Situated some 220 Km from Rishikesh. The Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Lying against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range, at an altitude of 3,581 m, the imposing Kedarnath temple is surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. One of the the panch Kedar Shrines, the temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century A.D., standing at the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. Behind the temple itself is the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya. Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar) with floating - ice on the crystal clear waters of the lake and Vasuki Tal, another lake at an altitude of 4,150 m are fascinating sites around Kedarnath. Wild unparalleled scenic beauty, rare panoramic views of innumerable snow - clad peaks, rhododendron forests Alpine meadows make the area utterly enchanting. An exciting blend of pilgrimage and Travelmasti, indeed !

Bhairon Ghati, Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple

Built in the 8^th 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 8^th century. Outside the temple door a large statue of Nandi the bull, stands as the guardian deity.

Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya

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

Accessibility

Air
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun

Rail
Nearest railhead is Rishikesh : 221 km, of which 207 km. is motorable upto Gaurikund. The remaining 14 km. has to be covered on foot or on ponies. See Rishikesh for rail connections.

Road
Regular Yatra bus services are available from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. Private taxies are also available from Rishikesh. Some major road distances are :
Rambara-6 km on foot, Gaurikund-14 km on foot, Sonprayag-20 km,
Guptkashi-49 km.
Kund-54 km,
Agastmuni-73 km,
Tilwara-83 km,
Rudraprayag-92 km. Ukhimath-59 km,
Dogalbhita-83 km,
Chopta-89 km,
Mandal-117 km,
Gopeshwar-128 km,
Chamoli-138 km.

Facts

• Area: 3 sq. km.
• Population: 301 (1991 census)
• Altitude: 3581 mtr. above sea level
• Season: May-October
• Clothing: Summer - Woolen; Winters - Heavy Woolen
• Language: Hindi, Garhwali
• Local Transport: Horses/Dandies
• STD Code: 01372-86

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.

Gandhi Sarovar

1.5 km. A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven.

Vasuki Tal

6 km. At 4135 mtr. Above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Gauri Kund

15 km. The trekking base to Kedarnath and the road head, this village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and also thermal springs of medicinal value.

Sonprayag

20 km. The confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan.

Triyuginarayan

25 km. the mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been the witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.

Gupt Kashi

49 km. Famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.

Ukhimath

60 km. Winter home of Lord Kedarnath temple, and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.

Agastmuni

73 km., Has a temple dedicated to the sage Agastya.

Chopta

Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.

• Private Hotels and Dharamshala.
• Temple Committee Guest House.

UP Tourism Accommodation

• Tourist Rest House, GMVN.

Restaurants

Local eateries/dhabas which offer only vegetarian food. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.

Banks

• State Bank of India, Kedarnath.

Post Office

• Sub Post Office, Kedarnath.

Hospitals

• Govt. Dispensary, Kedarnath.

Tourist Information

• Tourist Offices, Gopeshwar.