At present, Kedarnath not only stands as a sacred Hindu pilgrimage destination visited by devotees in millions but also a place that lets one experience the unwavering symbol of devotion, strength, and resilience. The long history and immense reverence it gained in the ages make Kedarnath a place of superior admiration and peace.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that welcomes thousands of devotees annually due to its spiritual importance. The religious site of Kedarnath demonstrates enduring strength because it has survived both natural disasters and extreme weather conditions throughout its passage of time.
Not only to be counted as a pilgrimage journey, but the Kedarnath Dham Yatra in 2025 will also be a journey introducing devotees to the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas. Stunning mountain landscapes and river views immerse the travelers in an unforgettable Himalayan trance.
Kedarnath has survived a long history of mankind making it now a symbol of resilience among Indians. According to Hindu Mythology, the Kedarnath Temple was built during the Mahabharat War Period. Around 3,100 BCE, the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharat were seeking Lord Shiva to atone for their sin of killing their relatives in War. Lord Shiva disguised in the form of a bull to avoid Pandavas, still, they manage to find Shiva. Lord Shiva then bifurcated himself into five parts and from those, the hump of the bull fell in Kedarnath. So, Pandavs built Kedarnath's Shiva temple in Kedarnath.
However, according to archaeological findings, the present structure was reconstructed in the 8th Century CE. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya rebuilt this temple to revive the Hindu pilgrimage in Kedarnath in the 8th century. Some records also suggest that the temple also saw further restoration which was done by Raja Bhoj in the 11th Century. Geologists also claim that the temple was under the glacial layers for about 400 years between the 13th and 19th centuries which made the temple obliterated and forgotten. At last, the temple was rediscovered in the early 20th century when explorers found the Kedarnath temple intact after the snow was cleared.
From then on, Kedarnath temple has been a significant pilgrimage center in India.
Kedarnath is a part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Uttarakhand. All Char Dham temples, including Kedarnath, are opened in summer for about six months every year. The opening dates of Char Dham Temples are decided by the Char Dham Committee based on the Hindu calendar.
Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham are the first ones to be opened. The pilgrimage to Yamunotri and Gangotri starts from the Akshay Tritiya festival. While the Kapaats (Gates) of Kedarnath Temple are opened just a few days after the Akshay Tritiya festival. Badrinath Temple is the final shrine to open, which opens a couple of days after Kedarnath Temple.
In 2025, Akshay Tritiya will be celebrated on 30th April. With respect to that, the tentative opening date of Kedarnath temple is believed to be 02nd of May. However, the official announcement for the opening date of Kedarnath temple will be on the day of Maha Shivratri (26 February).
The temple remains open for around six months and closes as the winter approaches, around the Bhai Dooj festival in late October or early November. During winter, the deity of Kedarnath is shifted to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath which is at a lower altitude. Devotees continue worshipping Lord Kedarnath at Omkareshwar Temple in winter until Kedarnath temple opens again in summer.
During winter, the deity of Kedarnath is shifted to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath which is at a lower altitude. Devotees continue worshipping Lord Kedarnath at Omkareshwar Temple in winter until Kedarnath temple opens again in summer.
Kedarnath Dham temple is open only for six months. In those six months, the best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and June and from September to October. These months have relatively pleasant weather and a safe pilgrimage trek trail.
Travelling to Kedarnath during July and August should be avoided because monsoons create road obstructions and trigger landslides. September or early October is the best time to visit Kedarnath also because fewer people visit at this time while the Himalayas reach a uniquely beautiful state.
Registration is mandatory for all devotees visiting Kedarnath. The process includes taking permits and certifications from the state government's tourism department for the safety of travellers.
In our Kedarnath Yatra packages, we take care of all permits and permissions required for our travellers and make their journey seamless.
The documents required to register for the Kedarnath yatra on the Uttarakhand tourism portal include valid ID proof and personal details of the traveller. Make sure to make an early registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
The 18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is also accessible through helicopter services which provides a comfortable travel option for one who cannot trek this far. Multiple operators run helicopter services that depart from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi, and Sitapur to reach Kedarnath. The booking process for helicopter services operates through the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) website and authorized travel agencies.
Our Kedarnath Yatra packages 2025 let you choose helicopter rides as an option to avoid travel complications. Helicopter service costs between ₹7,000 and ₹10,000 per person for round-trip flights depending on departure point and flight demand. Booking in advance is necessary because helicopter seats become unavailable rapidly, particularly during peak travel times.
Around Kedarnath Temple, you have options for GMVN, guesthouses, and lodges along with budget hotels and dharamshalas for accommodation. The temple premises offer fewer accommodation choices so pilgrims choose to stay in Gaurikund, Sonprayag, and Guptkashi.
Yatris can find budget-friendly accommodations through GMVN while booking their stays in advance because of the high volume of visitors.
We help travelers customize their pilgrimage journey to Kedarnath by helping them with an accommodation of their choice.
The attraction other than the Kedarnath Temple enhances both the spiritual and natural beauty of the region. On a Kedarnath Yatra in 2025, you should also visit some other attractions around Kedarnath Temple from the list below.
The Bhairavnath Temple
This temple stands near Kedarnath to honor Bhairav Baba who serves as the protector deity of this region.
Vasuki Tal
It stands as a breathtaking high-altitude lake that presents breathtaking views of Chaukhamba peaks at a distance of 8 km from Kedarnath.
Gandhi Sarovar
This peaceful lake is just 3 kilometers from Kedarnath. It is also known as the Chorabari Tal and maintains a mythological importance.
Triyuginarayan Temple
An ancient temple that stands as a must-visit site as it marks the wedding location of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Sonprayag
A hill town that stands as a sacred site where rivers Basuki and Mandakini unite making this place holy.
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