Kedarnath is one of the most sacred abodes of Lord Shiva and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage and lies near the source of the Mandakini River, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks. Lord Shiva, also known as Kedar, is worshipped in this shrine, as the protector and destroyer. The temple is accessible via a 15 km trek from Gaurikund. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October, as the temple remains closed during winter due to harsh weather. During this time, the idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are moved to Ukhimath, where they are worshipped for six months. The temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old, is an architectural marvel made from large, precisely cut grey stones. Due to its high altitude and extreme weather, the temple is open for only six months each year.
Due to its location on the lap of the Himalayas, the surrounding beauty of snow-clad mountains adds to the stunning beauty. Waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, temples and many more natural aspects add to the charm of visiting Kedarnath Temple. Apart from visiting the morning and evening aarti, there are other activities as well you can choose to experience.
Trek and Pay Oblation at Kedarnath Temple
Trekking to Kedarnath Temple is the actual purpose of participating in the Kedarnath Dham Yatra. The shrine cannot be reached by embarking on any vehicle. Either the pilgrims have to walk on foot or hire ponies to reach the shrine. The trek begins from Gaurikund, which is a long trail of 15 km. There are several camps and Hotels in Kedarnath. Resting points and small hotels are also available through the route. The trek to the holy shrine lies along the course of the Mandakini River. The mountains and river form the perfect backdrop of the yatra, thereby extinguishing the body’s exhaustion of the pilgrims.
Trek to Chorabari Lake
Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, is located just 3 km from Kedarnath and is famous as the place where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed. The serene atmosphere, nearby mountain peaks, and the ancient temple in the area make it a memorable spot for visitors. The lake's crystal-clear water reflects the blue sky, offering a stunning view that attracts many tourists to the region. Situated at an altitude of 3,900 metres above sea level, the lake is surrounded by the breathtaking snow-covered Himalayan ranges. A short and easy trek from Kedarnath Temple leads to this captivating destination.
Hike to Vasuki Tal
Another massive lake near the Kedarnath shrine, Vasuki Tal is a beautiful location, exuding a heavenly experience. The trek to Vasuki Tal involves passing through steep slopes, which makes it a challenging task. Located next to the Kedarnath temple, the crystal-clear lake attracts tourists and avid trekkers. Since there are no dedicated opening and closing times pilgrims can visit this spot any time of the day.
Explore the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary derives its name from the Kedarnath Temple, located at its northern boundary. This sanctuary is the largest protected area in the Western Himalayas and is famous for the endangered musk deer, earning it the name Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. The sanctuary boasts stunning natural beauty, with views of valleys, forests, grasslands, glaciers, and vibrant flowers and butterflies. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, Indian leopards, jackals, Himalayan black bears, yellow-throated martens, and red foxes.