Haridwar & Rishikesh: Gateway to the Himalayas
Most Kedarnath packages begin in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar): Join the evening Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual of floating lamps on the Ganges.
Triveni Ghat (Rishikesh): Attend sunrise and sunset aartis against the backdrop of rocky gorges.
Laxman & Ram Jhulas: Stroll across these iconic suspension bridges linking yoga ashrams, cafés, and local markets.
Spiritual preparation here sets the tone for your high‑altitude pilgrimage.
Guptkashi: The Spiritual Base Camp
About 35 km from Sonprayag, Guptkashi is named after the hidden (“gupt”) Shiva lingam worshipped here.
Vishwanath Temple: Admire the ancient shrine’s stone carvings and cave sanctum.
Ardhnari Temple: Visit this small temple dedicated to Shiva’s androgynous form, reflecting divine unity.
Guptkashi offers comfortable guesthouses and a chance to acclimatize before the trek.
Sonprayag & Phata: Last Road Stops
Sonprayag: Confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers—ideal for photos and refreshments.
Phata: The final motorable point for many pilgrims; trekkers and helicopter services depart from here.
Both towns have basic accommodations and shops stocking trekking essentials.
Gaurikund: Trek’s Starting Point
At 1,980 m, Gaurikund is the traditional trailhead for Kedarnath.
Gauri Temple: Legend holds that Goddess Parvati (“Gauri”) meditated here.
Hot Springs: Take a warming dip in the natural sulpur springs before the uphill journey.
From Gaurikund, a 16 km trail winds through pine forests and waterfalls to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Temple: The Heart of the Yatra
Situated at 3,583 m, the 8th‑century Kedarnath Temple is the highlight of the pilgrimage.
Jyotirlinga Darshan: Participate in early‑morning puja rituals amid panoramic Himalayan peaks.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: Pay respects at the philosopher’s tomb adjacent to the temple.
Panoramic Views: Catch sunrise vistas that illuminate the Mandakini Valley in golden light.
Helicopter pilgrims fly directly to the helipad (2 km from the temple), bypassing the trek.
Chopta & Tungnath: Alpine Excursions
Just 60 km from Gaurikund, Chopta is known as “Mini Switzerland” for its lush meadows.
Tungnath Temple: The world’s highest Shiva temple at 3,680 m, reached via a 4 km trek.
Deoria Tal Trek: Optional side excursion to a reflective high‑altitude lake with mountain panoramas.
These offbeat spots add adventure and natural beauty to your Yatra.
Deoria Tal & Vasuki Tal: Offbeat Lake Treks
Deoria Tal: An easy 3 km hike yields mirror‑like reflections of Chaukhamba peaks—perfect for sunrise photography.
Vasuki Tal: A more strenuous trek to a glacial lake, offering solitude and dramatic landscapes.
Ideal for pilgrims seeking quiet moments amid pristine nature.
Triyuginarayan Temple: Divine Marriage Site
Located 25 km from Gaurikund, Triyuginarayan is believed to be the wedding venue of Shiva and Parvati.
Eternal Fire (Akhand Dhuni): A flame said to have burned since their divine union.
Panch Kedar Connection: Often combined with Kedarnath in extended pilgrimage circuits.
This serene shrine enriches your spiritual journey with mythological lore.