Kedarnath is in the Garhwal Hills and is around 300 kms from Rishikesh. Rishikesh onwards the entire journey is through the Garhwal hills and towards the Himalayas. The last destination up to which the vehicular traffic can go is a place called Gaurikund.
The shrine is accessible to general public between May to October of every year and rest of the year it remains closed due to heavy snow. The shrine opens every year amidst chanting of Vedic hymns and blowing of conches.
People have to trek their way up to Kedarnath from Gaurikund, the distance being around 14 kms. Lots of ponies and ’’palkis’’ are available for old people and kids.
The temple offers one of the amazing views with Mount Kailash and whole of Himalayan Range in sight.
People going there should be well equipped with woolen clothes but no trekking gear is needed, as there are lots of facilities on the way. The best ways to reach there is reach Haridwar and then either hire a taxi or take a Garhwal Mandal Parivahan Nigam bus or a luxury bus, (depending on your budget) to Gaurikund.
Other places nearby which are worth visiting are Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib and Gangotri.
Om Namah Shivay!