Start your day by offering prayers at the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and it is suggested to visit it early in the morning to avoid crowds. The temple is located in a scenic location and offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range. After visiting the temple, you can explore the nearby areas and indulge in some local shopping before heading for lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairon Mandir, located near the temple. In the evening, attend the evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple, which starts around 6:00 PM.
Embark on a trek to Vasuki Tal, a pristine high altitude lake located at an altitude of 14,200 feet. The trek starts from Kedarnath town and covers a distance of 8 km. The trek is moderately challenging and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The trek trail passes through lush green meadows, streams, and waterfalls that will leave you spellbound. After reaching the lake, spend some time admiring its beauty and indulge in some photography. On the way back, you can visit Gaurikund, the temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri. Enjoy lunch at Gaurikund before heading back to Kedarnath town.
If you have additional days, you can plan a visit to the nearby Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is located at a distance of 30 km from Kedarnath and can be reached via a scenic trek. Another side trip option is the Deoria Tal, a pristine lake located at an altitude of 7,800 feet, which offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. You can also consider visiting the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to rare Himalayan wildlife species like snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears.
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