Kedarnath, a prominent pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, India, attracts thousands of devotees each year. The town is famed for the Kedarnath Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Given its location in the Himalayas, pilgrims often face challenges in finding comfortable and affordable accommodation. Dharamshalas, or charitable lodging houses, offer an ideal solution by providing economical and often spiritually enriching stays. This guide explores 15 of the best Dharamshalas in Kedarnath, highlighting their amenities, locations, and unique features.
1. Gayatri Sadan
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: Gayatri Sadan offers non-AC rooms with three and four beds, making it ideal for family and group accommodations.
Amenities: The Dharamshala provides a range of amenities including meals, hot water (available on a chargeable basis), CCTV surveillance for security, clean drinking water, and attached toilets. The hot water is especially beneficial for pilgrims, given the cold weather in Kedarnath.
Special Features: Located just 100 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, Gayatri Sadan offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The proximity to the temple allows guests to easily participate in temple activities and rituals. Its location also makes it convenient for those needing quick access to the helipad or other local attractions. The availability of essential amenities ensures a comfortable stay, while the reasonable rates make it accessible for many pilgrims.
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2. New Padam Koti
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: New Padam Koti features a variety of rooms, accommodating three, four, five, and six guests. Additionally, it has a hall facility that can accommodate groups of 15 to 20 people.
Amenities: Guests can enjoy meals at the Dharamshala, hot water (charged per bucket), and attached toilets. This range of amenities caters to the basic needs of pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free stay.
Special Features: Just 100 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, New Padam Koti’s strategic location makes it an excellent choice for pilgrims wanting to stay close to the temple. The flexibility in room and hall options caters to different group sizes, from small families to large pilgrim groups. This versatility, combined with its essential amenities, makes New Padam Koti a practical choice for many.
3. Hotel Shri Bikaner House
Location: Next to Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: This Dharamshala offers a wide range of non-AC rooms, including two, three, four, six, eight, and ten-bed rooms, making it suitable for both small families and large groups.
Amenities: Hotel Shri Bikaner House provides meals, hot water (chargeable), CCTV security, clean drinking water, and attached toilets. Extra mattresses are available for an additional fee, allowing for flexible accommodation arrangements.
Special Features: Located just 100 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, the hotel’s prime location allows guests to easily access the temple for prayers and rituals. The variety in room sizes makes it a versatile option for different group sizes, and the comprehensive amenities ensure a comfortable stay. This Dharamshala is particularly well-suited for large pilgrim groups who need multiple bedding options.
4. Sunil Guest House
Location: Near Gayatri Sadan, Kedarnath
Accommodation: Sunil Guest House offers rooms with four, eight, and ten beds, catering to both small families and larger groups.
Amenities: The guest house provides meals, hot water (chargeable per bucket), clean drinking water, and attached toilets. These basic yet essential amenities ensure that guests have a comfortable and convenient stay.
Special Features: Located just 100 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, Sunil Guest House offers easy access to the temple. The variety in room sizes allows it to accommodate different group sizes, making it a flexible option for pilgrims. The chargeable hot water facility is a valuable amenity in the cold climate of Kedarnath.
5. New Balaji House
Location: 240 meters from Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: New Balaji House offers six-bedded non-AC rooms, which are clean and spacious.
Amenities: Guests can avail of meals (chargeable), hot water, clean drinking water, and attached toilets. The Dharamshala also provides extra mattresses for an additional fee, offering flexible accommodation options.
Special Features: Though slightly further from the temple at 240 meters, New Balaji House offers clean and spacious rooms that are ideal for larger groups or families. The provision of essential amenities and the availability of extra mattresses ensure that guests have a comfortable stay.
6. Gayatri Bhawan
Location: 52 meters from Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: Gayatri Bhawan provides comfortable and neat rooms, ensuring a pleasant stay for pilgrims.
Amenities: Basic amenities include clean drinking water and attached toilets. Although simpler in its offerings, Gayatri Bhawan ensures that essential needs are met.
Special Features: Located very close to the temple, Gayatri Bhawan allows for quick and easy access to the main shrine. The tranquil surroundings and basic amenities make it a suitable choice for pilgrims looking for a peaceful and budget-friendly stay.
7. Rajasthan Seva Sadan
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: Rajasthan Seva Sadan offers comfortable and spacious rooms equipped with basic facilities.
Amenities: In addition to accommodation, the Dharamshala provides food services, ensuring that guests have access to meals without having to leave the premises.
Special Features: Known for its peaceful ambiance, Rajasthan Seva Sadan is a preferred choice for many pilgrims. Its proximity to the temple and its reputation for offering good hospitality make it a reliable option for those visiting Kedarnath.
8. Gujarat Bhawan
Location: Phata Village
Accommodation: Gujarat Bhawan provides budget-friendly accommodation with basic amenities.
Amenities: The Dharamshala offers comfortable rooms, food services, and other necessary facilities to ensure a pleasant stay for pilgrims.
Special Features: Situated near the Phata helipad, Gujarat Bhawan is convenient for those traveling to Kedarnath by helicopter. Its budget-friendly rates and essential amenities make it a practical choice for pilgrims.
9. Meerut Mandal and Mewar Sadan
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: This Dharamshala offers comfortable rooms for pilgrims, equipped with basic facilities.
Amenities: Basic amenities include clean drinking water and attached toilets, ensuring that guests’ essential needs are met.
Special Features: Located just 100 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, Meerut Mandal and Mewar Sadan offer easy access to the temple. The close proximity and basic amenities make it a convenient and affordable option for pilgrims.
10. Punjab Sindh Awas
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: Punjab Sindh Awas provides comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
Amenities: The Dharamshala offers hygienic vegetarian food, clean drinking water, and attached toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.
Special Features: Just 100 meters from the temple, Punjab Sindh Awas offers a serene and convenient stay for pilgrims. The beautiful views and peaceful surroundings make it a popular choice among visitors.
11. Jay Jalaram Ashram
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: Jay Jalaram Ashram offers well-maintained rooms equipped with basic amenities.
Amenities: The Dharamshala provides clean drinking water and attached toilets, ensuring that guests have a comfortable stay.
Special Features: Located 100 meters from the temple, Jay Jalaram Ashram offers picturesque views and a tranquil environment. The ashram’s budget-friendly rates and essential amenities make it an attractive option for pilgrims.
12. Shri Swami Ramanand Sant Ashram
Location: Hanuman Gufa, Garudchatti
Accommodation: Shri Swami Ramanand Sant Ashram offers serene accommodation for individuals and families.
Amenities: The Dharamshala hosts a temple where daily prayers take place, adding a spiritual element to the stay.
Special Features: Nestled in the lap of nature, this ashram offers a peaceful retreat for pilgrims. The daily prayers and serene surroundings make it an ideal choice for those seeking a spiritually enriching experience.
13. Bharat Sevashram Sangha
Location: Gaurikund
Accommodation: Bharat Sevashram Sangha provides budget-friendly accommodation with basic facilities.
Amenities: The ashram offers clean and peaceful lodging, ensuring a comfortable stay for pilgrims.
Special Features: Located in Gaurikund, 15 km from the Kedarnath Temple, this ashram is a convenient stop for pilgrims beginning their trek. Its budget-friendly rates and peaceful environment make it a practical choice for travelers.
14. Meerut Mandal Dharamshala
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: This Dharamshala offers comfortable and basic rooms for pilgrims.
Amenities: Basic amenities include clean drinking water and attached toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests.
Special Features: Located close to the temple, Meerut Mandal Dharamshala provides easy access to the main shrine. Its proximity and basic amenities make it a convenient and budget-friendly option for pilgrims.
14. Behl Ashram Hotel
Location: Near Kedarnath Temple
Accommodation: Behl Ashram Hotel offers large double bedrooms suitable for families or groups.
Amenities: The Dharamshala provides clean rooms and essential amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Special Features: Situated close to the temple, Behl Ashram Hotel offers convenience and comfort for pilgrims. The large rooms and essential amenities make it an ideal choice for families and groups.
Conclusion
Kedarnath, with its spiritual significance and natural beauty, attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Finding suitable accommodation can greatly enhance the pilgrimage experience. The Dharamshalas listed above offer a range of amenities, from basic necessities to more comfortable facilities, ensuring that pilgrims have a pleasant and enriching stay. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or in a large group, these Dharamshalas provide economical and convenient lodging options close to the Kedarnath Temple. Plan your stay in advance to ensure a seamless and memorable pilgrimage to this holy site.
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