Kedarnath Dham
Important Information
The Kedarnath Dham Kapat Opening Date
2nd May 2025
The Temple Opening & Closing Time
The temple opening & closing time will be announced soon!
The Kedarnath Dham Aarti & Bhog Time
The kedarnath dham Aarti & Bhog time will be announced soon!
About Kedarnath Dham
Situated at an impressive height of 3,580 meters and surrounded by the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a key site in the Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage.
The Kedarnath Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is one of the 275 temples classified as Paadal Petra Sthalams, recognized as some of the most significant Shiva temples globally, and it holds a special place among the Panch Kedars.
The Kedarnath Temple is regarded as the sacred location where Lord Shiva forgave the Pandavas for their sins during the Mahabharata period. Its self-manifested lingam, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, is thought to have formed naturally instead of being sculpted by human hands.
It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which comprises the Valley of Flowers National Park and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Each year, thousands of pilgrims embark on the demanding yet spiritually fulfilling trek to Kedarnath, making it one of India most esteemed pilgrimage sites.
Significance of Shree Kedarnath Dham
The historical importance of Kedarnath Dham is centuries old. Great saints, scholars, and pilgrims from various cultures used to visit the divine kingdom of Lord Kedarnath in search of divine wisdom. Pandavas constructed Kedarnath Dham Temple where they undertook harsh penance to appease Lord Shiva to pardon them for the sin of killing their family members and relatives during the war of Mahabharata, as per Mahabharata. The temple was reactivated by the legendary saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. He understood the religious importance of the temple and the necessity of its revival. Therefore, he renovated the crumbling structure and founded the sacred Char Dham Yatra.
The historical importance of Kedarnath Dham is centuries old. Great saints, scholars, and pilgrims from various cultures used to visit the divine kingdom of Lord Kedarnath in search of divine wisdom. Pandavas constructed Kedarnath Dham Temple where they undertook harsh penance to appease Lord Shiva to pardon them for the sin of killing their family members and relatives during the war of Mahabharata, as per Mahabharata. The temple was reactivated by the legendary saint Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. He understood the religious importance of the temple and the necessity of its revival. Therefore, he renovated the crumbling structure and founded the sacred Char Dham Yatra.
Get Direction
How To Reach
By Train
Nearest Railway Stations
Dehradun
Haridwar
Rishikesh
By Flight
By Air (Option 1)
Helicopter services operate from the following locations:
- Guptkashi
- Sirsi
- Phata
By Air (Option 2)
Charter service providers either book a trip for Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, or Kedarnath and Badrinath from the Dehradun.
By Road
Nearest Bus Stops
- Dehradun
- Haridwar
- Rishikesh
Reaching Kedarnath by Road
Traveling to Kedarnath involves a road journey up to Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek to the temple. Below are the common road routes:
1. Route from Dehradun to Kedarnath
Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)
Distance: ~250 km by road + 16 km trek
Travel Time: ~9-10 hours by road + 6-8 hours trek
Helicopter Services Available From: Guptkashi, Sirsi, Phata
Charter Services Available From: Dehradun
2. Route from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Kedarnath
Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)
Distance:
Haridwar to Kedarnath: ~240 km by road + 16 km trek
Rishikesh to Kedarnath: ~220 km by road + 16 km trek
Travel Time: ~9-10 hours by road + 6-8 hours trek
3. Route from Uttarkashi to Kedarnath
Route: Uttarkashi → Tehri → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)
Distance: ~280 km by road + 16 km trek
Travel Time: ~11-12 hours by road + 6-8 hours trek
4. Route from Badrinath to Kedarnath
Route: Badrinath → Joshimath → Karnaprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)
Distance: ~230 km by road + 16 km trek
Travel Time: ~9-10 hours by road + 6-8 hours trek
5. Route from Gangotri to Kedarnath
Route: Gangotri → Uttarkashi → Tehri → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)
Distance: ~360 km by road + 16 km trek
Travel Time: ~14-15 hours by road + 6-8 hours trek
Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
Once at Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads to Kedarnath Temple. Multiple options are available:
Walking: ~6-8 hours
Pony/Palki: Available for hire
Helicopter Services: Available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi
Near By Destinations
The location of Kedarnath place is named after King Kedar, who reigned during the Satya Yug era of Hindu history. Although the place attracts both devotees and tourists due to its magnificent appearance, it is a holy location with most of the features having legendary significance.
- Chandrapuri
- Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Augustmuni
- Sonprayag
- Triyuginarayan Temple
- Chandrashila
- Chorabari Lake
- Guptakashi
