Set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath, at the head of the Mandakini River, is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu.

The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. According to legend, Lord Shiva wished to elude the Pandavas, and took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a bull. When the Pandavas followed him here, too, he dived into the ground leaving behind him a hump on the surface. The conical protrusion is worshipped as the idol in the shrine.

The remaining parts of the body are worshipped at four other places — the arms at Tungnath, mouth at Rudranath, navel at Madmaheshwar and hair at Kalpeshwar. Together with Kedarnath these places are known as the Panch Kedar.

The lingam at Kedarnath, unlike its usual form, is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 jyotirlings. The shrine closes on the first day of Kartik (Oct-Nov) and reopens in Vaishakh (Apr-May) every year. During its closure the shrine is submerged in snow and worship is performed at Ukhimath.

Rail
Nearest railhead is Rishikesh : 221 km, of which 207 km. is motorable upto Gaurikund. The remaining 14 km. has to be covered on foot or on ponies. See Rishikesh for rail connections.

Road
Regular and Yatra bus services are available from Rishikesh and Kotdwar. Private taxies are also available from Rishikesh. Some major road distances are : Rambara-6 km on foot, Gaurikund-14 km on foot, Sonprayag-20 km, Guptkashi-49 km. Kund-54 km, Agastmuni-73 km, Tilwara-83 km, Rudraprayag-92 km. Ukhimath-59 km, Dogalbhita-83 km, Chopta-89 km, Mandal-117 km, Gopeshwar-128 km, Chamoli-138 km.

UP Tourism Accommodation
Tourist Rest House, GMVN. Ph.: (01372-86)6210 

Kedarnath Temple
Built in the 8th century A.D., the temple at Kedarnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was renovated and refurbished by the religious reformer and saint, Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Outside the temple door a large statue of Nandi the bull, stands as the guardian deity.

Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya
Located behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Samadhi or the final resting place where the saint gave up his life.

Bhairav Nath Temple
To the south of the main temple stands the temple of God Bhairav, the deity who guards the Kedarnath Temple in winter, when it is closed due to severe winter conditions.

Gandhi Sarovar
1.5 km. A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven.

Vasuki Tal
6 km. At 4135 mtr. above sea level, this lake is extraordinary, surrounded by high mountains and offering an excellent view of the Chaukhamba peaks.

Gauri Kund
15 km. The trekking base to Kedarnath and the road head, this village has a temple dedicated to Gauri and also thermal springs of medicinal value.

Sonprayag
20 km. The confluence of the Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers, where there is a diversion for Triyuginarayan.

Triyuginarayan
25 km. the mythological venue where the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati was solemnized. It 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
49 km. Famous for the temples of Ardhnarishwar and Vishwanathji.

Ukhimath
60 km. Winter home of Lord Kedarnath temple, and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath during winter months.

Agastmuni
73 km., Has a temple dedicated to the sage Agastya.

Chopta
Situated on the Gopeshwar Ukhimath road about 40 km from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs above sea level, Chopta is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it.