Located in the Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is a 10-minute walk from the parking area. It's a great place to start your day with some peace and spirituality.
8:30 AM: Vasuki Tal
A high altitude lake located at an altitude of 14,200 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas, Vasuki Tal is a serene spot to enjoy the beauty of nature. The trek to the lake starts from Kedarnath and takes about 6 hours. The trek can be a bit challenging, but the views along the way are worth every step. The best time to visit is from May to June and September to November.
Estimated Time and Distance from Last Location: 5 hours trek (8.9 km)
3:00 PM: Shankaracharya Samadhi
A memorial dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, Shankaracharya Samadhi is located near the Kedarnath Temple. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya attained Mahasamadhi at this place. The samadhi is open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place to relax and meditate.
Estimated Time and Distance from Last Location: 5.5 km (20 minutes by road)
5:00 PM: Gandhi Sarovar
A glacial lake located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, Gandhi Sarovar is named after Mahatma Gandhi. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. The trek to the lake starts from Kedarnath and takes about 3 hours. The best time to visit is from May to June and September to November.
Estimated Time and Distance from Last Location: 4 km (1 hour trek)
7:00 PM: Bhairav Temple
Located in the heart of Kedarnath, Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM and is a great place to witness the local culture and traditions. The temple is located at a walking distance from the Kedarnath Temple.
Estimated Time and Distance from Last Location: 2 km (15 minutes walk)
Recommendations
If you have some extra time, you can visit the nearby towns of Guptkashi and Phata. You can also try some local delicacies like Kachmauli, Chainsoo and Aloo ke Gutke. To maximize your fun, you can plan your trip during the festive season of Maha Shivratri when Kedarnath Temple is beautifully decorated.
Time and Costs Estimates
Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
Vasuki Tal Trek (10 hours, Rs. 2000 per person)
Shankaracharya Samadhi (1 hour, free)
Gandhi Sarovar Trek (2 hours, Rs. 1500 per person)