🛕 Kedarnath Temple Complete Travel Guide – 2025
Kedarnath Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is among the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Here's everything you need to know before visiting this divine destination.
📍 Location
- State: Uttarakhand, India
- District: Rudraprayag
- Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet)
- River: Mandakini
🕉️ Significance
Kedarnath is believed to be built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya. Legend says Lord Shiva took the form of a bull to evade the Pandavas and vanished into the ground here, leaving his hump behind, which is worshipped in the temple.
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Summer: May to June – Ideal weather
- Monsoon: July to August – Risk of landslides
- Autumn: Sept to Oct – Peaceful, clear skies
- Winter: Nov to April – Temple closed
Opening Date: May (Akshaya Tritiya)
Closing Date: November (Bhai Dooj)
🗺️ How to Reach
🚆 By Train
Nearest stations: Haridwar, Rishikesh → then taxi/bus to Sonprayag or Gaurikund
✈️ By Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (250 km)
Helicopter service from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi
🚗 By Road
Last motorable point: Gaurikund → 16–18 km trek to Kedarnath
🥾 Kedarnath Trek
- Distance: 16 to 18 km from Gaurikund
- Time: 6–10 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Facilities: Pony, Doli, Palki services available
🚁 Helicopter Services
- Booking via GMVN or IRCTC
- Routes: Phata, Sersi, Sitapur → Kedarnath
- Cost: ₹2,500–₹5,500 (approx one-way)
🏨 Accommodation
- Kedarnath: GMVN Cottages, Dharmshalas
- Gaurikund: Budget lodges
- Guptkashi & Sonprayag: Hotels, Homestays
🍛 Food Options
Only vegetarian food is available. No alcohol or non-veg is allowed. Langars provide free meals to pilgrims.
🛐 Nearby Attractions
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Vasuki Tal (Trek)
- Triyuginarayan Temple
✅ Travel Tips
- Carry warm clothes even in summer
- Start trek early in the day
- Keep ID proofs & medical kit
- Travel light and stay hydrated
🔚 Conclusion
Visiting Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage; it is a spiritual adventure. The divine energy of Lord Shiva, the natural beauty of the Himalayas, and the journey itself will stay with you forever.
हर हर महादेव! जय केदारनाथ!
