Introduction
The Kedarnath temple, a sacred pilgrimage site, is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 11,700 feet (3,283 meters) above the sea level. This temple is situated on the bank of the Mandakini River and surrounded by the snow-capped peaks. The surrounding beauty and the nearby attractions of Kedarnath Temple are Bhairavnath Temple, Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, Rudra Cave, and the natural beauty of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, attract most visitors to visit Kedarnath. Thousands of pilgrims (including men, women, children, and senior pilgrims) visit this temple every year to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva. While travelling as a solo female traveler, there are guidelines that you need to follow. Safety and security are major concerns for female travelers. For solo travelers, it is important to book with a reliable travel operator in advance and consider a group tour. And staying connected with your family or friends and your travel operators is another important thing to consider. If you are a solo female traveler, this article is for you. In this article, a complete tour guide for solo female travelers to travel in Kedarnath is provided.
Must things to do before you Go to Kedarnath:
Register yourself: Kedarnath Yatra registration is Mandatory for every pilgrim, you can go through the official government Kedarnath registration portal registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in to register yourself, registering yourself on this website will ensure your safety and security.
Book with a reliable travel operator: Book with a trustworthy company that offers better support for female travelers, and it is recommended to travel with the group, as the mobile network does not work in the mountains, and it is helpful to build good relations with others. Operator like Manchala Mushafir provides specific stay for girls, in their group tour package of Kedarnath in which a girl only will stay with girl, if you remain single girl then they will provide you a different single room, in which you can stay alone.
Packing-wise: pack smart and light. Things to pack include:
- Warm layers: heavy woolen clothes are essential for travelling through high altitudes.
- Rainy & waterproof gear: carry a raincoat for sudden rain and a sturdy waterproof jacket.
- Essential things: ID proofs, registration slip, flashlight, power bank, small medical kit, and personal items, including toiletries, sanitizer, etc.
Be prepared physically and mentally: The Trek to Kedarnath, which is about 16 km from Gaurikund, is physically demanding as it passes through the rocky terrain and steep ascents, so prepare yourself physically and mentally. Practice the strength and cardiovascular exercises, including running, hiking, swimming, and meditation & mindfulness for mental preparation.
Guide during trekking and temple visiting:
- Dress well: modest dressing is a special guide for female pilgrims. As Kedarnath is the holiest shrine, modest clothing, such as a suit with salwar/pants/trousers, is a good option. Don’t wear uncomfortable Western clothes. And follow the local customs and guidelines of the Kedarnath Temple.
- Stay connected: since networks are limited in the mountains, connect with your travel operators and inform your family and friends about your trip. Share your trip itinerary and live location with your family.
- Stay informed & hydrated: Be aware of the weather conditions, as the weather is unpredictable in the Himalayas; it changes like mood swings. Stay informed about the local customs and guidelines. And another tip is to stay hydrated during the trek to reduce the risk of dehydration.
- Bring cash: carry enough cash to pay for your personal expenses, as online payment may not be possible due to a poor network connection, and ATMs are also limited in Kedarnath.
- Stay flexible and humble: Don’t be eager while waiting in the long queue, and don’t panic at the situation of changing weather; have patience as the journey tests your patience and faith.
- Don’t ignore your health: Avoid ignoring your health issues, like symptoms of altitude sickness. Don’t hesitate to ask for emergency help because safety comes first.
Other things to consider:
- Eat light during the trek, such as energy bars and dry fruits, to get instant energy.
- Don’t trek after sunset to ensure safety.
- Start your trek in the early morning, as the weather is pleasant.
- Always listen to your body and take a tea break during the trek.
- Always walk on the hillside, and don’t stand on the valley side.
- Use sturdy trekking shoes and sturdy daypacks.
Conclusion
Kedarnath is one of the holiest shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many Shiv devotees visit Kedarnath every year to seek the divine blessing of Lord Shiva and enhance their spirituality. Kedarnath yatra is a perfect blend of devotion and adventure. But it is also a physically demanding journey, as it is located at a high altitude, and the trek route is also difficult. So safety and security are the primary concerns for every pilgrim, especially for solo females. If you’re planning your trip to Kedarnath as a solo female, keep these tips in mind: prepare yourself mentally and physically, book with a company that has better support for female travelers, stay hydrated during your whole journey, stay flexible and comfortable, dress modestly, and stay connected with your family and travel operators. Another thing to recommend for a solo female traveler is to book with a group, which will help you make your journey stress-free, and don’t hesitate to ask for any help from your travel operators.
These are the things to consider that ensure your safety and security on your spiritual and adventurous journey to Kedarnath.