Kedarnath, best way to explore Himalayas

When we decided to go for a pilgrimage to Kedarnath, we were quite unaware of the tight curves, dense forests, and the changed temperament of the drivers on the hilly roads. As soon we reached Gaurikund, the base camp for Kedarnath, hordes of doli bearers and horse riders pounced on the tour manager. Fixing a rate of Rs.2600 for the doli, we started on the 14 km track to the temple. The government has also introduced helicopter rides from Agastmuni to Kedarnath and back. Gaurikund to Rambada on our way to Kedar, the weather suddenly changed. In the hilly region, at an elevation of 2000m, it was piercing cold and our feet and hands were numb. After getting over with around 12 kms, the palki bearers shouted, "Didi look, the mandir." We reached the guesthouse, and at an altitude of 12,000 feet, we slipped into our beds. At 5am we ascended towards the temple. Chants of 'Om Namah Shivay,' could be heard around the temple. Legend has it that God Shiva has formed the shape of a bull's hump here. The temple of Kedarnath stands on a large raised platform, rectangular in shape, with tall snow clad mountains guarding Kedarnath from three sides. The temple is more than 1000 years old. Needless to say, that a part of us remains in the sacred Himalayas, hoping that the same mystic power that sent us there will beckon us again in the near future. When to visit September-March and April-August. Howto Reach Nearest Airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. The nearest railheads are Rishikesh and Kotdwar, from where one can find trains to Dehradun. Kedarnath is approachable by road from all-important places of the Garhwal hills.