Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimage for the devout Hindu, located in the Uttaranchal state of India. Kedarnath, where a form of the Lord Shiva is venerated as one of the twelve jyotirling (linga of light), is one of the four sites in India's pilgrimage Char Dham. The most remote of the four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is located in the Himalayas, about 3584m above sea level near the head of river

Mandakini, and is flanked by breathtaking snow-capped peaks.

Besides its affiliation with Shiva, Kedarnath is also believed to be the site of Shankaracharya's samadhi (achievement of beatified afterlife). The actual temple is an impressive stone edifice of unknown date. No specific family of pujaris supervises rituals at Kedarnath, which focus around veneration of the stone lingam that rests in the inner sanctum of the temple.

Kedarnath is accessible only after a steep 13 km trek through a paved path (horses or palanquins are available for rent) from Gaurikund, which is connected by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and other important hill stations of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions in Uttaranchal. The temple is open only during the months of May to October, due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather during winter

Places to See ( Kedarnath)

Gandhi Sarovar: A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. A km trek from Kedarnath, floating ice on the crystal clear waters. Gaurikund: Base for a trek to Kedarnath & serves as a roadhead, the village has hot springs & a temple dedicated to Gauri.

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.

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.

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

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 itDeoria Tal. At an altitude of 2,440 mt., this beautiful lake is

situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected.

on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.

Panch Kedar: kedarnath, madmaheshwar, tungnath, rudranath, kalpeshwer are the five most important temples of Lord Shiva in garhwal Himalayas. They are known as Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Travel Information:

Railway Station: Nearest Railway Station is Rishikesh.
Airport Nearest railway Station is Air Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

Distance from Major Cities:

Rudraprayag 92 km
Ukhimath 59 km
Dogalbhita 83 km
Chopta 89 km
Mandal 117 km
Gopeshwar 128 km
Chamoli 138 km