Best Places to Visit in and Around Kedarnath

Shankaracharya Samadhi

Adi Shankaracharya, the revered saint who established the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, is believed to have attained nirvana at the age of 32. His samadhi (final resting place) lies just behind the Kedarnath Temple. According to legend, he was last seen walking behind the temple by his disciples, after which he mysteriously disappeared.

Bhairav Temple

Bhairav Baba Mandir, dedicated to Bhairav—the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva—is situated south of Kedarnath Temple. Bhairav is considered the Kshetrapal (protector) of Kedarnath and the entire valley, safeguarding the temple during the harsh winter months. Every pilgrim visiting Kedarnath also pays homage at Bhairav Mandir as part of the spiritual journey.

Rudra Cave (Kedarnath Gufa)

The Rudra Cave, a meditation retreat managed by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), is located about 1 km from Kedarnath Temple. This modern, man-made cave, built with rocks and boulders, features wooden doors and provides a peaceful ambiance for seekers of solitude and meditation.

Vasuki Tal Lake

Vasuki Tal, a stunning high-altitude glacial lake at 14,300 feet, is a paradise for nature lovers. Situated 8 km from Kedarnath Temple, it offers breathtaking views of the Chaukhamba peaks. The pristine lake is surrounded by rare Himalayan flowers, including the sacred Brahma Kamal.

Triyuginarayan Temple

Located in the Rudraprayag district, Triyuginarayan Temple is said to be the site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s divine wedding took place, with Lord Vishnu himself overseeing the arrangements. The Brahma Shila, a stone in front of the temple, marks the sacred wedding spot. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple holds great significance for devotees.

Kalimath Temple

Kalimath Temple, an important shrine in Rudraprayag, is dedicated to Goddess Kali. According to legend, after slaying the demon Raktbeej, Goddess Kali disappeared into the ground here. A sacred Sri Yantra (silver plate) marks the exact spot and is worshipped by devotees. This yantra is only removed once a year on the eighth day of Navratri during a special midnight ritual. Another belief states that the lower part of Goddess Kali is worshipped at Kalimath, while the upper part is venerated at Dhari Devi Temple in Srinagar, Uttarakhand.

Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath

Standing strong for over 5,000 years, the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath is one of the oldest Peeths (spiritual centers) in India. It serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar from November to April, when the deities are brought here for worship. Legend has it that King Mandhata performed a 12-year penance here, standing on one leg, until Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a sacred sound—Omkar. A stone statue of the king still resides in the temple.

Deoria Tal

Nestled near Chopta, Deoria Tal is a mesmerizing lake known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning reflections of the Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, Kalanag, Kedar, and Nilkantha peaks. According to mythology, this is the lake where the Yaksha Prashna episode from the Mahabharata took place, where Yaksha tested the wisdom of the Pandavas before allowing them to drink from its waters. Also called Indra Sarovar, the lake is believed to have been frequented by celestial beings for bathing, hence the name Deoria Tal.

Tungnath Temple

Perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the revered Panch Kedar shrines. It is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is associated with a fascinating legend from the Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for killing their kin. Shiva, disguised as a bull, attempted to evade them but was discovered by Bhima. As Shiva disappeared underground, different parts of his body manifested at various locations, with his arms appearing at Tungnath.

Another belief states that Lord Rama meditated here to atone for the Brahmahatya dosha (sin of killing Ravana, a Brahmin). Tungnath Temple can be reached via a scenic trek, which is categorized as easy to moderate. It is a spiritual haven for devotees and a paradise for adventure enthusiasts alike.