🏔️
3,583 m
Altitude
📅
May – Nov
Open Season
🥾
16 km Trek
From Gaurikund
🚗
460 km · 10 hrs
From Delhi
About Kedarnath
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath sits at 3,583 metres amid snow-capped peaks. Built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, the ancient stone temple overlooks the Mandakini River.
The 16-km trek from Gaurikund is as spiritually charged as the darshan itself — passing pine forests, glacial meadows and rocky ridgelines. Over 10 lakh pilgrims make this sacred journey between May and November each year.
Helicopter services from Phata and Sirsi helipads make the pilgrimage accessible to all age groups.
📷 Photo Gallery
Best Time to Visit
Kedarnath temple opens in late April/early May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes in November (Bhai Dooj). Best windows: May–June and September–October.
☀️
Summer
May – Jun
Peak season — temple open, clear skies, 10–20°C. Book helicopter 3–4 months ahead.
🌧️
Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Heavy rain, landslide risk on trek route. Temple open but travel risky.
🍂
Autumn
Sep – Oct
Post-monsoon clarity — stunning views, thinner crowds, crisp 5–15°C.
❄️
Winter
Nov – Apr
Temple closed. Heavy snowfall. Murti shifts to Ukhimath for winter worship.
How to Reach
✈️
By Air
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (250 km, 8 hrs). Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore.
🚂
By Train
Nearest railhead: Rishikesh (228 km) or Haridwar (250 km). Trains from Delhi 4–6 hrs.
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By Road
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Gaurikund (460 km, 10–12 hrs). Last 16 km trek only.
Things to Do
⛪
Kedarnath Temple Darshan
Visit the 8th-century stone temple of Lord Shiva — one of 12 Jyotirlingas. Morning aarti at 4 AM is unforgettable.
🥾
16 km Gaurikund Trek
Classic pilgrimage trek from Gaurikund (6,500 ft) to Kedarnath (11,755 ft). Pony and palki available.
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Helicopter Darshan
7-minute ride from Phata or Sirsi helipads. Book 3–4 months ahead during peak season.
🏔️
Chorabari Glacier
3 km trek to the glacier and sacred Gandhi Sarovar lake at 3,900m.
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Bhairavnath Temple
Protector deity of Kedarnath — cliff-edge temple with panoramic valley views.
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Vasuki Tal Trek
Advanced trek to Vasuki Tal (4,135m) — pristine glacial lake surrounded by Chaukhamba peaks.
Related Packages
Nearby Destinations
Travel Tips
1
Carry warm clothing even in summer — temperatures drop to 5°C at night.
2
Biometric registration is mandatory for all Char Dham pilgrims.
3
Book helicopter tickets 3–4 months in advance for peak season.
4
Carry basic medicines — medical facilities are limited beyond Guptkashi.
5
Start the trek early (5–6 AM) to avoid afternoon weather changes.
6
Carry sufficient cash — ATMs unavailable beyond Guptkashi.