Lying in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas in Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath makes for the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in India. Perched at an elevation of around 3,553 meters above sea level, the magnificent Kedarnath Temple can be reached by hiking through the Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund. Dedicated to the Hindu god Lord Shiva, the world-famous Kedarnath Temple counts among the country’s 12 Jyotirlingas

Believed to have been originally constructed thousands of years ago by the Pandavas, this age-old shrine was refurbished by Adi Shankaracharya. Surrounded by lofty snow-covered mountains and adorned by the picturesque Mandakini river snaking before it, this temple receives lakhs of pilgrims from all over the world every year.

About the Kedarnath Winter Trek:

Known for its sanctity and enthralling scenic views, Kedarnath gets a heavy influx of travellers. The holy site of Kedarnath dham can be reached only by trekking through a 16 kilometres long trek, starting from Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, it is a 4 kilometres trek to Jungle Chatti via the Rambara Bridge. This part of Kedarnath temple trek will let you enjoy a lenient trail and will not demand much energy. From Jungle Chatti, the trekkers need to trek another 3 kilometres to reach Bheembali.

This segment of the trek also has a relatively lenient gradient, which can be done with less effort. The trail starts becoming a bit steep for the next 4 kilometres, from Bheem Bali to Linchauli. The Kedarnath winter trek continues with a steeper gradient for another 4 kilometres to reach Kedarnath Base Camp. From here, it is the final 1 kilometre that you have to cover to finally reach Kedarnath Temple.

Once you complete your upward Kedarnath trekking journey and reach the holy shrine, you will be welcomed by the spellbinding architecture of the Kedarnath Temple and the mesmerizing views of the surrounding snow-clad Himalayan mountain peaks.

Tourist Attractions near Kedarnath

Vasuki tal: Located at an elevation of 14,200 ft is so great in size, so beautiful in surrounding environment, and also difficulty in trekking path. vasuki lake is surrounding with very high mountain view and beautiful view of several peak of Himalayas.there are several types of beautiful, colorful little flowers around the vasuki tal lake and one of the famous flower is brahma kamal. is it mythical believed that in the time of Rakshabandan(Indian festival) Lord Vishu bathed in this lake hence the name called be Vasuki tal.

Gandhi Sarovar: It is a magnificent lake that is situated about 1 Km from the holy Kedarnath Temple. The ice floating over the river makes for a wonderful sight and certainly entices the tourists. Chorabari Tal is also known by the name Gandhi Sarovar because some ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in the lake. It is also believed that the Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, went to heaven from this place. The lake is enveloped by the thick forests of rhododendron trees.

Gaurikund: Gaurikund, nestled at an altitude of 1982 m is an ancient temple, which is addressed to Goddess Parvati. It is believed that she worshipped here to please Lord Shiva. There is also a hot water spring known as Gaurikund that is not only  of great medicinal value but also helps in purifying the sins of  devotees who visit it. The temple contains the metallic statues of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on the periphery of Alaknanda River. It was built in the year 1972 and contains various kinds of exotic flora and fauna. Pine, alpine and oak trees form the flora of the region. The various animals found in the sanctuary are snow leopards, jackals, black bears, Sambhar and so on. The sanctuary also safeguards the Kedarnath musk deer that is on the verge of extinction. The place is also a paradise for the bird watchers as they can get a wonderful opportunity to see different kinds of colorful birds such as the flycatchers, Himalayan Monal pheasant, grey-cheeked warbler and koklass pheasant.

Kalimath : Kalimath is a holy place dedicated to Goddess Kali one of the famus pilgrimage site among 108 Shakti Peethas  in India and Kalimath village is one of them. According to legends, it is place where the Goddess killed the demon Raktavija. Many devotees visit the Goddess Kali temple during the Navratras festival.

Chopta : Chopta hill statopm is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state at an located at an altitute of 2600 mts above sea level amidst dense forest. Chopta is a village is base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar which is at a distance of 3.5 km. Located at a distance of 1 km. from Tungnath is Chandrashila Peak at 4000 metres plus above sea level, which offers a splendid view of snow clad Himalayan peaks.

Ukhimath: It is at an elevation of 1311 metres and at a distance of 41 km from Rudraprayag. During the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple and Madhyamaheshwar are brought to Ukhimath and worshipped there for six months.  Wedding of Usha (Daughter of Vanasur) and Anirudh (Grandson of Lord Krishna) was solemnized here hence by name of Usha this place was named as Ushamath, now known as Ukhimath.

Triyuginarayan Temple: Situated in Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, the temple is addressed to Lord Vishnu. The temple was constructed by the Pandavas in Dwaapar Yug. The village, which is enveloped by dense forests, is believed to be the place where the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place. A perennial flame (havan kund) that is still burning in front of the temple is believed to have witnessed the sacred matrimony.