Top 13 Tourist Places in Kedarnath That You Should Not Miss
Kedarnath like many other pilgrim places is one of the most revered and the most I need to visit places in India. It is not just for those seeking spirituality but this place is also an amazing destination for all travel lovers. The existence of one of the most important Hindu temples has made the locality much more famous since time immemorial.
Kedarnath is an ancient and one of the most magnificent temples in India. It is very sacred to the Hindu cult and people in thousands go every year to worship the idol in the temple. This temple is situated in the Rudra Himalayan range. It is over a thousand years old. The construction is simple. It is made of extravagant stone slabs over a rectangular platform. On your way to the temple’s sanctum, you will find inscriptions in Pali. The temple that is currently there was built by his greatness, Adi Shankaracharya.
The temple is situated amidst the stunning mountains of the Garhwal Himalayas. You can find the river Mandakini close by. The temple is surrounded by snowy mountains in winter and tropical lush green landscapes in summer. Here are some amazing places to visit in and around Kedarnath.
Table of Contents
Tourist Places in Kedarnath That You Should Not Miss
1. Kedarnath Temple
This temple is considered as one of the holiest shrines for Hindu’s. Many even make it their life’s purpose to visit Kedarnath. It has an altitude of 3584 m and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The current temple was constructed in the 8th Century AD. You will find many inscriptions in Pali language all inside the temple. Badri-Kedar Utsav is one of the main festivals celebrated in this temple and is worth a visit around this time.
2. Chorabari Tal
This place is otherwise called Gandhi Sarovar. It is around 3km from Kedarnath. This lake is a product of the Chorabari Bamak Glacier. As per legend, it is believed that it was in this place that Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the Saptrishis. You will also find a Bhairava temple next to this place. It is generally visited in summer and the best time to get the best of the experience is early in the morning and is one of the best places to visit in Kedarnath.
3. Bhairava Temple
Being a predominantly spiritual place, Kedarnath holds many sacred temples. One such temple is Bhairava Temple located near the Gandhi Sarovar. It is said that previously people jumped into the lake believing they will attain salvation but this practice was later banned. This temple is to worship Bhairava symbolizing a dog that is believed to be Lord Shiva’s Vahana and is an attraction for tourists in Kedarnath.
4. Rudranath Temple
This temple is 140 km from Kedarnath but worth the travel and visit. It is located in the Chamoli district. It is one of the ‘Panch Kedar’ to visit as a part of Kedarnath trip and must-visit places in Kedarnath. Shiva here is worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev. The Vaithri stream flows near the temple. The marvel here is that the projection of a huge rock depicts the face-like structure of the lord.
5. Tungnath Temple
Regarded as the world’s highest Shiva temple, Tungnath is located 88 km from Kedarnath. Akash Ganga waterfall is situated close to this temple and is a great attraction. It is an adventurous trek to visit this temple. The best time to visit the temple is in September-October / May-June.
6. Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Located at an altitude of 3497 m, this is one of the most beautiful temples of ‘Panch Kedar’. The architecture is a classic Nagara style and is believed to be built by the second Pandava, Bheem. It is a good place to visit and experience.
7. Rishikesh
Kedarnath also has beautiful places to visit around it. Located at around 105 km from Kedarnath, this place is one of its own kind, being the best for adventurers. Some of the adventurous activities include rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, and other water sports.
8. Mayali Pass Trek
Located at around 15km from Kedarnath, Mayali Pass is at around 5300 m above the ground level. You will be seeing Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal from here. The trek can take up to 9 days and is for those who love some foot trips. The trek starts at Ghuttu and goes alongside river Kalyani, Kharsoli and Khatling Glacier.
9. Sonprayag
Sonprayag is located around 18km from Kedarnath. It is a small beautiful town located in the Rudraprayag district. It has an altitude of 1829 m. Snow-capped mountains and river streams are the major attractions here.
10. Badrinath Temple
Who wouldn’t know this name!? It is one of the most thrilling experiences to visit this place. Badrinath is located around 40 km from Kedarnath and has a very high religious reputation. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Tapt Kund or hot water spring that is the major tourist attraction.
11. Deoria Tal
Of many water bodies situated in and around Kedarnath, Deoria Tal is one of the most beautiful ones. It is located near Saari Village in Uttarakhand. According to the legend, it is believed that Devas or the gods used to bathe in this lake and is also a source of water bodies for wandering sages. The journey to this place has meadows, has dense forests and is worth the experience.
12. Almora
It is one of the most popular places to visit from Kedarnath and is located around 139 km. The town of Almora gives you a whole different experience. The unique thing about it is that the town is shaped like a horseshoe. The culture and heritage of this place are worth experiencing. The best thing to do here is to explore various cuisines, appreciate various handicrafts and visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
13. Vasuki Tal
Amidst the breathtaking hills of Kedarnath, you will find this mesmerising lake. It is believed that Lord Vishnu bathed in this lake as per the legend. It is around 8km from Kedarnath and is an amazing location to trek.
Having said that, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Kedarnath. The places you visit in Kedarnath do not only provide spiritual experiences but also some amazing memories. Adventurers and trekkers generally find this a great opportunity to explore beyond the usual. Have you been to Kedarnath? What is your favourite place in Kedarnath?
FAQs – Tourist Places in Kedarnath
What is special in Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is a very famous pilgrimage place in India, but besides that, it is also many other things. There are many adventurous trekking places as well that one can enjoy.
Is Kedarnath is open for tourists?
While there are many places open for tourism, some of them still have restrictions owing to COVID-19. It is always advisable to call up a local place and check about the status of restrictions.
Which month is best for Kedarnath?
Summer is one of the best times to visit Kedarnath as more of the land is visible, unlike ho they are covered under the snow on other months. April to June is regarded as the best time to visit this place.
How much does a trip to Kedarnath cost?
Kedarnath is a pilgrimage place and is an attractive tourist spot. A trip to Kedarnath depends on various factors like stay, and travel, local expenses. While the prices locally are affordable, it entirely depends on how much you are planning to spend.
Which is the best Tourist Place in Kedarnath should I visit first?
Mayali Pass Trek is one of the best places to visit in Kedarnath. Besides, Sonprayag, Deoria Tal, and Almora are also good places to visit besides the religious sites.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.