Best Places to Visit near Kedarnath

by Dherya Tyagi Travelling to World

As we know situated at a height of 3,584 meters Kedarnath Ji is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva Darshan of Kedarnath Ji giving salvation and Moksha to mankind. In a visit to your Chardham yatra when you will reach Kedarnath this valley will energize you. Furl with natural beauty, picturesque valley, snowcapped view of Himalayas, fast flowing milky river, rare wildlife, and various mythological belief make this valley a treasure of attractions. From cultures to natural wonders this valley has everything.

1. Gauri Kund

Just 14 km from Kedarnath, Gaurikund is a Base camp for devotees visiting Kedarnath. Its place also has Mythological importance here Goddess Gauri consort of Lord Shiva used to take bath in a Kund, w while guarding the door of Kund Ganesh stopped lord Shiva while guarding the door of Kund Ganesh stopped lord Shiva to enter. Lord Shiva got angry and cut the head of Ganesha. This is a holy temple of Lord Ganesha made near Sonprayag named Sarkata Ganesha. There is also a hot spring pond near Gaurikund devotees who usually take a curative bath before starting their trek to Kedarnath.

2. Bhairav Temple

Situated at a distance of a few meters south of Kedarnath temple, this temple is dedicated to God Bhairav Nath. It is believed that God Bhairav Nath protects the temple in winter.

3. Shankaracharya Samadhi

There is a Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya just behind the Kedarnath Temple. It is believed Guru Shankaracharya was the incarnation of Lord Shiva, after establishing the four Dham in four corners of India in the 8th century, he took Samadhi at Kedarnath.

4. Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar)

Chorabari is a beautiful ice Lake situated just 2 km above Kedarnath. According to the wish Gandhi Ji after their death of Gandhi Ji, his bone and ashes were immersed in this lake, and since then this lake is also known as Gandhi Sarovar.

5. Triyuginarayan

About 25 km from Kedarnath, As mentioned in Kedarkhand this is the place where Lord Shiva got married to Parvati. A flame in the shrine burned even today believe to have been the witness to the marriage of Lord Shiva.

6. Guptkashi

About 39 km from Kedarnath Ji this is a place where Lord Shiva remained escaped from Pandavas after leaving Kashi of Varanasi. The temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath are very famous and beautiful.

7. Chopta

Altitude: 2680 meters, about 64 kilometers from Kedarnath. Chopta is a beautiful and scenic place near Tungnath Mahadev very famous for its green meadow or Bugyal in the Local language. In the ideal destination for outfitters, giving the mesmerizing view of Trishul peak of Nanda Devi mountain, Chaukhamba Peak, and the snowcapped Himalayas. Nature lovers stay here to explore the natural beauty of this place. Staying in a tent accommodation here gives a unique experience to everyone. The view of the Sunrise and sunset is amazing from here.

8. Tungnath

Altitude: 3680 meters, About 3.5 kilometers trek from Chopta the temple of Tungnath is one of the five Kedar of Lord Shiva. About 1000 years old this temple has the memories of the Pandava brothers you can see the stone image of the Pandava Brothers in the adjacent shrine of Tungnath.

9. Chandrashila

Altitude: 4000 meters, About 1.5 kilometers from Tungnath Ji there is a Shila (rock) it is believed Ravana made penance over this Rock and got Chandrahas weapon from Lord Shiva. A panoramic view of Chaukhamba peak and high altitude botanical garden is the prime attraction of this place.

10. Ukhimath

About 31 km from Chopta Ukhimath is the place where lord Kedarnath worshipped in winter. A temple of ancient lovers Usha and Anirudh is situated here.

11. Deoria Tal

This amazing and beautiful lake is situated about 3km from Chopta. It is believed that Pandava became unconscious after drinking the water, but being happy over the answer of Yudhisthira the God of this lake made alive four other Pandavas, A reflection of Chaukhamba's Peak in crystal clear water is amazing.

Besides the above other attractions are

Vasuki Tal (6 kilometers) from Kedarnath is a beautiful mysterious lake. Kalimath - 27 kilometers from Ukhimath, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary - 7 kilometers from Chopta, Gopeshwar - 39 kilometers from Chopta, Sonprayag-20 km before Kedarnath confluence of Rivers In Ganga & Mandakini.

If you are a psycho-centric (A tourist who has the zeal to visit unexplored destinations) then you are welcome to the yatra of Chardham and to visit the Kedar valley of the Himalayas.