One of the most powerful Shiva Temples in the world, Kedarnath Temple stands magnificently in the Garhwal Himalayas at a height of 3580mts. Every year thousands of Shiv Bhakts/ Devotees visit the Kedarnath Mandir which is a part of Chardham. Kedarnath Yatra is a moderate trek with the last ascent being a little tricky. Your companions during this trek are alluring views of the majestic Himalayas and infinite natural beauty. Kedarnath Dham is also the most important Dham among the Panch Kedars. Furthermore, it is the highest one amongst the 12 Jyotrilingas of Lord Shiva in India.
Every year during April-May (Akshaya Tritiya) as the doors of the Kedarnath temple open for the devotees, grand celebrations and aarti take place. It is an auspicious day filled with happiness and good vibes. The Kedarnath Dham Yatra is open until after Diwali (Kartik Purnima) post which it closes its doors for the next few months. There are more than 200 shrines of Lord Shiva located in the area out of which this is the most significant one. According to the Hindu mythology, it is believed that Kedarnath temple was built by the Pandavas and is one of the Lord Shiva’s holiest shrines in India.
The history of Kedarnath temple has a legend attached to it. It is believed that Pandavas were the ones who built the shrine seeking forgiveness from Lord Shiva. After killing their blood relatives in the Kurukshetra, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to relieve them from the guilt but Shiva didn’t agree to it. He disguised himself as a bull and moved around the Garhwal Himalayas when Bhim recognized him and tried to get hold of him when Shiva dug underground and in the whole process, he could only catch his hump. The other parts emerged in different places like the naval in Madhya-Maheshwar, the face in Rudranath, two forelegs in Tunganath, and hair in Kalpeshwar. These together are the Panch Kedars. So, the Pandavas built the temple of Kedarnath devoted to Lord Shiva and did penance to please him.
The present temple later was restored to its glory in the 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya.
The Kedarnath Mandir is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India, in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple is situated near the Mandakini River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine forests.
It is accessible via trek from Gaurikund, or by helicopter. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere of the Kedarnath Dham make it a truly special and unforgettable place to visit.
Accommodation options in Kedarnath include tents, dharamshalas, and hotels. Do not expect something very fancy since these accommodations are very basic.
GMVN has tented colonies, rooms, and cottages just before Kedarnath which can easily accommodate thousands of pilgrims. During the season time, it can get difficult to find even an average room in Kedarnath. In this case, you can stay either at Sitapur near Sonmarg which has private hotels and resorts around Kedarnath Dham or at BKTC-UK Guest Houses at Guptkashi.
It is advisable to make the booking in advance the best places to stay in Kedarnath to avoid any unforeseen circumstances while you are in Kedarnath.
Kedarnath temple's opening date and closing date vary from year to year. In 2025 the opening date of the temple would be 11 May 2025 and the closing date would be November 2025. These are the tentative dates and you may wish to verify them before you plan Kedarnath Yatra in 2025.
If you are looking for best tour packages for Kedarnath Yatra 2025, you are at the right place. We have a great experience in the industry and hence, can vouch for quality services. We offer Kedarnath tour packages from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, etc. Once you get in touch with us regarding this, be assured that you are going to have a great time. We will look after you accommodations, the trek, transportation, and anything that is required for the Kedarnath yatra.
Visit the following links to read more information on the Kedarnath Dham Yatra, helpful for planning a pilgrimage tour to Kedarnath Temple in the Himalayas.
Kedarnath Temple is an ancient and revered Hindu pilgrimage site located in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, India. Situated in the majestic Chardham Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, which are believed to be the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. The temple's stunning architecture, rich history, and spiritual significance make it a popular destination for thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
The Kedarnath Mandir, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, and verdant valleys, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual legacy of India. The temple's significance and beauty are enhanced by its remote and rugged location, which adds to its mystique and allure. The Kedarnath Temple is not just a place of worship, but a gateway to the divine.
The Kedarnath Temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by the Pandavas during the Hindu epic, the Mahabharata. The temple is believed to be over a thousand years old and has been an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva for centuries. The temple is also considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a revered and significant religious site for Hindus around the world.
There have been so many ifs and buts on how old the temple is. No one has ever been able to discover a definite timeline for its existence. As the sacred journeys are taken by the devotees to reach Kedarnath, it feels like the temple also took on- the journey of its existence. A team of researchers in Dehradun did several tests on the material on the temple’s wall to conclude that the temple was buried under snow for 400 years. The temple weathered the ice age without having a single crack in it embarking on an astonishing journey of its existence.
The significance of the Kedarnath yatra can be traced in almost all Hindu households. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas and is believed to open the gates of salvation. Once you complete the yatra, your sins are washed away. If you complete all four Dhams, you are believed to achieve a complete serenity of mind and soul.
The significance of the Kedarnath yatra can be traced in almost all Hindu households. It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas and is believed to open the gates of salvation. Once you complete the yatra, your sins are washed away. If you complete all four Dhams, you are believed to achieve a complete serenity of mind and soul.
The opening and closing dates for the sacred Chardham of Uttarakhand majorly depend upon the “Muhrata (an auspicious time)” chosen by the priests and temple authorities. Generally, the temple opens in the month of April or May when there is a huge rush of devotees looking out to seek blessings from the deity. The temple usually closes in the month of November.
| Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|
| 10 May 2025 (Tentative) | November 2025 |
The helicopter journey to Kedarnath is a breathtaking experience that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. For those who are unable or unwilling to undertake the strenuous trek to Kedarnath Temple, helicopter services are available as an alternative. These helicopter services can be availed from Kedarnath itself or from Dehradun, depending on the traveler's preference and budget.
Good news is that there are private Heli services for Kedarnath yatra. If you worry about your old parents completing the yatra, don’t be as Heli services booking are to your rescue. There are 3 routes on which the helicopter services ply:
You can make the booking only by the government’s official website. The inventory opens in certain batches. You need to be quick with booking your slot as during Kedarnath Dham Yatra helicopter booking process, the slots gets sold out in a jiffy.
Since Kedarnath is situated at a great height, the weather usually remains on the cooler side.
Summer (May-June)
These months are usually pleasant by the day and get a little cold as the sun sets. Summer is the best time to visit Kedarnath as not only the weather is in favour but also the surroundings look way more beautiful than they look throughout the year.
Monsoon (July- September)
The area is landslide prone and since it is the rainy season, traveling to Kedarnath could be risky, especially in July and August. The temperature also drops down and it starts getting chilly.
Winter (October- April)
Winters are harsh which is why the Temple closes during these months and reopens during summers. It snows heavily during this time making it an imperfect time to travel to these areas.
Kedarnath Yatra is a part of Chardham Yatra and the pilgrims must register before starting with it. To answer your question- How to do Kedarnath Registration, you need to visit the website of the Uttarakhand Government and do the following:
You can also register through the mobile app or offline at locations specified by the government. For the list of these places, visit - https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
The Kedarnath Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is located in Uttarakhand and is considered one of the four holy shrines in the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is set against the backdrop of gorgeous snow-capped peaks. Devotees can visit the temple for darshan from May to November. During this time, the temple is thronged by pilgrims who come to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The Kedarnath Temple is a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of India and is an important site for Hindu devotees from around the world.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is a memorial dedicated to the great Hindu philosopher and saint, Adi Shankara. It is located near the Kedarnath Temple in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and is considered a holy site for devotees of Adi Shankara. He is considered one of the most important figures in Hinduism, and his teachings continue to influence Hindu thought to this day. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is a beautiful shrine, surrounded by serenity. It is a significant location for Hindu worshippers from all over the world and gives a spiritual retreat from the hectic outside world and presents a chance for thought and meditation.
Shri Bhairavnath Temple: Shri Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is one of the many shrines located in the Kedarnath Temple. The temple is located near the main Kedarnath Temple and is considered to be an important place of worship for Hindu pilgrims visiting Kedarnath. The Bhairavnath Temple is situated in a picturesque location surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, and is an architectural masterpiece, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors to the Bhairavnath Temple can offer prayers, perform puja rituals, and participate in various religious activities organized by the temple.
Rudra Cave: The Rudra Cave is a natural cave located in the vicinity of Kedarnath Temple, in Uttarakhand. It is named after Lord Rudra, another name for Lord Shiva, and is considered to be a sacred site by Hindu pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath Temple. The Cave attracts a large number of devotees, who are drawn to its natural beauty and spiritual significance. The cave is a large, naturally formed rock formation and is said to be the abode of Lord Rudra. Visitors to the Rudra Cave can explore the natural beauty of the cave, meditate in its tranquil surroundings, and offer prayers to Lord Rudra.
Vasuki Tal Lake: Vasuki Tal Lake is a high-altitude lake located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in the region and is an important destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers. The lake is named after the serpent king Vasuki, who is an important character in Hindu mythology. According to Hindu mythology, Vasuki used to reside in the lake and it is believed that the blessings of Vasuki can still be received by those who visit the lake and offer prayers. The journey to the lake is considered to be an adventure in itself.
The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is between May and October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and suitable for other outdoor activities. The time is ideal for the Char Dham Yatra, a popular Hindu pilgrimage that covers four holy shrines in the region.
Kedarnath Mandir is easily accessible. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station, which is approximately 223 km from Kedarnath. There are several buses available from major cities in Uttarakhand to Kedarnath.
By Road: Reaching Kedarnath Temple by road is a popular option for pilgrims and tourists alike. Several state and private buses operate from major cities in Uttarakhand to Gaurikund, the basecamp for the Kedarnath Yatra. Gaurikund is about 16 km from the temple, and from there, visitors can either trek or hire local taxis/palkis to reach the shrine. The journey offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscapes, making it a memorable experience for travelers.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh railway station, situated approximately 223 km away. From the railway station, one can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. Trains connect Rishikesh to various major cities in India, making it a convenient choice for those opting for rail travel to visit the sacred temple.
By Air: For air travelers, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kedarnath. The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities, and from there, visitors can take taxis or buses to reach Gaurikund. While there is no direct flight to Kedarnath, reaching Dehradun offers a comfortable air travel option, followed by a scenic road journey to the temple.
Gangotri Dham Temple: Gangotri Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site located in Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham shrines and is dedicated to the goddess Ganga. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3200 meters and is surrounded by the picturesque Himalayan ranges. The temple is open from April to November and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Yamunotri Dham Temple: Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and is one of the four Char Dham shrines and is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,292 meters and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan ranges. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the river Yamuna and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Badrinath Dham Temple: Badrinath Temple is a Hindu pilgrim temple and is one of the four Char Dham shrines and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,133 meters and is considered one of the most sacred places in Hinduism and is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu meditated in the form of Lord Badrinarayan.
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These are some of the best places that pilgrims can visit during their Kedarnath Dham Yatra in the Himalayas.
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Kedarnath Temple can be reached by road, train, or air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh. From there, one can travel to Gaurikund by road and then undertake the trek to the temple.
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 16 kilometers long and can take around 6 to 8 hours, depending on individual pace and weather conditions.
It is not recommended to travel to Kedarnath during the monsoon season (July to September) due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides, which can make the trek route unsafe.
While the trek to Kedarnath Temple can be physically demanding, people of all ages can undertake the Yatra. However, senior citizens and children should be cautious and consult a doctor before planning the journey
Kedarnath Yatra
