Begin your trip with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple, an ancient Hindu temple located at an altitude of 3,583 meters on the Garhwal Himalayan Range. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most significant deities in Hinduism. Witness the daily aarti, a Hindu prayer ceremony to worship the deity and seek blessings. The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 7 PM (subject to change).
Get ready for a 4 hours 20 minutes trek from Kedarnath Temple to Gaurikund, a place of religious significance and the base camp of the Kedarnath trek. Gaurikund is named after Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. On the way back, visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi, the tomb of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated Advaita Vedanta. The Samadhi is a beautiful place surrounded by majestic mountains and rivers.
Embark on a 2 hours 10 minutes trek from Kedarnath Temple to Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake nestled amidst panoramic mountains. It is believed that Lord Vishnu bathed in this lake during ancient times. Visiting the Gauri Kund Waterfall is also an excellent option for the day. The waterfall originates from the river Mandakini and descends from a height of 60 feet. Enjoy the cool water and the spectacular view of the Himalayan Range.
One significant factor to consider when travelling to Kedarnath is the weather. August is the monsoon season, and the possibility of landslides is high. Make sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. Additionally, it is advisable to carry rain gears and trekking essentials like appropriate shoes, water bottles, and first aid kits. If you have more time, you can plan a day trip to Sonprayag, a beautiful small town near Kedarnath. If you have less time, you can skip Vasuki Tal trek and visit the Triyuginarayan Temple, which is closely associated with the legend of Lord Shiva's marriage.