Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Kedarnath

1. 7:00 AM: Start your day with Kedarnath Temple
   Just a few minutes walk from the main market area

   Begin your day with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple, a beautiful and serene shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an elevation of 3,583 meters. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and then from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. You can witness the morning aarti at the temple and experience the holy atmosphere. Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

2. 9:00 AM: Head to Bhairav Nath Temple
   1.6 km from Kedarnath Temple, about 10 minutes drive

   Next, visit the Bhairavnath Temple, a must-see location in Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple timings are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The temple is surrounded by serene views of the Himalayas and is an ideal place for peace and meditation.

3. 11:30 AM: Explore Gandhi Sarovar
   3.8 km from Bhairav Nath Temple, about 20 minutes drive

   After the visit to Bhairav Nath Temple, take a trip to Gandhi Sarovar, located at an altitude of 3,900 meters. This serene lake has stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. The lake is situated in a secluded and peaceful area which makes it the perfect spot for relaxation and meditation.

4. 2:00 PM: Lunch at GMVN Kedarnath Tourist Bungalow
   11 km from Gandhi Sarovar, about 30 minutes drive

   Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch at the GMVN Kedarnath Tourist Bungalow, located near Kedarnath Temple. This restaurant has a variety of vegetarian options. Also, the prices are very reasonable, and the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. Do not forget to try the local Kumaoni food.

5. 3:30 PM: Go for a nature walk in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   6.1 km from GMVN Kedarnath Tourist Bungalow, about 20 minutes drive

   After lunch, explore the beauty of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see a range of animals such as musk deer, snow leopard, and other Himalayan animals. The sanctuary is rich in diverse flora and fauna, and there are several trekking routes for nature enthusiasts.

6. 5:30 PM: Discover the beauty of Vasuki Tal Lake
   17 km from Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, about 1 hour drive

   End your day trip to the Vasuki Tal Lake, located at an altitude of 4,150 meters. Surrounded by stunning beauty, the lake is a must-see location in Kedarnath. The lake is located near the Vasuki Tal Base Camp, a famous trekking point, and the trek is accessible for experienced hikers.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Bhairav Nath Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Gandhi Sarovar (2 hours, Free)
• Lunch at GMVN Kedarnath Tourist Bungalow (1.5 hours, INR 300)
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 50 entry fee)
• Vasuki Tal Lake (2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 350

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi, a famous pilgrimage site, and seek blessings at the temple. You can also enjoy trekking to nearby locations such as Vasuki Tal Base Camp or Triyuginarayan Temple. If you have less time, skip the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary as it is not as essential as the other locations on this itinerary.