About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India — and one of the most dramatic. Perched at 3,583m in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the ancient Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred abodes of Shiva) in India. It is also part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
The temple's origins are attributed to the Pandavas, who are said to have built it to atone for the sins of the Mahabharata war. The current stone temple structure dates to the 8th century, reportedly built or restored by Adi Shankaracharya, who also attained samadhi near the temple premises.
The Kedarnath temple sits beside the Mandakini River with the snow-capped Kedarnath and Kedar Dome peaks forming a breathtaking backdrop. The spiritual and natural grandeur of this location is unlike anywhere else on earth.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Reaching Kedarnath involves multiple stages of travel:
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 250km from Gaurikund (the Kedarnath trek base). Taxis and buses connect Dehradun to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and onwards to Gaurikund.
By Train
The nearest major railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar. From here, buses and taxis run to Sonprayag and Gaurikund. The road journey from Rishikesh to Gaurikund takes approximately 8–10 hours.
By Road
The road route: Delhi/Dehradun → Rishikesh/Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Sonprayag → Gaurikund. At Gaurikund, private vehicles are not permitted beyond the parking area. You proceed to Kedarnath on foot or by helicopter.
The Kedarnath Trek Route
The Kedarnath trek is one of the most iconic pilgrimage treks in India — challenging, rewarding, and deeply spiritual. The trail begins at Gaurikund (1,982m) and ends at Kedarnath temple (3,583m), covering approximately 16–18km one way with an elevation gain of 1,600m.
Trek Highlights
- Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti (4km): The initial forested section, mostly stone steps and paved path.
- Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (4.5km): Gradual ascent through denser forests with occasional mountain views.
- Bheembali to Lincholi (2km): The terrain opens up and you begin to see the snow peaks ahead.
- Lincholi to Kedarnath (7km): The dramatic final stretch — open valley, the Mandakini river beside you, and the Kedarnath peak looming ahead. This is the most breathtaking section.
The ascent takes 6–8 hours at a comfortable pace. Pony, palki (doli), and porter services are available throughout the route for those who need them.
Plan your Kedarnath pilgrimage with Treki — fully guided, with accommodation, meals and transport handled for you.
Connect with our ExpertHelicopter Option
For pilgrims who cannot undertake the trek — whether due to age, health conditions, or time constraints — helicopter services offer an excellent alternative. Several operators run helicopter services between Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi helipads and the Kedarnath helipad, just a short walk from the temple.
- Flight time: Approximately 7–10 minutes one way
- Cost: ₹4,000–₹10,000 per person (one way), varies by helipad and season
- Booking: Must be done in advance through government-approved operators. Slots fill up fast, especially in peak season.
- Important: Weather cancellations are common. Have a backup plan for ground travel.
Best Months to Visit Kedarnath
The Kedarnath temple is open for approximately 6 months annually, usually from May to November. Here is a month-by-month guide:
- May: Opening month. Weather is crisp, snow may still be on the ground. Manageable crowds early in the month, growing rapidly by late May.
- June: Peak pilgrimage season before monsoon. Large crowds, all services fully operational.
- July–August: Monsoon. Heavy rains, frequent landslides, many route closures. Not recommended for most pilgrims.
- September: Post-monsoon. Excellent weather, lush greenery in the valley, reduced crowds. One of the best times.
- October: The most beautiful month. Crystal clear skies, autumn colours, and views of snow-capped peaks. Closure ceremonies in late October/early November are also special.
Registration Process
Online registration for Kedarnath is mandatory and has a daily pilgrim quota. The process:
- Visit the official Char Dham portal and complete your profile with photo ID
- Choose your preferred visit date and slot
- Download or print your e-pass / QR code
- The QR code is verified at multiple checkpoints en route and at the temple entry
- Registration is free. Beware of third-party sites charging for it.
- Medical fitness certificate may be required for senior pilgrims (60+ years)
What to Carry
Packing well makes a significant difference to your Kedarnath experience. The altitude and unpredictable weather demand preparation:
- Clothing: Thermal base layers, fleece, heavy jacket. Temperatures at Kedarnath can drop to near zero even in May.
- Trek essentials: Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip (the trail can be wet and muddy), trekking pole
- Health: Personal medications, Diamox for altitude sickness, energy bars and dry snacks for the trek
- Documents: Registration e-pass, original photo ID (Aadhaar/Passport)
- Safety: Raincoat or poncho, torch, emergency whistle
- Puja items: Flowers, coconut, gangajal. Available at base camp shops if you haven't packed them.
Accommodation at Kedarnath
Accommodation at Kedarnath is available in the form of GMVN guesthouses, private hotels, and dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses). Options range from basic dormitories to deluxe rooms. Tents are also available at the campsite near the temple.
Key booking tips:
- Book GMVN accommodation via their official website — months in advance for peak season
- Budget: ₹500–₹1,500 per night for dormitory/basic rooms; ₹2,500–₹5,000 for better rooms
- Meals are available at dhabas and GMVN cafeteria. Food is vegetarian-only at Kedarnath.
- Electricity is available but limited. Keep a power bank handy.
For a worry-free pilgrimage, let Treki handle your accommodation pre-booking as part of our Kedarnath Yatra package.
