The Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kedarnath. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters, this temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. It is believed that Lord Shiva resides here in the form of a jyotirlinga.
Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of 3,900 meters. The lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi, who visited this place in 1947. The view of the surrounding mountains from here is simply breathtaking.
Vasuki Tal is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,135 meters. The trek to this lake starts from Kedarnath and will take around 1.5 hours. The surroundings of the lake are serene and beautiful, making it a must-visit spot.
Sonprayag is a small town situated on the banks of the Mandakini river. The town is known for its vibrant market where you can find a plethora of items ranging from local handicrafts to clothing and accessories. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
The Triyuginarayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Triyuginarayan village. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. The trek to this temple is beautiful and takes you through dense forests and mountainous terrain.
Guptkashi is a small town located on the banks of the Mandakini river. The town is known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhnareshwar Temple. The town also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to relax and unwind.
Gaurikund is a small town located at the confluence of the Mandakini and the Ganges rivers. The town is known for its hot springs which are believed to have medicinal properties. There is also a temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri, who is believed to be the consort of Lord Shiva.
During the trip, travelers will mostly use private or rented vehicles. Hiring a driver for the entire trip is recommended as it is difficult to get public transportation in Kedarnath. Estimated transport costs for the entire trip including food and fuel is approximately INR 20,000 - 25,000.
If you have more time, you can visit other temples and lakes in the surrounding areas of Kedarnath. If you have less time, you can cut the Sonprayag Market and Guptkashi visits from the itinerary. It is recommended to carry warm clothes as the temperature drops significantly at night.
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) which is located in Dehradun. The airport is approximately 240 km away from Kedarnath and it takes around 8 hours to reach by car. Another nearby airport is the Pantnagar Airport (PGH) which is approximately 260 km away from Kedarnath.