Places to Visit Kedarnath

The awe-inspiring town of Kedarnath is one of the most prominent Hindu shrines nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at a height of 3581 m above sea level. The place is the source of pious Mandakini River. This sacred town is visited by plenty of devotees, especially during the summer season to worship one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The religious environment of the place certainly captivates the attention of the visitors. Besides being a place of religious importance, it is also a paradise for nature lovers. It contains stunning snow-clad Himalayan Mountains, crystal-clear rivers, lush-green forest cover, magnificent valleys and wildlife along with many splendid tourist destinations. The tourist destinations in Kedarnath include some of the magnificent places, which are as follows:

Chandrashila
One among the pictorial locations in the Rudraprayag District, Chandrashila is placed at an elevation of 3679 meter. Its easy accessibility makes it a much desired trekking spot in the locality. Except in December to January, this peak is suitable for trekking and allied activities. Chandrashila trek is categorized as a moderate level trek, which would take a complete week.

Chopta
Yet another fascinating trek through the snowy environ that is what Chopta offers. A remote locale on the high ranges of the Himalayas is bestowed with eye catching spectacles of the majestic mountains and lush meadows. This picture book location at an altitude of 2900 meters provides unblemished surroundings to the visitors.

Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the commencement point of the trek of 14kms to the sacred shrine of Kedarnath. It is situated at an elevation of 1,982mts above sea level. The place is named after Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva and a temple Gauri is also situated here. According to myths and legends this is the place where Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva did penance involving ascetic and yoga practices to win over Shiva's heart.

Sonprayag
Lies at an altitude of 1829 meters Son Prayag holds a captivating appeal that grabs large number of tourists each year. This tiny hamlet situates at the convergence of two majestic rivers, Mandakini and Basuki. Bounded by lofty snow clad peaks, this place offers an unruffled calmness. Adorned with all that is pretty and beautiful, this lovely locale catches anybody's attention.

Vasuki Tal
Bounded by the lofty mountain peaks of the majestic Himalayas, the landscapes in this holy city present picture book sceneries.Vasuki tal is one of the prettiest sights in Kedarnath, which is liked for its glittering waters. A lake at an altitude of 4135 meters in the midst of snowy mountains is a breath taking sight.

Agastyamuni
Augustyamuni is famed for the temple in the name of sage Agastya. The popular belief is that the sage had meditated here for almost one year. This holy shrine at the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is thronged by thousands of devotees during Baisakhi celebrations. The old temple at thislofty place exemplifies excellent architecture and structural grandeur.

Kedarnath Temple
A temple believed to be constructed by Sankaracharya, Kedarnath temple at the Garhwal region of Himalaya's gains great religious significance. This might be one among the unique temples that demands a tiring trek to have a darshan of the deity. Winter in this region is so severe that the temple remains closed during those months.

Shankaracharya Samadhi
The famous Hindu philosopher Sri Sankaracharya is considered to be the renovator of the Kedarnath shrine. History says that, in order to propagate his Adwaita Philosophy he had made relentless journeys. It is believed that this great scholar came to Kedarnath and established this holy shrine and one of his four Mathas in 8th century. Shankaracharya Samadhi poses as an idyllic and tranquil location to the devotees. The magnificent temple in the backdrop adds its serenity.

Bhairav Nath Temple
Bhairav Nath Temple, situated inside the region of the principle temple complex, is a standout amongst the most prevalent temples after Kedarnath temple. Devoted to God Bhairav, the sanctuary is situated toward the south of the principle sanctuary.

Deoriatal
Deoria Tal (Also spelled as Devaria' or 'Deoriya) is a lake located about 3 km on an uphill trek from the villages of Mastura and Sari, on the Ukhimath-Chopta road in Uttarakhand. At an altitude of about 2438 meters, it has heavily wooded, lush green surroundings with snow-covered mountains

Kalpeshwar Mandir
Kalpeshwar Mandir is visited to worship Lord Shiva as 'Jatadhar', because of the existence of entwined hair. It is situated at a height of 2,134 m above the sea level in Chamoli district. This is the only temple out of the five temples of Panch Kedar that remains open in all the seasons.

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
The Kanchula Korak Deer Musk Sanctuary houses the famous Musk Deer and more importantly, and abundance of lush green vegetation, a lot of varieties of which are claimed by locals to have not even been scientifically classified yet.It is situated 7km from Chopta on Chopta – Gopeshwar Road.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling over a territory of 967 sq.km, was set up in 1972. Situated in the area of Chamoli, it is named after the renowned Kedarnath emple. Arranged on the catchment zone of Alaknanda River, this asylum is home to mild timberlands, which incorporate low and coniferous, high and Bugyals.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Shiva is worshipped at Madhyamaheshwar in the form of navel - shaped lingum. Located at base of Chaukhamba peak, at an altitude of 3,289 mts, the classic temple architecture belongs to the north - Indian style. So sanctified is the water here that even a few drops are considered sufficient for absolution.

Rudranath Mandir
Rudranath Mandir is a rock temple that is located in the Chamoli District nearby Chopta village. One of the Panch Kedars, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Neelkanth in this temple. Vaitrani River also known as the 'Water of Salvation' flows behind the Rudranath Temple.

Triyuginarayan
Triyuginarayan is situated at a distance of 5 km trek from Son Prayag. Situated in an excellent town in Rudraprayag, this spot is renowned for the old temples, which is committed to Lord Vishnu. The temple situated inside the destination has its engineering and plan taking after to the Kedarnath altar.

Tungnath Temple
Tungnath (3Kms.) Situated at an elevation of about 3,680Mts.above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Enroute exotic varieties of rhododendrons, while flowers and shrub like trees can be seen in abundance. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary (74Kms.)

Ukhimath
Ukhimath is a journey site in Kedarnath locale, Uttarakhand, India. It is at a rise of 1311 meters and at a separation of 41 km from Kedarnath. During the winters, the idols from Kedarnath temple, and Madhyamaheshwar are conveyed to Ukhimath and revered there for six months.