KEDARNATH

General Information
Location : In the north Indian state of Uttaranchal in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Tourist Attractions : Kedarnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Gaurikund, Bhairav temple, Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, Gandhi Sarovar, Chorabari Tal, Son Prayag, Trijuginarayan, Madmaheswar, Ukhimath, Anusuya Devi temple.
Best Activity : Trekking, nature walk
Best Hangout : Son Prayag
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Badrinath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun.
When to Visit : The shrine is closed on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopened in Vaishakh (Apr-May). During 9 months of closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath. May to October is the best time to visit.

Introduction

There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically located amidst the majestic mountainscape of the Gharwal Hills, and is surrounded by high snow covered mountains and grassy meadows covering the valleys. Kedarnath at the head of the Mandakini river, is a very sacred pilgrimage of the Hindus. It is located at the height of 11,742 ft (3580 m), is a famous pilgrim site for Lord Shiva devotees. The legend says, Lord Shiva wished to elude the Pandavas and took refuge in Kedarnath. The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. At an altitude of 3,580 m. it is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.

Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. At the entrance of the temple is the statue of ‘Nandi', the divine bull of Shiva. The wall inside the temple is exquisitely carved with images.

Major Tourist Attractions

Kedarnath Temple :
Built in the 8th century A.D., The temple at Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was renovated and refurbished by the religious reformer and saint, Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Outside the temple door a large statue of Nandi the bull, stands as the guardian deity.

Vasuki Tal :
Situated at a distance of 6 kms at an altitude of 14,200 ft, Vasuki Tal is on the right side of the valley. It is a crystal clear lake with awesome scenic surroundings. However, the climb is so long and arduous that it is advisable to take a guide along.

Son Prayag :
About 20 kms from Kedarnath, Son Prayag is located at the confluence of the Mandakini and the Sone-Ganga. This quaint little village is known for its picturesque beauty.

Gaurikund :
This about 15 km away. At Gaurikund there is an ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Gauri or Parvati and it houses the metallic idols of Gauri and Shiva.

Ukhimath :
Down Guptkashi, a little away from the main route is Ukhimath, on Chamoli road. Ukhimath is the winter home of the deity of Kedarnath temple.

Bhairav Nath Temple :
To the south of the main temple stands the temple of God Bhairav, the deity who guards the Kedarnath Temple in winter, when it is closed due to severe winter conditions.

Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya :
Located behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Samadhi or the final resting place where the saint gave up his life.

How To Get There

Air : The nearest airport is jolly Grant Airport about 1 8 kms. from Rishikesh connected to Delhi via Vayudoot Flights.

Rail : The nearest convenient railway station is Haridwar on a branch line well connected to Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta.

Road : Rishikesh is the starting point for the hilly regions of Garhwal and the four holy shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri besides Hemkund Sahib.

Accommodation

Tourist Rest House, GMVN from UP Tourism Accommodation are available. There are also Private Hotels and Dharamshala and Temple Committee Guest House. Local eateries/dhabas which offer only vegetarian food. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.