One of the most respected pilgrimage sites in India, Kedarnath Dham, is located amidst Garhwal Himalayas. The Dham is one of 12 Jyotirlingas and a part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath region offers everything from spirituality to adventurous experiences, breathtaking sceneries, a peaceful environment, and more. In this post, we will list the 15 best things to do in Kedarnath to enhance your overall pilgrimage experience.
15 Things to Do in Kedarnath During Your Pilgrimage
1. Visit Kedarnath Dham
Visiting the Kedarnath Temple and seeking blessings is one of the things that you must do during your visit. The temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayan range and near the banks of the Mandakini River. Its frigid temperatures make it off-limits to visitors for much of the year – from April through June.
This temple worships the Hindu god, Lord Shiva, and is one of the twelve jyotirlingas situated at a height of 3580 meters. The trek to the temple of 16 km can be tough and tiring with its steep slopes and high altitudes.
The temple, made from huge grey stone slabs, sits against the white snow-topped Kedarnath peak, giving it a calm and spiritual vibe. Do not miss the daily rituals and aarti.
2. Trek to Kedarnath
The trek to Dham involves an extensive trek of 16 km. The trekking path goes through rolling green valleys alongside the gushing rivers and the stunning view of the mountain peaks. There are pony and palanquin services for those who cannot travel. You could also use Chardham Yatra by Helicopter services for a hassle-free journey.
3. Explore Gaurikund
One of the most spiritually important sites from where the Kedarnath trek starts is Gaurikund, which is one of the best places to visit in Kedarnath. Mythologically, the Hindu Goddess Parvati meditated here to be married to Lord Shiva. Gaurikund houses hot springs, and bathing here is considered very beneficial and auspicious.
4. Visit Chorabari Tal, Gandhi Sarovar
The Chorabari Tal, or the Gandhi Sarovar, is a stunning and picturesque lake and is one of the best Kedarnath Yatra Places. So, a short trek about 3 km from Kedarnath Temple might land you at this beautiful lake. As trekking routes head to this beautiful place, the views of the surrounding mountains are nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The crystal clear water of the lake, combined with a background made of beautiful blue skies, is indeed a great sight to the eyes. Hence, the Chorabari Tal is becoming a top tourist attraction.
5. Partake in Morning and Evening Aartis
The morning and evening aarti at the Kedarnath Temple are a great spiritual experience. The daily aartis, along with the bells and their sound of devotion, fills in divine energy all around. You must witness the aarti when present at the serene setting of the Kedarnath temple. This is one of the best things to do in Kedarnath.
6. Offer Prayers at Shankaracharya Samadhi
You can’t miss out on the Shankaracharya Samadhi when looking out for Kedarnath Yatra places. So, Shankaracharya Samadhi is a place of great historical significance. It is believed that this is the place where Adi Guru Shankaracharya took Samadhi, which is close to the main Kedarnath Temple. This is a peaceful spot for meditation and an important site that reminds his immense contribution to Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
7. Visit Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity at Bhairavnath Temple, which stands just 500 meters away from Kedarnath. The temple offers good views of the valleys and peaks. Also, some believe that Lord Bhairavnath Ji is the protector of the Kedarnath Temple.
8. Take a Trek to Vasuki Tal
One of the best things to do in Kedarnath is a trek to Vasuki Tal. So this tranquil lake at a height of 4,150 m sea level provides the best views of the Chaukhamba peaks and Mandakini Valley. The trek to Vasuki Tal is 8 kilometers, and this glacial spot surrounded by high mountain ranges is peaceful for trekkers and nature lovers. Hence, this is also becoming one of the top attractions.
This trek can be easily done in a day trip as the distance is only 8 km one way, from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal.
9. Go for Wildlife Spotting at Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
So, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, covering an area of 975 square km, is a great option for all the wildlife and nature lovers out there. During summer, you can plan a visit here since this is the time when the sanctuary remains accessible. Moreover, the place is famous for the endangered musk deer, and the sanctuary boasts natural beauty.
Also, one can spot here Indian leopards, snow leopards, jackals, yellow-throated marten, Himalayan black bear, red fox, etc. Exploring the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Kedarnath.
10. Trek to Tungnath Temple
Situated at a height of approximately 3680 meters above sea level, Tungnath Temple is said to be around thousands of years old. The temple is the highest Panch Kedar in the Indian state and the highest Lord Shiva Temple worldwide.
This trek is quite easy, at a distance of 3.5 km from Chopta; in winter, the snowfall in this area is heavy, so it is a bit difficult to trek during those days. On top of it, which makes all that climb worthwhile, is the mesmerizing view of Panchachuli Peaks, Nanda Devi, and Nilkanth Peaks.
11. Make a stop at Sonprayag
Next, one of the things to do in Kedarnath is to make a stop at Sonprayag. Sonprayag is yet another religious place you will come across on your way to Kedarnath Temple. So, this sacred place is located at a height of 1829 meters above sea level. The “Prayag” means the place of convergence, and Prayag is situated at the confluence of two sacred rivers – Basuki River and Mandakini River.
This place is between Rudraprayag and Gaurikund and is en route to Kedarnath Temple. This place can be reached by booking a cab/taxi from Rudraprayag.
12. Worship at Triyuginarayan
This temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of approximately 1980 meters above sea level. The rich heritage of this place draws devotees from all over the nation. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and its name has been derived from Tri, meaning ‘three,’ Yugi meaning ‘Yuga’ (period) & Narayan, meaning Lord Vishnu.
Since the three yugas, people have been offering wood to fuel up the holy fireplace of this place. This is the fire that people have been worshiping continuously since Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. So you should visit during your Kedarnath journey because it has religious significance and you can enjoy beautiful views.
13. Visit the Rudra Cave
Rudra Cave is a natural underground meditation cave in the stone, located 1 km from Kedarnath Temple of Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated here before the 2019 general election and it was hugely popular since then. Moreover, it is maintained by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and has a facility for one person’s accommodation.
Also, this modern meditation cave comprises a single bed with bedding, an attached bath equipped with geyser and running water, heater, SIP phone connected to the GMVN manager and a calling bell for an attendant. Moreover, the GMVN offers basic food facilities. Also, the cave provides a clear view of Kedarnath Temple and Bhairavnath Mandir.
14. Worship at Guptkashi
One of the religious things to do in Kedarnath Dham is to worship the two significant temples in Guptkashi, i.e., Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple. This is a well-known place for pilgrims as both temples receive hundreds of tourists annually. Furthermore, the town’s setting also attracts several footfalls each year.
15. Capture the Scenic Beauty
The beautiful locations of Kedarnath offer myriad photographic opportunities. Be it soaring peaks, tranquil lakes, verdant meadows or colorful festivals every moment in Kedarnath is pic-worthy. The changing hues of the mountains at different times of the day provide a stunning backdrop for photography.
The Best Time To Visit Kedarnath
There are endless things to do in Kedarnath. However, proper planning as to when to visit Kedarnath Dham is very important. Since Kedarnath Dham is situated at high altitudes and the weather here remains unpredictable, it is wise to plan your Yatra.
The Kedarnath temple remains accessible to the general public only from May till October/November as during the winter months, the region experiences heavy snowfall. Hence, pilgrims can plan their Kedarnath journey during May till October and avoid the monsoon season from June till September first week.
Every year, the Kedarnath Dham closes during the winters for the general public and reopens as per the dates fixed by the priests of Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple. The temple requires a 16 kilometer trek and one needs to be physically fit to complete the trek. However, the Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter services makes it possible for every pilgrim to seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1). What are the best things to do in Kedarnath?
- Visit Kedarnath Temple
- Trekking
- Vasuki Tal
- Attend Evening Aarti
- Gandhi Sarovar
Q2). How can I reach Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Dham can be reached by different modes of transportation:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 239 km from Gaurikund.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 216 km away. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund.
- By Road: Gaurikund is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. From Gaurikund, it’s a 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Q3). What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple?
May to June and September to November are the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple.
Q4). What is the cost of Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Package 2024?
The cost of the Chardham yatra by Helicopter Package is ₹1,90,000/- Per Person (Inclusive of Taxes).
