Kedarnath is located on the snow-laden peaks in Uttarakhand, and is the home to one of the most iconic of the Char Dham temples, Kedarnath temple and its surrounding areas are an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who come here from all over the world.
Kedarnath Temple is a popular Hindu temple, located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Kedarnath is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is also one of the 68 Tirth of India and a famous tourist destination of India.
Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open for the public only between the months of April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima, the autumn full moon) during the summer season. Best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is during the summer season.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva after the battle of Mahabharata. Apart from the temple itself, places to visit in Kedarnath are unmissable. The places to visit in Kedarnath include Vasuki Tal, Sonprayag, Chorabari Tal, Gauri Temple, Bhairavnath Temple etc.
Weather of Kedarnath
Kedarnath experiences severe temperature through out the year. July & August are the months where the temperature is high 10-15 Degree Celsius. The average temperature is around 2.5 degree Celsius while the range lies from 2 degree Celsius to a maximum of 15 degree in year. During winter, the temperature of kedarnath ranges below freezing point. So, it is favorable to visit during the summer season.
History
The historical name of this region is “Kedar Khand” and legend says, the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata, after having defeated the Kauravas, felt guilty of having killed so many people and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. The Lord rebuked them and took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull.
The Lord dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface at Kedarnath. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms of the Lord appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) at
Kalpeshwar. The Kedarnath and four above-mentioned shrines make the revered Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple
Direct excess to Kedarnath Temple is not possible, by car or bus you can reach upto Sonprayag and Gaurikund, from there you have to trek for 16km or you can take a helicopter, Ponny, or Palki as per you budget and availability.
Helicopter services
Regular helicopter services are available from Phata Village near Sonprayag and Augustmuni helipads. You can visit the temple and return the same day through helicopter service. These are 5-seater helicopters. Even with a same-day return flight, you will get around 1:30 hours for darshan in the temple
Palki Services
Doli is a palanquin that is lifted and carried by four people. It can cost around INR 8000-INR 12000 approx.
Pony Services
A pony ride will cost you around INR 2500 for the return journey from Sonprayag. You can also book a pony from Gaurikund for INR 2300 approx.
How to Reach Sonprayag or Gaurikund.
- By Air-The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km away from the temple connected with other major cities of the country. At the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath Temple.
- By Train-The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 216 km from Kedarnath. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or bus to reach Kedarnath.
- By Road-Road is well connected to reach Sounprayag or Gurikund. Once you reach the nearest town, Gaurikund, you will have to take a 16 km trek to reach Kedarnath. The trek takes around 6-7 hours to complete and passes through beautiful mountain scenery.
Best time to visit Kedarnath Temple
Best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is during the summer season from April to June is the best time to visit Kedarnath as the weather is pleasant and favourable to explore Kedarnath. Summer season is the month when the Char Dham Yatra begins and Kedarnath temple is opened and visited by a large number of pilgrims from all across the world. The temple is closed for 6 month during winter season from October to March.
Darshan Timing of Kedarnath Temple
Darshan Timing of Kedarnath Temple is from 4:30 Am To 1:00 Pm & 4:00 Pm To 9:00 Pm.
Kedarnath Temple opening Time
The opening time to Kedarnath temple is during the summer season between the months of April to October, when the weather is pleasant in Uttarakhand.
Best Hotels to stay in Kedarnath
Kedar valley Resort, Himalayan camp Kedarnath, Hotel Kunj kedar, The Omkareshwar Inn, Mew Basera Hotel are some of the best and affordable hotels to stay in Kedarnath with friends or family.
Best Places to visit in Kedarnath
Vasuki Tal, Kedarnath
Vasuki Tal is located at an elevation of 14,200 feet above sea level, Vasuki Tal is a sweet water glacial lake situated in Kedarnath. It is located at a distance of 8km from Kedarnath. It is surrounded by high mountains, it is believed that Lord Vishnu used to bathe in this lake.
Sonprayag
Sonprayag is the small hamlet which is a part of the Rudraprayag district of Uttaranchal. It is the confluence of two holy rivers- Basuki and Mandakini. It is one of the most popular and beautiful places to visit in Kedarnath as it is believed that bathing in this river will wash away one’s sins.
Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairavnath temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairava, also known as Kshetrapal or the guardian of the region. It is believed that when the temple is closed for 6 months during the winters, Lord Bhairavnath protects the shrine and the Kedarnath valley. The temple is located at a distance of 500 m from the Kedarnath Temple.
Gauri Kund
Gauri Kund is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, It is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites on its way to Kedarnath. It is believed that Goddess Parvati meditated here for a long time to win Lord Shiva as her husband. Finally, There is a hot water spring at GauriKund and it is considered auspicious to take bath in this spring before proceeding toward Kedarnath.
Frequently Asked Question
Where is Kedarnath Temple located ?
The temple is located on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini river, in
Uttarakhand, India.
When is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
April to June is considered the best time to visit Kedarnath as the weather is pleasant to explore the temple and the temperatures usually range between 10 to 15 degree Celsius.
Why is it mandatory to register for the Kedarnath yatra ?
Kedarnath Yatra registration is mandatory for all devotees who are willing to go for darshan of Kedarnath. After successfully registering yourself, you will get a biometric registration card, which is also known as Yatra Pass and Yatra Permits.
When Kedarnath Temple opens for darshan ?
The Kedarnath temple remains open from 04:30 AM to 01:00 PM and again from 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM which is considered as the darshan timings of the temple
Who built Kedarnath temple ?
According to Hindu mythology, the temple was built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva after the battle of Mahabharata.