About Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a sacred pilgrimage site located in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important part of the Chardham Yatra, a holy journey that holds great spiritual meaning for Hindus. The Kedarnath Temple sits at a height of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) and is surrounded by stunning snow-covered mountains. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, which are special shrines of Lord Shiva. According to legend, this is the place where Shiva hid from the Pandavas in the form of a bull. The area around the temple is peaceful and beautiful, with rivers, green valleys, and tall mountains, adding to its spiritual feel. Pilgrims face a tough trek to reach the temple, showing their dedication and faith.
As a key part of the Chardham Yatra, Kedarnath symbolizes spiritual freedom (moksha) and shows the deep connection between nature, God, and people. Every year, millions of devotees and travelers visit this timeless and holy place.
Why Visit Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is a divine destination where spirituality meets nature’s grandeur. As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, it offers a sacred connection to Lord Shiva. The breathtaking Himalayan views, challenging trek, and serene atmosphere create a transformative experience. It’s a place to seek blessings, find peace, and witness the timeless beauty of faith and nature.
Spiritual Significance
Spiritual Significance
Scenic Beauty
Scenic Beauty
Trekking Experience
Trekking Experience
Cultural Richness
Cultural Richness
The Legend of Kedarnath
The Kedarnath Temple has a special story tied to Lord Shiva and the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. After the great war, the Pandavas wanted to seek forgiveness for their sins. Lord Shiva, however, didn’t want to meet them and turned into a bull to hide in the Himalayas. When the Pandavas found him, Shiva disappeared into the ground, leaving behind his hump (back part) at Kedarnath. This hump is now worshipped as the Jyotirlinga in the temple.
The temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Located high in the Himalayas at 3,583 meters, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key part of the Chardham Yatra. Every year, millions of devotees visit this ancient temple to feel close to Lord Shiva and experience its spiritual power.
The Kedarnath Temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of resilience and faith. Despite being surrounded by harsh weather and challenging terrain, the temple has stood strong for centuries. In 2013, it survived a devastating flood, which many believe was a miracle.
The temple opens only for six months a year (April to November) due to extreme winters, adding to its mystique. Pilgrims trek through rugged paths to reach this sacred site, making the journey a test of devotion and determination. The serene environment, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and flowing rivers, enhances the spiritual experience, making Kedarnath a truly divine destination.
How to Reach Kedarnath
You can reach Kedarnath by air (nearest airport: Dehradun, 239 km), train (nearest stations: Rishikesh/Haridwar, 216-250 km), or road (drive to Gaurikund). From Gaurikund, embark on a 16-km trek to Kedarnath. Use the map below to plan your journey easily!
By Air: Nearest Airport (Dehradun)
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 239 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek.
By Train: Nearest Railway Station (Rishikesh/Haridwar)
The closest railway stations are Rishikesh (216 km) and Haridwar (250 km). Both are well-connected to major cities. From here, you can take a taxi or bus to Gaurikund.
By Road: Route Details
Kedarnath is accessible by road up to Gaurikund. From major cities like Delhi or Dehradun, you can drive or take a bus to Rishikesh/Haridwar, then continue to Gaurikund via Rudraprayag and Guptkashi.
Trekking: Gaurikund to Kedarnath
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 km long and takes 6-8 hours. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey through scenic trails, with ponies, palanquins, and helicopters available for those who need assistance.
Explore Kedarnath
Kedarnath, located in the beautiful Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, is a holy pilgrimage site famous for the ancient Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and stunning scenery, it combines spirituality and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking to the temple, exploring Vasuki Tal and Chorabari Glacier, meditating in peaceful surroundings, visiting Gandhi Sarovar, joining local rituals, taking beautiful photos, birdwatching, and enjoying amazing mountain views. It’s a perfect place for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers.
Vasuki Tal
Chorabari Tal
Kedarnath Temple
Shankaracharya Samadhi
Plan Your Trip
Best months to visit
The best months to visit Kedarnath are May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making trekking and sightseeing comfortable. Monsoon (July-August) brings heavy rains and landslides, while winter (November-April) sees extreme cold and temple closure due to snowfall.
Weather conditions
Kedarnath experiences cold weather year-round due to its high altitude. Summers (May-June) are cool and pleasant, ideal for visits. Monsoon (July-August) brings heavy rainfall, causing landslides. Winters (November-April) are extremely cold, with heavy snowfall, and the temple remains closed. September-October offers clear skies and mild weather, perfect for travel.
