Vasuki Tal

Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude glacial lake located about 8 kilometres from Kedarnath Temple in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, at an elevation of around 4,135 metres in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by snow-covered Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba, the lake is known for its clear waters and remote alpine setting. It is revered as sacred to Nag Vasuki and is a notable trekking destination for visitors to Kedarnath.

Visitors can expect a remote high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba, with clear water reflecting the mountains. The site is reached only by a strenuous 8 km trek from Kedarnath over steep, rocky and moraine terrain with no built structures at the lake. The surroundings are open alpine meadows and glacial landscape within Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, offering panoramic mountain views, photography and quiet natural environment.

Vasuki Tal is traditionally associated with Vasuki, the serpent king in Hindu tradition, and is believed to have been a place where Lord Vishnu bathed. The lake has long been part of the Kedarnath pilgrimage circuit and is mentioned in local pilgrim traditions as a sacred high-altitude water body near Kedarnath.

The lake is considered sacred and is dedicated to Nag Vasuki. Pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Temple often undertake the trek to Vasuki Tal to offer prayers and take holy darshan of the lake, which is regarded as auspicious. The site holds religious importance for devotees and is respected as a natural sacred place in the Himalayan pilgrimage tradition.