Kedarnath temple in front of snow-capped mountains, Rudraprayag (photo: Varshit G, Unsplash)

Things to Do at Kedarnath: Darshan, Bhairavnath, Samadhi & Vasuki Tal

Kedarnath is the highest of the Char Dham, a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva at about 3,583 m in Rudraprayag district. It is reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund or by helicopter, and is open from late April or May until Bhai Dooj.

Must doEvening aarti and dawn darshan
Short walkBhairavnath temple
For trekkersVasuki Tal

At Kedarnath

Darshan and aarti

Join the evening aarti, then come back at dawn for darshan with the peaks glowing behind.

May - Oct2-4 hrsEasy

Bhim Shila

The boulder that saved the temple in 2013, now worshipped by pilgrims.

May - Oct15 minEasy

Shankaracharya Samadhi

A memorial with a 12-foot statue of Adi Shankaracharya behind the temple.

May - Oct30 minEasy

Bhairavnath temple

A steep 1 km walk above town with a view over the whole valley.

May - Oct1 hrModerate

Further away

Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)

A glacial lake about 3 km above Kedarnath, the source of the 2013 flood.

Jun - OctHalf dayModerate

Vasuki Tal

A high lake at about 4,100 m, a tough 8 km climb. Go with a guide.

Jun - SepFull dayDifficult

Triyuginarayan

The temple where Shiva and Parvati are said to have married, with an eternal flame. Near Sonprayag.

All yearHalf dayEasy

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