Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and a central part of the Char Dham Yatra. Situated at an altitude of about 3,583 meters in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
Surrounded by snow-clad Himalayan peaks and located near the Mandakini River, Kedarnath offers a deeply spiritual and awe-inspiring experience.
Significance of Kedarnath Dham
According to Hindu mythology, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Shiva took the form of a bull and hid in Kedarnath; when discovered, he dived into the earth, leaving his hump at Kedarnath. This is why the temple worships the hump-shaped Jyotirlinga.
The temple was revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, and his samadhi lies behind the temple.
Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing
- Opening Time: April/May (on Akshaya Tritiya)
- Closing Time: October/November (on Bhai Dooj)
- Winter Abode: Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
Exact dates are announced annually by the temple committee.
Kedarnath Yatra Route
- Base Point: Gaurikund
- Trek Distance: ~16 km (one way)
- Options Available:
- Trekking
- Pony / Mule
- Palki
- Helicopter services (from Phata, Guptkashi, Sersi)
Major Attractions Near Kedarnath
- Bhairavnath Temple – Protector deity of Kedarnath
- Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal) – Glacial lake near the temple
- Vasuki Tal – High-altitude sacred lake
- Triyuginarayan Temple – Mythological wedding site of Lord Shiva and Parvati
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Road:
Rishikesh / Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund
By Rail:
Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (216 km)
By Air:
Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km)
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is May to June and September to October. July and August are risky due to heavy monsoon rainfall and landslides.
Important Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra
- Mandatory Char Dham Yatra registration
- Carry warm clothes and rain protection
- Acclimatize properly due to high altitude
- Start the trek early in the morning
- Follow local administration and weather advisories
Why Visit Kedarnath Dham?
Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage—it is a journey of faith, endurance, and divine connection. The powerful presence of Lord Shiva amid the Himalayas makes Kedarnath one of the most spiritually uplifting destinations in India.