Kedarnath

One of the twelve "Jyotirlingas" of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is amongst the premier pilgrimage centres in the country. Situated at an altitude of 3, 581 m above sea level, against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring Kedarnath range. The present temple is credited to Sri Shankaracharya while the remains of an earlier structure, believed to belong to the Pandava age, are seen behind this temple.

During the winter, the shrine is submerged in snow and hence is closed. The ideal time to visit is between May to October. One can reach Kedarnath through a 14 kms. long trek from Gaurikund.

Madmaheshwar
Shiva is worshipped at Madmaheswar in the form of a navel-shaped lingam. Located at the base of Chaukhamba peak, at an alititude of 3,289 mts. the classic temple architecture belongs to the north-Indian style. So sanctified is the water here that even a few drops are considered sufficient for absolution.

To reach Madmaheshwar. the distance of 196km. from Rishikesh to Kalimath is motorable. the balance 31 kms. has to be covered on foot.

Tungnath
The sanctity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed. The peak of Tungnath is the source of three springs that form the Akashkamini River. At this temple at 3,680 mts. Shiva's arm is worshipped. The highest Hindu shrine in the Himalayas, 3 kms. uphill from Chopta, Tungnath is reached through a path that wends throught alpine meadows and rhododendron thickets. An hour's climb from here leads to Chandrashila with its panoramic viewa. The entire journey and the shrine are located in some of the finest, most picturesue pocket of the himalayas.

Rudranath
Devotees come to Rudranath to offer ritual obeisance to their ancestors, for its is here, at Vaitarani river, that the souls of the dead cross when entering another world. The temple of Rudranath at 2,286 mts., entails trekking through ridges at almost twice that height before reaching the meadow where it is located. Within the sanctum, Shiva's image is worshipped in the form of his face.

Kalpeshwar
A favourite spot for sages who come here to meditate, following the precedent of Arghya who performed austerities and created the celebrated nymph Urvashi here, and the irascible Durvasa who meditated under the wish fulfilling tree, Kalpavriksha.

Pilgrims pray at the small rock temple at a height of 2,134 mts. before the matted tresses of Shiva enshrined in rock in the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum is preceded by a natural cave passage. Surrounded by thick forests and terraced fields in the Urgam valley, the temple is reached following a 10 kms. long trek.