Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and an important part of the Char Dham Yatra.

Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and breathtaking valleys, Kedarnath offers a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty. The temple stands at an altitude of around 3,583 meters, making the journey both sacred and adventurous.

Pilgrims from all over the world visit Kedarnath to seek blessings and experience the divine energy of the Himalayas. The trek to the temple from Gaurikund adds to the spiritual experience, passing through scenic landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain trails.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October.

Summer (May–June): Pleasant weather, ideal for pilgrimage

Monsoon (July–August): Risk of landslides, not recommended

Autumn (Sept–Oct): Clear skies and stunning mountain views

Winter (Nov–April): Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall

Places to Visit Near Kedarnath

Nearby attractions include:

Bhairavnath Temple

Gaurikund

Vasuki Tal

Sonprayag

Triyuginarayan Temple

These destinations enhance your trip with spiritual, scenic, and trekking experiences.

How Far is Kedarnath from Dehradun?

The distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath is approximately 250 km, including road travel to Gaurikund and a 16 km trek to the temple.

Distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath

From Haridwar, Kedarnath is around 240 km, followed by the trek from Gaurikund.

Distance from Rishikesh to Kedarnath

The distance is about 220 km by road, plus the trek.

Kedarnath Trek Details

The trek starts from Gaurikund and covers around 16 km.

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 6–8 hours

Options: Pony, palki, helicopter services available

Weather Conditions

Kedarnath experiences cold weather throughout the year:

Summer: 5°C – 18°C

Winter: −15°C – 5°C

Heavy snowfall occurs during winter, making the region inaccessible.

How to Reach Kedarnath

By Road

Well connected via road to Gaurikund from major cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar.

By Air

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (approx. 238 km).

By Rail

Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station

Major railhead: Haridwar Railway Station

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

Kedarnath | Badrinath | Auli | Rishikesh | Haridwar | Nainital | Mussoorie | Chopta | Tungnath | Valley of Flowers | Jim Corbett National Park | Almora | Kausani | Pithoragarh | Munsiyari | Tehri Lake