Are you thinking which trek is tough, Kedarnath or Vaishno Devi ? Many people have the same question, especially when planning their first trip to one
Are you thinking which trek is tough, Kedarnath or Vaishno Devi ? Many people have the same question, especially when planning their first trip to one of these holy places. This guide will help you understand the difficulty level of the Kedarnath trek vs Vaishno Devi trek, so you can decide which one is easier or more challenging for you.
Every year, lakhs of people visit both places, but not everyone has a clear idea of how the trek actually is. Before we talk about this, it’s important to know a little something regarding Kedarnath and Vaishno Devi. Let’s first understand what Kedarnath and Vaishno Devi are known for.
Vaishno Devi
- The Vaishno Devi temple is in Jammu and Kashmir, located in the beautiful Trikuta hills. Most people believe it is one of the holiest places for a pilgrimage in India.
- It is where the three Pindies of Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mata Durga are placed.
- People travel to the holy cave of Goddess Vaishno Devi, where the trek is a bit tough, but it is well-maintained and manageable.
- On the way, pilgrims can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, which create a special experience.
- If you want to reach the temple quickly you can take a helicopter ride and enjoy the beautiful views from above.
Kedarnath
- Kedarnath is holy place in the Himalayas that many people visit to see the well known temple of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
- This temple is very important to Hindu pilgrims and is famous for its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere..
- Path to the temple is bit tough and takes time but mountain views make the journey special.
- The path isn’t always easy. There are stones, small water crossings, and changing weather, but people still enjoy the experience.
- This journey brings you closer to nature, with fresh air, positive atmosphere and spiritual vibes.
- For a faster and more comfortable journey you can book helicopter with Udan Aviation.
Vaishno Devi or Kedarnath – Which Trek Is Tougher?
Kedarnath Trek
- The Kedarnath trek in the Himalayas is a tough journey that takes you to the old and sacred Kedarnath Temple of Lord Shiva.
- Pilgrims walk through rough paths, cross rivers, and face changing weather, but the beautiful views help them feel more connected to nature.
- The availability of services like accommodation, food, water, medical help, and mule/pony rides can be limited, so it’s important to be physically strong and fit to handle the trek.
Vaishno Devi Trek
- The trek to Vaishno Devi is uphill, but the path is mostly smooth, so it is easier for pilgrims to trek compared to the Kedarnath trek. But the uphill path still needs some body strength as you go higher.
- Most pilgrims take about 6 to 8 hours to finish the trek one way.
- You’ll walk through nice hill views, crowded tracks, and stop at rest points on the way.
- You can find services like ponies, mules, and resting places at Vaishno Devi, so the trek is easier than the Kedarnath trek.
Final Comparison Table
Point | Kedarnath Trek | Vaishno Devi Trek |
Distance | 16 km | 13 km |
Height Above Sea Level | 3,583 m | 1,585 m |
Path Condition | Tough and rocky | Smooth and well-made |
Available Facilities | Basic and fewer | Well-developed |
Travel Support Options | Pony, Palki, helicopter | Pony, Palki, battery car, Helicopter |
Important Travel Tips
- Start Early in the Day: Start your trek early in the morning. It helps you skip the crowd at Vaishno Devi and reach Kedarnath before it gets too cold or dark.
- Book Helicopter in Advance: Helicopter seats are in high demand at both locations so it is best to book early through reliable services like Udan Aviation.
- Pack Energy Bars for trekking: Carrying energy bars on your trek to Vaishno Devi or Kedarnath can really help. They are light and give you quick energy.
- Take Small Steps While Trekking: Move slowly to save your energy because it will help you avoid feeling tired too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Which trek is more difficult, Kedarnath or Vaishno Devi ?
The Kedarnath Trek is usually tougher compared to the Vaishno Devi Trek. Kedarnath, has rough paths, river crossings, and changing weather conditions. The path to Vaishno Devi is uphill but easy to walk, and you can also take a helicopter to make it simpler.
Q-2: What’s the distance between Vaishno Devi and Kedarnath?
Both Vaishno Devi and Kedarnath are found in different locations in India. Vaishno Devi is in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir and Kedarnath is in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The distance between Vaishno Devi to Kedarnath by road is 842 KM.
Q-3: Which place has better roads Vaishno Devi or Kedarnath?
The path to Vaishno Devi is smoother and well maintained that makes the journey easier for many people compared to the rougher routes at Kedarnath.
Q-4: Which trek gives a more adventurous experience?
Kedarnath gives you a thrilling mountain journey filled with adventure and peace. The trek is tough but deeply spiritual, surrounded by beautiful views and calm vibes.
Q-5: Which trek has the best natural scenery?
Kedarnath has beautiful views of snowy mountains and flowing rivers.
Conclusion
In conclusion both Kedarnath and Vaishno Devi treks are unique, but they are not equally difficult. The Kedarnath trek is tougher because path is rocky, there are river crossings and weather keeps changing. The 16 km trek in Himalayas needs some effort and energy but beautiful mountain views and calm surroundings make it special. Compared to Kedarnath, the Vaishno Devi trek is 13 km long and simpler, with a smooth, well-maintained path.
Even though the trek goes uphill, there are ponies and rest stops on the way to make the journey easier. To make your trek more comfortable, remember to begin early, book your helicopter ride in advance and carry energy bars. It depends on how fit you are and if you want a tough adventure or an easier trek. Both treks are spiritually special.
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VERY GOOD INFORMATION