🛕 About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, the temple stands at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) near the Mandakini River.
According to legend, the Pandavas built this temple to seek forgiveness from Shiva after the Kurukshetra war. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India and the most prominent among the Panch Kedar shrines.
📅 Yatra Schedule 2025
- Kedarnath Temple Opening: May 2, 2025
- Badrinath Temple Opening: May 4, 2025
- Madmaheshwar Temple: May 21, 2025
- Tungnath Temple: May 2, 2025
📍 How to Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is not accessible by road all the way to the temple. Here are the steps to get there:
1. By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 238 km from Gaurikund)
- Helicopter services available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi
2. By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh or Haridwar
3. By Road
- Reach Gaurikund by bus or taxi. From there, it’s a 16-18 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
🧭 Helicopter Services
For those unable to trek, helicopter bookings can be done online via the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) website. Services operate from:
- Phata
- Guptkashi
- Sersi
Early booking is advised due to high demand during peak season.
🏔️ Weather Conditions
The weather in Kedarnath is cold even in summer:
- May to June: Pleasant but chilly, ideal for yatra.
- Night temperatures can drop below 5°C
- Rainy season (July-August) is risky due to landslides.
- September to October is another good time before the temple closes for winter.
Carry woolen clothing, thermal wear, raincoats, and waterproof shoes.
🏨 Accommodation
Several options are available for all budgets:
- GMVN Guest Houses (Govt-run, budget-friendly)
- Private Hotels and Lodges in Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Guptkashi
- Tents and Dharamshalas near Kedarnath during yatra season
Book early, especially for May and June.
❤️ Health and Fitness Tips
Since Kedarnath involves high-altitude travel and trekking:
- Consult a doctor before travel if you have asthma, BP, or heart issues
- Carry basic medicines, energy bars, ORS packets
- Stay hydrated and avoid exertion
- Walk at your pace and take regular breaks
🧾 Important Documents to Carry
- E-Pass (Yatra Registration Letter)
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / PAN Card
- Medical fitness certificate (optional but advisable for senior citizens)
- Passport-size photographs
🔔 Key Reminders
- No entry without online registration
- Alcohol, tobacco, and plastic usage are strictly prohibited
- Maintain cleanliness and decorum at all times
- Respect local customs and the environment
