A Detailed Travel Guide for Kedarnath Trip

Nestled amid the mighty snow-capped Himalayas in the Uttarakhand state, Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrimages for Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath temple attracts millions of tourists and devotees every year. 

Surrounded by the most pristine and undiluted natural beauty, Kedarnath tour blesses the tourists with breathtaking views. The mighty Kedarnath hill that stands behind the temple and the other mountain peaks makes the most spectacular setting of this holy land. 

If you wish to know about holy places to visit in Uttarakhand, here is a Kedarnath travel guide to help you make the most out of your trip. 

Places to see in Kedarnath

Kedarnath Shrine

One of the holiest places for the Hindus, the Kedarnath temple is one of the four dwellings of the Char Dham Yatra. The naturally forming Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva is said to be more than 1000 years old. The temple, surrounded by the imperial Garhwal Himalayan ranges and the clear blue skies, is believed to bless the devotees with a state of salvation.

Sonprayag

Located at a height of about 1820 metres above sea level and surrounded by the gleaming snow-covered peaks and natural bounty, the place is a small hamlet and one of the major attractions in Kedarnath. It is the place where River Mandakini flows into the dazzling river Basuki. There are mythological beliefs that it is the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married and therefore the place holds great religious importance.  

Gaurikund 

This place is the beginning of the 16km-trek to Kedarnath temple and one of the most popular attractions. The hot water spring of Gaurikund is one of the holiest sites for the Hindus. Many people come here to take a dip as it is believed that the holy water of the pond makes the person pure. 

Vasuki Tal 

Vasuki Tal is part of almost everyone’s Kedarnath travel plan. The stunning lake located at about 4135 metres above sea level, offers an enchanting trekking experience. The trek to the lake may not be easy, but it will surely be worth it. On your way up to seeing the lake, you can witness and enjoy the beauty of Vasuki and Chaturangi glaciers and the Chaukhamba peaks. 

Bhairavnath shrine

Located about 500m from the Kedarnath temple is the holy abode of Lord Bhairav. The devotees visiting the Kedarnath temple visit this shrine and seek the blessing of the lord on their way back.

Interesting things to do in Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the most unique places in India, it reverberates a spiritual vibe from all corners, thanks to the constant chants by the pilgrims. But, apart from its spirituality and religious importance, the place is also known for offering various adventure activities for the tourists to enjoy. 

Enjoy the view of the sunset from the valley

The Chapota Valley in Kedarnath is blessed with incredibly beautiful landscape and is a perfect spot to watch the magnificent sunset. It is also the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trekking routes. Many people prefer camping here and spend a night under the stars before proceeding with their Kedarnath trip plan.

Offer your prayers at the Anusuya Devi Temple

The temple, dedicated to Goddess Anusuya, is located in Rudranath, which is about 30 kms from Chapota Valley. If you are on a spiritual journey or seeking solitude, you must definitely visit this temple. The temple vicinity has a mystical and spiritual aura exuding from all corners. It is believed that devotees visiting the temple will get you a solution to all the problems they have in life. 

Go trekking to Kedarnath peak

There is no other adventure more enthralling than taking a trek to the Kedarnath peak. It will be the highlight of your Kedarnath trip. The gorgeous view of the Mandakini valley, the stunning Chaukhamba peak along the way are so captivating that the arduous trek to the peak may suddenly seem easy. The surrounding view will keep your spirits high and give you an unbelievable amount of energy to keep going.

Collect a few souvenirs

There are plenty of shops and kiosks around Kedarnath that sell photos of the Gods and other souvenirs such as Rudraksha beads, Tulsi beads, crystals, and herbs. You can purchase any of these items and take them back home as a reminder of your wonderful travel experience in Kedarnath. 

Best time to visit Kedarnath

You need to be careful about planning your trip to Kedarnath. The weather during the winters can be pretty harsh to bear; it can be freezing cold and inhospitable. Also, the main Kedarnath temple remains closed for about six months. So, it is advisable to avoid a trip here during the winter.  

The Monsoon in Kedarnath can be unpredictable too. Although it does not get as much rain as other parts of India, sometimes it gets extremely heavy rains, causing road blockage due to landslides. This can make your travel inconvenient and leave you stranded for many days in one place.  

So, the best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer season between April and June. The weather is pleasant with a gentle cool breeze and a warm ambiance overall.