My Life-Changing 6 Months in Kedarnath

My Life-Changing 6 Months in Kedarnath
My Life-Changing 6 Months in Kedarnath – A Story by Shubhank Maithani, Owner of Travelophila
Hi, I am Shubhank Maithani, the owner of Travelophila, and a proud localite of Kedarghati, Rudraprayag. In 2023, I got the incredible opportunity to spend six months in Kedarnath, and those months changed my life forever.
How It All Started
Every year, the government allots camping sites to locals in Kedarnath through a lottery system. I participated in 2023 and was lucky enough to secure a spot. As a young, adventurous boy passionate about challenges, I decided to manage the campsite myself.
The Kapat (temple doors) opening date for 2023 was scheduled for April 25. However, we were required to report early to prepare the allotted campsite, so I headed to Kedarnath on April 17.
The Initial Challenges
When I reached Kedarnath, it was nothing like the bustling place we see during the peak season. There was no electricity, no working taps, and no proper toilets. Everything was buried under layers of snow.
Our first task was to clean and level the area for the camp. The temperature was freezing, and this was my first experience living in such extreme conditions. To eat, we had to walk 1.5 km to the nearest shop, and there was only one functioning toilet near Baba Barfani Ashram, 2 km away from our campsite. Every morning, I walked 2 km to use the washroom.
Despite all these challenges, I didn’t lose hope. With the blessings of Baba Kedarnath, I worked hard and adapted to the harsh environment.
The Kapat Opening and Tourist Rush
When the temple doors opened on April 25, the environment slowly improved. We installed an electricity meter for lighting, and the government set up Sulabh Shauchalay tents at several locations. By May and June, Kedarnath was buzzing with activity.
During the peak season, 20,000 to 25,000 people visited the temple daily. Managing the campsite and providing a comfortable stay for tourists became my daily routine. The rush and energy of the pilgrims made all the hard work worth it.
The Monsoon Challenges
July and August brought the monsoon season, and with it, new challenges. It rained continuously for days, and sometimes water entered our tents. The nights were the hardest, with frequent lightning and deafening thunder. I vividly remember thinking it might be my last day during those storms.
But I held on, trusting Baba Kedarnath to keep us safe.
The Cold Returns

By October, the weather turned freezing again. Snowfall became a regular occurrence, and the night temperatures dropped to -5 to -10°C. I used a sleeping bag rated for -10°C, with an extra blanket on top.
Heavy snowfall often required us to clear snow from the tents at night to prevent the structure from collapsing. I also witnessed something both terrifying and mesmerizing: three avalanches happening simultaneously on different mountains.
A Life-Changing Experience
Those six months in Kedarnath taught me resilience, patience, and the magic of faith. Despite the harsh conditions, I felt a unique energy in Kedarnath that is hard to describe. The place has a spiritual aura that stays with you forever.
If you haven’t visited Kedarnath yet, I highly recommend it. It’s not just a pilgrimage; it’s a journey that changes you from within.
Why I Share This Story
As the owner of Travelophila, I want every traveler to experience the beauty and challenges of Kedarnath in a meaningful way. My time there gave me a deeper understanding of the place, its people, and its spirit, and I strive to bring this authenticity to every tour we organize.
Visit Kedarnath, and who knows—it might change your life too.