Summary of Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a renowned pilgrimage destination located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the four sacred shrines of the Chota Char Dham Yatra and is revered for the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The stunning landscape, coupled with its spiritual significance, draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year. Kedarnath is accessible via a 16-kilometer trek from Gaurikund, which is itself well-connected by road from major towns in Uttarakhand.

Tourist Points in Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath Temple:
   • The primary attraction, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple, built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, is an architectural marvel surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
2. Bhairavnath Temple:
   • Located about 500 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, this temple is dedicated to Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
3. Shankaracharya Samadhi:
   • This is the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher who is believed to have established the Kedarnath Shrine. The Samadhi is situated just behind the Kedarnath Temple.
4. Gaurikund:
   • The base camp for the Kedarnath trek, Gaurikund is known for its hot water springs and the Gauri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
5. Vasuki Tal:
   • A high-altitude lake located 8 kilometers from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is a beautiful trekking destination surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
6. Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar):
   • This glacial lake is situated 3 kilometers from Kedarnath and is a popular trekking spot. It is believed that Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in this lake, hence the name Gandhi Sarovar.
7. Triyuginarayan Temple:
   • Located about 25 kilometers from Kedarnath, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. The perpetual fire burning in front of the temple is a major attraction.
8. Sonprayag:
   • A small town located on the way to Kedarnath, Sonprayag is known for its confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. It is a scenic spot ideal for a short stopover.
9. Rudra Cave:
   • A meditation cave located near Kedarnath Temple, Rudra Cave offers a serene and peaceful environment for meditation with a stunning view of the Kedarnath Temple and surrounding mountains.
10. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary:
    • Spanning an area of over 975 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan monal, musk deer, and snow leopard. It offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to explore the rich biodiversity of the region.

These tourist points, along with the spiritual ambiance and natural beauty of Kedarnath, make it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and nature lovers alike.