Dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated on the Garhwal Himalayan range this Hindu temple is located near the Mandakini River in Kedarnath.
The temple remains closed during the severely cold seasons but the gates are opened for devotees only during the months of April through November.
During the winter season when the temple gates are closed after an elaborate puja ritual, the temple deity is transferred to Ukhimath where it is worshipped for the following six months. One can only reach this temple after covering a trek of 18kms uphill which commences from Gaurikund. Built during the ancient age by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya the Kedarnath temple shrine is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, making the journey here extremely significant for devout Hindus and Shaivites.
There are several mention of this temple in the ancient Vedic texts which prove that this temple shrine was and still remains of immense significance. We take you on a spiritual journey across some of the most splendid as well as spiritual destinations. Kedarnath is included in our packages which are do Dham Yatra, Panch Kedar Yatra, Kedarnath Dham Yatra, 3 Dham Yatra as well as the Kedarnath Chopta Yatra package. A journey to this land guarantees to refresh your mood and rejuvenate your senses. Being in the middle of some of the most striking places in India where the air is filled with deep devotion, and the whole way is strewn with pilgrims. Individuals seeking for an adventurous time and a thrilling trekking experience opt to visit this place.
Know about Kedarnath Dham:
Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath History, Geography of Kedarnath, Kedarnath Route Map, Kedarnath Weather, Festivals in Kedarnath, Kedarnath Aarti, Places to Visit in Kedarnath
Popular Kedarnath Tour Packages in 2025:
Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter, Badri Kedar Yatra Package from Delhi, Do Dham Car Rental, Badrinath Kedarnath Helicopter Tour, 3 Dham Yatra from Haridwar, Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi, Kedarnath Yatra with Chopta, Kedarnath Tour Package from Haridwar
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October. During these months, temperatures are mild and the snow has melted, making the journey far more accessible.
May to June
- This is the peak season, so expect big crowds
- This marks the spring to early summer period in Kedarnath
- The weather stays pleasant during the day, with skies being mostly clear
- The day temperatures range from 12°C to 18°C
- The night temperatures swings between 0°C and 5°C
- You might see snow, however, most of it will melt by June
- Pack heavy woollens, raincoat, umbrella, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- You can find helicopter services and ponies easily, as they are in full swing at this time
- Roads are mostly clear during this time
September to October
- This is a peaceful time for Darshan, owing to fewer crowds
- You’re welcomed with green lush valleys, post the monsoon subsides
- The mornings and nights are very cold
- The day temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C
- The night temperatures varies between -3°C and 2°C
- The skies are clear with crisp air
- There’s a possibility of light snowfall, especially in late October
- Pack layers (thermal wear & heavy jackets), gloves, and caps
- Temperatures in the range of 15 to 25 degree Celsius
- Hotel prices significantly drop
Tip: It’s advisable to avoid the monsoon season (July-August) due to heavy rainfall and the winter months (November-April) when the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Kedarnath Weather
Kedarnath weather changes a lot, based on the season. For example, the weather conditions you’ll find in summer will be a lot different than what you’d find in autumn. Here’s quick weather information about the sacred Dham.
During summer (May to June), you can expect the temperatures to go from mild to cool. Moreover, expect clear skies, which are ideal for outdoor activities, trekking, and temple visits.
Monsoon (July to August), on the other hand, brings heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of landslides. You’ll also face frequent road blockages and slippery roads. Pilgrimage during this season is not recommended.
In autumn (September to October), the weather becomes very pleasant with clear skies, making it another good time for pilgrimage.
Winter (November to April) marks the closure of the shrines, owing to the heavy snowfall. Therefore, pilgrimage in this period is simply impossible.
How to Reach Kedarnath
There are multiple ways via which you can reach the sacred site. Here is a quick travel guide:
- By Road: First of all, travel to Gaurikund, which is the nearest point up to which cars can travel. You can hire taxis/cabs to reach here. From here on, you can trek Kedarnath, a total of 16 km distance to the temple. You can also hire pony/palki to ease your Yatra.
- By Flight: First, take a plane to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to the Dham. You can then proceed to Kedarnath either by road or by taking helicopter service from the Sahastradhara helipad.
- By Train: If you’re coming from big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, etc., you can get frequent train services to reach here. The nearest railway station to the Dham is Haridwar. From the station, you can travel by road to reach Gaurikund.
- By Helicopter: You can find frequent heli services operating from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi. From these helipads, you can reach Kedarnath quickly and comfortably.
Places to Visit around Kedarnath
Here are some places that must be on your itinerary. Add these sites to your list and enjoy a far more enriched trip:
- Kedarnath Temple: This ancient and revered temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. And this must be the first and foremost site on your travel list, as it’s the prime shrine of the Dham! You can enjoy morning and evening Aartis here and witness rituals like Rudrabhishekam, which is a temple specialty.
- Bhairavnath Temple: This shrine is dedicated to Lord Bhairava, who is the guardian deity of the entire Kedarnath Valley! The temple not only provides visitors with a spiritual experience but also the gorgeous panoramic views of the area.
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): This scenic glacial lake provides a peaceful environment to the tourists, hosting as a perfect site for some downtime and inner reflection. This is also the place where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed!
- Vasuki Tal: This high-altitude lake spoils its visitors with stunning mountain views and picturesque landscapes. Reaching here is rewarding too, as it offers a scenic trek studded with Himalayan beauty.
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: This is the last resting place of Adi Shankaracharya and is located just behind Kedarnath Temple.
- Gaurikund: This place houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and also has a number of thermal springs. In addition, it serves as the starting point for the Kedarnath trek.
- Sonprayag: This is a popular stopover for pilgrims en route to Kedarnath. The site is highly revered because of the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers here. The site is famous for its picturesque views of lush valleys and snow-clad mountains all around.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married.
- Chopta: Also known as the “Mini Switzerland,” the town offers breathtaking views of majestic peaks such as Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. It also serves as a base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks.
- Deoria Tal: This is a picturesque lake located very near Chopta. Surrounded by meadows and peaks, a visit here treats tourists with nature’s pristine beauty.
Things to Do
Kedarnath offers a range of experiences – from pilgrimage to enjoying natural beauty to doing adventurous activities! For a full-fledged trip, make sure you indulge in all that the hilly site has to offer. Below, we mention a few essential things that you just shouldn’t miss out on. Check them out!
- Visit the Kedarnath Temple and soak in the impalpable divine aura of the shrine!
- Participate in religious rituals and ceremonies at the temple, like Aarti and Abhishekam.
- Trek from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath shrine and enjoy the Himalayan views along the way. The journey is as rewarding as reaching the temple!
- Don’t forget to explore the nearby attractions like Bhairavnath Temple and Gandhi Sarovar.
- Take a hike to Vasuki Tal and enjoy that unique high-altitude lake experience!
- Don’t forget your camera! Capture scenic views all around.
- Enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the region. Also, relish birdwatching in the gigantic Himalayan surroundings.
Things to Carry
Kedarnath stays cold for a good part of the year. In addition, owing to its location in the Garhwal Himalayas, devotees also have to tackle the unpredictable weather. To deal with all these hassles, it’s best if you come prepared. Pack the following things for your tour and experience a far more convenient trip. Here’s the list:
- Warm clothing (thermal wear, vests, woollen sweaters)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- Woollen socks, gloves, and muffler
- Personal medications and first aid kit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Water bottle, snacks, and energy bars
- Trekking gear (stick and trekking pole)
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Camera or smartphone
- Valid ID, travel permits, and emergency contact numbers
Important Travel Tips
The sacred Kedarnath shrine is nestled in the Himalayas, and because of that, devotees have to brave intense cold, low oxygen levels, and unpredictable weather. In order to enjoy a smooth and hassle-free trip, keep in mind the following tips:
- Pack Smartly: The Dham witnesses cold temperatures all year round. The nights get particularly cold, even in summers. Therefore, pack warm woollen clothes.
- Acclimatize: Kedarnath is located at a high altitude of 3,583 meters. To prevent altitude sickness, ascend slowly and acclimatize properly. Also, do not exert yourself. Move at a pace that is comfortable to you.
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transport in advance, especially during peak seasons. Owing to large footfall, they get filled up pretty quickly.
- Trekking: There lies a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. To ease your Yatra, you can either use helicopter services or a pony/palki ride.
- Carry Essential Gear: To tackle rough terrains and erratic weather of Kedarnath, make sure you carry sturdy shoes, rain gear, and medications. Also, carry a flashlight as power outages are common.
- Communication: Most mobile networks are unreliable in hilly terrains. However, BSNL and Jio work best in these mountain areas. Make sure you buy a SIM or two from these network providers before embarking on the trip.
Explore the Divine Journey!
Journey to Kedarnath is special and a unique experience in itself. This single trip earns you spiritual merits of visiting a Dham, a Jyotirlinga, and a Panch Kedar! However, reaching here is not the easiest of pilgrimages. And this is where we step in! For this divine tour, we’ll take care of all your travel needs – from reaching here to staying there to your food-related woes, we’ll handle it all! To know more about this package and our exclusive deals, give us a call today!