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Kedarnath Temple: The principal attraction at Kedarnath is the temple dedicated to Lord Kedareshwara. The temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 9th century, when he established the Jyotirlingam in Kedarnath. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. Figures of various deities and scenes from mythology adorn the inner walls of the assembly hall. Outside the temple door a large statue of Nandi Bull stands as guard. The temple is built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, which evoke wonder and awe as to how these heavy slabs were handled in those days.

Gandhi Sarovar: An important place near by is the Gandhi Sarovar, which earlier known as Chorabhari Tal. The lake is about three kilometers away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath massif. This lake has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in Lake. According to the legend this is where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven.

Gaurikund: The last road head to Kedarnath, Gaurikund is the base for trek to Kedarnath. Gaurikund has hot water springs, which are believed to medicinal values. Gaurikund also has a temple dedicated to Gauri Devi, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this is the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to attain Lord Shiva.

Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is 6 km away and is at 4135 m above sea level. The lake is surrounded by high mountains and offer excellent views of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Triyuginarayan: An interesting mythological place where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized, Triyuginarayan is a short trek of 5 km from Son Prayag. An eternal flame, which is said to have been the witness to the marriage, burns in front of the temple even today.

Gupt Kashi: Gupt Kashi is 49 km before Kedarnath and is famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.

Ukhimath: 60 km away from Kedarnath is winter home of Lord Kedarnath. It is also the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.

Chopta: A scenic destination situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road, Chopta is about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 m above sea level. Chopta provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.

Deoria Tal: At an altitude of 2,440 m, this beautiful lake is situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. It is best to visit the lake in the morning as the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. Read Travelogue.

Gaurikund is the place where most of stay options for Kedarnath are available. There are a number of hotels and guest houses at Gaurikund, which provide basic accommodation to pilgrims. There are GMVN tourist rest houses at Gaurikund and Kedarnath, which can be booked online.
Check hotels in Kedarnath.

By Air: The nearest airport is at Dehradun.

By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station at 300 km away from Badrinath is nearest railhead. Haridwar and Kotdwar are other near by railway stations.

By Road: The closest railway stations are at Haridwar (221 km) and Rishikesh (200 km).

Best Time to Visit
Gaurikund is the last motor head to Kedarnath. A 14 km trek from Gaurikund takes one to Kedarnath. There are a number of porters, ponies and palanquins available for people who find it difficult to trek to the shrine. Gaurikund is well-connected by road from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar and Kotdwar.