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Places to Visit In & Around Kedarnath
1. Shankaracharya Samadhi
The Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya is located just behind Kedarnath Temple. It is believed that after establishing the four sacred Dhams in India, Adi Shankaracharya attained samadhi here at the young age of 32.
2. Chorbari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)
Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, is situated about 1 km from Kedarnath. The short trek leads to a serene lake known for its crystal-clear waters and floating ice, offering a mesmerizing experience to visitors.
3. Vasuki Tal
Located at an altitude of approximately 4,150 meters, Vasuki Tal is surrounded by towering mountains and offers breathtaking views of the Chaukhamba peaks. It is a popular trekking destination for adventure seekers.
4. Trijuginarayan
Trijuginarayan Temple is believed to be the sacred site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. The eternal flame burning in front of the temple is said to have witnessed their divine wedding.
5. Ukhimath
Ukhimath serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. During the winter months, when Kedarnath Temple remains closed due to snowfall, the deity is worshipped here. Ukhimath is well connected by road to Rudraprayag and other major towns.
6. Panch Kedar
The Panch Kedar refers to five sacred temples of Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas, including:
These five temples are collectively considered the most important Shiva shrines in the Garhwal region.
7. Madmaheshwar
Situated at an altitude of 3,289 meters, Madmaheshwar Temple lies 25 km northeast of Guptkashi. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is known for its unmatched natural beauty, surrounded by Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth peaks. At this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of his navel (belly).
8. Tungnath
At an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva shrine among the Panch Kedar. According to legend, Lord Shiva’s arms appeared here. It is the easiest Panch Kedar temple to access, with Chopta serving as the nearest roadhead.
9. Rudranath
Located at an elevation of 2,286 meters and about 23 km from Gopeshwar, Rudranath Temple is where Lord Shiva’s face is worshipped. The trek passes through dense forests, orchards, and picturesque meadows (bugyals). The site offers magnificent views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghungti, and Trishul peaks. Nearby sacred kunds include Suryakund, Chandrakund, and Tarakund. The Anusuya Devi Temple is also located along the trekking route.
10. Kalpeshwar
Kalpeshwar Temple, located in the Urgam Valley at an altitude of 2,134 meters, is where Lord Shiva’s matted hair (jata) is worshipped. It requires a trek of around 35 km and is accessible from Helong on the Rishikesh–Badrinath route.
11. Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal, situated at 2,440 meters, lies near Sari village on the Chopta–Ukhimath road. In the early morning, the snow-covered Kedarnath peaks are beautifully reflected in its calm waters. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching and angling.
Kedarnath Dham Yatra
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds a special place among the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters near the origin of the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is regarded as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya, the great saint and scholar, established the shrine here. The word “Kedar” means powerful, another name for Lord Shiva — the protector and the destroyer.
Nestled against the majestic Kedarnath mountain range, the temple requires a trek of approximately 20 km from Sonprayag. The spiritual journey, combined with the breathtaking Himalayan landscape, makes the pilgrimage deeply meaningful for devotees.
At Kedarnath, several sacred kunds (holy water tanks) are known for their religious significance, including Shivkund, Retkund, Hanskund, Udakkund, and Rudhirkund. A short distance from the main temple stands a shrine dedicated to Bhairavnath, who is ceremoniously worshipped during the opening and closing of the Kedarnath Temple. It is believed that Bhairavnath protects the region during the winter months when the temple remains closed.
The temple remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, as the entire region gets covered in snow. Those who visit during favorable weather are considered fortunate, but witnessing Kedarnath on a moonlit night is described as a divine experience, with the snow-clad peaks shining like silver pinnacles against the mountains.
Kedarnath is often regarded as the holiest of Shiva’s shrines, where pilgrims seek peace, spiritual upliftment, and liberation. It is believed that devotees who attain death here achieve union with Lord Shiva. Beyond the temple lies the mythical path to heaven, known as Mahapanth, symbolizing the ultimate spiritual journey.
