Kedarnath Travel Guide

Kedarnath belongs to the series of 12 Jyotirlingas, the highest of all, at an elevation of 3,586 meters.

Key destination of the Chardham Yatra- Your Char Dham Pilgrimage is complete once you visit the final destination, Kedarnath Dham.

First of the Panch Kedar- Kedarnath, one of the Panch Kedars, is known for its profound significance, where Lord Shiva appeared as a bull, making it the most revered of the five sacred shrines.

Pandavas constructed the original temple- As per legend, Pandavas constructed the original temple, seeking salvation for their actions in the Mahabharata war. However, the present-day temple structure is believed to have been created by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE, an eminent Hindu philosopher and saint.

Architectural Marvel - The temple looks astounding with a distinctive pyramid-shaped structure, you will see many temples of similar structure in the mountains of Uttarakhand. One thing that compels you to think is how this temple has survived since the 8th century CE when the Kedarnath region witnessed harsh weather and natural disasters several times.

Rich Cultural Tapestry - The temple is associated with the Mahabharata era, and is also a part of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Chardham, and Panch Kedar. You will feel the uniqueness of the place during festivals like the Shivratri and other festivals. The local culture is deeply rooted in Garhwali traditions and customs.

Historical Resilience: The temple has survived natural disasters and historical invasions, and it has proven there are some wonders of the world withstood the test of time.

Symbolic Unity: The temple represents the eternal symbiosis between nature, spirituality, and humanity.

Brief info about Kedarnath Temple Trek

Distance -

- From Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple–Trekking distance of 14 km
- From Sonprayag to Gaurikund–Driving distance of 5 km
- From Rudraprayag to Sonprayag–60 km (Driving)
- From Rishikesh to Rudraprayag–140 km

Altitude -

- Kedarnath Temple: 3,583 meters (11,755 ft)
- Gaurikund: 1,982 meters (6,503 ft)

Terrain -

- The trekking path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is uphill with a steep ascent.
- The terrain is very challenging, it has rocky, concrete, and mountainous terrain.

Opening Closing Dates & Timings

Kedarnath’s sacred shrine follows a unique schedule that changes each year based on the Hindu calendar. Typically, the temple opens its doors for pilgrims in Vaishakh (around April or May) and remains open until Karthik (around October or November). The day of Diwali often marks the start of the temple’s winter closure.As winter sets in, the entire region is buried under heavy snow, making it inaccessible until the following year. During this period, Kedarnath and its surroundings enter a quiet, peaceful slumber.

Kedarnath Dham Opening & Closing Dates

Kedarnath Opening Date - 10 May 2024
Kedarnath Closing Date - 3 Nov 2024

Kedarnath Temple Timing

While the temple is open, visitors can experience the divine from early morning till late evening. The temple operates from 4 am to 3 pm, takes a lunch break, and reopens at 5 pm until 9 pm. The morning puja is performed between 4:00 am and 7:00 am, and the evening puja takes place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. If you're planning to visit Kedarnath, timing your journey with these sacred hours ensures a fulfilling spiritual experience!

How to reach Guptkashi

By Air
Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport where you can reach. It is well connected to major cities of India. You can take a layover or direct flight if you’re coming from another part of India. From the Airport, you can hire a taxi or choose public transport to reach Sonprayag. If you want to do a trek, reach Gaurikund and start trekking which is around 16 to 18 km long. If you want to take shuttle service to Kedarnath then you can stop in Guptkashi/Phata or Sersi.

By Train
Take a train to Haridwar Railway Station/Rishikesh Railway Station, the nearest railway station to Kedarnath. After reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh, take a bus or hire a private taxi to Guptkashi/Phata or Sonprayag as per your plan.From Sonprayag, take the shared Jeep ride to Gaurikund and start 16 km trek to Kedarnath which takes around 4-6 hours as per your speed.

By Road
Suppose, you are starting your journey from Delhi, take National Highway 334 towards Haridwar. From Haridwar, take NH34 to reach Rishikesh. Now, take NH7 (Badrinath Road or Karnaprayag-Haridwar Road). Then, take Rudraprayag Bypass Road, NH107 (Kedarnath Road) which will connect you to the Triyuginarayan Road towards Sonprayag.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham from Guptkashi

If you're planning a pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham, the journey starts by reaching Guptakashi. The Kedarnath temple sits at a lofty altitude, reaching Kedarnath is an adventure of its own, involving a mix of road travel and an unforgettable trek. Whether you prefer to trek, ride a pony, or take a helicopter, there’s a route for every kind of traveler. Here’s a guide to help you plan your pilgrimage smoothly.

1. By Trek: The most traditional way to reach Kedarnath is by trekking, often seen as an essential part of the pilgrimage. The trek starts from Gaurikund and follows a well-marked path covering 18 km. The route is challenging due to the altitude, and it's recommended to begin early in the morning. Expect scenic but rugged terrain, with tea stalls and guesthouses along the way.
If trekking isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there are alternatives!

2. By Pony or Palki: For those who find the trek daunting, ponies and palkis (sedan chairs carried by porters) are available at Gaurikund. Hiring a pony can cost around ?2,500 to ?4,500 one way, although prices can surge during peak season. Palkis are usually reserved for the elderly and children.
Another less common option is the "pitthu," where locals carry yatris in a basket on their backs—an unconventional but sometimes necessary choice.

3. By Helicopter: For the quickest and most convenient option, you can take a helicopter from Guptakashi, Phata, & Sersi straight to Kedarnath. Heli service operates from three different locations Phata Guptkashi Sersi. Several private operators run helicopter services, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer to avoid the physical demands of the trek. You can book Helicopter for Kedarnath from Irctc Heli Yatra site.

The Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

May-June - This is the ideal time to plan your trip as the weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures. Plan early as pilgrims flock during the summer, for a hassle-free journey.

July-August - It is the monsoon season, and the frequent rainfall increases the risk of landslides in the region which is not considered safe.

September-October - The Autumn season brings mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

November-April - Harsh winter months and heavy snowfall in the region. So, the temple is closed during the winter.

Places Near Kedarnath Temple

Gaurikund - It is a base camp for the Kedarnath trek. This revered site is said to be where Goddess Parvati undertook a prolonged period of meditation to win the love and acceptance of Lord Shiva as her husband.

Lincholi - A small hamlet, a significant stopover for pilgrims and trekkers. It is located around 11 km from Gaurikund. If you are not capable of doing a 16 km trek in one go, then you can also stay in Lincholi.

Vasuki Tal - It is a trekkers’ paradise offering a rigorous but triumphant trail from Kedarnath or Gaurikund.

Shankaracharya Samadhi - The peaceful surroundings create a calming environment for meditation and introspection. Shankaracharya Samadhi is proof of the spiritual and philosophical legacy of Adi Shankaracharya, who decided to attain moksha at the age of 32.

Other nearby attractions - Bhairavnath Temple (12min/650m), Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary(210m/3 min), Triyuginarayan Temple(Drive-13km/50 min), Agastyamuni Temple (Drive-50km/1hr 49 min), Chorabari Tal or Gandhi Sarovar(Trekking-22.7km/7hr 21 min), etc.

Read in Detail - Best Places to visit near Kedarnath

What are the accommodation options near Kedarnath Temple?

Any person who plans to visit Kedarnath prefers the place of stay as per his convenience, need, and availability. These are the options available, out of which you can choose any one and book on time.

• - GMVN Guest House


• - Mandir Samiti Lodges


• - Tents and Camps


• - Private Hotels


• - Home Stays


• - Dharamshalas and Ashrams

Necessary Permits and Registrations That you need for Yatra

Yatra registration is a mandatory procedure before planning your Kedarnath Trip, you can’t skip it. To visit the Kedarnath, the following permits and registrations are required:

Photometric/Biometric Registration- Following the 2013 Kedarnath Floods, a biometric registration system was introduced to enhance identification accuracy and safety.

e-Greencard And Tripcard- They are related to vehicle registration and documentation and contain vehicle details, driver information, and route permits. The green card is mandatory only for commercial vehicles, and for private vehicles, register your vehicle and generate a trip card for (Chardham Yatra).

Mandatory Documents Required for Registration

Government ID proof- Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, etc.

Recent Passport Size Photographs.

Emergency Contact Information- Pilgrims can share phone numbers and other contact details of family members or friends. It is a good idea to exchange the contact details of the nearby locals.

Also, keep scanned copies of the important documents.

Weather and climate of Kedarnath

The climate remains cool at Kedarnath, with significant seasonal changes. The summers are mild and pleasant whereas the winters are harsh with extreme cold temperatures and snowfall. And, the monsoon brings heavy rainfall, making the journey more challenging. Summers are considered ideal for trekking, you won’t encounter such difficulties.

Tips for Kedarnath Dham Trek Preparation

We must prepare ourselves in advance physically and mentally, as it will not be an ordinary journey, and we should work on our physical health and mental health as well. Most of the journey needs trekking on steep and challenging terrains.

Physical Preparation includes physical training, cardio exercises like running, cycling, and strength training, especially for legs, etc.

Mental Preparation comprises practicing stress management and mindfulness, focusing on the positives of the trekking journey, and setting up goals and expectations as per your comfort.

Carry your gear and equipment such as comfortable trekking boots, packing layers for varying weather conditions, and other essential gear.

Properly research about the trek route and volatile climatic conditions.

Obtain necessary permits and ensure registrations from the respective authorities.

Consult your family doctor or a good doctor before finalizing your trekking trip.

Stay connected 24/7 with your family and friends.

Be prepared for the unexpected challenges you may face during the trekking journey.

Things to carry

- A good quality backpack (30-40 liters)
- Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
- Multiple pairs of socks
- Insulating layers (wool, fleece) along with base layers (both top and bottom)
- A quick-drying trekking pants
- Warm gloves, caps, mufflers
- First-aid kit
- A water bottle
- Tent, sleeping bag if you are camping
- Personal hygiene items
- Enough cash, and important documents
- Trekking poles- if you need it
- Power backup for mobile phones, portable lamps, or torches

Safety Guidelines and Emergency Protocols

1. Register yourself with the authorities beforehand.
2. Carry necessary documents and emergency contact numbers.
3. Trek with authorized guides or groups.
4. Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions.
5. Altitude Sickness: Descend immediately and seek medical help.
6. Accident & Injuries: Call emergency services (1077 or 108).
7. Missing Person: Report the authorities, the team is already there to monitor and then the search parties will be sent.
8. Severe Weather: Follow the official instructions and seek shelter at some safe place.
9. Natural Disasters: Follow instructions of the authorities, and evacuate via designated routes, be careful and attentive.