6 Popular Tourist Places to Visit Near Kedarnath

Cover Photo by Akshay syal

Planning a break from daily life? Why not consider a Kedarnath tour package to explore one of the most revered temple destinations of India? In fact, it may even be a good idea to explore the places near Kedarnath for a complete vacation where you can relax and unwind and enjoy some amazing experiences.

The Town of Kedarnath

Nestled in the mighty Garhwal Himalayas, the town of Kedarnath has been built around a revered temple devoted to Lord Shiva. The town is located at an altitude of 3,580 metres, near the Chorabari glacier, which is also the source of the Mandakini River. It is a uniquely soothing experience that awaits you in visiting places in Kedarnath. The ancient temple showcases exquisite architecture and has been built using large, evenly shaped grey stone slabs. There is a conical rock formation inside that is considered to be Lord Shiva’s Sadashiva form. The Sadashiva form is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, and Kedarnath is one of the Char Dhams. Other places near Kedarnath Temple include the Kedarnath Peak, Kedar Dome, and other Himalayan peaks which make for quite a sight for tourists to gaze upon.

The Kedarnath Trek

Starting from Gaurikund, the Kedarnath trek covers a distance of 16 km and can be commenced from 4 am to 1.30 pm in the day. Kedarnath is located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is why no pilgrim is allowed to start the trek after the specified times. As it is a high altitude trek, pilgrims need to get checked to see whether they are physically fit to go through with it or not. There are also many places on the Kedarnath trek that offer tented accommodation, restaurants, shops, etc. where tourists can take a break.

Places to Visit near Kedarnath

With natural beauty and amazing views of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is an amazing place to explore. Once you are done with Kedarnath, places near the ancient temple can be explored as well. Some of the best tourist places near Kedarnath that you can explore include:

Nainital

Distance: 154 km

One of the most well-known tourist places near Kedarnath, Nainital needs no introduction. Also known as the gem of Uttarakhand, the Naini Lake forms the focal point around which the hill station thrives. With a pleasant climate and incredible surroundings, Nainital is the perfect destination for a peaceful vacation. Depending on the places to visit near Kedarnath that you want to cover and the number of days you have, you can plan your itinerary for Nainital. Go boating, take a ropeway ride to Snow View Point, or visit Mall Road and the Tibetan Market for an exemplary shopping experience, there’s a lot to do in Nainital! Nainital is one of the places near Kedarnath that enjoys a pleasant snowfall during the winters, which is also a good time to visit if you want to attend the Uttarani and Kale Kaua Festival.

Rishikesh

Distance: 105 km

After Kedarnath, a tourist can visit Rishikesh for a completely exhilarating experience. The town is located at the convergence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga and is one of the most well-known tourist places near Kedarnath. Rishikesh is famous all over the world for its natural beauty, cafés, adventure activities, and temples and is visited by tourists throughout the year.

Among the best places to visit near Kedarnath, Rishikesh is home to Shivpuri, Neelkanth Mahadev, and the Beatles Ashram which you should definitely visit when you are in the region. The best activities that you can indulge in at Rishikesh include rafting, trekking, bungee jumping, flying fox, cliff jumping, mountain biking, and several other water sports. Rishikesh is also known as the Yoga Capital of the World, so whether you want a spiritual getaway or an adrenaline-filled one, Rishikesh has you covered.

Mussoorie

Distance: 101 km

The Queen of Hill Stations is another of the tourist places near Kedarnath that you can visit. Mussoorie, home to the British-descent Indian author, Ruskin Bond, is a stunning destination that is replete with serene natural beauty. This hill town is one of the best places near Kedarnath where you can experience untouched nature in its purest form. Mussoorie is located in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan range and offers amazing views of snow-covered peaks and rolling green slopes. Whether it is the winter season or the summers, Mussoorie is a great destination and one of the best places to visit near Kedarnath.

Haridwar

Distance: 123 km

Continue your spiritual journey at Haridwar, one of the important religious places near Kedarnath. Hundreds and thousands of tourists visit Haridwar each year and visiting the place during any festive season is an experience in itself. Nestled on the banks of the Ganga, Haridwar has more than temples to offer and is a fascinating place. Witnessing daily rituals like the famous Ganga aarti is enough reason to choose Haridwar from the many places to visit near Kedarnath. Once you reach Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi temple, Pavan Dham, and Vishnu Ghat are some of the places that you can consider visiting.

Badrinath

Distance: 40.8 km

Every tourist to Kedarnath must have considered visiting Badrinath at least once. Also known as the Mountain for Lord Shiva, Badrinath is a must-visit for any devotee of Lord Shiva. The biggest attraction for tourists here is the Badrinarayan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Apart from the temple, you can enjoy amazing views of snow-clad mountains or take a dip in the Tapt Kund, which is a hot water spring known to have medicinal values. Tourists to Kedarnath can plan their trip around the Bedri Kedar festival or the Mata Murti ka Mela to experience enthusiastic celebrations that will leave you in awe. When it comes to places you can visit together, Kedarnath and Badrinath are often clubbed in the same tour package.

The Neelkanth Peak, Valley of Flowers, Badrinath temple, and Chandra Paduka are some of the places you can visit in Badrinath.

Almora

Distance: 139 km

Another great place for tourists near Kedarnath is Almora, located in the wilderness of the Himalayas. A unique fact about Almora is that it is shaped like a horseshoe. Almora has a rich culture and heritage that is worth exploring and will leave you with everlasting memories. With pleasant weather, the mesmerising beauty of the Himalayas, excellent cuisines, handicrafts, and a variety of wildlife, there is no doubt that Almora is one of the best places to visit near Kedarnath.

There are a huge number of places to visit near Kedarnath that you can explore on your trip. Each destination has something unique and different to offer, and if you plan to explore these places to visit near Kedarnath, you can rest assured that you will have quite an enjoyable vacation with your family or friends.