Kedarnath is a lovely town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a popular pilgrimage and naturalist destination. There are various locations nearby that are worth investigating if you are visiting Kedarnath. The following are 8 locations to visit near Kedarnath:
1. Vasuki Tal:
It is a high-altitude lake with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains that is located 4,135 metres above sea level. Vasuki Tal is a difficult place to reach, but the lake’s beauty makes the effort worthwhile.
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, located about 215 kilometres from Vasuki Tal, is the closest railway station. You can take a bus or a taxi from Rishikesh to Gaurikund, which is where the trip to Kedarnath begins. Vasuki Tal may be reached by foot in 6-7 hours of trekking from Kedarnath. Between Kedarnath and Vasuki Tal, there are about 8 miles.
Personal Experience:
One must go through the stunning Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary to get to Vasuki Tal. The trek is difficult and demands a high level of fitness and stamina. But the trek is worthwhile because of the breathtaking Himalayan views and the untouched natural beauty of the surroundings.
Hindus revere the lake as a sacred location because they think it is connected to Lord Vishnu. Near the lake, there is a small Lord Vishnu temple that is frequented by many followers.
While it is prohibited to camp close to Vasuki Tal, hikers are permitted to set up camp close to the Vasuki Ganga, a nearby river. Vasuki Tal is best visited in May, June, and from September through November.
Hindus revere the lake as a sacred location because they think it is connected to Lord Vishnu. Near the lake, there is a small Lord Vishnu temple that is frequented by many followers.
While it is prohibited to camp close to Vasuki Tal, hikers are permitted to set up camp close to the Vasuki Ganga, a nearby river. Vasuki Tal is best visited in May, June, and from September through November.
2. Auli:
In the Indian state of Uttarakhand is the lovely hill town of Auli. It is a well-liked location for skiing and trekking and is well-known for its gorgeous Himalayan views. Here are some facts about Auli:
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, around 250 miles from Auli, is the closest railway station. You may travel to Auli from Rishikesh by bus or cab. Auli and Kedarnath are separated by around 160 miles, and travelling between them by car takes 7-8 hours.
Personal Experience:
Auli’s slopes are covered in snow during the winter, making it a prime location for skiing and snowboarding. The National Winter Games and other skiing competitions have been held in Auli in the past. Skiers may easily ascend to the slope’s top thanks to the chair lift and ski lift at the Auli ski resort.
In addition to skiing, Auli offers visitors the chance to go camping and hiking. Auli’s Gurson Bugyal walk is a well-liked trip that provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas and the Nanda Devi peak.
From December to February, and April to June when the slopes are covered in snow and skiing is at its peak, is the best time to visit Auli.
In addition to skiing, Auli offers visitors the chance to go camping and hiking. Auli’s Gurson Bugyal walk is a well-liked trip that provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas and the Nanda Devi peak.
From December to February, and April to June when the slopes are covered in snow and skiing is at its peak, is the best time to visit Auli.
3. Rudraprayag:
A little town called Rudraprayag may be found in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Hindus revere this area, which is where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet, as a sacred site. Listed below are some facts about Rudraprayag:
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, 140 km distant, is the closest railway station to Rudraprayag. You may travel to Rudraprayag from Rishikesh by bus or cab. Rudraprayag and Kedarnath are separated by around 75 kilometres, and travelling between them by car takes 3 to 4 hours.
Personal Experience:
I discovered Rudraprayag is well-known for its temples and pilgrimage sites during my virtual travels. The Kedarnath Temple, one of the four Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage destinations, is the most well-known temple in Rudraprayag. Every year, millions of followers of Lord Shiva visit the temple, which is devoted to him.
Also popular are trekking and adventurous pursuits in Rudraprayag. The town acts as the starting point for a number of treks, including the Rudranath, Vasuki Tal, and Kedarnath treks. Along the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers’ banks, visitors can go rafting and camp.
The best months to travel to Rudraprayag are April through June and September through November.
Also popular are trekking and adventurous pursuits in Rudraprayag. The town acts as the starting point for a number of treks, including the Rudranath, Vasuki Tal, and Kedarnath treks. Along the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers’ banks, visitors can go rafting and camp.
The best months to travel to Rudraprayag are April through June and September through November.
4. Triyuginarayan:
A little village called Triyuginarayan may be found in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located at a height of 1,980 metres and is well-known for its old Lord Vishnu temple.
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, which is around 205 kilometres away, is the closest railway station to Triyuginarayan. It is also the furthest from Kedarnath. To go to Triyuginarayan from Rishikesh, you can take a bus or a taxi. It takes about 1-2 hours to drive from Triyuginarayan and Kedarnath, which is a distance of about 34 miles.
Personal Experience:
I’ve discovered that the Triyuginarayan Temple is among India’s oldest and most revered temples throughout my virtual travels. At 1,980 metres above sea level, the temple provides breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. The temple is composed of stone and has lovely architecture that is reminiscent of the early Indian manner of building temples.
Trekking and camping are available to Triyuginarayan visitors in the nearby hills. A well-liked trekking path in the region that provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys is the trip to the Vasuki Tal Lake.
Triyuginarayan is best visited between April and June and September and November when the weather is nice.
Trekking and camping are available to Triyuginarayan visitors in the nearby hills. A well-liked trekking path in the region that provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys is the trip to the Vasuki Tal Lake.
Triyuginarayan is best visited between April and June and September and November when the weather is nice.
5. Chopta:
The Indian state of Uttarakhand contains the little hill town of Chopta. It is recognised for its scenic beauty, trekking paths, and elevation of 2,680 metres.
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, located approximately 225 kilometres from Chopta, is the closest railway station. You may travel to Chopta from Rishikesh by bus or cab. Chopta and Kedarnath are separated by around 42 miles, and travelling between them by car takes about 2-3 hours.
Personal Experience:
I discovered that Chopta is well-known for its hiking trails and camping areas during my virtual excursions. The Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek, which provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys, is the most well-known trekking path in Chopta. The moderately difficult journey takes about 4-5 hours to accomplish.
Visitors to Chopta have the option of camping in the nearby woodlands in addition to hiking. In Chopta, there are many campgrounds that provide a tranquil and serene atmosphere. In the woodlands of Chopta, visitors can also take photographs and take pleasure in birding.
When the weather is nice and the trekking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Chopta.
Visitors to Chopta have the option of camping in the nearby woodlands in addition to hiking. In Chopta, there are many campgrounds that provide a tranquil and serene atmosphere. In the woodlands of Chopta, visitors can also take photographs and take pleasure in birding.
When the weather is nice and the trekking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Chopta.
6. Joshimath:
It is a charming town that can be found in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Auli, Badrinath, and the Valley of Flowers National Park are just a few of the well-known tourist attractions in the area that may be reached through it. Listed below are some details regarding Joshimath:
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, about 250 kilometres away, is the closest railway station to Joshimath. To get to Joshimath from Rishikesh, use a bus or a taxi. Joshimath and Kedarnath are separated by around 234 miles, and travelling between them by car takes 9 to 10 hours.
Personal Experience:
I discovered Joshimath is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site and the winter residence of Lord Badri during my virtual travels. A number of well-known Hindu temples, including Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib, and Valley of Flowers, are also accessible from the town.
In addition to its religious significance, Joshimath is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings. The town boasts beautiful views of the Himalayas and is encircled by snow-capped mountains. Joshimath visitors can go hiking and camping in the surrounding hills, as well as to the adjacent Auli Ski Resort, a well-liked skiing resort in India.
The Narsingh Temple, which is devoted to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is one of Joshimath’s top tourist destinations. Hindus revere the temple as a sacred site, and its age is estimated to be over 1,200 years.
When the weather is nice and the hiking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Joshimath. The town is buried in snow throughout the winter, and Joshimath’s access roads are frequently closed because of significant snowfall.
In addition to its religious significance, Joshimath is renowned for its stunning natural surroundings. The town boasts beautiful views of the Himalayas and is encircled by snow-capped mountains. Joshimath visitors can go hiking and camping in the surrounding hills, as well as to the adjacent Auli Ski Resort, a well-liked skiing resort in India.
The Narsingh Temple, which is devoted to Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is one of Joshimath’s top tourist destinations. Hindus revere the temple as a sacred site, and its age is estimated to be over 1,200 years.
When the weather is nice and the hiking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Joshimath. The town is buried in snow throughout the winter, and Joshimath’s access roads are frequently closed because of significant snowfall.
7. Deoria Tal:
A picturesque lake called Deoria Tal can be found in Uttarakhand, India’s Garhwal region.
Distance from Kedarnath and the local station:
Rishikesh, 160 km distant, is the closest railway station to Deoria Tal. To get to Sari Village, the starting point of the journey to Deoria Tal, from Rishikesh, you can take a bus or a taxi. Deoria Tal and Kedarnath are separated by around 73 miles, and travelling between them by car takes about 4-5 hours.
Personal Experiece:
The vast forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendron trees that surround Deoria Tal, which add to its natural beauty, are something I discovered during my virtual explorations. The Chaukhamba and Kedarnath summits, as well as other snow-capped hills, round the lake.
In the nearby hills, Deoria Tal visitors can go hiking and camping. The Chandrashila Trek, which provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys, is the most well-liked trekking path in Deoria Tal. The moderately difficult journey takes about 4-5 hours to accomplish.
In addition to hiking and camping, Deoria Tal visitors can take advantage of the nearby forests for birdwatching and photography. The Himalayan monal, the official bird of Uttarakhand, is one of several bird species that call the lake home.
Hindus also revere Deoria Tal as a spiritual location. Hindu mythology holds that the Pandavas, the protagonists of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, stopped by Deoria Tal while they were exiled.
When the weather is nice and the hiking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Deoria Tal. The lake is covered in snow throughout the winter, and the roads leading to Deoria Tal are frequently closed because of significant snowfall.
In the nearby hills, Deoria Tal visitors can go hiking and camping. The Chandrashila Trek, which provides breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas and the surrounding valleys, is the most well-liked trekking path in Deoria Tal. The moderately difficult journey takes about 4-5 hours to accomplish.
In addition to hiking and camping, Deoria Tal visitors can take advantage of the nearby forests for birdwatching and photography. The Himalayan monal, the official bird of Uttarakhand, is one of several bird species that call the lake home.
Hindus also revere Deoria Tal as a spiritual location. Hindu mythology holds that the Pandavas, the protagonists of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, stopped by Deoria Tal while they were exiled.
When the weather is nice and the hiking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Deoria Tal. The lake is covered in snow throughout the winter, and the roads leading to Deoria Tal are frequently closed because of significant snowfall.
8. Gaumukh:
In India’s Uttarakhand province, in the Garhwal region, is the well-known hiking destination of Gaumukh.
Distances:
Dehradun, which is around 240 km away, is the closest railway station to Gaumukh. It is also the furthest from Kedarnath. You can take a bus or a taxi from Dehradun to Gangotri, which is where the trek to Gaumukh begins. The walk between Kedarnath and Gaumukh is around 87 kilometres long and takes three to four days to accomplish.
Personal Experiece:
In my virtual travels, I’ve discovered that both Hindus and adventure seekers enjoy making the pilgrimage to Gaumukh. The journey to Gaumukh begins in Gangotri, a town that is 3,048 metres above sea level and the starting point for the climb.
The journey to Gaumukh is rated as moderate to arduous and takes two to three days to complete. The trip travels through many tiny towns and thick forests while providing breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, notably the Bhagirathi peaks.
When you arrive in Gaumukh, you can see where the Ganges River began, which is an incredible experience. The glacier is a huge sheet of ice in and of itself, and the water that flows from it is quite chilly.
The Himalayan monal, musk deer, and blue sheep are just a few of the bird and animal species that call Gaumukh home, in addition to its religious significance.
When the weather is nice and the trekking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Gaumukh. The journey to Gaumukh is frequently cancelled during the winter months due to heavy snowfall on the glacier.
The journey to Gaumukh is rated as moderate to arduous and takes two to three days to complete. The trip travels through many tiny towns and thick forests while providing breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, notably the Bhagirathi peaks.
When you arrive in Gaumukh, you can see where the Ganges River began, which is an incredible experience. The glacier is a huge sheet of ice in and of itself, and the water that flows from it is quite chilly.
The Himalayan monal, musk deer, and blue sheep are just a few of the bird and animal species that call Gaumukh home, in addition to its religious significance.
When the weather is nice and the trekking conditions are good, April to June and September to November are the finest times to visit Gaumukh. The journey to Gaumukh is frequently cancelled during the winter months due to heavy snowfall on the glacier.
Personal Experience:
The Kedarnath Yatra is an experience of a lifetime that calls for mental and physical preparation, perseverance, and faith. These suggestions can help you enjoy a hassle-free, safe pilgrimage to Kedarnath and an unforgettable spiritual experience.
The final motorable road head is Gaurikund, and it is a 16 km walk from there to Kedarnath. The journey is regarded as difficult since it has high rises and descents, and some individuals may have breathing problems due to the altitude. The trip is worthwhile, though, because of the surrounding mountains’ stunning scenery and the temple’s spiritual significance.
The temple and its surroundings are overrun with Indian pilgrims during the yatra season, which typically lasts from April to November. Along the trip, the government and numerous non-governmental organisations offer amenities like lodging, food, and medical care.
The Kedarnath Yatra is often regarded by many devotees who participate in it as a life-changing experience. It is a trip that calls for stamina on the physical and mental levels as well as confidence in the supernatural. .
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Top FAQs
What are some prominent tourist destinations close to Kedarnath?
Auli, Rudraprayag, Triyuginarayan, Badrinath, Joshimath, and Kedarnath are a few of the well-liked tourist destinations close to Kedarnath.
How do I go to these locations close to Kedarnath?
The majority of these locations close to Kedarnath are accessible via road or by hiking. To get to these locations, you can take a bus or a taxi. You must trek to various locations, like Deoria Tal and Vasuki Tal.
What time of year is ideal for visiting these locations close to Kedarnath?
The summer months of April to June and the post-monsoon months of September to November are the ideal times to visit these locations close to Kedarnath. The weather is favourable, and there are open roads and hiking trails during these months.
Are there lodging options close to these locations around Kedarnath?
Hotels, guesthouses, and campsites are among the different lodging options that are available close to these locations around Kedarnath. You can make a decision based on your preferences and budget.
Is it safe to travel to these locations close to Kedarnath?
It is safe to travel to these locations close to Kedarnath. But it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions, like bringing the right gear, enough food and water, and a first aid kit.
How much time does it take to get to these locations close to Kedarnath?
Depending on the distance and the means of transportation, it may take some time to get to these Kedarnath-area locations. For instance, travelling by road from Delhi to Badrinath takes about 4-5 hours and from Auli to Badrinath about 2-3 hours. The amount of time needed for trekking is determined by the distance and the level of difficulty.
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