Places to visit in Kedarnath

The blessed spot where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. The uninterrupted burning of the temple’s fire pit since the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati has transformed the temple into a unique and revered site. Many couples tie the knot in the Triyuginarayan Temple to get blessings from the Hindu Trinity; Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for a happy and long-lasting marriage.

Distance - 13.7 km from Kedarnath Temple
How to Reach Triyuginarayan - From Sonprayag, you can hire a local car or, if traveling by your own vehicle, take the Triyuginarayan road for 8 kilometres to reach the historic Triyuginarayan Temple.

#5. Agastyamuni Temple

5. Agastyamuni Temple

The temple is linked to Maharishi (Sage) Agastya, he is believed to have meditated here, and his blessings are considered necessary for the devotees seeking to trek the challenging trail of Kedarnath Temple.
Distance - 18 km from Rudraprayag, 53 km from Gaurikund.

#6. Vasuki Tal

6. Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is one of the highest lakes in the Himalayas, located at an altitude of 4,150 meters (13,615 ft). The lake is unique because it is home to the rare and sacred Brahma kamal flower, which blooms only at night and wilts before dawn, making it a rare sight for visitors. Being a glacial lake, the lake’s water is crystal clear and you can easily see the reflection of the mountain peaks.

Distance - 8 km trek from Kedarnath Temple

#7. Chorabari Tal

7. Chorabari Tal

Chorabari Tal is a high-altitude lake in the Himalayas. The Lake is formed after the melting of the Chorabari Bamak glacier, at an elevation of 3,900 meters or 12,795 ft. A portion of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed in the lake in 1948, which is why it is also known as Gandhi Sarovar. According to a legend, Lord Shiva taught the timeless art of yoga to the Saptarishis. The Chorabari Tal requires a trekking journey, offering a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views for adventurous travelers.

Distance - 3 km/1-2 hours trekking from Kedarnath Temple

#8. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Chamoli, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its stunning variety of floral species. The sanctuary owes its name to the revered Kedarnath Temple. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the trekking path from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath Temple. Its awe-inspiring natural beauty will leave you spellbound. One can enjoy stunning views of landscapes, featuring verdant valleys, forests, lush green grasslands, glittering glaciers, and colourful flowers and butterflies.

Distance - 1-2 km from Kedarnath Temple

#9. Kalimath Temple

9. Kalimath Temple

Tucked away at an altitude of 1800 meters, Kalimath is a small village & among the esteemed 108 Shakti Peethas. Let me tell you a fascinating thing about this temple, unlike others, it is not the idol that is worshipped, but a sacred Kund. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple remains open throughout the year and draws a huge crowd of devotees. Visiting Kalimath Temple during Navratri will be worthwhile, as the entire region comes alive with vibrant celebrations and joy.

Distance - 45 km/10-12 hours trekking from Kedarnath Temple

#10 Ukhimath

10. Ukhimath

Ukhimath is said to be the venue where Usha (Vanasur’s daughter) and Anirudh (Lord Krishna’s grandson), got married, as per Hindu mythology. Not only that, but this site also serves as the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar, which means that when the temples are closed during winter, the idols are worshipped at Ukhimath Temple or Omkareshwar Temple. From the tiny hamlet of Ukhimath, one can get a visual feast of the Himalayas grandeur, featuring the ranges of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth peaks, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking peace and spirituality.

Distance - It is on the way to Kedarnath.

#11. Sonprayag

11. Sonprayag

At an elevation of 1829 meters, Sonprayag is a picturesque destination that combines nature splendor with spiritual importance. Sonprayag, meaning ‘Golden confluence’, derives its name from the spiritual significance of taking a holy dip in the sacred of the Basuki and Mandakini rivers which is said to wash away sins and purify the soul. A short distance from Sonprayag, the Triyugi village boasts the renowned Triyuginarayan Temple, a significant spiritual landmark.

#12 Scenic Trek to Tiffin top

12. Guptkashi

Guptakashi is home to ancient temples such as the Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple, both are dedicated to the glory of Lord Shiva. The other sacred spot is Manikarnika Kund, where the two holy streams of Ganga and Yamuna are believed to unite.

Travel Tips and Important Information

• Weather- Unpredictable, pack warm clothes and keep rain gear/waterproof gear.
• Health Condition- Physically and mentally fit for high-altitude treks
• Permits and Registrations: Required for some treks, check with local authorities such as the Uttarakhand Tourism Department or DM office.
• Take regular breaks and stay hydrated
• Stay informed about the weather forecasts, especially if you are coming during monsoon. Don’t take risks.
• Hire local guides for a safe journey and hassle-free experience.
• Always keep the necessary documents with you like ID Proof, medical certificates, and insurance (depending upon the requirements of your journey).
• Keep emergency contacts and must-have your medical kit.

Summary

The mountains surrounding Kedarnath and the nearby valleys are stunning. Whenever you visit Kedarnath for darshan, make sure to discover the beauty of these surrounding destinations. Some people’s main purpose is to experience spiritual awakening in the end, and self-discovery. I’m telling you that, you will experience a sense of inner peace after completing the entire spiritual trip. If you are one of those, you must explore sacred places near Kedarnath.