Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Kedarnath
Being one of the greatest religious places in India and the world, Uttarakhand and Kedarnath Trip has to offer a mythical story for every spot. Whether as someone who believes in God or someone who believes in taking on a new adventure every day of their life, this holy town is a must visit for all. Let’s take a look at some of the best spots you don’t want to miss in the land of Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Temple
Location: Garhwal Himalyan Range, near Mandakini River
Opening Timings: Daily from 4 am to 9 pm, April to November
Dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva, the historic relevance of the Kedarnath Temple dates back to the Hindu epic Mahabharat. It is believed that after defeating their cousins, Pandavas built this temple to atone for the sins they committed in the war. Known for the intricate architecture and carved idols of various Hindu deities, this temple is considered one of the most holy temples by Hindus. You should especially visit the peak of Kedarnath and Bhairava Temple to get the full experience of this majestic beauty.
Gauri Kund
Location: 6502 feet above mean sea level, Garhwal Himalayas
Opening Timings: Daily from April to November
A reincarnation of Sati, Parvati wished to marry Lord Shiva just like her past self but Shiva refused, fearing that she would meet the same fate Sati did. That is when Parvati committed to asceticism just like Shiva and won over his affections with her dedication. Gauri Kund is the place where Parvati lived during her tapasya and where Lord Shiva confessed his love for her. Hot springs were constructed in Gauri Kund where you can take a dip. Several historical images are inscribed on the walls of these temples that make it worth a visit.
Sonprayag
Location: Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand
Opening Timings: Daily from May to October
Lying at the junction of Basuki and Mandakini rivers, Sonprayag is covered with snowcapped peaks and surrounded by lush green valley. It is believed in the Hindu religion that taking a dip in the prayags will lead to attainment of moksha. This splendid village is visited in large numbers due to its enthralling view and religious significance. Sonprayag is only open from May to October. It remains closed for 6 months of the year due to unfavorable weather so, keep that in mind while planning for your Trip to Kedarnath
Chorabari Tal
Location: 3 Kms from Kedarnath
Opening Timings: September to November & April to June
In mythology, Chorabari Tal is the place where Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of Yoga to the Saptrishis. In 1984 this place became even more significant when Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here, also giving it the name of Gandhi Sarovar. Chorbari Tal, a small lake with crystal clear water offers a glorious view of the Himalayan peaks. It was formed from Chorabari Bamak glacier. Tourists love to visit this lake for the purpose of trekking, its view as well as the waterfall enroute. Kedarnath tour package is offering trekking by which you can enjoy the nature along the way.
Vasuki Tal
Location: 8 Km from Kedarnath
Opening Timings: Daily from May to October
Named after the snake of Lord Shiva, Vasuki Tal is most famous for Brahma Kamal, a rare species of flowers that is found there. It is believed that Lord Shiva took bath in this lake making it sacred. The clear lake and the glaciers surrounding it offer a wonderful view. There’s no vegetation in this region but you can see Chaukhamba Peaks and other Himalyan Peaks from here. It is a great camping spot for people who enjoy majestic views and the quiet of the nature. During winters the lake completely freezes due to the cold.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
Opening Timings:
Said to be built by Adi Shankaracharya, this temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati tied the knot. Witnessed by various celestial being including Lord Vishnu they joined in matrimony for an eternity. Brahma Shilla situated in front of the temple is believed to be the exact spot of their union. An eternal flame inside the temple is believed to burning since then. Devotees who visit this temple take the ashes from this fire in the form of a blessing. There are various sacred kunds or ponds situated near the temple you can visit.
Satopanth
Location: Gangotri Region, Garhwal Himalayas
Opening Timings: Summers & post monsoon
The name Satopanth literally means the true path to heaven. As the second highest mountain in the Gangotri group, it is both impressive and intimidating. You need technical knowledge in order to climb the mountain as snow slopes and sharp ridges litter the base of this mountain. Mt. Satopanth is at an elevation of 7075 meters and you would require proper equipment like ropes and ice axe crampons to take on this challenge.
Gangotri Glacier
Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
Opening Timings: Mid-April to June & September to November
This valley like glacier is made up entirely of bedrocks. It is 28km in length and almost 4km in width. There are various trek circuits to choose from like Gangotri Gaumukh Trek, Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek, and Gangotri Tapovan Trek. The difficulty of the trek depends on the circuit you pick, but all of these circuits offer an equally stunning view of the lush meadows and marvelous nature.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Location: 32 kms away from Kedarnath
Opening Timings: September to November & April to June
Shankaracharya Samadhi is the spot where Adi Shankaracharya attained moksha and submerged himself in the holy town of Kedarnath. He was an important Hindu philosopher who was the greatest believer of the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, He was also the savious of Vedic Dharma that is relevant in India even today. He took samadhi at a young age of 32 and even today his followers resonate this place with the idea of human connectivity. A hot water spring is available at the Samadhi that should be visited by all.
Phata
Location: 31 kms away from Kedarnath
Opening Timings: Anytime
Enroute Trip to Kedarnath, there is a small village known as Phata. Situated on the Gopeshwar- Gaurikund road it has been built for commercial benefit as well as strategic usage by pilgrims. Phata has a helipad that is used by pilgrims to hire helicopter service and reach Kedarnath easily. It takes 8 minutes to reach Kedarnath in a helicopter from Phata. Pilgrims also have the option of stopping there for refreshments and rest.
After the Kedarnath floods in 2013, there has been a lot of speculation about whether or not it is safe to travel to the holy place. But rest assured as the Government has already started making reparations and the trekking route has already been changed accordingly.
More information you can get from here:
https://www.captureatrip.com/trip/kedarnath