As the site of the legendary Hindu King Kedar, lived during the Satya Yuga era, Kedarnath in Uttarakhand is one of the holiest Hindu spiritual sites. It is part of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. Although the town was an ancient pilgrimage site, pilgrims were only able to reach it through hiking. If you want to explore the best Places to Visit In And Near Kedarnath, Uttarakhand then here know the complete guide.
Kedarnath, a spiritual and surreal pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand has been hailed as one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the state. Kedar Valley dances in the harmony of nature as it is embellished with lovely Himalayan peaks, verdant jungles, picturesque orchards, and breathtaking glaciers and waterfalls. Spiritual wisdom can be found here, along with breathtaking views of nature.
Due to the severity of the weather and the amount of snowfall that accumulates during the winter, Kedarnath remains closed during the winter, making it one of the most secluded of the Char Dhams. There are many sights nearby, including lakes, peaks, and meadows that make the temple town a great place to visit.
Here Know The Best Places to Visit In And Near Kedarnath, Uttarakhand:
1. Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimages in India, located in the Garhwal Himalayan Range in the Rudraprayag District. Kedarnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas that are dedicated to Lord Shiva and forms part of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Due to heavy snowfall in the region during the rest of the year, Kedarnath Temple is only accessible through a trek from Gaurikund and remains open for only six months from April to November. The Kedarnath Temple in its present form was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya from stone slabs used by the Pandavas thousands of years ago.
2. Vasuki Tal Lake
Vasuki Tal Lake, located at an elevation of 14,200 meters above sea level, offers breathtaking views of lofty Himalayan peaks. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kedarnath. The lake is one of a kind. Viewing it will give you a serene feeling. Flowers like Brahma Kamal around Vasuki Tal make it more gorgeous to look at. This lake is rich in religious significance in addition to its soothing beauty. The legend says that Lord Vishnu took a bath in this lake, which made it auspicious and divine. It is also an awesome place for trekking since it is surrounded by beautiful terrain.
3. Shankaracharya Samadhi
Adi Guru Shankaracharya’s Samadhi lies behind the sacred temple of Kedarnath. According to Hindu tradition, he discovered the four holy Dhams in India, which have become spiritual pilgrimage centers. Thousands of devotees make pilgrimages to his grave for blessings. Nirvana was achieved by him when he was 32 and his soul merged with the holy land of Kedarnath. In the 8th century, Guru Shankaracharya founded the holy Kedarnath Dham. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with creating the hot springs close to the Kedarnath, allowing visitors to escape the extreme weather conditions.
4. Gaurikund
The Hindu pilgrimage site Gaurikund is near Kedarnath. Those who take a holy dip in Gaurikund are said to be cleansed of all karmic repercussions. It is located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 6000 meters. A perfect place to find solace from the chaos of the world thanks to its serene ambiance, scenic peaks, and divine aura. The holy abode of Kedarnath is accessible from here. There are pilgrims from all over the world who stay here for the night to trek to Kedarnath Temple.
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5. Rudraprayag
Near Kedarnath in Rudraprayag, one of the most popular religious tourist destinations. Kedarnath is 88km away. It is named after Lord Shiva’s Rudra avatar. In Rudraprayag, two holy rivers -Alaknanda and Mandakini – meet, signifying the word Prayag means confluence. The confluence is one of the five holy confluences of the Alaknanda River. Jagadamba Temple and Koteshwar Mahadev Temple are very popular here. Tens of thousands of worshippers visit these temples every year. Rudraprayag has a divine and stunning aura, as it contains many beautiful lakes and glaciers that will delight your soul.
6. Phata
Located 32 km away from Kedarnath, Phata is a small village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Phata is a well-known stopover along with the Kedarnath Yatra as it houses a helipad from which helicopters to Kedarnath depart. It takes only eight minutes by helicopter to travel from Phata to Kedarnath. Several popular tourist attractions are also nearby in Phata. Many pilgrims stay here overnight.
7. Syalsaur
Syalsaur, located by the Mandakini River, which flows into the Alokananda River, lies 160 km from Haridwar at an altitude of 820 meters. Hill station Syalsaur is presently spared from overcrowding footfall as a result of its quaintness and optimum location in Uttarakhand. This village is located in Northern India’s Rudraprayag District and is also a perfect spot for birdwatchers.
On your way to Kedarnath or Badrinath, you might wish to spend a few days here due to the lush scenery and lively atmosphere. There are no crowds or noises in the area but there is a gushing sound from the nearby river.
8. Gandhi Sarovar
Gandhi Sarovar is a small scenic lake located at the foot of Kedarnath Peak and at the shrine of Kirthi Stambh in Kedarnath, which is a beautiful sight to behold. Chorabari Tal is another name for it. Gandhi Sarovar was renamed after some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were buried here. Placed nearby there is a cliff called Bhairava Jhamp, which was used to jump from to gain salvation, but the British government banned this practice in the 19th century. You have to trek three kilometers for this beautiful lake. Kedarnath’s iron bridge connects with the picturesque Madhu Ganga Waterfall and Deodar and Oak forests that line the trek.
Also Read:- Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand
