In the Himalayas, Kedarnath is a spiritual town. It is one of Lord Shiva's most important pilgrimages and one of the famed Char Dham sites, and it is situated in Uttarakhand. With its snow-capped peaks, lush landscapes, verdant forests, and marvellous rhododendrons, this picturesque city exudes serenity. The city of Kedarnath is both a religious hub and a beautiful vacation spot, thanks to the Kedarnath Temple. Visitors to this hilly country include not just the religious, but also those who enjoy conquering the rugged terrain of Garhwal.

The Bhairava Temple, Gandhi Sarovar or Chorabari Lake (a gorgeous glacial lake), Son Prayag, and other attractions in Kedarnath are worth seeing. Chandrashila is a renowned trekking and hiking destination in the region, situated just 89 kilometres from Kedarnath. Herbs, valuable stones, blankets, religious artefacts, and other stuff can be found here. This region was ravaged by severe flooding in 2013, although it took some time to rebuild, the temple and town have recovered its former allure.

History of Kedarnath

Nar Narayan, according to mythology, used to adore Lord Shiva by creating a 'shivling' or idol. Lord Shiva is reported to have appeared to Nar Narayan and offered him one wish: to make this place his residence. That is how the name came to be. Lord Shiva is also known as Kedar. Another tradition claims that King Kedar (the father of Goddess Lakshmi) reigned over these areas, thus the name.

Culture of Kedarnath

The inhabitants of Kedarnath place a high value on faith, culture, and rituals. This town has a lot of festivals and events throughout the year. The Badri Kedar festival, held in June at the holy sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath, is the most important event. Performers from all over the country travel to Kedarnath for the festival, which lasts eight days. Food is served in the hotels that provide lodging, although there are also food vendors, local restaurants, and dhabas. Ras, chainsoo, jholi, kafuli, and chapatis or rotis are some of the most popular foods.

Things to do at Kedarnath

• 'Kedarnath Temple'- Hindus' Paradise: Feel fortunate at the Kedarnath Temple, one of Hinduism's most venerated sanctuaries. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism's holy triad. This centuries-old temple is located in Kedarnath, a Himalayan village that attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims each year.
• Unwind yourself at Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a huge lake close to Kedarnath in the Himalayas. To get to this lovely location, go on an exhilarating hike, braving the hardships that the steep heights bring. You will be enchanted by the spectacular splendour of this beautiful lake amidst lush green hills.
• Grant your wishes at Anusuya Devi Temple: The Anusuya Devi Temple is devoted to Goddess Anusuya and is located near Rudranath. This trip is thought to aid devotees who are in desperate need of something. Take the difficult journey to this shrine, where the road's splendour will charm you.

Take a hike to Chorabari Tal: Hike to Chorabari Tal, where the beautiful blue colour of the lake will fascinate you. Take in the tranquility of its waters as they mirror the clear sunny sky. This difficult-to-reach spot is pristine and unspoilt, and it's a treat to the eyes; it's so magnificently gorgeous that it stays in your memory as an everlasting image.

• Visit Shankaracharya Samadhi: Just below the Kedarnath Temple lies the Shankaracharya Samadhi, which has a stunning idol of Shankaracharya, one of Hinduism's most renowned figures. Take a walk through this region, which is often bustling with pilgrims. It's fun to look around the little stores selling worship things like garlands, agarbattis, and sculptures.
• Begin your camping adventure at Sunset Point: Travel to Sunset Point for unrivalled vistas of the Chopta Valley. This is a fantastic location for an overnight camping excursion. Many people will accompany you because this is the starting point for many treks such as Tungnath and Chandrashila. As the day comes to an end, take in the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the white mountains, which turn golden and pink.
• Trek up to the mesmerising Kedarnath peak: Try a walk to the snow-capped Kedarnath Peak if you're a mountain lover. The unity on these trips helps you establish devoted friends when your daring spirit reaches its extremities. This difficult climb will put your strength to the test. Appreciate the snow's stark, clean beauty as it mirrors the sun in a blindingly bright beam.

Places to visit 

• Bhairavnath Temple: This gorgeous shrine of God Bhairav, Lord Shiva's principal Gana, is located near Kedarnath Temple. It is one of the best temples to go in Kedarnath, as it is situated on a hillside. The guardian of the Kedarnath temple is believed to be the god of this temple.
• Sonprayag: Sonprayag is located at the convergence of the holy rivers Basuki and Mandakini. Take a dip in the combining rivers, which are thought to provide purity. Sonprayag is located in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district at an elevation of 1829 metres.
• Triyuginarayan Temple: The popular tourist site, which is perched at an elevation of 1,980 metres above sea level, is probably best known for its Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Triyuginarayan Temple. Shiva and Parvati are said to have wedded here, and Lord Vishnu was present to witness the holy marriage.
• Gaurikund: Gaurikund in Guptakashi is well-known as the beginning point and final roadhead before the Kedarnath Yatra begins. Gaurikund, nestled on the Mandakini River's banks, is rightfully regarded as the entrance to spirituality and redemption. The Gaurikund Temple and Gauri Lake are two well-known sites in the area.
• Tungnath and Chadrashila Trek: Tungnath is the beginning point for the renowned Chopta Chadrashila Trek, which begins in Uttarakhand. This settlement is bordered by evergreen forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron at a height of 2680m. This is one of the simplest treks in the Himalayan region, therefore it's ideal for beginners.
• Rudra Cave: Rudra Cave is an underground rock meditation cave in Uttarakhand, 1 kilometre from the Kedarnath Temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated here prior to the 2019 general election, and it became well-known. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) maintains the cave, which can accommodate a single person.

What is the best way to get here?

• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 239 kilometres from Kedarnath, is the closest domestic airport, with regular flights to Delhi. Taxis are available from Dehradun airport to Kedarnath. The nearest international airport is Delhi International Airport.
• By Train: Rishikesh, 221 kilometres distant, is the closest railhead. At the railway station, pre-paid cab services are available for around Rs 3,000.To reach to Kedarnath, one needs to drive 207 kilometres and walk the last 14 kilometres.
• By Road: Tourists can take daily buses to Kedarnath from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. These locations also provide private taxi services. The National Highway between Delhi and Mana (538 kilometres) is open all year. GauriKund, which is linked by government buses to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara, and Haridwar, is also walkable from Kedarnath. The cost of the bus varies according to the season.