About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple stands at about 3,583 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, near the source of the Mandakini river in Rudraprayag district. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the most important of the Panch Kedar shrines, and part of the Chota Char Dham yatra. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the temple can only be reached on foot, by pony, palki or helicopter, and it opens for about six months each year. For many devotees, reaching Kedarnath is a once-in-a-lifetime act of devotion.
Legend says that after the Kurukshetra war the Pandavas sought Shiva's forgiveness. Shiva avoided them by taking the form of a bull and diving into the ground, leaving his hump behind at Kedarnath, while other parts appeared at the other Panch Kedar sites. The Pandavas are believed to have first built a temple here, and Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have revived it in the 8th century; his samadhi lies behind the temple. In the 2013 floods a large rock, now worshipped as Bhim Shila, is said to have shielded the temple.
The temple is built of large grey stone slabs on a raised platform, with a pyramid-shaped shikhara. A stone Nandi faces the entrance. Inside the mandapa are images of the Pandavas, Krishna and Draupadi, and in the sanctum is a conical rock worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.
Kedarnath Temple timings & aarti
Seasonal: opens around Akshaya Tritiya (late Apr/May; date announced on Maha Shivaratri) and closes on Bhai Dooj (Oct/Nov). During the season usually open from early morning to about 9:00 PM with an afternoon break. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Maha Abhishek and Puja | Early morning (about 4:00 AM onwards) |
| Evening Aarti | About 7:00 PM |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 240 km from Gaurikund. Helicopter services also fly to Kedarnath from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi.
By train
Rishikesh (Yog Nagari Rishikesh) is the nearest major railway station, about 215 km from Gaurikund; Haridwar is about 240 km away.
By road
Roads end at Sonprayag/Gaurikund. From Gaurikund it is a trek of about 16-18 km to the temple; ponies, palkis and porters are available.
Festivals at Kedarnath Temple
- Kapat Opening (Doors Opening)Apr/May
- Shravan MonthJul/Aug
- Kapat Closing on Bhai DoojOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended; carry warm layers, as it is cold even in summer.
- Entry
- Darshan is free, but registration for the Char Dham Yatra with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory. Paid puja bookings are available through the temple committee.
- Complete the mandatory Char Dham Yatra registration before you travel.
- Start the trek early in the morning and carry rain gear, warm clothes and basic medicines.
- Spend a night at Guptkashi or Sonprayag to adjust to the altitude before the trek.
- Book helicopter tickets only through official channels to avoid fraud.
- Do not forget to visit the Adi Shankaracharya samadhi and Bhairavnath temple.
Places to visit near Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairavnath TempleGuardian deity of Kedarnath on a hill, about 1 km away
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar)Glacial lake, a trek of about 3-4 km
- Vasuki TalHigh-altitude lake, a demanding trek of about 8 km
- Triyuginarayan TempleBelieved site of Shiva-Parvati's wedding, about 12 km from Sonprayag
- GuptkashiTown with the Vishwanath temple, about 30 km from Sonprayag
Frequently asked questions
When does Kedarnath Temple open and close?
It usually opens around Akshaya Tritiya in late April or May and closes on Bhai Dooj in October or November. The exact opening date is announced on Maha Shivaratri.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
The trek from Gaurikund is about 16-18 km one way and usually takes six to eight hours on foot.
Is registration required for Kedarnath?
Yes, registration for the Char Dham Yatra with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory for all pilgrims.
Where is Lord Kedarnath worshipped in winter?
In winter the deity is worshipped at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Is there a helicopter to Kedarnath?
Yes, helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi during the yatra season. Book only through official channels.
What is the aarti time at Kedarnath Temple?
Morning Maha Abhishek and Puja: Early morning (about 4:00 AM onwards); Evening Aarti: About 7:00 PM. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Kedarnath Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended; carry warm layers, as it is cold even in summer.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple?
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 240 km from Gaurikund. Helicopter services also fly to Kedarnath from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi. By train: Rishikesh (Yog Nagari Rishikesh) is the nearest major railway station, about 215 km from Gaurikund; Haridwar is about 240 km away. By road: Roads end at Sonprayag/Gaurikund. From Gaurikund it is a trek of about 16-18 km to the temple; ponies, palkis and porters are available.
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