MORNING: Start your day early with a visit to the highly revered Kedarnath Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is one of the four sacred sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage. Get an insight into the history of the temple and its significance in Hindu mythology.
AFTERNOON: For lunch, we recommend trying the local delicacies such as Kachmauli and Bal Mithai at the nearby eateries. After lunch, spend some time exploring the surrounding area. Take a dip in the holy Mandakini River or go trekking to the Vasuki Tal.
EVENING: Attend the evening aarti at the Kedarnath Temple, where devotees pay their respects to Lord Shiva while the priests perform a ritual of worship. The serene atmosphere and the sound of the temple bells will leave you feeling tranquil and peaceful.
MORNING: Drive to Triyuginarayan Temple, one of the most ancient and sacred temples in the region. The temple is famous for being the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. The architecture and the scenic beauty of the temple are breathtaking.
AFTERNOON: After visiting the temple, head to the nearby Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You might be lucky enough to spot a Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard or a Musk Deer.
EVENING: Drive back to Kedarnath and spend the evening at the local market, shopping for souvenirs and trying out local street food.
MORNING: Pay your respects to Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest philosophers of India, at his Samadhi. Learn about his life and the principles he propagated through his teachings.
AFTERNOON: Visit the Bhairav Temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is believed to be a protector of the region.
EVENING: Spend the evening at the Gandhi Sarovar Lake, situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is a popular spot for trekking.
MORNING: Drive to Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek and the starting point of the famous Char Dham Yatra. Take a dip in the hot water springs of Gaurikund, believed to have medicinal properties.
AFTERNOON: Visit the Rudra Cave, located near Gaurikund. The cave is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated before going to Kedarnath. The cave has a natural Shiva Lingam and is surrounded by beautiful waterfalls.
EVENING: Drive back to Kedarnath and spend the evening at the local market, shopping for souvenirs and trying out local street food.
If you have time, visit the Sonprayag, a scenic spot at the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. You can also go trekking to the Kedarnath Peak or the Vasuki Tal. For side trips, you can visit the nearby towns of Guptkashi and Ukhimath. To maximize your fun, try the adventure sports such as rappelling, rock climbing and zip-lining, offered by various tour operators in the region. We also recommend carrying an oxygen cylinder as Kedarnath is situated at a high altitude.
Find the best hotels and flights for your Kedarnath trip here.