Places to visit Near Kedarnath.
1. Guptkashi
- Distance from Sonprayag: 30 km
- History and Importance:
- Guptkashi holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Shiva hid here to evade the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- The town is home to the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Ardhnarishwar Temple, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Parvati.
- How to Reach:
- From Sonprayag, Guptkashi is accessible by road. Local taxis and buses frequently ply this route.
- Time Taken to Reach:
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
- Visiting Timings:
- The temples are generally open from early morning (around 6:00 AM) to late evening (around 7:00 PM).
2. Triyuginarayan Temple
- Distance from Sonprayag: 12 km
- History and Importance:
- This temple is revered as the site where Lord Shiva and Parvati’s celestial marriage took place, witnessed by Lord Vishnu.
- The temple houses an eternal flame, which is said to have been burning since the time of their marriage.
- How to Reach:
- The site can be reached by a combination of road and a short trek. Local transportation is available up to a point, followed by a trek.
- Time Taken to Reach:
- Around 1 hour by road plus a 30-minute trek.
- Visiting Timings:
- Open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
3. Chopta
- Distance from Sonprayag: 37 km
- History and Importance:
- Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a beautiful hill station and base for trekking to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple.
- It is also the gateway to the Chandrashila peak, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- How to Reach:
- Accessible by road from Sonprayag, with local taxis and buses available.
- Time Taken to Reach:
- Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
- Visiting Timings:
- The area is open all day, but trekking is best undertaken during daylight hours for safety.
4. Vasuki Tal
- Distance from Sonprayag: Approximately 16 km (8 km trek from Kedarnath)
- History and Importance:
- Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake with mythological significance, believed to have been visited by Lord Vishnu.
- The serene environment and clear waters are major attractions for trekkers and pilgrims.
- How to Reach:
- From Kedarnath, a trek of about 8 km is required to reach the lake.
- Time Taken to Reach:
- Around 4 to 5 hours of trekking from Kedarnath.
- Visiting Timings:
- Trekking is recommended during daylight hours. The best times to visit are early morning to afternoon.
5. Gaurikund
- Distance from Sonprayag: 5 km
- History and Importance:
- Gaurikund is the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath and is named after Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Gauri.
- The hot springs and the Gaurikund Temple are major attractions here.
- How to Reach:
- Easily accessible by road from Sonprayag. Local transport options are readily available.
- Time Taken to Reach:
- Approximately 15 to 20 minutes by road.
- Visiting Timings:
- The temple and hot springs are accessible from early morning (around 5:00 AM) to evening (around 8:00 PM).
6. Sonprayag
- Distance from Sonprayag: This is the base location.
- History and Importance:
- Located at the confluence of the rivers Mandakini and Songanga, Sonprayag is a holy site for Hindus.
- It is believed that a dip in these waters can help one attain salvation.
- How to Reach:
- Sonprayag is well-connected by road and serves as the main stop for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath.
- Visiting Timings:
- Accessible throughout the day, but early morning and late evening are considered the best times for spiritual activities.
7. Ukhimath
- Distance from Sonprayag: 18 km
- History and Importance:
- Ukhimath is the winter seat of the Kedarnath deity and houses the Omkareshwar Temple.
- The temple is significant as it is where the idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are brought during the winter months.
- How to Reach:
- Accessible by road from Sonprayag. Regular local transport is available.
- Time Taken to Reach:
- Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by road.
- Visiting Timings:
- The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Conclusion
Exploring the areas surrounding Kedarnath enriches the pilgrimage experience by offering a blend of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural heritage. Each site is accessible with manageable travel times and provides unique insights into the region’s religious and natural landscape. Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips considering the best times to visit and the availability of local transport and amenities.
Read more Articles Here
