Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 11,746 feet above sea level,close to the source of river Mandakini.According to Vayu Purana,Vishnu as Narayan came down to the earth for the good of mankind.He landed at Badrinath,which was then the abode of Shiva.On Narayan’s request,Shiva accepted Kedar as his permanent abode.

From Gaurikund,Kedarnath is a 14 kms trek northwards towards the Mandakini,a steady climb along a stone paved path in large parts trough a thick forest.It is steep until Garur Chatti(10kms from Gaurikund),after which the path levels out until one reaches Kedarnath.On a clear day,one can see snow covered Sumeru peak,the spectacular backdrop of Kedarnath temple ,enroute.

Adi Shankaracharya attained Samadhi in the shrine behind the Kedarnath shrine,nowadays the 337th rawal is holding the seat operating from Okhimath,which is also the abode of the deity during winter.There are also local priests from the villages around Guptkashi and Okhimath,who take care of piligrims.

Prime attraction in Kedarnath-

The prime attraction is Kedarnath temple,this ancient temple has a wooden ceiling,topped by a gold kalash.Outside,a massive stone idol of Nandi stands.The temple has three parts:the garbhagriha,the darshan mandap where the pujas are conducted,and the sabha mandap wherte devotees assemble.