because of the conical shape and severe snowfall. Over 60 risky landslide spots have been identified on this route. Every year the young enthusiast  motor cyclist from all over India cross this pass with a high adventure spirit to visit the Ladakh from Kashmir side.
Historically this pass till 1815 was in control of Amir of Afghanistan as Punjab Hill States, it came under Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Flag of a Sikh state , in 1846 after the Anglo-Sikh war the East India Company and Sikh Empire had a Treaty of  Lahore , as an indemnity the Sikh State could not pay then Rs.1.2 Million , the Dogra King  was allowed to take Kashmir by paying Rs. 750 Thousand to East India Company , Gulab Singh became the first Maharaja of a new state of Jamu & Kashmir. After the partition in 1947 India signed the accession document with Maharaja Hari Singh to be part of India.
It was here in 1947 when Pakistani army who had reached till Srinagar had a surprise to see the Indian army’s Battle Tanks and artillery guns , had to withdraw from this area , since then the Zojii-la pass is under the controls of  India .
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by anilrajput

Zanskar , Ladakh

Zanskar is located in the Great Himalayan range on the banks of  the Zanskar River formed by the confluence of its two Himalayan tributaries, the Stod/Doda and the Lingti-Tsarap rivers,  the most isolated of all the trans-Himalayan valleys, it is a remote, ancient kingdom in the northwest Indian Himalaya in Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir State. It remains inaccessible for nearly 8 months in a year due to heavy winter snowfall resulting in closure of all access passes, This geographical isolation and the esoteric nature of Buddhism practiced here have enabled its inhabitants to preserve their identity in a chain of far- flung monasteries, most of which occupy spectacular fortified locations, high on rocky ridges in isolated valleys. These isolated valleys are linked across high passes by a number of long established pathways.

Reaching Zanskar the only  240 km road connection is from Kargil Suru Valley crossing the Pensi – la Pass at a height of 4400 meters from sea . Padum also called Padam the main village or town on the Doda river in the center of Zanskar valley and there are several small villages scattered around it.

Gateway to Zanskar Pensi-La (4400 meters) connects Suru and Zanskar valley


Access to Zanskar is difficult from all sides as it is located sandwiched between High mountain ridges on both sides of the Doda and Lingti–kargyag valleys, which run north-west to south-east. On the south-west is the Great Himalaya range it separates Zanskar from the Kisthwar and Chamba valley . On  the north-east is  the Zanskar Range, it  separates Zanskar from Ladakh. The only way out for the whole Zanskar valley is the Zanskar river, which cuts a deep and narrow gorge through the Zanskar range. In winters the commuting to this area is maintained across mountain passes or along the Zanskar river when frozen. Walking on Frozen river of Zanskar is an ultimate experience,  it had been trade route for centuries for Zanskari valley. Now the route is also famous as winter trekking among adventure lovers. Kargyag river which originates from Shingo – la and  Tsarap river which originates from Baralacha – la joins near village Purne  to form the Lungnak river (  Lingti or Tsarap) this river flows towards the Zanskar central and meets the Doda river at  Gzhung Khor  to form the Zanskar river . From Lahul Valley one can reach here by crossing the The Shingo- La  at a height of 17000 feet from sea level .
New road is being built from Darcha to Padum and then to Nimmo meeting at Kargil-Leh highway after its making Manali-Leh an all season road bypassing Barlacha la, Nakee la, Lachung-la and Tanglang-la along with building up of Rohtang Tunnel to bypass Rohtang,  until that would be operational only motor able approach to Zanskar is  from Kargil.

Village near Padum, Zanskar, Ladakh


The Great Himalyan range acts as a barrier for protecting Ladakh and Zanskar from most of the monsoon,  May to September it is warm  and dry hardly any rainfall or snow in this period , water comes from the melting glaciers,  winter snowfalls are of vital importance, since they feed the glaciers which melt in the summer and provide most of the irrigation water,  barley, lentils, and potatoes are grown by farmers at the lower heights.
People of Zanskar have origin from  an Indo-European the Mon and the Dard who came from Baltistan , the Buddhism came here from Kashmir about 2200 years ago,  in the 7th century  the Tibetans introduced Bon ,  8-10th centenaries  the monasteries of Karsha and Phugtal  were built. Zanskar existed as a more or less independent Buddhist Kingdom ruled by between  related royal families till 15 th centenary. Since the 15th century, Zanskar has been subordinate to Ladakh .
Two main branches of Tibetan Buddhism are practiced  here , the Drugpa , Sani Monastry ,Dzongkhul Monastry , Stagrimo and Bardan Monastery  affiliated with Stakna . The Gelugpa control monastries are  Rangdum , Karsha , Stongde  and Phugtal under the Ngari Rinpoche,  his main seat is Likir Monastery  in Ladakh,  the Ngari Rinpoche is the younger brother of the His Holiness Dalai Lama.
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by anilrajput

Yatra Chardham – Sri Badrinath

Sri Badrinath Dham is situated at a height of 3415 meters from the sea level on the right banks of river Alaknanda between Nar and Narayan mountains , in the back drop is the Neelkanth peak , this place was re established by Adi Shankarcharya in Eight Centenary , legend is that the black Shaligram stone idol was lying in the bed of Alaknanda river and was taken out by the Shankaracharya to establish it in the cave near the Tapt Kund .

Main Entrance Sri Badrinath Temple


The present temple  was built by King of Garhwal afterwards there were changes and renovations done because of the earthquake and rebuilt in the year 1803, it is a 50 ft tall stone structure with top covered with gold gilt roof , there is a tall arched gate after the flights of stairs the walls are painted blue, red and yellow giving a view of a Buddhist Mut , the Garbha griha is having the main idol of Lord Badrinath sitting in a Padmasan mudra under a gold canopy Badri tree , surrounded by the idols of Nar and Narayan, Narad , Ganesha, Udhava, Narsimaha ( the forth incarnation of lord Vishnu) Ma Lakshmi , Kuber and Garuda Nav Durga ( nine incarnations of Ma Durga ) , before entering the temple pilgrims consider to have bath in the Tapt Kund just next to the main entrance .
Legend
When Lord Badri was meditating here the Ma Lakshmi was standing next to him sheltering the Lord from the harsh weather and turned into a Badri tree .
It is said once Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati were in deep meditation here , a small child came crying disturbing the  Lord , Ma Parvati asked the child what he wanted , the child replied that he wanted the Badrinath for meditation, they discovered that this child was none other than Lord Narayan they left the place and moved to Kedarnath.
In Bhagvat Puran it is said that Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Rishi Nar and Narayan are in deep meditation for the welfare of all the living beings , according to Skandha Puran there is no better palace in this universe than Badrinath , according to Padma Puran this place is full of unlimited spiritual treasures.
 
It is also said that the person born with Birth Sun Sign ( Rashi ) Sagittarius ( Dhanu), Leo (Shimha) and Taurus (Maesh) must pay a visit once in their life time at Sri Badrinath Dham.
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by anilrajput

Yatra Chardham – Sri Kedarnath

Sri Kedarnath Dham  is situated at a height of 3584 meters above the sea level on the head of river Mandakini surrounded by snow capped mountains , it is a plateu having the most popular Hindu pilgrimage in the Chardham. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and worshiped here of his back which is conical  in shape. This place is accessible from April till October , rest of the year the idol is kept and worshiped at Ukhimath near Guptkashi . Out side the main entrance there is a big stone statue of Nandi Bull facing the temple , upon entering the hall there are statues of five Pandava brothers , Lord Sri Krishna , Vidharba the guard of Lord Shiva. It is said that one who pays the visit here and bows his head is relived of Sorrows , it was from here onward towards the Swargarohan the Pandwa were blessed and relived of guilt and sorrow of killing their relatives in the Mahabharata war.

Sri Kedarnath Temple main entrance


Legend
This land was once ruled by the King Kedar who is also father of Vrinda , she had worshiped for sixty thousand years , to honor him this region was called as Kedarkhand. It is said the  Pandu the Pandva King died here while trying to  love  Madri .
When Bhim tried to stop the Lord Shiva who had disguised as bull had a fight with mace which hit the Lord Shiva , Bhim having guilt of hurting the Lord massaged the body with Ghee , today the pilgrims follow the ritual by applying the Ghee at the triangular Jyotirlinga along with offering of Bel leaves and milk in the puja .
Their existed a temple of Mahabharata time before this temple was constructed  in Eight centenary by the Adi Shankracharya .

Adi Shankarachrya took samadhi at this place in Sri Kedarnath Dham


When to travel
This temple opens along with the other temples of Chardham on Akshya Tritiya and closes on Depawali for winters , mid June till August is monsoon period , there are land slides and roads blocks quite common and during this period journey is not recomended.
What to see
The main place is the Sri Kedarnath temple , just behind it is the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi , little above at a small distance on the left side of the temple is the Bhairo temple . Chorbari is a crystal clear snow water lake about a kilometer trek from Kedarnath with floating ice in the water. Vasuki Tal  is 6 km at a height of 4150 meters in the snow caped mountains , one can have a beautiful view of Chaukhamba peaks from here.
Where to stay
There are many guest houses and dharamshalas here but all are with basic facilities only.
How to reach here
There are Buses and trains available up to Hardwar or Rishikesh connections from all over India , one can also reach Dehradun by air onward journey could be performed by buses, cars and jeeps , opening of Helicopter service is a big relief for old age people , the helicopter service is available till Kedarnath from Guptkashi ( Phata) and Dehradun . There is a good road till Gaurikund from here the 14 km trek can be done by walking or hiring the mules or palkis .
Delhi to Rishikesh                      230 km
Rishikesh to Guptkashi            201 km
Guptkashi to Gaurikund            32 km
Gaurikund to Sri Kedarnath      14 km
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