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 of Kedarnath
Popular Kedarnath Tour Packages in 2024:
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
Other Chardham Tour Packages
Package Type | Days | Price |
---|---|---|
Chardham Yatra from Haridwar | 10 Days / 09 Nights | Rs.40,300 Per Person |
Char Dham Yatra from Hyderabad | 13 Days / 12 Nights | Rs.40,900 Per Person |
Chardham Yatra from Bangalore | 13 Days / 12 Nights | Rs.40,900 Per Person |
Chardham Yatra from Ahmedabad | 13 Days / 12 Nights | Rs.40,900 Per Person |
Chardham Yatra Package from Pune | 13 Days / 12 Nights | Rs.40,900 Per Person |
Chardham Yatra from Nagpur | 13 Days / 12 Nights | Rs.40,900 Per Person |
Chardham Yatra Group Tour | 11 Days / 10 Nights | Rs.40,900 Per Person |
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter | 06 Days / 05 Nights | Rs.2,00,000 Per Person |
Badrinath Kedarnath Package | 08 Days / 07 Nights | Rs.23,900 Per Person |
Gangotri Yamunotri Tour | 06 Days / 05 Nights | Rs.11,900 Per Person |
Gangotri Yamunotri By Helicopter | 1 Day | Rs.95,000 Per Person |
Chardham with Valley of Flowers | 15 Days / 14 Nights | Rs.37,700 Per Person |
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant with clear skies, ideal for trekking and temple visits. During these months, temperatures are mild, and the snow has melted, making the journey more accessible. 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 experiences varying weather conditions depending on the season. During summer (May to June), temperatures range from mild to cool, with clear skies ideal for trekking. Monsoon (July to August) brings heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of landslides. In autumn (September to October), the weather is pleasant with clear skies, making it another good time to visit. Winter (November to April) sees extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, with the temple inaccessible due to closure.
How to Reach Kedarnath
- By Road: Travel to Gaurikund, the nearest motorable point. From there, trek 16 km to Kedarnath.
- By Train: Nearest stations are Rishikesh or Haridwar, then travel by road to Gaurikund.
- By Flight: Fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, then proceed by road or helicopter to Kedarnath.
- By Helicopter: Services operate from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi, offering a faster alternative to reach Kedarnath.
Places to Visit around Kedarnath
Here are some places you should visit in Kedarnath:
- Kedarnath Temple: Ancient and revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Bhairavnath Temple: Nearby temple dedicated to Bhairava.
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): Scenic glacial lake, ideal for peaceful reflection.
- Vasuki Tal: High-altitude lake with stunning mountain views.
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: Memorial of Adi Shankaracharya behind Kedarnath Temple.
- Gaurikund: Starting point for Kedarnath trek, known for thermal springs.
- Sonprayag: Pilgrimage site at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: Believed to be Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding site.
- Chopta: “Mini Switzerland,” base for Tungnath and Chandrashila trek.
- Deoria Tal: Picturesque lake near Chopta, surrounded by meadows and peaks.
Things to Do
- Visit the ancient Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, enjoying Himalayan views.
- Explore nearby Bhairavnath Temple and Gandhi Sarovar.
- Hike to Vasuki Tal for a high-altitude lake experience.
- Participate in religious rituals and ceremonies at the temple.
- Capture scenic views and enjoy birdwatching in the Himalayan surroundings.
Things to Carry
- Warm clothing (thermal wear, fleece jackets)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy trekking shoes and woolen socks
- Personal medications and first aid kit
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat
- Water bottle, snacks, and energy bars
- Trekking pole (optional)
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
- Camera or smartphone
- Valid ID, travel permits, and emergency contact numbers
Kedarnath Travel Tips
- Weather: Expect cold temperatures year-round. Summers are pleasant, winters are freezing, and monsoon brings rain and landslides.
- Altitude: Kedarnath is at 3,583 meters. Acclimatize slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transport early, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
- Trekking: Start early for the 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. Consider using ponies or palanquins if needed.
- Clothing: Pack warm clothes, sturdy shoes, rain gear, and medications. Carry a flashlight due to sporadic electricity.
- Safety: Follow trekking guidelines, especially in monsoon. Respect local customs and keep the area clean.
- Communication: Mobile networks may be unreliable. Inform others about your itinerary.
- Emergency Preparedness: Know local emergency contacts and services.
- Environmental Awareness: Help preserve the fragile ecosystem by minimizing plastic use and maintaining cleanliness.
- Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the spiritual and natural beauty of Kedarnath responsibly.