Places To Visit In Kedarnath - Sightseeing & Things To Do

Inspired by the historical icon King Kedar who ruled in the Sat Yug, Kedarnath is one of the top pilgrimage places in in India. Kedarnath is a part of the famous Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. Pre 1962…Kedarnath was only accessible via strenuous hiking. However, the Indian Government made some grand infrastructural changes after then1962 Indo Sino war and now roads and highways facilitate the pilgrims. Here are the best places to visit in Kedarnath and all of these will be included in any good Kedarnath Travel Package.

Kedarnath Temple

Known to be one of the best Hindu temples…the Kedarnath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is situated near the Mandakini River. It is said that the Pandava brothers built the Kedarnath temple to eradicate themselves of all types of sins. The temple has beautiful architecture and there are wonderful idols and deities inside the temple remains open from April to November and it will take you at least 2 hours to visit the temple complex properly. The adventurous minded can visit the Kedarnath Peak and the nearby Bhairava Temple.

Vasuki Taal

Vasuki Taal is a snow bound lake located in the mountains and it’s a relatively simple trekking route. The lake looks like as if it’s made from crystal and is one of the most picturesque destinations near Kedarnath. Vasuki Taal trek is one of the amazing sightseeing options around and you need to start trekking from Gaurikund. You will need at least 40 minutes to appreciate the beauty of this lake properly. The commencement of the trek is near the famous sulphur springs of Gaurikund.

Chorabari Tal

The Chorabari Taal is a pristine lake that’s also known as Gandhi Taal as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered here. Mythology says that Lord Shiva conveyed his knowledge of Yoga to Saptarishi. The big cliff near the Bhairava temple is a sign of those times when devotees used to plunge to their deaths thinking that they will attain salvation. The British eradicated these practices in the 19th century but the place still retains tourist value. Trekking and visiting the grand Himalayan Ranges are some of the things that you can do in the Chorabari Taal. Don’t miss the lovely waterfall that lies just a few k before Chorabari Taal.

Gauri Kund

Known to be the second highest Lake in the world, Gauri Kund is a very important pilgrimage site. It is at this place where Goddess Parvati did several years of penance to please Shiva. Popular stories say that Ganesha was created after Shiva cut the head of Parvati’s son who was guarding her when she was bathing at Gauri Kund. Shiva later substituted an elephants head for the boy’s head and that is how the Elephant God Ganesha was born. Gaurikund is a place that’s well known for its natural beauty as well as spiritual significance. Pony riding, trekking and visiting the Triyuginarayan temple are some activities that can be done here.

Triyuginarayan Temple

The Triyuginarayan Temple is situated at a short distance from Gauri Kund and it’s a critically important pilgrimage site. The temple marks the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati embarked on their holy union and it’s said that all the Gods from heaven came to witness their marriage. The actual location of the wedding is signified by a rock called Brahma Shila that lies in front of the temple. The temple contains an eternal flame that’s believed to have been burning since the time of Shiva Parvati’s marriage... you can club together a visit to the Triyuginarayan temple and Gaurikund as both are quite near to each other.

Other famous attractions near Kedarnath include Ratus kund, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sonprayag etc.