Kedarnath Temple is an important Hindu Temple, located in the holy town of Kedarnath. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The temple is situated amidst the stunning snow-capped mountains, making it a truly breathtaking sight to behold. Visitors must trek through the vast mountainscapes to reach the temple, but the scenic views along the way are well worth the journey.
Gaurikund is a scenic and peaceful hamlet located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is known for its hot springs, which are believed to possess medicinal properties. Legend holds that Goddess Parvati meditated at this spot to win Lord Shiva's heart, and the hot springs are said to be her contribution to the earth. Visitors can take a dip in the hot springs to rejuvenate and relax, and on the sidelines, can also visit the small temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri.
Tungnath Temple is located at an altitude of nearly 3,680 meters, making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which involves five Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas. Visitors can undertake a scenic trek to reach the temple, which is a beautiful experience in itself. Once you reach the temple premises, the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges make it all worthwhile. This location is perfect for a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Valley of Flowers National park, located in the Chamoli district, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several species of alpine flowers, making it a biodiversity hotspot. The floral meadow is located amidst the towering mountains and offers breathtaking scenery for a perfect picnic spot. The park is also home to several endangered species of plants and wildlife such as the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan musk deer, and exotic butterflies, among others. Visitors must traverse through lush green forests to reach the grand valley of flowers.
If you have an extra day, we recommend visiting the nearby town of Badrinath, home to the Badrinath Temple, another important Hindu temple. If you have a half-day to spare, we suggest visiting the nearby Guptkashi Temple, located 32.5 km from the Kedarnath Temple, which is also a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the other hand, if you have less time, we suggest skipping the Valley of Flowers National Park, as it requires a lot of driving time to travel to this scenic location.