Kedarnath temple, Known as the home of Lord Shiva located in District Rudraprayag in Garhwal Region. For many, visiting this temple is a very important spiritual journey.
This is more than just a travel guide, it’s your roadmap to a soul-stirring experience. We will walk you through every step, from planning your trip and understanding the temple’s divine history to navigating the trek itself. Your journey to the home of the lord of the mountains begins here.
To understand the pull of Kedarnath, you must first understand its story. The legend, as timeless as the mountains themselves, is deeply woven into Hindu scripture.
Kedarnath is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the most sacred representations of Lord Shiva, where he manifested as a fiery column of light. It is also a cornerstone of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, a holy circuit that is believed to cleanse one of all sins.
The history of Kedarnath Temple is most famously linked to the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata. After the great war of Kurukshetra, the Pandava brothers, burdened by the guilt of having fought their own kin, sought Lord Shiva to ask for forgiveness. Shiva, unwilling to grant them audience so easily, disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and roamed the Kedarnath valley. When the Pandavas recognized him, he dove into the ground. The story says that when Lord Shiva disappeared, his hump remained at Kedarnath. The rest of his body appeared in four other locations, which are now famous as the ‘Panch Kedar‘ (the five Kedars). The beautiful stone temple you see today was built right on that spot, as a tribute to this powerful legend.
Best time for your journey to Kedarnath is crucial, as the weather here is extreme and unforgiving. The temple doors, or kapats, are open for only about six months a year.
Summer (May – June): This is the peak season and arguably the best time to visit Kedarnath. The snow has melted, the skies are generally clear, and the weather is pleasant during the day. This is a busy time, and the path to the temple will be full of pilgrims. You should expect large crowds, so make sure to book your place to stay early.
Monsoon (July – August): The monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the region, making the trek risky and prone to landslides. While the temple remains open, travel is often disrupted. We advise the utmost caution and flexibility if you plan a trip during these months.
Post-Monsoon (September – October): As the rains subside, the valley is washed clean and reveals a stunning, lush green landscape against crystal-clear blue skies. The air starts to carry a distinct winter chill, especially in the evenings.
Ancient traditions govern the temple’s schedule. The Kedarnath opening date is typically decided on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya in late April or early May. The Kedarnath closing date falls on Bhai Dooj, a festival celebrated right after Diwali, usually in October or November.
For 2025: The Kedarnath temple is now open for the 2025 pilgrimage season. The temple opened its doors on May 2, 2025, and is expected to close for its winter break in early November, after the Bhai Dooj festival.
For 2026: The exact dates will be announced in early 2026. We keep this page updated with the latest official announcements.
Reaching Kedarnath is a multi-stage journey that combines road travel with a final trek or helicopter ride. The last motorable point is Sonprayag/Gaurikund.
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, located approximately 238 km from Sonprayag. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to make the 7-8 hour road journey to Sonprayag.
The closest major railway stations are in Rishikesh (around 215 km before Sonprayag) and Haridwar (around 240 km). Both cities are major hubs. From there, your journey continues by road via bus or taxi.
This is the most common way to travel. The route from cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh is a scenic and winding mountain road that takes you along the Ganga and Mandakini rivers. The drive passes through key towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi before reaching Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, private vehicles are not allowed further. You must take local jeeps to Gaurikund (5 km away), the official starting point of the trek.
For those short on time or unable to make the trek, the helicopter service is a convenient option. The main heliports are in Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi.The helicopter ride is quick, about 8-10 minutes, and offers amazing views of the valley from the air. It's very important to book your helicopter tickets months in advance because they sell out extremely fast.
While the main temple is the primary focus, there are a few other significant sites to explore if you have the time and energy.
A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and smooth journey.
It is compulsory for every pilgrim to register. This is your official pass for the yatra. You can do this online on the Uttarakhand Tourism portal.
Start preparing your body at least a month in advance. Brisk walking, jogging, and breathing exercises will help you cope with the high altitude.
Carry layers of warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, a torch, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and essential medicines.
Drink lots of water and always have some snacks with you. ATMs are rare, so make sure you carry enough cash for your trip.
Getting sick from the high altitude is a real risk. Take your time and don't rush. Spend a night in a lower town like Guptkashi or Sonprayag to help your body get used to it.
The Himalayas are a delicate environment. Do not leave any trash behind. Please carry all your garbage back with you.
Having reached the temple, the final step is the darshan.
There is almost always a long queue. Be prepared to wait for a few hours, especially during peak season.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside. You will be guided towards the main sanctum, the Garbhagriha. The atmosphere is electric—a mix of incense, ghee lamps, and fervent prayer.
Inside, you will see the sacred Jyotirlinga, a conical rock formation that is the natural, self-manifested form of Lord Shiva. You are given only a few seconds in front of the deity to offer your prayers. Embrace the moment; it is incredibly powerful.
If you want to do a special prayer ceremony (puja), you can give offerings like ghee. There are priests at the temple who can guide you through the specific rituals.
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Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious health concern that can affect anyone above 8,000 feet. Knowledge is your best defense.
Symptoms: The early signs are a persistent headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
The Golden Rule: If you feel any of these symptoms, do not ascend further. Rest where you are. If the symptoms worsen, you must descend to a lower altitude immediately.
Prevention:
Ascend Slowly: Give your body time to acclimatize.
Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 3-4 liters of water daily.
Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: These substances interfere with acclimatization.
Eat High-Carb Meals: Carbohydrates require less oxygen to digest.
Approx. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: A steady, steep uphill start that tests your initial stamina.
Path: Paved with railings but can be crowded with pilgrims and ponies.
Scenery: A beautiful, shaded trail through a lush forest area.
Facilities: You’ll find a few small tea stalls and benches for resting.
Pro-Tip: Start your trek early from Gaurikund (around 6 AM) to avoid the midday sun and the heaviest pony traffic.
Approx. Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Difficulty: The climb continues, but the path is well-maintained.
Scenery: The forest thins out, offering the first dramatic views of the valley and river below.
Facilities: Bheembali is a major stop with several shops, medical facilities (first aid), and a toilet.
Note: This is an excellent spot to take your first long break, refill your water bottle, and have a snack.
Approx. Time: 2 – 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Often considered the hardest part of the trek due to its steepness and exposure.
Path: You leave the tree line behind. The path is now fully exposed to the elements like wind, sun, and rain.
Scenery: Barren but breathtakingly vast. You are truly in the high Himalayas here.
Note: Linchauli has large tented colonies (GMVN) for accommodation. It’s a common overnight halt for those who can’t complete the trek in one day.
Pro-Tip: Keep your waterproof jacket easily accessible. The weather in this exposed section can change in minutes.
Approx. Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: The path is slightly less steep, but the high altitude makes every step an effort. Breathing becomes noticeably harder.
Scenery: Majestic, wide-open landscape with snowy peaks in the distance.
Facilities: Some basic shelters and tea stalls are available along this route.
Highlight: This is where you get your first magical glimpse of the top of the Kedarnath temple spire. This incredible sight will boost your morale.
Pro-Tip: Walk at a slow, rhythmic pace (“mountain pace”). This helps conserve energy and manage your breathing in the thin air.
Approx. Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: The path is slightly less steep, but the high altitude makes every step an effort. Breathing becomes noticeably harder.
Scenery: Majestic, wide-open landscape with snowy peaks in the distance.
Facilities: Some basic shelters and tea stalls are available along this route.
Highlight: This is where you get your first magical glimpse of the top of the Kedarnath temple spire. This incredible sight will boost your morale.
Pro-Tip: Walk at a slow, rhythmic pace (“mountain pace”). This helps conserve energy and manage your breathing in the thin air.
Enjoy amazing Uttarakhand trips with trusted guide Kedarnath Tourism.
+917055906147
info.kedarnathtourism.in
Ukhimath, Uttarakhand
