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When talking about Kedarnath, the first image that comes to your mind is the Kedarnath Temple. Located in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the most important sites in the town. However, that’s not the only attraction out there. There are many other places to visit in Kedarnath, including glacial lakes, serene villages, snow-clad mountains, and more. Be it in summer or winter, Kedarnath looks divine at all times of the year. So, if you are ready for an unforgettable journey through the holy land, you should plan your trip.
10 Places To Visit In Kedarnath
Here is a list of places to visit in Kedarnath, especially true for those who are an ardent believer of Lord Shiva.
1. Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple
Photo: Shivam Kumar 766 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of Kedarnath, Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple happens to be one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. People from all across the country visit the shrine to catch a glimpse of Lord Shiva. As one of the twelve jyotirlingas, the temple holds immense spiritual significance. However, accessing the temple is not easy. Since the shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in the Himalayas, you will have to take a 16 km long trek from Gauri Kund to reach the shrine.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
2. Vasuki Tal
Photo: Geoffrey Werner / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When looking for famous tourist attractions in Kedarnath, you will surely come across Vasuki Tal, a stunning lake located 8 km from the Kedarnath temple. Perched at an altitude of 4,135 meters, Vasuki Tal allows you to enjoy mesmerising views of the Himalayan peaks. But since the lake is located at an elevation, you will have to trek to the top. However, once you complete the trek, you will get to see beautiful mountains, verdant meadows, and rare Himalayan flora. Talking about Vasuki Tal, it is believed that Lord Vishnu took a bath here.
Location: Uttarakhand 249135
Timings: 24*7
3. Shri Bhairavnath Mandir
Photo: Soubhagya Maharana / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shri Bhairavnath Mandir is one of the places that makes your Kedarnath tourist places list complete. Since the shrine is located close to Kedarnath Temple, you can easily access it on the same day. Dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, the temple holds great religious importance for devotees. According to legends, Lord Bhairav protects the Kedarnath Temple during winter when the weather is harsh and the temple remains closed. In addition to the religious significance, the temple allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 PM
4. Sonprayag
Photo: Ruchit Darji / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Among other places to visit in Kedarnath Uttarakhand, Sonprayag deserves special mention mainly because of its location at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers. Situated 13.3 km from Kedarnath, Sonprayag is known for its natural beauty and serene ambience. Besides that, Sonprayag holds an important place in Hindu mythology. According to locals, if you take a dip in the holy waters of Sonprayag, it can cleanse your soul and take you to salvation. This is one of the reasons that both locals and tourists flock to this place.
Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
Timings: 24*7
5. Gauri Kund
Photo: Ondřej Žváče / Wikimedia Commons
One of the Kedarnath tourist places that cannot be missed is Gauri Kund. According to legends, Gauri Kund is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated for years to get married to Lord Shiva. Besides the religious importance, Gauri Kund is also the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath Temple. Another interesting thing that is worth mentioning is the natural healing properties of the hot spring. It is believed that taking a dip in the kund (pond) can purify your soul and body.
Location: 9.9 km from Kedarnath
Timings: 24*7
6. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Photo: Dvellakat / Wikimedia Commons
When visiting Kedarnath Temple, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to pay homage to Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi. Located behind Kedarnath Temple, this site happens to be the resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Indian philosopher and theologian. Some of you may not know, but the Samadhi was destroyed by floods in 2013 and was built again. Today, it stands as a tribute to the person who revived Hinduism and established the Char Dham pilgrimage.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445
Timings: 24*7
7. Chandrashila
Photo: Alok / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for unique tourist places in Kedarnath, you should pay a visit to Chandrashila. Located at an elevation of 3,690 meters, Chandrashila allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. According to legend, Chandrashila is the place where Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva after defeating Ravana. This not only adds a spiritual dimension to the site but also makes it a popular destination among visitors. However, to reach the summit, you will have to complete a trek. For the best experience, you should visit the site during sunrise when the peaks glow in golden hues.
Location: 31.3 km from Kedarnath
Timings: 24*7
8. Guptakashi
Photo: Ashok J Kshetri / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Situated at an altitude of 1,319 meters, Guptakashi is known for its mythological significance and picturesque setting. The place is named Gupta Kashi (hidden Kashi) because this is where Lord Shiva hid himself from the Pandavas when they came to seek his blessings after Mahabharata. However, Guptakashi is also famous for Vishwanath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple resembles the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Another attraction that is worth mentioning is the Ardhanarishvara Temple which represents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a single form.
Location: 23.6 km from Kedarnath
Timings: 24*7
9. Shri Tungnath Temple
Photo: Joshi Milestoner / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Perched at an elevation of 3,680 meters, Shri Tungnath Temple happens to be the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Additionally, it is a part of the Panch Kedar circuit and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata War. Well, this explains why the temple is so popular among visitors. While you are at the shrine, you can check out the ancient architecture and also enjoy the serene surroundings. As for the trek, it is 3 km long and starts from Chopta.
Location: Rudraprayag, Tungnath, Uttarakhand 246419
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
10. Chorabari Lake
Photo: Godot13 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
After Vasuki Tal, Chorabari Lake is the second most-visited glacial lake in Kedarnath. Nestled amidst the Chorabari Glacier, the lake serves as the source of the Mandakini River. Talking about, the lake features crystal-clear waters and reflects the surrounding Himalayan peaks in the morning. Visiting the place early in the morning allows you to experience a serene atmosphere and an awe-inspiring view. However, the trek to Chorabari Lake is steep and passes through lush meadows.
Location: 3 km upstream from Kedarnath Temple
Timings: 24*7
With the variety of places to visit in Kedarnath, you can gear up for a spiritual journey and create unforgettable memories. Even though most of the places in Kedarnath are sacred, they look gorgeous. For the best experience, you should plan your trip in the summer when there’s no snowfall. In case you need help with your itinerary, plan a trip with TripXL and have fun.
Cover Photo: Gagan deep / Unsplash
