Things to do in Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple

• 1

  Known as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, the temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 m in the Garhwal Himalayas near Mandakini River. It’s an essential part of both the Char Dham and Panch Kedar pilgrimages.

• 2

  Believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later renovated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, the temple stands strong despite enduring natural calamities.

• 3

  Its unique carved stone structure is a testament to ancient Himalayan architecture, set against the backdrop of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, adding to its divine appeal.

• 4

  Every year, thousands of devotees trek to this holy site to seek blessings or opt for a helicopter ride, pony ride, or palanquin for a more comfortable journey. Helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi to Kedarnath for a quicker and scenic trip.

• 5

  The 16-km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is a popular and scenic route. The path, through dense forests, glaciers, and waterfalls, is a medium-to-steep climb.

• 6

  Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Other Popular Temples in & around Kedarnath

• 1

  Bhairavnath Temple: Situated approximately 800 meters uphill from Kedarnath Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, and devotees often visit the temple to seek blessings before entering the main temple. Temple timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• 2

  Triyuginarayan Temple: Located about 15 km from Gaurikund, this temple is renowned as the site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married, witnessed by Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims visit to experience its rich history and the eternal flame that has been burning since the divine wedding. Temple timings: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• 3

  Rudranath Temple: Approximately 23 km from Kedarnath, Rudranath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its scenic beauty and is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. Temple timings: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• 4

  Shri Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Situated around 28 km from Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its unique architecture and serene surroundings. Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

• 5

  Tungnath Temple: Located about 88 km from Kedarnath, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple globally, situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It's the third temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, renowned for its spiritual significance and panoramic Himalayan views. Temple timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Must-visit Attractions in Kedarnath

• 1

  Sonprayag: Located at the confluence of the Basuki and Mandakini rivers, it's a picturesque spot and the starting point for the journey to Kedarnath.

• 2

  Phata: A small village en route to Kedarnath, popular for its helipad services, offering aerial views of the Mandakini valley and surrounding mountains.

• 3

  Gaurikund: The base for the Kedarnath trek, this place is known for its hot springs and the Gauri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

• 4

  Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar): A glacial lake near Kedarnath, surrounded by towering peaks, it's a tranquil spot for nature lovers and trekkers.

• 5

  Chopta: Known as the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand', it's a base for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, offering panoramic Himalayan views.

• 6

  Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude glacial lake at 4,135 meters, it's surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is accessible via a challenging trek from Kedarnath.

Best Areas to Stay in Kedarnath

• 1

  Gaurikund: The base for the Kedarnath trek, Gaurikund offers convenient access to the temple, with several budget and mid-range accommodation options.

• 2

  Sonprayag: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful pre-trek experience with easy access to Gaurikund and Kedarnath, Sonprayag is a tranquil spot offering basic yet comfortable stays.

• 3

  Phata: Popular for pilgrims seeking a quick journey to Kedarnath with basic guesthouses, Phata offers helipad services and stunning aerial views of the surrounding mountains.

• 4

  Sitapur: A quiet and serene location, Sitapur is about 5 km from Gaurikund offering a range of accommodations and is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful and less crowded stay before heading to Kedarnath.

Good to Know Before You Travel

• 1

  How to Reach: Catch a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (238 km), take a train to Rishikesh Railway Station (216 km), followed by a taxi to Gaurikund or drive via National Highway 58 to Gaurikund.

• 2

  What to Buy: Kedarnath is a spiritual hub, so the main items to buy include sacred Rudraksha beads, souvenirs like prayer bells, and spiritual books. Local markets near Gaurikund and Sitapur offer a variety of handcrafted items such as brass artifacts and woolen garments.

• 3

  What to Eat: Savour traditional Garhwali dishes like Thenchwani, a curry made from mountain radish and potato, and Chaunsu, a black lentil preparation. Other notable dishes include Kaafuli, Phaana, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Bhatt ki Dal.