Kedarnath Ji shrine is cradled at an altitude of about 3584 meters and is counted among the 12 famed Shiva Jyotirlingas that our country has. A Darshan of Kedarnath Ji, who is a form of Lord Shiva paves the way to ‘Moksha’ or salvation for mankind. Your Darshan of Kedarnath Shrine in the course of your Chardham Yatra will purify your soul and energize you in mind & body. The heavenly scenic beauty around consists of snow-capped Himalayan mountain ranges, gurgling rivers, rare species of fauna & flora, and picturesque valleys. All these treasures from the storehouse of nature along with the wealth of spirituality & holy myths make Kedarnath Dham a real treasure trove. From cultures to natural wonders, this valley has everything.
If you are a psycho-centric (A tourist who has the zeal to visit unexplored destinations) then you are welcome in Kedar Valley of the Himalayas to explore. There are some attractions and places which you can explore and visit during the trip to Kedarnath Ji.
List of the 17 Best Places to Visit near Kedarnath Baba
1. Sonprayag
Situated just 20 km from Kedarnath very famous for its natural beauty and different kind of vegetation. Due to the confluence of River Son Ganga and Mandakini, this confluence gets its name Sonprayag.
2. Gauri Kund
Just 14km from Kedarnath, Gaurikund is a Base camp for devotees visiting Kedarnath. Its place also has a Mythological importance here Goddess Gauri consort of Lord Shiva used to take bath in a Kund, while guarding the door of Kund Ganesh stopped lord Shiva to enter. Lord Shiva got angry and cut the head of Ganesh. Thus a holy temple of Lord Ganesh was made near Sonprayag named Sarkata Ganesh. There is also a hot spring pond near Gaurikund devotees who usually take a curative bath before starting their trek to Kedarnath.
3. Shri Bhairavnath 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 Bhairavnath protects the temple in winter.
4. Shankaracharya Samadhi
There is a Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya just behind the Kedar Dham temple. It is believed Guru Shankaracharya was his incarnation of Lord Shiva, after establishing the four Dham in four corners of India in the 8th century, he took Samadhi at Kedarnath.
5. Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar)
Chorbari is a beautiful and icy Lake situated just 2 km above Kedarnath. According to the wish of Gandhi ji after their death of Gandhi, his bone and ashes were immersed in this lake, and since then this lake is also known as Gandhi Sarovar.
6. 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 burns even today believes to have been the witness to the marriage of lord Shiva.
7. Guptakashi
About 39 km from Kedarnath Ji this is the place where Lord Shiva remained escaped from Pandavas after leaving Kashi or Varanasi. The temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanath are very famous and beautiful.
8. Vasuki Tal
About 6 km from Kedarnath, situated at 4135 m. of height this beautiful lake is very mysterious and awesome. Give an amazing reflection of Chaukhamba Peak.
9. Chopta
Altitude 2680 mts, About 64 km 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.
10. Chandrashila
Altitude: 4000m, About 1.5 km 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 a high-altitude botanical garden is the prime attraction of this place.
11. 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.
12. Tungnath
Altitude: 3680m, About a 3.5 km 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 Pandva Brothers in the adjacent shrine of Tungnath.
13. Kalimath
About 27 km from Ukhimath it is a Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Kali situated in a natural lap of the Himalayas this temple attracts thousands of devotees during the Navratri festival.
14. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
About 7 km from Chopta this sanctuary is located on the road of Chopta-Gopeshwar. This musk dear sanctuary is very famous for preserving the endangered species of musk deer. This sanctuary is also a residence of various Himalayan wildlife like black beer.
15. Gopeshwar
At an altitude of 1500 m, about 39 Km from Chopta, this town is the headquarters of the Chamoli district. Very famous for its natural beauty this town also has an ancient temple of Lord Shiva named Gopinath. The name of this temple this town got its name Gopeswar.
16. Deoria Tal
This amazing and beautiful lake is situated about 3 km from Chopta. It is believed that Pandava became unconscious after drinking the water, but being happy over the answer of Yudhishthira the God of this lake made alive four other Pandavas, A reflection of Chaukhamba Peak in crystal clear water is amazing.
17. Agastyamuni
About 73 km from Kedarnath Ji en route to Phata, this place got its name after the ancient saint Agastya. It is believed that sage penanced here over several years.
