Just 8 km from Kedarnath, this small glacial lake is a must-see, surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains that offer breathtaking views.
Located merely 1 km from Kedarnath Temple, this shrine is dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the protector of Kedarnath. It’s a definite must-visit.
A beautiful lake situated near Kedarnath, renowned for its serene scenic beauty and the legend of the Pandavas’ ascent to heaven.
This picturesque town near the Mandakini River serves as a significant resting and preparation point for pilgrims on their journey to Kedarnath.
Tungnath Temple: Situated on the route from Chopta to Chandrashila, this is renowned as the highest Lord Shiva Temple in the world.
Chandrashila Peak: Standing majestically at 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), Chandrashila Peak is the summit of Chandranath Parvat, where the Tungnath temple is nestled. Literally meaning ‘moon rock,’ this peak offers a stunning panoramic vista of the Himalayas. It’s a popular and challenging 5-km trekking route.
Chandrashila Temple (at Chandrashila Peak): This small stone temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is located on the 4,000-meter high Chandrashila Peak. It offers amazing views of prominent peaks like Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. Legends suggest Lord Rama meditated here and the Moon God performed penance. The 1.5 km steep trek to the temple starts from Tungnath Temple, which is 3.5 km from Chopta.
Deoriatal: Approximately 50 km from Chopta, this beautiful high-altitude lake (around 2,438 meters, 7,999 feet) sits serenely amidst mountains and forests, making for a refreshing trek.
Ukhimath: Located around 45 km from Chopta, Ukhimath is famously known as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. It also houses several other well-known temples, such as those dedicated to Usha and Aniruddha.
The best time to visit Kedarnath and Chopta is during Summer (May to June) and Autumn (September to October). It is highly advisable to avoid traveling in July and August, as rainfall is at its peak during these monsoon months, making the routes risky and often leading to closures.
So, as promised, I’ve shared the best places to visit in Kedarnath and Chopta, along with the ideal time to plan your trip.
Now, as promised, I’ll share the best travel partner I personally prefer: Trekomania Adventure.
This Ahmedabad-based travel agency specializes in meticulously planned tours to incredible destinations like Kedarnath, Manali, Shimla, Manali-Kasol, Spiti Valley, and many more. Their expertise ensures a smooth and memorable journey. You can check out their Website and Instagram Page for more information.
If you want to experience the dream trip of your life, I highly recommend visiting Trekomania Adventure. And if Kedarnath is calling you, click on the link below to explore Trekomania Adventure’s dedicated Kedarnath package.