About Kedarnath
Una to Kedarnath distnce : 1739 km
Estimated travel time : 34 hours
Una 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 Una to Kedarnath is readily available at CabBazar.
Route Information
Una to Kedarnath by car is well connected through NH7 and is very convenient and comfortable drive. Una to Kedarnath distance is 1739 Km and is 34 hours journey. Other famous tourist places on this route and nearby are :
1. Nadaun - Nadaun is a small town in Himachal Pradesh, situated on the banks of the Beas River. It is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance.
2. Kangra - Kangra is a beautiful valley in Himachal Pradesh, known for its ancient temples and picturesque landscapes. The Kangra Fort, Brajeshwari Devi Temple, and Masroor Rock Cut Temples are some of the famous attractions here.
3. Palampur - Palampur is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, famous for its tea gardens and beautiful landscapes. The Tashijong Monastery, Bir-Billing (for paragliding), and Baijnath Temple are worth visiting.
4. McLeod Ganj - McLeod Ganj, located near the city of Dharamshala, is the residence of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile. It is known for its Tibetan culture, Buddhist temples, and stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.
5. Chamunda Devi Temple - Situated on the banks of the Baner River, Chamunda Devi Temple is a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Chamunda. It is known for its religious significance and beautiful surroundings.
6. Rudraprayag - Rudraprayag is a small town located at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It is a significant stopover on the way to Kedarnath. The temples of Rudranath and Koteshwar, along with the stunning river views, are worth exploring.
7. Guptkashi - Guptkashi is another important town on the way to Kedarnath. The ancient Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhnareshwar Temple are notable attractions here.
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.