Kedarnath Dham Yatra Guide
Kedarnath is a sacred town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples among the Char Dhams and is located on the banks of the Mandakini River. If you are planning a trip to Kedarnath, here is a simple guide to help you.
About Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The name “Kedar” means strong, another name for Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by beautiful mountains and is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Climate in Kedarnath
- Summer (May to June): Pleasant weather with temperatures between 17-20°C, ideal for travel.
- Monsoon (July to mid-August): Heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks make travel difficult. Avoid visiting during this period.
- Post-monsoon (September to October): A great time to visit with clear skies and cool weather.
- Winter (November to April): Harsh and extremely cold. The temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open from the last week of April until Diwali. The best months to visit are May-June and September-October.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is well-connected by road, air, and train.
By Train
- The nearest railway stations are Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
- From these stations, you can travel by road to Guptkashi or Sonprayag.
- A railway line to Rudraprayag is under construction.
By Air
- The nearest airport is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), 220 km from Kedarnath.
- From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Guptkashi and then proceed to Kedarnath.
By Road
- You can travel to Kedarnath from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, and other major cities by road.
- From Delhi, you can take a bus or car to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Guptkashi and then proceed further.
By Helicopter
- From Dehradun: Private helicopters are available, costing around Rs. 55,000 per person, including VIP darshan and meals.
- From Guptkashi, Phata, Sersi, Gaurikund: Helicopter services cost between Rs. 4,700 to Rs. 9,500 per person for a round trip.
By Trekking
- The Kedarnath trek is 18 km long and starts from Gaurikund.
- Trekking route: Gaurikund -> Jungle Chatti -> Bheembali -> Linchauli -> Kedarnath Temple.
- Trekking is allowed only between 4 AM to 1:30 PM.
By Horse/Palki
- Horses, palkis, and ponies are available for those who cannot trek.
- Palki/Dandi: Rs. 4,500 approx.
- Kandi: Rs. 3,400 approx.
- Ponies/Horses: Rs. 4,000 – 4,200 approx.
Places to Visit in Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Temple: The main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, made of grey stone, with historical and mythological significance.
- Bhairav Temple: A temple dedicated to Bhairav Nath, located 1 km from Kedarnath Temple, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Gaurikund Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Parvati, believed to be the place where she performed penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart.
Accommodation Options
- Government-run tent camps and lodges (GMVN).
- Private hotels, homestays, and dharamshalas.
Food Availability
- Small roadside dhabas and stalls offer North Indian vegetarian food.
- Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited.
Things to Carry for Kedarnath Trek
- Light but warm clothes.
- Comfortable trekking shoes.
- Water bottle and snacks.
- Oxygen meter and portable oxygen (if needed).
- Consult a doctor if you have heart or respiratory issues before planning the trek.
By following this guide, you can have a smooth and memorable journey to Kedarnath Dham.
