• Ayush Bokde
• Ar. Prerna Chahande

After the devastating floods of 2013, the Kedarnath Corridor—a famed high-altitude pilgrimage route tucked away in the delicate Himalayan ecosystem—underwent considerable rehabilitation. Modern construction has greatly enhanced infrastructure and accessibility, but frequently at the expense of ignoring conventional architectural knowledge based on regional settings. This study investigates the possibilities of incorporating Kathkuni architecture, a traditional vernacular building method indigenous to Himachal Pradesh and portions of Uttarakhand, into the planning of modern pilgrimage facilities. The Kathkuni style, which is well-known for its thermal efficiency, seismic resistance, and use of indigenous materials like stone and wood, provides a culturally rich and environmentally conscious substitute for conventional building techniques. Through the examination of case studies from the area, material and spatial assessments, and an analysis of existing Kathkuni structures, this research suggests a hybrid architectural solution that combines tradition with contemporary needs. Through constructed forms that reflect cultural identity and local tradition, the study promotes a pilgrimage route that not only guarantees safety and utility but also enriches the spiritual experience. By doing this, the study presents vernacular architecture as an essential instrument for sustainable development in areas that hold great ecological and spiritual significance, such as the Kedarnath Corridor.

Sustainable Design, Cultural Identity, Vernacular Architecture, Pilgrimage Infrastructure, Kedarnath Corridor, Kathkuni Architecture, and Disaster-Resilient Architecture

"Integrating Vernacular Architecture in Modern Pilgrimage Corridors : Lessons from Kathkuni Style", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no.i215-i222, May-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505919.pdf

"Integrating Vernacular Architecture in Modern Pilgrimage Corridors : Lessons from Kathkuni Style", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no. ppi215-i222, May-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505919.pdf