Temple History & Spiritual Significance
Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to be the most powerful deity in the Hindu trinity that includes Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Set amidst snow-clad mountains near the Chorabari glacier on the Mandakini riverbank, the temple offers a spectacular backdrop of Himalayan magnificence.The Legend of Kedarnath
According to Hindu mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva to atone for their sins of killing their own kin. Lord Shiva, however, wished to avoid them and took the form of a bull (Nandi) to hide in the Garhwal Himalayas. When the Pandavas discovered him, Shiva dove into the ground. Bhim, one of the Pandavas, managed to catch the bull by its hump. The hump of this divine bull is what is worshipped at Kedarnath, while other body parts are venerated at four other locations, collectively known as Panch Kedar:- Navel at Madhya Maheshwar
- Forelegs at Tungnath
- Face at Rudranath
- Hair at Kalpeshwar
Kedarnath Temple Schedule (2025)
Planning your pilgrimage requires knowing when the temple is accessible:- Opening Date: May 14, 2025 (tentative)
- Closing Date: November 2, 2025 (tentative)
Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule
The daily rituals at Kedarnath Temple follow a strict schedule:- Morning Aarti (Maha Abhishek): 4:00 AM
- Temple Opens for Devotees: 6:00 AM
- Afternoon Closure: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Evening Aarti (Shyan Aarti): 7:00 PM
Registration for Kedarnath Yatra
Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra. You can register:- Online: Through the official website of Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board (UCDDMB)
- Offline: At registration centers in Haridwar railway station, Rishikesh bus stand, Janki Chatti, Guptkashi, Phata, Uttarkashi, and Sonprayag (valid photo ID required)
Key Places to Visit in Kedarnath
Beyond the main temple, the Kedarnath region offers several spiritually and naturally significant sites:- Gandhi Sarovar: A pristine lake also known as Chorabari Tal
- Vasuki Tal: A beautiful high-altitude lake requiring a challenging trek
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: The final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya
- Bhairav Temple: Dedicated to the guardian deity of Kedarnath
- Triyuginarayan Temple: Where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married
- Gaurikund: The starting point of the Kedarnath trek with thermal springs
- Sonprayag: The confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers
- Phata: A scenic village en route to Kedarnath
Experiences in Kedarnath
The Kedarnath journey offers more than just temple visits:- Kedarnath Trekking: The 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is both spiritually and physically rewarding
- Sunset Point: Witness breathtaking Himalayan sunsets
- Chorabari Tal: Trek to this glacial lake, also known as Gandhi Sarovar
- Riverside Meditation: Experience solitude along the Mandakini River
- Vasuki Tal: For experienced trekkers, this alpine lake offers spectacular views
- Anusuya Devi Temple: An ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Anusuya
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during two specific periods:- April to June: Post-winter when the weather is pleasant for trekking
- September to October: Post-monsoon with clear skies and stable weather
How to Reach Kedarnath
How to reach Kedarnath depends on your starting point, but all journeys end at Gaurikund, from where the final trek or alternative transportation to the temple begins.- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (238 km from Gaurikund) is the nearest airport
- By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest railhead
- By Road: Well-connected to major North Indian cities with buses and taxis available to Gaurikund
- Trekking (6-8 hours)
- Pony ride (4-5 hours)
- Palki/Doli (carried by porters, 4-5 hours)
- Helicopter services (during peak season, subject to weather conditions)
Accommodation Options
While accommodation in Kedarnath itself is limited, several options are available: In Kedarnath:- GMVN tents and rest houses (advance booking recommended)
- Private tents and basic lodging near the temple
- Camp Nirvana, Guptkashi
- Rawat Tourist Lodge, Guptkashi
- Hotel Madhuban, Guptkashi
- Yatra Hill Resort, Phata
Dining Options
Food options in Kedarnath are limited to simple vegetarian fare, as non-vegetarian food and alcohol are strictly prohibited in this sacred area. Small eateries and dhabas serve basic meals, tea, and snacks. Notable eateries include:- Natraj Restaurant
- TF Chatti
- Umendra Bhatt Café
- Hotel Sri Hari Restaurant
Essential Travel Tips
- Weather Preparation:
- Carry heavy woolens for winter visits
- Light woolens even in summer as evenings can be cold
- Raincoat and umbrella during monsoon season
- Health Precautions:
- Carry medication for altitude sickness, cold, fever
- First aid kit with painkillers and antiseptic creams
- Allow time for acclimatization to high altitude
- Trekking Essentials:
- Sturdy, comfortable trekking shoes
- Walking stick for support
- Water bottle and energy snacks
- Electronics:
- Fully charged power banks
- Battery-operated torch
- Extra camera batteries
- General Advice:
- Keep buffer days in your itinerary, especially during monsoon
- Register for the yatra in advance
- Respect local customs and temple traditions
- Carry minimal luggage for the trek
Spiritual Travel Packages
For a well-organized pilgrimage experience, consider special yatra packages: Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage destination but a journey through stunning landscapes, ancient mythology, and profound spiritual experiences. Whether you seek divine blessings or the tranquility of the Himalayas, this sacred abode of Lord Shiva offers an unforgettable experience for every visitor.Kedarnath Tour Packages
7 Nights / 8 Days
Delhi- Rishikesh – Lansdowne – Jim Corbett National Park – Kausani Binsar – Nainital – Delhi.
INR 28,000 Per Person
14 Nights / 15 Days
Delhi – Rishikesh – Mussoorie – Auli – Kausani – Binsar – Munsiyari – Patal Bhuwaneshwar – Mukteshwar – Bhimtal – Sattal – Nainital – Corbett – Delhi
INR 54,000 Per Person
4 Nights / 5 Days
Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Mussoorie – Dhanaulti – Mussoorie – Delhi
Price On Request
5 Nights / 6 Days
Delhi – Nainital – Mukteshwar – Corbett – Delhi
INR 19,000 Per Person
Cities of Uttarakhand
- Bageshwar
- Barkot
- Bhimtal
- Chamba
- Chamoli
- Champawat
- Doonagiri
- Gaurikund
- Gopeshwar
- Guptakashi
- Haldwani
- Hanuman Chatti
- Har ki Doon
- Joshimath
- Karanprayag
- Khirsu
- Kotdwara
- Nandaprayag
- Naukuchiatal
- Pauri
- Pithoagarh
- Rudraprayag
- Rudrapur
- Sattal
- Tehri
- Uttarkashi
- Yamkeshwar
- Corbett
- Chopta
- Devprayag
- Gangotri
- Hemkund
- Mukteshwar
- Ranikhet
- Valley of Flower
- Yamunotri
- Dhanaulti
- Almora
- Badrinath
- Lansdowne
- Kausani
- Dehradun
- Haridwar
- Auli
- Nainital
- Mussoorie
- Rishikesh
Things To Do in Uttarakhand
FAQs
Q: How many days are enough for Kedarnath?
Ans: Kedarnath is located at 3500 meters, and to reach here, you need to trek. The route is not so smooth and becomes difficult as you gain altitude daily. You will be able to complete the Kedarnath trek in 3 days.
Q: How much does a helicopter ride to Kedarnath Temple cost?
Ans: The fare of the five-seater helicopter is around INR 7000 per person for a round trip. For a one-way ticket, the cost will be around INR 3200 per person. Contact us to know more about Kedarnath helicopter booking.
Q: What should you wear to Kedarnath?
Ans: Kedarnath is located at a high altitude, and thus, it is cold there. Make sure to wear light winter wear during summer. Also, it rains frequently, so raincoats and rain shoes are essential. You may also carry a windcheater, monkey caps, muffler, etc.
Q: In which month does Kedarnath open?
Ans: Kedarnath temple opens from the end of April to the beginning of November. You can go on Kedarnath Yatra, one of Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlingas, and among the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand.
Why Book With Us
At Indian Holiday, we offer customized tours curated to suit your tastes. So, why wait? Inspire your next holiday and bring your travel vision to life!
35+
Years of Travel Experience
100+
Travel Experts To Assist You
03+
Million Satisfied Guests
Ministry
of Tourism Accredited
Acclaimed by Travelers
- 5/5 Rating:
- 4/5 Rating: