Your Char Dham yatra pilgrimage won’t be complete without visiting Kedarnath. Kedarnath is one of the holiest sites in India, situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. It forms a part of the Chardham yatra and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are many popular tourist attractions of Kedarnath where you can experience serenity and peace.
Here are some famous Tourist attractions in Kedarnath:
Kedarnath Gufa
- Kedarnath Gufa is situated around one and a half kilometers away from the Kedarnath Temple complex.
- Nehru Mountaineering Institute constructed this underground meditation cave, and it is a part of the guesthouses chain of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam.
- The cave is constructed at the Mandakini River’s other end and offers various amenities for a peaceful retreat.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited this cave, which further enhanced its popularity.
Triyuginarayan Temple
- Situated at an elevation of above 6,500 meters above sea level, the Triyuginarayan templeis a very important place for Shiva and Parvati worship.
- The architecture of this temple is identical to that of the Kedarnath temple.
- This is the site where Lord Vishnu witnessed Shiva and Parvati’s marriage in the Satya Yuga.
- It houses a two-foot high image of Lord Vishnu with Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chamoli and is renowned for its wide variety of flora and fauna.
- It is also known as the Kedarnath musk deer sanctuary and is the largest protected area in the western Himalayas.
- You can see here animals like jackals, Himalayan black bear, snow leopards, Indian leopards, red fox, yellow-throated marten, etc.
Tungnath Mahadev Temple
- Perched at an altitude of over 12,000 feet above sea level, Tungnath Mahadev is the highest Shiva temple in the world.
- It is a part of the Panch Kedar Yatra and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Chaukhamba Peaks.
- It is believed to be more than a thousand years old, and its history is associated with the Pandavas.
- It is a simple stone structure with Shiva’s arms black granite idol.
River Confluence Point
Streaming down from the peaks of Kedarnath is the Mandakini River. She makes her way through the banks of Kedarnath Mandir and meets up with the Alaknanda River at their confluence point in Rudraprayag. This makes Rudraprayag an important place for pilgrim goers and devotees. People on their way to Kedarnath make it a point to stop at the confluence point of these rivers. Taking a holy dip here and offering your prayer is a rejuvenating experience. This Sangam point is home to an important Shiva Temple. Even if you don’t wish to take a dip, people make it a point to at least take worthy Pictures.
Kartik Swami Temple
- Kartik Swami Temple is situated on the Rudraprayag – Pokhari route near Kanakchauri village in the Rudraprayag district.
- You have to undertake a mild 3-kilometer trek from Kanak Chauri village to reach this temple.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva.
Omkareshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Omkareshwar Temple is the winter home of Lord Kedar. Located in Ukhimath, at a reachable elevation, the temple serves as the winter abode of Kedarnath from November to April. When the temple of Kedarnath shuts down for 6 months from November, the region becomes too hostile for devotees to go there and offer prayer to Lord Kedar. As a solution, the priests move the idol of the presiding deity from Kedarnath to Omkareshwar so that the devotees continue to offer their prayers to the Lord. It is a great way of continuing your Kedarnath Yatra without letting the weather conditions halt your devotion.
Gaurikund
- Gaurikund is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on the way to Kedarnath.
- It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of over 6000 feet (1982 m).
- The prime attraction of Gaurikund is the Gauri Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
- It is believed that at Gaurikund, Parvati meditated for a long time to win Shiva as her husband.
- At Gaurikund, a hot spring is also located, where you can take a holy dip.
Chandrashila Peak
Speaking of Chopta and Tungnath Mahadev Temple, a visit to Chandrashila peak is inevitable. The Chandrashila peak is located about 1 km ahead of the Tungnath Mahadev Temple. Many people choose to go the extra mile and check out incredible views of the Chaukhamba range of mountains on all sides. The peak is believed to also be the spot where Raavan, one of the greatest Shiva devotees, is believed to have performed intense meditation to please the Lord. The peak is also a great place to witness the scenic sunsets and take surreally beautiful pictures.
Phata
- Phata is a quaint village situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district.
- On the Kedarnath yatra, it is a popular stopover as it houses the helipad from where you undertake the Kedarnath helicopter yatra.
- Some pilgrims stop by this place to take a break during their journey as it is an ideal destination for an overnight stay and to get refreshments.
Bhairavnath Temple
- The list of Kedarnath tourist attractions won’t be complete without Bhairavnath Temple, which is dedicated to God Bhairav.
- As per the legend, during the winter months when Kedarnath Temple closes due to heavy snowfall, Bhairavnath Temple’s main deity protects the whole Kedarnath valley and main temple area.
- From the temple, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Kedarnath Valley and the Kedarnath Temple.
Vasuki Tal Lake
- Vasuki Tal is a glacier lake situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district amidst the Garhwal Himalayas.
- It is situated at the base of Mt. Satopanth and is situated at an altitude of 4135 meters above sea level.
- It is believed that in ancient times, Lord Vishnu bathed in this lake.
- From this lake, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the neighboring Chaukhamba peaks.
These are some of the most interesting tourist attractions in Kedarnath. You can include all these places during your Kedarnath visit for a more wholesome and memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: What is Kedarnath’s main attraction?
Ans: Kedarnath Temple is the main attraction of Kedarnath. It is considered to be a part of Uttarakhand’s Chota Char Dham Yatra and is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site in India.
Q-2: Are there trekking spots near Kedarnath?
Ans: Yes, adventure lovers can undertake the trek to Chorabarai Tal, Vasuki Tal, and other nearby Himalayan trails.
Q-3: Which are the popular places near Kedarnath?
Ans: The popular places near Kedarnath include Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Omkareshwar Temple, and Gaurikund.
Q-4: Are the Kedarnath tourist places ideal for seniors?
Ans: Yes, Kedarnath tourist places can be visited by seniors, but they need to be physically fit for the yatra. Consult your healthcare professional before planning the yatra.
Q-5: What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
Ans: The summer months (May and June) are considered to be the best time to visit Kedarnath as the weather is pleasant. Alternatively, you can visit Kedarnath between September and October, before winter’s onset. You should keep in mind that due to heavy snowfall and severe cold weather, Kedarnath remains closed from November onwards.
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