About Kedarnath

Uttarakhand

KedarnathKedarnath
Adi Shankaracharya SamadhiAdi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Bhairavnath TempleBhairavnath Temple
Gandhi SarovarGandhi Sarovar
GaurikundGaurikund
Kedarnath TempleKedarnath Temple
Triyuginarayan TempleTriyuginarayan Temple
Kedarnath Wildlife SanctuaryKedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Vasuki TalVasuki Tal

Overview

Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. Set against the majestic snow-clad Himalayas near the Mandakini River, the Kedarnath Temple stands as a symbol of faith and devotion. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a key stop in the Char Dham Yatra. The journey to Kedarnath, often made by trek or helicopter, offers stunning mountain views and a deeply spiritual experience. The temple is open from late April or May until Bhai Dooj after Diwali; in winter, Baba Kedar is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Plan your trip around the right season

May-Jun, Sep-OctBest Window

Why visit

Temple open and clearer weather outside the monsoon.

Keep in mind

May and June are the busiest weeks; book stays early.

How to Reach Kedarnath

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Rail to Haridwar or Rishikesh, or fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant), then road via Rudraprayag and Guptkashi to Sonprayag and Gaurikund; trek or IRCTC helicopter to the temple.

Getting Around Kedarnath

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Sumo taxis, UTC buses and limited autos in route towns.

Best Areas to Stay in Kedarnath

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Gaurikund lodges

Trek staging

Mules and chopper desks cluster predawn.

Sitapur / Sonprayag belts

Pre-trek nights

Earlier starts beat Rudraprayag jams.

Guptkashi and Phata helipad towns

Aviation-first pilgrims

Weather windows dictate flexible bookings.