Kedarnath, a mystical and serene destination in Uttarakhand, is not only a spiritual hub but also one of the most breathtaking tourist spots in the state. The land of Kedar Valley is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, lush jungles, scenic orchards, stunning glaciers and waterfalls, making it an ideal place to find spiritual wisdom and peace amidst nature. If you're planning a trip to Kedarnath, here are some of the best places to visit.
Popular Places to Visit in Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Temple
At the heart of the Kedar Valley lies the Kedarnath Temple, a stunning and sacred pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees. It is one of the four Char Dhams of India, and attracts devotees from around the world seeking blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple is over a thousand years old and built from giant stone slabs. Its inner walls are adorned with sculptures of various gods and goddesses, making it a visually stunning place to visit. The temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and is the final stop on the Char Dham Yatra, a spiritual quest for eternal peace. During winter, the idol of Lord Shiva is transferred to Ukhimath as the temple gets covered in snow, and is reinstalled in May.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Behind the Kedarnath Temple lies the Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya. He established the four sacred Dhams in India, including Kedarnath, and is considered one of the most revered figures in Hinduism. Thousands of devotees visit his grave to seek blessings. Adi Shankaracharya attained Nirvana at the age of 32 and is said to have merged with the sacred land of Kedarnath. A hot spring near the temple is believed to have been created by him, offering relief from the harsh weather conditions.
Rudra Cave Kedarnath
Located one and a half kilometers from the Kedarnath Temple is the popular and sacred Rudra Cave, built by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute. This underground meditation cave offers peace and solitude for those seeking spiritual retreat. It is constructed in the Garhwali style and provides all the basic amenities such as beds, electricity, a CCTV camera, and an attached toilet. With 24-hour food and tea services, and an attendant on hand, Rudra Cave is an ideal place for yoga and meditation. The cave gained popularity when PM Narendra Modi visited and meditated here.
Bhairav Temple
To the south of Kedarnath is the Bhairav Temple, a stunning and important pilgrimage site. Dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the most popular religious destinations in Kedarnath. Bhairavnath is considered the fiercest form of Lord Shiva, and is the protector of the Kedarnath Temple and the entire Kedar Valley. Visitors to Kedarnath are expected to visit Bhairav Temple, not only for its religious significance, but also for its breathtaking views of the Kedar Valley and Himalayan peaks.
Gandhi Sarovar
At the foot of Kedarnath Peak and Kirthi Stambh lies Gandhi Sarovar, a small and scenic lake. Also known as Chorabari Tal, it was renamed Gandhi Sarovar after some of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed there. Close by is the cliff of Bhairava Jhamp, where people used to jump for salvation, but this practice was banned by the British government in the 19th century. The lake is located three kilometers
Vasuki Tal
Vasuki Tal Lake is a hidden gem in the Kedarnath region, located at an elevation of 14,200 meters above sea level. The serene lake is surrounded by beautiful terrains and is a popular trekking spot. The lake also holds religious significance and is believed to have been blessed by Lord Vishnu after taking a bath in its waters.
Places to Visit in-route to Kedarnath Dham
Gaurikund Temple
For Hindu devotees, the Kedarnath region is home to several pilgrimage destinations that offer both spiritual and natural beauty. The 14km trek from Kedarnath Temple to Gaurikund Temple is a popular one. Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, it is said that she meditated here to attain Lord Shiva as her husband, who was pleased with her devotion and love and married her. Gaurikund is another important pilgrimage site, where taking a dip in its holy waters is believed to free one from any karmic backlog and purify the soul.
Phata Village
The Phata village is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath. With its helipad services, it takes just 8 minutes to reach the sacred Kedarnath Temple from Phata. The village offers a peaceful ambiance and is a delightful stopover for tourists. The religious significance of Sonprayag, located on the way to Kedarnath Dham, lies in the meeting point of two holy rivers, Basuki and Mandakini. Taking a dip in these rivers is believed to offer salvation to the devotees.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is another popular religious destination near Kedarnath. It is located at the confluence of two holy rivers, Alaknanda and Mandakini, and is named after the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva. The town is famous for its Jagadamba Temple and Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, and is home to many stunning lakes and glaciers. Augustmuni is another small town located in the Rudraprayag district that is famous for the temple of the great sage Augusta.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan Temple, located at Rudraprayag, is another major pilgrimage attraction in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be the site of the divine wedding between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The temple is surrounded by three holy Kunds, Rudra Kund, Vishnu Kund and Brahma Kund, which are considered auspicious to take a dip in before visiting the temple. These Kunds are also said to have medicinal properties.
Augustmuni
As per legends, the small town of Augustmuni was named after the sage Augusta. It is believed that Augusta was able to defeat the two monsters, Aatapi and Vatapi, who used to trouble the local people. The sage did so by luring them to his ashram and then reciting a mantra that turned them into ashes. Today, the Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple in Augustmuni attracts thousands of devotees who come to seek divine blessings.
The Kedarnath region is a blend of natural beauty, religious significance, and rich cultural heritage. The trek to Kedarnath Temple and the surrounding pilgrimage sites offer an opportunity to experience the best of what Uttarakhand has to offer. With its serene lakes, snow-capped peaks, and divine aura, the Kedarnath region is a perfect place to seek solace from the chaos of the world and connect with the divine.
A Distance of More Than 20km from Kedarnath
Guptkashi
Guptkashi, located 47 km from the Kedarnath Shrine, boasts a divine aura and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. It is home to the popular Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple, both dedicated to Lord Shiva. The small temple of Ardhnarishwar is located to the left of the Vishwanath Temple and is where the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet in the Manikarnika Kund.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath, located in the Rudraprayag district, serves as the winter home of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madmaheshwar. During this time, worship takes place in the sacred Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, inhabited mainly by Rawals, the priests of Kedarnath. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility, spiritual bliss, and magnificent views of Himalayan peaks like Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath, as well as numerous temples dedicated to gods and goddesses.
Chandrashila
Chandrashila, 90 km from Kedarnath Dham, is a popular pilgrimage destination located on the summit of the Chandrashila Parvat. It is home to the Tungnath Temple, one of the holy Panch Kedars and a site of great significance for Hindu devotees. The Chandrashila summit offers stunning views of the Great Himalayas, and many tourists and devotees undertake the Chandrashila Trek for divine blessings from Lord Shiva.
Madmaheshwar
Madmaheshwar, named after Lord Shiva, is a beautiful little town that is home to the popular Madmaheshwar Temple, the fourth temple of the Panch Kedars. It is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan mountains and alpine meadows, making it an irresistible and popular pilgrimage spot. The temple is said to have been built by Bhima, one of the Pandavas, to worship Lord Shiva, and the evening Aarti performed here is a breathtaking sight.
Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar, the last and fifth temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, is a popular pilgrimage site surrounded by lush forests and green terrace fields. It is the only temple that remains open throughout the year and is famous for worshiping Lord Shiva's matted hair, or Jata. On the way to Kalpeshwar, visitors can witness stunning views of snowcapped mountains, the Kalpganga River, apple orchards, and potato farms.
Syalsaur
Syalsaur, located on the banks of the Mandakini River, is a popular bird-watching destination. With its lush greenery, majestic snow-capped mountains, gushing river, and soothing bird songs, it is an ideal place for a peaceful weekend in Uttarakhand. Visitors can also visit popular spiritual destinations like Badrinath Dham and Haridwar.
Rudranath
Rudranath, located 165 km from the Kedarnath Temple, is a popular religious tourist spot surrounded by stunning Rhododendron forests and alpine meadows. The peaceful ambiance of the Rudranath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Rudra, is sure to delight visitors. The trek to the temple is challenging, but offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, and Trishul. Visitors should also be sure to visit the Vaitarani River, the "Water of Salvation," to fully experience the blissful vibes of nature.