Kedarnath: Pilgrims Progress
Best places to visit in Kedarnath, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Kedarnath
Waterfall streaked mountains, deep river gorges, lush green meadows blushing with the bloom of wildflowers… the stunning Himalayan landscape stays with you as you undertake the demanding 14 km trek to the holy pilgrim town of Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. One kilometre from Kedarnath, the path, mercifully, levels out and you get your first view of the pilgrim town in the distance – a conglomeration of buildings wedged at the base of a green valley. This is the abode of Lord Shiva who manifested himself in the form of a lingam shaped like the hump of a bull.
Map of Kedarnath:
What’s Famous Here? Places You Should Not Miss in Kedarnath
Religious Activities: At sunset the entire town, residents and pilgrims gravitate towards the main temple which is bathed in a flood of lights to attend the evening aarti. The ceremony is a symphony of bhajans, the beating of drums and the tolling of bells. Indeed, the temple, poised proudly with the Himalayas as a backdrop, is the heartbeat of the pilgrim town where priests perform ceremonies for visiting devotees. During the peak season months of May and June these rituals start early in the morning and continue late into the night.
Char Dham pilgrim trail: The shrine at Kedarnath, along with those at Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri is part of the Char Dham (4 places) pilgrim’s circuit in the Uttarkhand hills. Kedarnath is the most arduous yet satisfying of the four stage Char Dham pilgrim trail, considered to be the most sacred by Hindus.
What to See? Tour package of Kedarnath sightseeing spots
Kedarnath Temple: The ancient Shiva Temple, built in the 8th century AD against the backdrop of the Himalayas, has been renovated a number of times over the centuries. Guarding its entrance is a large statue of a Nandi bull. Enshrined within the temple is a most unusual pyramidal lingam; one of 12 jyotilings (natural formed lingams) in the country. According to legend, Lord Shiva wishing to elude the Pandavas took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. But when the heroes of the Mahabarata tracked him down, he dived into the ground leaving behind a hump on the surface. And it is over this this conical protrusion that temple has been built.
Samadhi of Shankaracharya: Located behind the main temple is the samadhi or final resting place of the 8th century saint Adi Shankaracharya. The sage who brought about a resurgence of Hinduism in India.
Bhirav Nath Temple: To the south of the main temple is the temple of Lord Bhairav, the deity who guards Kedarnath when it is closed during the winter months.
Travel to Kedarnath:
Local languages: Hindi, Garwali and English
Best Time to visit: June to October
How to reach Kedarnath
AIR: The closest airport is at Dehradun. Delhi however is far more convenient as it has more flights.
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Click here for more information about flights to Shimla/ New Delhi.
RAIL: One can also take a train to Rishikesh, from there you can take bus or cab to Kedarnath
ROAD: The motorable road stops at Gaurikund from where the last 14 km have to covered by foot or ponies.
Excursions from Kedarnath: Sightseeing & Tourist Attractions in Kedarnath
Gandhi Sarovar : A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, is believed to have departed for heaven.
Vasuki Tal: At 4,135 m (about 13,600 ft) this extraordinary lake, surrounded by high mountains offers an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Gaurikund / Thermal Springs: The road head from which one must trek the remaining distance to Kedarnath. Here one will also find thermal springs believed to have great medicinal value.
Sonprayag: The confluence of the rivers Son Ganga and Mandakini.
Triyuginarayan: The mythological site where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. An eternal flame, which is said to have been witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple.
Gupt Kashi: Famous for its temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanatji.
Chopta: At an altitude of 2,500 m (8,250 ft) Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal and provides a provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding Himalayas.
Hotels and Resorts in Kedarnath
There numerous hotels in Kedarnath,. One may also look at the option of staying in Dharamshalas which offer has a budget accommodation.
Kedarnath Travel Packages:
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Flights to Kedarnath : The closest airport is at Dehradun. Delhi however is far more convenient as it has more flights.
Click here for more information about flights to Dehradun / New Delhi.
Trains to Kedarnath : One can also take a train to Rishikesh, from there you can take bus or cab to Kedarnath.
Buses to Kedarnath: The motorable road stops at Gaurikund from where the last 14 km have to covered by foot or ponies. Regular buses are available from Rishikesh and Badrinath
Car Hire in Kedarnath : The motorable road stops at Gaurikund from where the last 14 km have to covered by foot or ponies. To experience Kedarnath at your own pace you can take a car hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Kedarnath. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Kedarnath.