Visit the 8th-century Kedarnath Temple, surrounded by snowy peaks and the Mandakini River. The temple is considered one of the holiest Hindu shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva. You may also witness the evening aarti, a spiritual experience that shouldn't be missed.
Head towards the beautiful high-altitude Vasuki Tal. A trek of approximately 6 km (one way) through lush meadows and stunning mountain landscapes will take you to the lake. The crystal-clear water glistening under the sun and the surrounding spectacular view is worth every step.
Continue your trekking adventure towards the emerald Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar in memory of Mahatma Gandhi. This glacial lake at an elevation of 4,000 m is surrounded by Himalayan peaks and offers an awe-inspiring sight. Trekking back down to the basecamp is also rewarding as views of peaks like Kedar Dome dominate the scenery.
Experience the flora and fauna of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. You may spot rare and endangered species like the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, and musk deer while trekking on any of the sanctuaries trails.
Visit Madmaheshwar, one of the Panch Kedar shrines, situated at a height of 3,289 m and known for its scenic beauty. Trekking up to the temple through the beautiful forest at an altitude of 11,000 feet is a memorable experience. The temple is home to Lord Shiva, and most of the structure dates back to the 11th century.
End your trip by visiting Deoria Tal, a beautiful lake surrounded by dense forest and snow-capped mountains, located in the Sari Village of Uttarakhand. Drive up to the village and then trek up the 2.3 km trail. Once there, the shimmering water and scenic views of Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, and Bandarpunch mountain ranges will leave you spellbound, and the reflection of the clear sky in the water is a sight to behold.
If you have more time, you can visit Triyuginarayan Temple or trek to Kedartal, both located close to Kedarnath. If you have less time, you can skip Madmaheshwar and follow a shorter trek to Kedarnath or visit some of the local waterfalls. It's best to do a group trek and hire a guide to learn more about the history and mythology behind each location. Don't forget to carry comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothing, and rain gear.