Kedarnath, nestled in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Perched at an altitude of 3,583 meters, it is part of the Char Dham Yatra and is especially revered by devotees of Lord Shiva.
Religious Importance:
Home to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas — the holiest Shiva shrines in India.
According to legends, the temple was originally built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
The temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, surviving many natural calamities due to its divine grace.
Key Attractions:
Kedarnath Temple: Made of massive stone slabs, set against a dramatic snowy backdrop, offering a spiritually uplifting experience.
Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Bhairav, the guardian deity of Kedarnath, located just a short trek away.
Gandhi Sarovar: A pristine glacial lake known for its surreal beauty.
Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude lake offering spectacular views of the Chaukhamba peaks.
Cultural & Spiritual Vibe:
The journey to Kedarnath is a test of faith, endurance, and devotion.
Chanting of “Har Har Mahadev” fills the air, and the icy winds seem to carry blessings.
Pilgrims often trek 16–18 km from Gaurikund to reach the temple, making the pilgrimage even more spiritually intense.
Best Time to Visit:
May to October (temple remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall)