Char Dham - Panchprayag - Panchkedar Yatra

Char Dham Yatra

BADARINATH: Abode of Lord Vishnu: Badarinath Dham is considered as one of the most sacred centers of pilgrimage situated in the lofty Himalayan heights in the Garhwal hill tracks (Uttarakhand) at the height of 10,248 feet above sea level. The route to Badarinath is one of the most fascinating one due to the lofty hilly terrain, curves and cliffs amidst the most scenically beautiful place on the earth.

Throughout the route to Badarinath there are numerous pilgrimage sites at Deo Prayag, Rudraprayag, Karana Prayag, Nanda Prayag, and Vishnuprayag; as well as Pandukeswar where king Pandu observed Tapasya with his queen Madri and where his sons Pandavas stayed during their pilgrimage to heaven, and the site where Bhima and Hanuman (sons of Vayu) met.

At Badarinath Lord MahaVishnu is believed to have done his penance. Seeing the Lord doing his penance in the open, Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to have assumed the form of Badari tree to provide him shelter to face the onslaught of the adverse weather conditions, therefore the name Badari Narayan. It is believed that Lord Vishnu revealed to Narad rishi that Nar & Naryans forms were his own. It is also believed that Narad rishi, who also did his penance here, is even now worshipping the supreme God in the form of Nar and Narayan with Ashtakshara mantras.

The image of Badarinarayan here is fashioned out of Saligramam. Badarinarayan is seen under the Badari tree, flanked by Kuber and Garuda, Narad, Narayan and Nar. Mahalakshmi has a sanctum outside in the parikrma. There is also a shrine to Adi Sankara at Badarinath. For more information on Badarinath, please click here.

KEDARNATH: The Celestial Jyotirlingam: Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificent temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. It is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.

At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. 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. For more information on Kedarnath, please click here.

GANGOTRI: The Eternal Gift of Baghirath's Penance: The shrine of Gangotri situated at an altitude of 3042 m above sea level amidst captivating surroundings, along the right bank of Bhagirathi is 100 km from Uttarkashi. The temple was constructed in the early 18th century by a Gorkha Commander Amar Singh Thapa. The existing temple is said to be the one reconstructed by the Jaipur dynasty. Every year hundred thousands of pilgrims throng the sacred shrine between May & October.

Like Yamunotri the shrine of Gangotri opens every year on the auspicious day of Akshaya-Tritiya & closes on the day of Diwali.

Location: Right Bank of River Bhagirathi
Altitude: 3042 M
Dedicated to: Goddess Ganga
Built in: 18th Century

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 226 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 249 kms.
Road: Well connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Delhi.

YAMUNOTRI: The Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas: The Shrine of Yamunotri at the source of river Yamuna is the western - most shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas. Atop is a flank of Bandar Poonch peak (3615 m). The actual source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at the height of 4421 m above sea level is about 1 km further up is not easily accessible. Hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. The Temple of divine mother Yamuna was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The tiny Yamuna has icy cold water and its absolute innocence & the infantile purity heightens that deep feeling of reverence, which Yamunotri has for the devout. According to the legend ancient sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. The trek to Yamunotri is truly spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.

The Yamunotri Temple opens every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya - Tritiya ( in April - May ) & closes on the sacred day of Diwali ( Oct. - Nov. ).

Location: Left Bank of River Yamuna
Altitude: 3235 M
Dedicated to: Goddess Yamuna

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 196 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, 213 kms.and Dehradun 172 kms.
Road: Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 107 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms. and Dehradun, 172 kms.


PANCH KEDAR

Lord Shiva eluded the Pandavas repeatedly and on being detected by them assumed the form of a bull. The second Pandavas Bhima tried to pick him up, but Shiva sank into the earth and only the hump came in Bhimas's hand. Seeing their determination the lord was so pleased that he freed the Pandavas from their sin and asked them to worship his hump at Kedarnath which is the heights among the twelve Jyotirlingas. The other parts of Shiva's body, arms, face, nevel and hair locks appeared at Tungnath, Rudranath, Madmaheswar and Kalpeshwar. These four shrines along with Shri Kedarnathji are worshipped as "Panch Kedar". The Panch Kedar are the holy destination for all the Hindus. Five Kedars are:

KEDARNATH: Kedar is also another name for lord Shiva - the protector and the destroyer. There are 200 ancient shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important is Kedarnath. Shrine of Kedarnath lying at the altitude of 3584 Mts. on the head of river Mandakini is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the Hindus.

The origin of revered temple can be found in great epic Mahabharat. After the wars, the Pandavas lost their peace of mind after committing the great sin of slaying their Guru and brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. Lord Shiva avoided them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of bull. On being followed, He dived into the ground, leaving behind His hump on the surface. The hump is worshipped in the temple of Kedarnath in the conical Shiva pinda form. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva are worshipped at other places.

TUNGNATH: the arm of Lord Shiva came out at this place as per Kedarnath myth. The Tungnath temple is situated at an altitude of about 3680 m above sea level, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest Shiva Shrine among the Panch Kedar, 3 km uphill from Chopata. The sancity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed.

The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the river Akashkamini. Tungnath is reached through a path that wends through alpine meadows & rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoramic views.

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 232 kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 215 kms.
Road: Tungath can be reached on the Kund-Gopeshwar road up to Chopta, 212 kms. from Rishikesh via Chamoli-Gopeshwar-Chopta route. Buses and taxis ply along the route. From Chopta, the Tungnath temple is 3 kms. trekaway.

RUDRANATH: The shrine is 23 km from Gopeshwar at 2286 m. The Mukhor face of Lord Shiva os worshipped as Neelkanth Mahadev here. The temple site provides splendid views of Hathi Parvat, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli and other peaks. Suryakund, Chandrakund, Tarakund, etc. are the holy kunds situated nearby. The scenic beauty and the spiritual piousness of the place make it scenically beautiful as well as enchanting.

Anusuya Devi temple is located on the trek to Rudranath involving an additional trek of 3 km. Another route 13 km from Gopeshwar to Mandal then trek 6 km to reach Anusuya Devi. Devi Anusuya is revered as the Goddedd who blesses her devotees in their difficulties.

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 258 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 241 km.
Road: Rudranath is located on Gopeshwar-Kedarnath Road. From Rishikesh, the entry point, Sagar is 219 km. A 22 km trek from Sagar will end at Rudranath. Accommodation available at Dharamshala.

MADMAHESWAR: It is said that the navel of Lord Shiva reappeared at this shrine after disappearing at Kedarnath. Shiva is worshipped Madmaheshwar in the form of a navel shaped lingam. This Shrine is 31 km from Guptkashi at an altitude of 3289 m. The temple can be approached by a trek through the famous Sidha Peeth of Kalimath. Wild, unparalleled scenic beauty and incredible landscapes distinguish the distance from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar. Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks are visible from here. Gaundar, at the conflux of Madmaheshwar Ganga and Markanga Ganga, is the last place that is worth a visit before one reaches this shrine.

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 244 kms.
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh, is 227 kms.
Road: To reach Madmaheshwar, the distance of 196 kms. from Rishikesh to Kalimath is motorable. The balance 31 kms. has to be covered on foot.

KALPESWAR: the hair locks (Jata) of Lord Shiva are worshipped in this small rock temple at the height of 2134 m before the matted, tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum and sanctorum. The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. This temple is located in Urgam valley. This shrine is a delight for the tourists with striking views of valley with terraced fields and lush green forests. The temple is reached after a trek of 12 km from Helang which is the motor head on Rishikesh - Badarinath route.

GETTING THERE
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun 272 kms
Rail: The nearest railhead, Rishikesh is 255 kms
Road: Kalpeshwar can be reashed up to Helang, 243 kms. on the Rishikesh - Badrinath road by bus and taxis. From Helang, the 12 kms. trek is off the main road.


PANCH PRAYAG

The Prayag means the confluence of two (or more) rivers. And in India there are only six most sacred Prayags. The last Prayag, the great confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna & the mythical Saraswati is at Allahabad. Other the most revered confluences are the Panch (five) prayags of the Garhwal region. In Hindu mythology, rivers are personified as goddesses and even today, Hindus hold them in high veneration. The water of a holy river is supposed to wash away the sins. The confluence of two or more rivers makes them much more sacred. Five Prayags are:

DEO PRAYAG: Deoprayag is situated on the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. It is commonly believed to be the birthplace of earthly Ganga. It comprises the oldest route to Badrinath and Gangotri. The famous Raghunath Math (another name for Lord Rama's Temple) is situated here. Important pilgrim spots are Shiva Temple and Raghunath Temple. These temples are roughly 70 Kms from Rishikesh on Rishikesh-Badrinath motor road.

RUDRA PRAYAG: Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers, at a distance of 140 km from Rishikesh and 70 km from Deoprayag on Rishikesh Badari-Kedar motor road. It is believed that to master the mysteries of music, the sage Narad worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared in his Rudra incarnation to bless the sage. It was here, also, that Shiva's wife Sati, was reborn after her self immolation because her father humiliated her husband. In her new life, as the daughter of Himalaya, she did penance here to ask the boon of Shiva as a husband once again. The ancient temple of Rudranathji is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Rudraprayag is the point where the two roads branch off to the holy Shrines of Kedarnath (84 km) & Badarinath (159 km).

KARAN PRAYAG: Situated at 12 km from Gauchar and 31 km from Rudraprayag, the icy flow from the Pindari Glacier becomes the Pindari river, and when it meets the Alaknanda at 788 m, the confluence is known as Karnaprayag. The wooded thickets of the hills surrounding Karnaprayag were the meeting ground for Shakuntala & Raja Dushyanta, immortalised in Kalidasa's immortal classic and a favourite ballad ever since. The place derives its name from Karna, the son of the Queen Kunti and Lord Surya (sun). Besides the temple dedicated to Karna, the temple dedicated to Goddess Umadevi at Dimmer village, Narayan & Gopal also stand at the confluence.

NAND PRAYAG: 20 km from Karna Prayag, Nand Prayag at 914 m forms the confluence of the Alaknanda & Mandakini (flowing from a glacier near Nanda Devi Peak) rivers. It is said that confluence is named for the pious Raja Nanda. According to one legend, the king had been promised the boon of Vishnu as a son. Unfortunately, the same boon had been granted to Devki, the sister of the tyrant king, Kansa who imprisoned her. Ultimately, the gods found an ingenuons solution: Vishnu would be born as Krishna to Devki but would be brought up by Raja Nanda's wife, Yashodha.

VISHNU PRAYAG: Formed by the confluence of the impetuous Vishnu Ganga (known after this point, as the Alaknanda) and the Dhauliganga river, Vishnu Prayag, 1372 m, has an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu. This temple stands here next to a pool called Vishnu Kund. It is at a distance of 13 km from Joshimath on Badarinath route. It is said that the sage Narad worshipped Vishnu at this sanctified spot. The Kagbhusandi Lake bewitching with its emerald green depths giving it a still surface, while on the banks, blossoms evoke the colours of nature in all her glory. The lake can also be approached from Vishnuprayag besides from Bhundhar village near Ghangaria.

Shri Kedarnath Dham

Lord Shiva manifested in the form of Jyotirlingam or the cosmic light. Kedarnath is highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. This ancient and magnificient temple is located in the Rudra Himalaya range. This temple, over a thousand years old is built of massive stone slabs over a large rectangular platform. Ascending through the large gray steps leading to the holy sanctums we find inscriptions in Pali on the steps. The present temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.The inner walls of the temple sanctum are adorned with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. The origin of the revered temple can be found in the great epic - Mahabharata. According to legends, the Pandavas sought the blessings of lord Shiva to atone their sin after the battle of Mahabharata. Lord Shiva eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed, he dived into ground leaving behind his hump on the surface. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. The temple, believed to be very ancient, has been continually renovated over the centuries. It is situated at an altitude of 3,581 mt. It is a 14 km trek from Gaurikund.

At the approach of winters in the month of November, the holy statue of Lord Shiva, is carried down from Kedarnath to Ukhimath, and is reinstated at Kedarnath, in the first week of May. It is at this time, that the doors of the temple are thrown open to pilgrims, who flock from all parts of India, for a holy pilgrimage. 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.

Location: Kedarnath is amongst the holiest pilgrimages for the devout Hindu. It is set amidst the stunning mountainscape of the Garhwal Himalayas at the head of the Mandakini River. Kedar is another name of lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms.

The shrine of Kedarnath is very scenically placed, and is surrounded by lofty, snow - covered mountains, and during summer grassy meadows covering the valleys. Immediately behind the temple, is the high Keadardome peak, which can be sighted from great distances. The sight of the temple and the peak with its perpetual snows is simply enthralling.

The Mythological Past: There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own Kith and Kin and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull.

On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations.

The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

An imposing sight, standing in the middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The present temple, built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya, stands adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the exquisitely architectured Kedarnath temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs had been handled in the earlier days. The temple has a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Best Time to visit:- The ideal time or peak season to go for a Char Dham Yatra is from May to October, except monsoons. This is because; all the four sacred sites are perched in Garhwal Himalayas, which is prone to heavy snowfall. As a result, all the passage leading to the shrines are blocked. Moreover, during the monsoon season, there is undue threat of having landslides, which can further disrupt the journey. For safety reasons, the gates of the temples are also closed for this period of time and the idols are shifted to nearby pilgrim points.

SIGNIFICANCE

The lingam at Kedarnath, unlike its usual form, is pyramidal and is regarded as one of the 12 Jyotirlings.
The pandavas after having won over the kauravas in the epic war of Kurukshetra, felt guilty of having killed their own kith and kin. They sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption but Shiva eluded them repeatedly. He took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four places and are worshiped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tunganath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath including these four shrines is treated as Panch Kedar.

Pilgrims traditionally first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga and offer abhishekams to Kedareshwara. The traditional pilgrim route is Haridwar - Rishikesh - Deo Prayag - Tehri - Dharasu - Yamunotri - Uttar Kashi - Gangotri - Triyugnarayan - Gaurikund and Kedarnath. Alternatively, the route to Kedarnath from Rishikesh is via Deo Prayag, Srinagar, Rudra Prayag, Agastmuni, Gupt Kashi and Gaurikund. Near Kedarnath is the source of the river Mandakini. Mandakini joins Alakananda at Rudra Prayag.

FESTIVALS

Badarikeshwar Festival
Makar Sankranti (Jan)
Basant Panchmi(Jan-Feb)
Shivaratri (Feb)
Nandasthami (Mar)
Holi (Mar)
Baisakhi (Apr)
Rakshabandhan (Aug)
Mata Murti(Sep)
Lekhpal (Sep)
Shri Krishna Janamashtami (Aug-Sep)
Dussehra (Oct)
Dipawali (Oct-Nov)

FAIRS

Nagnath (Feb)
Nanda Devi Nagnath (Mar)
Shivaratri Gopeshwar (Feb-Mar)
Maithan Maithan (March))
Bishwat Sankranti Kamprayag/Nandprayag (Apr)
Bikhot Agastyamuni (Apr)
Nautha AdiBadari (May)
Kaviltha Kaviltha (Jun)
Navmi Jasoli Haryali (Aug)
Nanda Devi Bedni Bugyal (Sep)
Nanda Devi Lata (Sep-Oct)
Krishna Mela Joshimath (Nov)
Gouchar Mela Gauchar (Nov)
Ansi Mela Anusuya Devi (Dec)
Sardotsava Joshimath (Feb)
Sardotsava Chomoli Gopeshwar (Feb-Mar)

PLACES-TO-SEE

Shankaracharya Samadhi: The Samadhi of Adi Guru Shankaracharya is located just behind the Kedarnath temple. It is said that after establishing four sacred Dhams in India, he went into his samadhi at an early age of 32 years.

Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): A small lake from where Yudhishthir, the eldest of the Pandavas, is said to have departed to heaven. It is a 2 km trek from Kedarnath. The floating ice on the crystal clear waters of the lake is a fascinating sight.

Gaurikund: 14 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.

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.

Sonprayag: The confluence of Son Ganga and Mandakini rivers. Road to Triyuginarayan diverts (14 km) from here.

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: Guptaksahi has a great importance quite like that of Kashi. The ancient Vishwanath temple, Ardnareswar temple and Manikarnik Kund, where the two streams of Ganga and Yamuna are believed for their redemption. Lord Shiv was not willing and so eluded the Pandavas repeatedly. He took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull. Being followed by Pandavas, he dived into the ground leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of God reappeared at four other places. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the stomach (nabhi) at Madmaheshwar and the locks with the head at Kalepeshwar. They are all worshipped there as manifestations of Lord Shiva.

Ukhimath: 60 km. Winter home of the deity at Kedarnath temple and the seat of the Rawal of Kedarnath. Connected by bus services to Rudraprayag and other major centres.

Agastyamuni: 18 kms form Rudraprayag, at an altitude of 1000 mts and on the bank of river Mandakini, this is the place where Rishi Agastya meditated for years.
A temple by the name of Agasteshwar Mahadev is dedicated to sage Agastya and this temple is also of an archaeological significance, figures of Gods and Goddesses have been carved out on stones. On the occasion of Baisakhi a large fair is held and many devotees come here to worship and pay their homage to God.

For food and accommodation, a Forest Rest House and private hotels are available. Other facilities include market, bank, hospitals and telephone etc.

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 Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of Himalayan ranges surrounding it. Deoria Tal At an altitude of 2,440 mt, is beautiful lake a situated on the Chopta - Ukhimath motor road. In the early morning, the snow-capped peaks are clearly reflected on the lake waters. This lake also provides an excellent venue for angling, as well as birdwatching.

The Kedar Massif: This is an outstanding massif formed by the three major mountains - Kedar dome, Bharatekuntha at 6578 Meters, is connected to Kedarnath to the East, by a long and dangerous avalanche ridden ridge. At 6000 meters it looks stunning and has several glacial flows, one of which is the Mandakini glacier running down its ridges.

Kedarnath and Kedardome, are connected by a deep ridge. Kedar dome at 6831 Meters presents a fair challenge to climbers. Kedarnath is however, a difficult peak to climb. At 6940 Meters it is just beneath the level where the oxygen layer is thin. Anyone interested in a good day trek, could take the well travelled path from behind the temple toward Bharatekuntha. About three kilometers away in the valley formed by the Kedarnath massif, is Chorabhari Tal. This lake has been renamed Gandhi Sarovar after the Mahatma's ashes were immersed in lake.

Kalimath: Situated at 6000 ft. Kalimath is the famous pilgrimage place of Garhwal. This temple belongs to Maa Kali. Dhaval river flows besides the temple.

Deoria Tal: Sari village is the last bus terminus on Chopta - Ukhimath road from where a 2 km trek leads to Deoria Tal. This is a beautiful lake at an attitude of 2,438 mts. gives the spectracular reflection of show capped peaks in the lake water Ideal spot for angling and bird watching.

Tips

This is true for travellers coming to India as most Indians are quite attuned to the travel conditions in the country.
Avoid drinking water at all cost unless it is bottled water from a reputed company.
Food-wise anything that is boiled, cooked or fried is a safer bet than anything cold or raw. So avoid cold salads, raw vegetables, drinks with ice etc.
Carry a mosquito/insect repellent wherever you go to avoid diseases like malaria or simply even the itchy discomfort.
Always carry a kit of the basic emergency medicines you might need for diarrhoea, fever etc. Also, keep on your personal band-aids and an antiseptic ointment.
Use sunscreen all the time to prevent sunburn. Try and wear a hat if you're going to be in the sun.
Initially, at least, avoid excessive alcohol and strenuous activity to stave off heat stroke.
Ensure you are physically and mentally fit to perform the journey as the Yatra involves trekking at an altitude of 1,4000ft. Get yourself medically examined and certified fit for the journey.
At least a month before the Yatra, it is advisable to start preparatory exercises: Even a brisk walk of about 4 to 5 km per day would be beneficial. Breathing exercises like Pranayama would help combat the lack of sufficient oxygen at high altitudes.
Do carry heavy woollens, including thermal body warmers, wind cheaters, raincoats, sleeping bags, blankets, water-proof shoes with sufficient grips, small water proof tents, torch with sufficient batteries and walking sticks.
Keep a slip with your Name, Address and the name of accompanying yatri in your pocket.
Women are advised to avoid sarees and opt for salwar kameez or trousers.
Carry water and dry eatables. Ration and firewood quota is available en route and can be purchased.
All medical facilities during Yatra are free. It is advisable to carry your own personal medical kit and First aid box.
Hire only a registered ponywalla or porter. Don't walk far away from ponies carrying luggage.
Move slowly and steadily, as this is an arduous pilgrimage and maintain discipline.
Don't relax at places where warning signs are fixed. Don't attempt short cuts on the route.
Please carry an oxygen kit.

Other Facilities

Bank: State Bank of India, Kedarnath
Post Offices: Sub-Post Office, Kedarnath, Ph : (01732-86)26208
Hospitals: Government Dispensary, Kedarnath
Telecom: Public telephones for national and international telephone calls are available.