Tourist Places to Visit Near Kedarnath – Complete Travel Guide

Triyuginarayan Temple is the sacred spot where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, and the eternal flame (Akhand Jyoti) still burns to commemorate this celestial union. It’s a revered site for couples seeking blessings and a breathtaking cultural experience amid Himalayan backdrops. About 13–25 km from Kedarnath depending on route.

Sonprayag is a beautiful pilgrimage town located at the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers. It’s a spiritual place where many pilgrims stop before proceeding to the Kedarnath trek. The scenery here showcases majestic mountains and holy waters believed to purify the soul.

Vasuki Tal is a pristine high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Accessible by an 8 km trek from Kedarnath, the lake is known for its crystal-clear waters and sacred Brahma Kamal flowers that bloom at night — a treat for nature lovers and trekkers.

Also known as Gandhi Sarovar, this glacial lake lies about 3 km from the Kedarnath Temple and offers serene views with snow-covered peaks reflected in still waters. It’s also tied to history as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here, adding spiritual significance.

Covering a large region around Kedarnath, this wildlife sanctuary amazes with verdant valleys, rich flora and fauna, and spectacular views of the Garhwal Himalayas. It’s an ideal stop for travelers seeking nature photography and peaceful forest walks.

Located close to Kedarnath town, the Rudra Meditation Cave is a peaceful retreat used for meditation and introspection. Popularized after being visited by national figures, this cave offers calm and spiritual depth steps away from the temple route.

This lush valley town serves as the last motorable stop before the Kedarnath trek. Known for hot springs and the Goddess Gauri Temple, Gaurikund is a spiritual place with scenic beauty that marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey.

Guptakashi is an ancient temple town on the way to Kedarnath, famous for the Vishwanath Temple and Ardhanareshvara Temple, and known as the “hidden Kashi” due to its religious significance and mountain vistas.

Ukhimath is said to be the venue where Usha (Vanasur’s daughter) and Anirudh (Lord Krishna’s grandson), got married, as per Hindu mythology. Not only that, but this site also serves as the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar, which means that when the temples are closed during winter, the idols are worshipped at Ukhimath Temple or Omkareshwar Temple. From the tiny hamlet of Ukhimath, one can get a visual feast of the Himalayas grandeur, featuring the ranges of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Neelkanth peaks, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking peace and spirituality.

Distance - It is on the way to Kedarnath.

Tucked away at an altitude of 1800 meters, Kalimath is a small village & among the esteemed 108 Shakti Peethas. Let me tell you a fascinating thing about this temple, unlike others, it is not the idol that is worshipped, but a sacred Kund. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple remains open throughout the year and draws a huge crowd of devotees. Visiting Kalimath Temple during Navratri will be worthwhile, as the entire region comes alive with vibrant celebrations and joy.

Distance - 45 km/10-12 hours trekking from Kedarnath Temple

The temple is linked to Maharishi (Sage) Agastya, he is believed to have meditated here, and his blessings are considered necessary for the devotees seeking to trek the challenging trail of Kedarnath Temple.
Distance - 18 km from Rudraprayag, 53 km from Gaurikund.

Bhairavnath temple is one of the sacred sites closest to Kedarnath Dham. The darshan to Kedarnath Temple is considered unfinished without a visit to the Bhairavnath Temple. Bhairavnath is the guardian deity and protector of the region. As per legend, Bhairavnath was entrusted by Lord Shiva with the responsibility of safeguarding the Kedarnath Valley, making his blessings a crucial part of the pilgrimage journey. Devotees believe that Bhairavnath’s darshan will keep them safe and sound throughout their journey to Kedarnath.

Distance - 1.5 km from Kedarnath Temple
How to reach - Trekking

The Shankaracharya Samadhi is just behind the Kedarnath Temple, the ‘final resting place’ of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu saint, spiritual guru, and philosopher of the 8th century. He is credited for consolidating the Advait Vedanta philosophy and establishing four ‘Mathas’ across India. In his short yet profound life, he established and re-established numerous temples, and Kedarnath Temple is also one of them. The samadhi is just a couple of hundred meters from the Kedarnath temple and is one of must-see spots around Kedarnath.

Distance - 600 meters from the Kedarnath Temple