Photos

The awesome majesty of Kedarnath is first experienced at this place, ca. 1.5 kms from Kedarnath. It is not the snow, the high mountains, the clouds or the sky or even all of these together.

Silence reigns supreme here as words not only become superfluous but irrelevant.

Most of the pilgrims we have seen were well past their mid-lives. Most of the pilgrims do not stay for more than one night as even the best accomodation is spartan. Altitude illness and cold are other reasons for the quick departures.

It is almost a bustling township, despite all other indications.

The glacier is receeding faster than expected and the Kedarnath Master Plan has stopped all new constructions, so one is told. Plastic is still allowed and used. Mules are not easily allowed across the bridge on Mandakini. The helicopter services make matters worse for the glacier and the environment, with one-hour pilgrims able to proclaim that they have 'been' to Kedarnath.

Perhaps someday, all construction apart from the temples will be moved downwards, across the Mandakini, before it is too late.

The GMVN and Punjab & Sind Awas are two of the best places to stay for the hoi polloi.

The grandeur of Kedarnath cannot be described adequately in words or in pictures.