The holy city of Kedarnath witnesses thousands and thousands of pilgrims from the moment it opens until the moment it closes. Every year, hordes of pilgrims, devotees and tourists trek to this pious destination to not only seek blessings but also to enjoy the divine and naturally gifted town of Kedarnath.
One of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage spots, Kedarnath is truly magical. While the journey to Kedarnath itself is magical and filled with excitement and thrill, there are ways to make your journey even more amazing.
Kedarnath is flanked by some beautiful destinations that will capture your heart and steal it away! These places are natural beauties, filled with ancient temples and landscapes so serene and tranquil that your soul will be at peace. Visit some of these places, while on your journey to Kedarnath, to make your trip all the more memorable.
Here are some of the best places you can visit near Kedarnath.
Sonprayag
The highly religious place of Sonprayag is literally as golden as its name suggests. Prayag translates to confluence, which refers to the fact that this lovely place lies at the merger of the two pious rivers Basuki and Mandakini, making Sonprayag truly magical.
Located en route Kedarnath Yatra, you are most likely to encounter this place as you trek to Kedarnath. However, most people cross it and don’t bother exploring and experiencing the beauty of Sonprayag. Thus, if you do have the time, then you must stop and explore this stunning region and engulf as much of its soul-touching beauty as possible.
This place is also extremely religious, as Prayags are said to be sacred, and anybody who takes in a dip in any Prayag is said to achieve nirvana.
The views from the gorgeous Sonprayag Valley are truly breathtaking and you will be privy to views of the lofty Himalayan peaks, that peek out from the veils of fog covering it.
Visit Sonprayag to only take a dip into the chilling waters of the Prayag, but also to enjoy some exceptional views and natural beauty.
Triyuginarayan – 25 km from Kedarnath
This mystical location is located about 25 km from Kedarnath. You can easily arrange a day trip to Triyuginarayan to pray at the famous temple. The temple, also called the Triyuginarayan temple is supposedly the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Since then the temple is highly revered and several marriages also take place here. It is said if you get married here, then your marriage will last a lifetime and more.
The temple also houses the eternal flame that keeps burning inside, giving it a spiritual aura. Legends say, that this flame was used for the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The flame is still flickering and hasn’t burnt out.
The town of Triyuginarayan itself is worth exploring. There are majestic views and lush green meadows where you can roam around spend some peaceful time. The village is canopied by a dense thick forest that just adds to the allure of the town.
Triyuginarayan is always surrounded by a magnetic aura and will make for a great detour before you head off to Kedarnath.
Chopta – 35 km from Kedarnath
Located at a distance of 35 km from Kedarnath, Chopta is a heavenly destination. Veiled with thick white fog and views that will steal your heart away- Chopta is an amazing place to visit. It is located at an altitude of 2500 metres above sea level. This beautiful place is one of the most stunning spots in the Garhwal region, and the tales of its beauty is famous all over India. Many even refer to Chopta as ‘Mini Switzerland’.
This stunning valley provides some amazing views of the Himalayan ranges like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. The view is truly mesmerising. The entire valley is brimming with flowers, trees, and animals that roam around freely and merrily. The sweet flowers emanate a lovely fragrance that fills the air with an everlasting aroma. The gentle tree leaves keep dancing with the wind, and the clouds come down to say hello! Such is the natural marvel at this place.
It is almost a sin to come to Kedarnath and not visit Chopta.
Ukhimath – 37 from Kedarnath
The winter abode of Lord Kedarnath, Ukhimath is located at an altitude of 1317 km above sea level.
Ukhimath is blessed with some breathtaking views, from where you can view the intimidating, yet regal peaks of Neelkanth and Kedarnath. There are several ancient temples here as well, which you can explore and visit. You can explore all these temples and feel the divine energy being radiated all over Ukhimath.
If you visit Ukhimath in the winters then you can also witness the grand procession of the Utsav Dholi! The celebration is thrilling and exciting to witness.
There are regular pujas for Lord Omkareshwar as well, which you can attend to enjoy the authentic culture of this region.
Guptkashi: 49 km from Kedarnath
Another religious destination, Guptkashi has located about 49 km from Kedarnath. Known for its breathtaking temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji, this place is a must-visit destination while you are at Kedarnath. Nestled in the foothills of the great Himalayas, Guptkashi is a paradisiacal place.
The air at Guptkashi itself seems to have some magical properties which can heal you instantly. It is the perfect place for devotees and pilgrims to stop and rest at before continuing on their Kedarnath sojourn.
The temples here are Guptkashi, are architectural marvels and reflect the ideals of ancient India. The name Gupt means hidden. Legends suggest that Lord Shiva ‘hid’ in this place for some time to avoid a meeting with the Pandavas.
In the current times, this place is the perfect place to stop and to rejuvenate your batteries before heading on to Kedarnath.
Agastyamuni: 70 km from Kedarnath
A visit to the sacred temple of Agastyamuni is a great way to commence or end your Kedarnath journey. This holy temple is located en route Kedarnath. The main deity of this temple is Sage Agastya. The Agastyamuni is not only highly religious but also extremely historical. You will find almost life-like sculptures of God and Goddess carved out of stones at this temple. To even imagine the kind of art and craft culture that used to exist at that time is difficult, yet these sculptures prove that the was blossoming.
Located at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, this temple is located by the banks of Mandakini River, making it even more captivating. It is said Rishi Agastya meditated here for one year and to achieve enlightenment.
The highlight of this temple has to be the stunning carvings found on the walls of the temples.
Apart from this temple, you can spend some idle time at the banks of the river. You can take a walk, indulge in some fishing or simply sit on the soft grass and witness the natural beauty unfold in front of you. It is stunning and tranquil.
The Kedar Massif
If you are visiting the brilliant Kedarnath, then you just cannot miss the awe-inspiring Kedar Massif. This regal massif is framed by the three main mountains-Kedar domes, Kedarnath and Bharatekuntha. Perched at 6000 m above sea level, this massif is intercepted with frozen lakes and glistening glaciers which shine with the sun. The Mandakini glacier is also one such glacier that trickles down the ridges of the massif and makes it look so charming.
If you are up for a truly challenging only then should you attempt to climb this mountain? Otherwise, you can view this beauty from a distance. If you wish to trek it then take the route from behind the Kedarnath Temple to Bharatekuntha. The oxygen also gets thinner here. You can face breathing difficulties owing to the altitude.
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