1.    Kedarnath Temple

Time: 08.00 AM

Enveloped in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple is among the 275 temples of Paadal Petra Sthalams (the most powerful Shiva temples in the world) and is also the most important among the Panch Kedar. With fresh air synonymous with the hills and stunning views that you have to earn – you will lose all sense of time here! For thousands of years, this place has been worshipped and the energy of the region is that of positivity, hope, and belief for the future. Inside the temple, you’ll be greeted with a small hall with images of Parvati as well as the Pandavas. The hall is decorated with statues of Krishna, Pandavas, Draupadi, Virbhadra, and many other deities! There is a conical rock inside the temple which is worshipped as the Sadashiva (forever Shiv). Made from grey stones which are interlocked with the use of iron clamps – the temple is truly striking in the backdrop of the Himalayas.

2. Gandhi Sarovar

Time: 09.30 AM

Gandhi Sarovar is a small crystal clear lake, also known as Chorabari Tal. This is so because it is situated on the mouth of the Chorabari Bamak glacier. Gandhi Sarovar lies on the foot of Kedarnath and Kirthi Stambh peaks at an astounding altitude of 3,900mts above sea level. The lake comes after completing a further 4 KMs trek from Kedarnath Temple.

3. Kalimath

Time: 10.30 AM

Kalimath is a religious place located on the banks of the Saraswati river. Located at a height of 1800 mts, Kalimath is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths in India. Kalimath lies on the lap of nature offering a salubrious and divine environment. Goddess Kali Temple is located in Kalimath. Legends believe that after killing Raktbeej, Kali Goddess went underneath the ground at this place!

4. Bhairav Temple

Time: 11.30 AM

Bhairavnath Temple or Bhairon Baba Mandir is situated south of the Kedarnath temple on the eastern hill of the lofty Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Bhairav – the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with destruction and devastation. The temple offers some stunning views of the Himalayas and it is a beautiful portion of your journey to Kedarnath!

5.    Gaurikund Temple

Time: 12.30 AM

Gaurikund temple is a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. According to myths and legends, this is the place where Goddess Parvati did penance involving ascetic and yoga practices to win over Shiva’s heart. It is believed that Lord Shiva admitted his love for the Goddess here and they then married at the Triyuginarayan temple.

6. Shankaracharya Samadhi

Time: 02.30 PM

Adi Shankaracharya was a philosopher, credited with unifying and establishing the main thoughts in Hinduism. At the age of 32, he decided to attain moksha at Kedarnath and merged with the land near the Kedarnath Temple. The samadhi is situated right behind the temple.

7. Vasuki Tal Lake

Time: 03.30 PM

Vasuki Tal is a high glacial lake situated at an impressive altitude of 14,200 feet above sea level near Kedarnath Dham. One can spot Brahma Kamal and other Himalayan flowers blooming around the placid lake, making for some spectacular views. Ideally, I would suggest you complete the route in the daytime itself, and spend the night at Kedarnath! The trek distance from Kedarnath temple is 8 KMs, an initial 3-4 KMs is easy before the ascend begins. The icy Vasuki Tal is just 900 meters downhill from Vasuki's top.

8. Guptakashi

Time: 04.30 PM

Guptkashi is situated 47 km before the holy shrine of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath. It is located on the route to Kedarnath on a ridge on the west side of the Mandakini river valley at an elevation of 1,319mts above sea level. Guptkashi is a religiously important town of Uttarakhand as it houses ancient temples like Vishwanath temple and Ardhnareshwar temple. A highly revered attraction, Manikarnika Kund is where two streams of the Ganga and Yamuna meet.

9. Kedarnath Trek

Time: 05.30 PM

Kedarnath trek is one of the most significant religious areas, especially in Hindu Mythology. The Temple of Lord Kedarnath (Shivji), which sits at the base of the summit, has stood the test of time and is revered amongst spiritual believers. Millions of pilgrims move mountains to offer their prayers and seek blessings of the Hindu Deity each year. The temple itself lies at the base of the Kedarnath Peak, facing the Kedar Parvat. A beginner-level trek, Kedarnath is especially beautiful in the winter months. One of the most remarkable crests in the Himalayan region, and both nature lovers and ardent trekkers tend to enjoy the experience.

10.    Char Dham Yatra

Time: 06.30 PM

The Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand is the four abodes of holy shrines – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. All four of these temples are situated within the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The prominence of the Charm Dham Yatra is immense amongst Hindus. Moreover, it is believed that every Hindu should do Char Dham Yatra at least once in their lifetime. The Great Reformer and Philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya, gathered together these Holy Pilgrimage places into a spiritual circuit around the 8th century.