Overview
Welcome to Kedarnath, a place of great spiritual importance nestled at the base of snow-laden peaks in Uttarakhand. This region is home to the iconic Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. As part of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath holds a special place as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Accessible only from Gaurikund through a trek, the temple is open for six months from April to November, with the deity being worshipped in Ukhitmath during the winter months. The temple, believed to be re-constructed by Adi Shankaracharya, stands amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayan Range, with the Mandakini River flowing nearby. Despite the 2013 flash floods that caused significant damage to the Kedarnath Valley, the temple itself remained largely unharmed, drawing countless devotees each year due to its religious significance.
Read LessTop Experiences on Avathi
Jakkalli
View All Experiences Now
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Air
- Closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 110 kilometers from Kedarnath.
- From the airport, travelers can take a taxi to Gaurikund, the last road head to Kedarnath.
By Train
- Nearest railway station is Rishikesh, located 216 km away.
- Rishikesh has frequent trains to and from major destinations in India.
By Road
- Travelers can take a bus from Haridwar to Sonprayag, with departures every hour between 5 AM to 12 PM.
- Shared jeeps are available from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, the last motorable road to Kedarnath.
Places to Visit in Kedarnath
Phata
4.2 (754)
Nestled in the picturesque Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Phata is a charming village that serves as a vital stopover on the Kedarnath Yatra pilgrimage route. Situated just 32 km away from the revered Kedarnath Temple, Phata boasts a helipad offering quick helicopter services to Kedarnath, mak...
Read More
Shri Bhairavnath Temple
4.8 (666)
Perched majestically on a hillock just a short 500-meter walk from the renowned Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, the Bhairavnath Temple offers a serene sanctuary for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. This sacred site is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a revered Hindu deity known as the main...
Read More
Rudra Point
4.6 (514)
Nestled just a kilometer away from the revered Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand lies Rudra Cave, a haven for those seeking moments of solitude and reflection amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas. Managed by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), this contemporary meditation space offers a serene environm...
Read More
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
4.6 (275)
Nestled behind the revered Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand, the Shankaracharya Samadhi is a place of deep spiritual significance. This tranquil site is believed to be the resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered saint who played a pivotal role in establishing the four sacred dhams in India. Pi...
Read More
Augustmuni
4.5 (270)
Located 18 km from Rudraprayag and 67 km from Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, Agastyamuni is a revered town on the banks of the River Mandakini. At an elevation of 1000 m, the town is famous for the Agastyamuni Temple, dedicated to Maharshi Priya Ranjan, where it is believed that the sage Agastya meditate...
Read More
View All Places to Visit
Things to do in Kedarnath
Stay at Syalsaur, Uttarakhand
Experience the tranquility of Syalsaur, a quaint hill station in Uttarakhand, situated on the banks of the Mandakini River. Located about 160 km from Haridwar at an elevation of about 820 meters above sea level, this budding tourist attraction offers a haven for bird lovers. Surrounded by greenery a...
Read More
Trek to Vasuki Lake
Embark on a breathtaking trek to Vasuki Lake, situated at an elevation of 4,135 meters near Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. This pristine alpine lake, named after the celestial serpent Vasuki, is surrounded by majestic peaks, offering a mesmerizing panorama of the Garhwal Himalayas. According to Hindu myt...
Read MoreMeditate in Rudra Cave
Experience peace and comfort by meditating in the underground stone meditation cave, located just 1 km away from Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. This modern cave, maintained by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), offers a single bed with bedding, attached washroom with geyser and running water, heat...
Read MoreTake a Helicopter Trip to Kedarnath from Phata
Embark on a thrilling helicopter journey from the village of Phata to the sacred destination of Kedarnath in just 8 minutes. Phata, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, serves as a renowned stopover on the Kedarnath Yatra and is equipped with a helipad offering helicopter services to ...
Read More
Trek to Chorabari Lake
Embark on a trek to Chorabari Lake, also known as Gandhi Tal, located just 3 kms away from the Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand. This picturesque lake, nestled against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 3900 m, attracts tourists and devotees alike. Originating from the Chorabari B...
Read More
View All Things to do
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a perfect summer destination, with the best time to visit being between April to July for the peak season and August to October for the moderate season. The off-season lasts from November to March. Visitors can expect pleasant weather and clear days, perfect for exploring the various temples and trekking around the mountains. Additionally, there are several festivals and events to loo... Read
More
FAQs on Kedarnath
How is the weather of Kedarnath in peak season?
The weather of Kedarnath in peak season is characterized by pleasant weather and clear days, making it an ideal time to plan a trip for maximum enjoyment.
What are the best places to visit in Kedarnath?
The most beloved attractions in Kedarnath include the Kedarnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, and Sonprayag.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the peak season from April to July or the moderate season from August to October when the weather conditions are delightful.
Can I travel to Kedarnath now?
Yes, you can travel to Kedarnath. The best time to visit is from May to October. However, during peak winters, it may be closed due to heavy snowfall.
Why is Kedarnath famous?
Kedarnath is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism, collectively known as the Char Dham Yatra.
Who should visit Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is great for people looking for a religious getaway to Dham Yatra and adventure seekers interested in trekking.
What are the places near Kedarnath?
The top places near Kedarnath include Auli, Valley of Flowers, Nainital, Nelong Valley, and Madhyamaheshwar.
What are the things to do in Kedarnath?
The top things to do in Kedarnath are visiting the Kedarnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Agastyamuni, Chandrashila, and Sonprayag.
What is the best way to reach Kedarnath?
Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath, and Jolly Grant is the nearest airport. Gaurikund, the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath, is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and Delhi.
What is the local food in Kedarnath?
Options for eating out can be limited in Kedarnath. One might find a number of dhabas and eateries offering vegetarian food. It's advisable to carry packed food and drinks as well as note that alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Kedarnath.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the pleasant weather in May-June and September-October, while avoiding the sub-zero temperatures and heavy rainfall in winter and monsoon seasons.
What is not so good about Kedarnath?
Kedarnath remains cold throughout the year and is located at a high altitude, requiring a 16 km trek, which may be challenging for some visitors.
What is famous about Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is renowned for its unparalleled beauty, surrounded by snowy peaks, and is one of the holiest pilgrims in North India, forming part of the four Dhams.
Similar Places Near Kedarnath
- Recent Stories
- Must Places to Visit for Best Wildlife Experiences | Jungle Lodges and Resort
- The Ultimate Guide to Kokkare Bellur : Resorts to Stay, Things to do, Nearby Places to Visit, Best Time to Visit & Nearest Airport
- The Ultimate Guide to Muthathi : Resorts to Stay, Things to do, Nearby Places to Visit, Best Time to Visit & Nearest Airport
- The Ultimate Guide to Shivanasamudra : Resorts to Stay, Things to do, Best Time to Visit & Nearest Airport
- Top 8 Best Nature Camps in South India | Jungle Lodges and Resorts: Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana
- The Complete Guide to Rafting in Karnataka - Places and Nearby Stay Options
Avathi Outdoors curates the best local outdoor experiences around you. Whether you like adventure, a silent walk in nature or watching wildlife, we have the most authentic experiences for you.
