Kedarnath temple, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath

Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is situated in the majestic Himalayan range and is known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty. While Kedarnath primarily attracts pilgrims visiting the famous Kedarnath Temple, there are several other tourist places in and around Kedarnath that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top tourist places in Kedarnath:

Spiritual Significance: Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and holds immense religious significance. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (divine representations of Lord Shiva) in India.

Location and Scenic Beauty: Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayan range, near the Mandakini River. The location is known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine landscapes.

Trekking and Accessibility: Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road. Visitors must trek approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Gaurikund to reach the temple. The trek offers stunning views of the mountains and passes through scenic landscapes. Alternatively, helicopter services are available for those who prefer a quicker mode of transportation.

Mandakini River and Other Attractions: The Mandakini River flows near Kedarnath, adding to the serene ambiance of the area. Other nearby attractions include the Vasuki Tal (a high-altitude lake), Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar), and Shankaracharya Samadhi.

Opening and Closing Dates: The Kedarnath Temple remains open for devotees from April/May to October/November, depending on the Hindu calendar. The opening and closing dates are determined during the auspicious period and are announced annually.

Panch Kedar: Kedarnath is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which includes four other sacred sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. These sites are Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Devotees often undertake this circuit to seek blessings from Lord Shiva in different forms.

Kedarnath Temple: The main attraction in Kedarnath is the Kedarnath Temple, which is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata. The temple is made of large stone slabs and is known for its distinct architectural style. It houses the lingam (symbolic representation) of Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath Temple is the most important attraction in the region. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple's serene location amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas adds to its spiritual ambiance.

Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): Located about 3 kilometers from Kedarnath, Chorabari Tal is a glacial lake known for its crystal-clear waters. It is believed to be the place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed.

Glacial Origin: The lake is fed by the glacial waters of the Chorabari Glacier, which is situated above it. The glacier melts and fills the lake, making it a source of pure and cold water.

Spiritual Significance: Chorabari Tal holds religious significance for Hindu devotees. It is believed to be the spot where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, were immersed after his assassination in 1948. As a result, the lake was renamed Gandhi Sarovar in his honor.

Scenic Beauty: The surroundings of Chorabari Tal offer breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks, including the majestic Kedarnath Peak. The serene ambiance, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery make it a perfect spot for solitude and contemplation.

Vasuki Tal: Situated at an elevation of 4,150 meters, Vasuki Tal is a picturesque lake surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. It requires a trek of about 8 kilometers from Kedarnath to reach this beautiful lake. The trek to the lake provides an opportunity to experience the grandeur of the Himalayas, explore the wilderness, and connect with the pristine surroundings. It is a destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and those seeking a serene and offbeat experience in the lap of the majestic mountains.

Triyuginarayan Temple: This ancient Hindu temple is located near Kedarnath and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, it is the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.

Sonprayag: Sonprayag is a scenic spot located on the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. It is a popular stopover for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Gaurikund: Gaurikund is the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva's heart. The hot springs of Gaurikund are also famous among visitors.

Shankaracharya Samadhi: Located near the Kedarnath Temple, this site is dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian. It is believed to be the place where he attained Mahasamadhi (enlightenment).

Bhairavnath Temple: Situated around 6 kilometers from Kedarnath, the Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and snow-clad peaks.

These are just a few of the notable tourist attractions in and around Kedarnath. The region is blessed with natural beauty and offers numerous opportunities for trekking and exploring the Himalayan landscape.

Guptkashi: Guptkashi is a small town located about 45 kilometers from Kedarnath. It is renowned for the ancient Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town also serves as a base for treks to the famous Tungnath and Chandrashila peaks.

Madmaheshwar Temple: Situated at an altitude of 3,289 meters, Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its scenic beauty and can be reached via a trek from Uniana or Ukhimath.

Tungnath Temple: Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. A trek from Chopta leads to Tungnath. 

Chandrashila Peak: Located near Tungnath, Chandrashila is a summit known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas. It is a popular trekking destination and offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Kalimath: Kalimath is a sacred place located around 21 kilometers from Guptkashi. It is revered as one of the Siddha Peethas (holy shrines) in Uttarakhand. The temple here is dedicated to the goddess Kali.

Deoria Tal: Deoria Tal is a beautiful lake situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters. It is known for its calm waters that reflect the surrounding mountains. The lake can be reached via a trek from Sari village.

Rudraprayag: Rudraprayag is a town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It holds religious significance and offers mesmerizing views of the river valleys and surrounding peaks.

These additional places near Kedarnath offer a mix of spiritual, natural, and adventure tourism options, providing visitors with a diverse range of experiences amidst the scenic Himalayan landscape.

Nearby hotels

Here are a few hotels near Kedarnath that you can consider for your stay:

1. Kedar River Retreat: This hotel is located in Guptkashi, about 20 kilometers from Kedarnath. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Hotel Punjab Sindh Awas: Situated in Sonprayag, this hotel is approximately 5 kilometers from Kedarnath. It provides basic accommodation options and is a convenient choice for pilgrims visiting the temple.

3. GMVN Tourist Bungalow Kedarnath: This government-run guest house is located near the Kedarnath Temple. It offers modest rooms and is suitable for those seeking budget accommodation with proximity to the temple.

4. Camp Nirvana: If you prefer a unique camping experience, Camp Nirvana offers tented accommodation in Sonprayag. It provides comfortable tents, and delicious meals, and is an ideal choice for nature lovers.

Please note that the availability and prices of hotels may vary, so it's advisable to check for updated information and make reservations in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.