Kedarnath Peak

Kedarnath Peak is a majestic mountain located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It stands at an elevation of 6,940 meters (22,769 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in the region. The peak holds significant religious and cultural importance as it is situated near the revered Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location	Chamoli
Parent range	Garhwal Himalayas
Altitude	6,940 meters (22,769 feet)
First ascent	In 1947 by a Swiss team led by André Roch
Best time to visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Kedarnath Peak In Garhwal

Kedarnath Peak is indeed located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India.As mentioned earlier, it is situated near the sacred Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered highly sacred in Hinduism.Kedarnath Peak is part of the Gangotri Group of mountains, which includes several other prominent peaks like Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi. It is known for its challenging climbing routes, attracting mountaineers and adventurers from around the world. The first ascent of Kedarnath Peak was made in 1947 by a Swiss team led by André Roch. Since then, various expeditions have been undertaken to conquer its summit.

The region around Kedarnath Peak offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, making it a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts.

Mythology About Kedarnath Peak

The mythology surrounding Kedarnath Peak is intricately linked to the story of the Pandavas, the central characters of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is believed that after the great Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas sought the blessings of Lord Shiva to absolve themselves of the sins they had committed during the war.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva, unwilling to forgive them immediately, assumed the form of a bull and fled to Kedarnath to evade them. The Pandavas, determined to seek redemption, pursued Lord Shiva, who eventually decided to hide in the form of a bull’s body parts. It is said that the hump of the bull appeared at Kedarnath, while the other parts manifested at different locations, collectively known as the Panch Kedar (five Kedars).