About Kedarnath
Almora to Kedarnath distnce : 261 km
Estimated travel time : 9 hours
Almora to Kedarnath is the most popular route for pilgrimage. Kedarnath shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is most important Jyotirlinga among 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Kedarnath is the holiest pilgrimage for Hindus. Apart from strong religious belief Kedarnath has unmatched natural beauty which also attracts adventure seekers for trekking. Kedarnath is situated in middle of Garhwal mountains and Mandakini river is flowing in front of Kedarnath shrine. Kedarnath temple can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek. Pilgrims from all over world visit this shrine to take blessings of 'Supreme Being'. Kedarnath is very scenic place. Kedarnath shrine is surrounded by snow covered mountains and alpine forests. Immediately behind the temple is Keadardome peak. The sight of temple and the peak takes you to another world. Kedarnath shrine remains open in summers only i.e. from April to October. During the winters from November to May, the deity is shifted from Kedarnath temple to Ukhitmath. Other attractions of Kedarnath are Sonprayag, Gaurikund temple, Vasuki tal and for adventure seekers the famous Chadrashila trek. It starts from village Tungnath, which is known as the starting point of the popular Chopta Chadrashila Trek. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak gives you with a 360 degree view of the valleys below. The peaks of Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nilkanth and Kedarnath are all covered during the trek.
Taxi from Almora to Kedarnath is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Almora to Kedarnath by car is well connected through NH107 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Almora to Kedarnath distance is 261 Km and is 9 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
1. Rudraprayag - Located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, Rudraprayag is a scenic town known for its religious significance. It is a common stopover for pilgrims heading towards Kedarnath.
2. Guptkashi - This small town is famous for its ancient Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva hid from the Pandavas during the Mahabharata.
3. Sonprayag - Situated at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers, Sonprayag is another common stopover for pilgrims. From here, a trek of around 20 kilometers begins to reach Kedarnath.
4. Gaurikund - Gaurikund is the last motorable point before Kedarnath. It is a significant pilgrimage site and is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva's heart.
Tourist Attractions
Kedarnath Temple: A sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet.
Chandrashila Peak: Offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range and is a popular trekking destination.
Vasuki Tal: A picturesque lake situated at the base of the Chaukhamba peaks, ideal for camping and trekking.
Triyuginarayan Temple: Believed to be the wedding site of Lord Shiva and Parvati, known for its architectural beauty and religious significance.
Gaurikund: The starting point of the trek to Kedarnath, it is famous for its hot springs and religious importance.
Sonprayag: A scenic spot where the Mandakini and Basuki rivers meet, offering captivating views and a calm atmosphere.
Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Bhairavnath, the guard of the Kedarnath temple, this ancient temple attracts devotees and curiosity seekers.
Chorabari Tal: Also known as Gandhi Sarovar, it is a serene lake located near Kedarnath with pristine surroundings and tranquil ambiance.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: The final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, this site holds immense religious significance for Hindus.
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich in biodiversity, this sanctuary is home to several Himalayan flora and fauna species, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
