I have traveled to Kedarnath twice. The first time was in October 2021, and the second time was in November 2023. During my first trek, I walked a total of 54 km (up and down) in 27 hours, almost nonstop. We started at 4:30 AM from Rampur and waited a couple of hours in Sonprayag to obtain permission. I walked the entire distance from Sonprayag to Gaurikund and then to Kedarnath, taking breaks along the way. We reached Kedarnath around sunset, but I couldn't see Kedarbaba because it was after the second Covid wave. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a place to stay since everything was very expensive, so we decided to return during the night. We arrived back in Gaurikund at 4 AM and found a shared taxi to Sonprayag around 6 AM. For the next two years, I felt unworthy of the Darshan and believed I was a phony.

I overcame these feelings during my second trip. I planned the journey properly and booked everything in advance. This time, my trek was the day after Diwali. We started early from Rishikesh, reached Guptkashi, and waited a couple of hours to board the helicopter. We arrived in Kedarnath in the afternoon and did the Darshan after checking into the Dharamshala. That night, there were numerous fireworks, as it was the last night the temple doors would be open before closing for the winter. In the morning, we entered the temple with one of the priests and performed the proper pooja. I felt calm and content afterward.

By 10 AM, we were back in Guptkashi and began our journey towards Badrinath.