Introduction
Kedarnath Temple, located in the middle of Himalayan heart surrounded by a majestic snow-capped peak, situated at an altitude of 3583 meters from along the bank of mandakini river which gives the breathtaking landscape view of Kedarnath. Kedarnath Yatra is also a yatra to one of 12 Jyotirlinga, part of Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar, dedicated to lord Shiva for which pilgrims trek 16 km to high altitude to seek blessing from lord Shiva. Kedarnath trek comes with some difficulties such as steep ascends, rocky trails and unpredictable weather. It makes an adventurous journey, but you don’t know How to prepare for the trek? What should you pack? How do you navigate permits or helicopter bookings?, then no need to worry this blog covers what you need to know as a First time visitor.
Understanding Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest temples in India which has their own historical spiritual significance. According to legends kedarnath temple linked to the legendary history of epic Mahabharat, legend says this temple originally built by pandavas who came here to seek forgiveness for their sins from lord Shiva and pandavas built kedarnath temple to honor lord Shiva after seeking forgiveness.
Where is Kedarnath Temple Located?
Kedarnath temple located in the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand in Rudraprayag district. Kedarnath temple is situated at an altitude of 3583 meters along the bank of mandakini river.
When Can You Go?
The temple isn’t open for a full year. It’s open for only 6 months, from May to October and the other 6 are closed due to heavy snowfall, which means you can go between May to October. So, we will guide you about best time to plan Kedarnath Trip:
May to June: Visiting Kedarnath during May to June month will be the best time for those who love to plan their tour in pleasant weather or to enjoy their trip in silent weather.
September to October: During September to October for visiting Kedarnath is an adventure and ideal time for those pilgrims who want to enjoy Snowfall and feel the mixture of adventure and devotion.
Try to avoid visiting in monsoon season which is July to August because these months are risky for visiting kedarnath due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and road blockage. To ensure your journey goes safe then don’t visit in this season.
What’s special about the temple?
- It’s built from giant gray stones with a tall spire.
- Inside, a unique pyramid-shaped stone is worshipped as Lord Shiva.
- Priests perform daily rituals (aartis) with lamps, bells, and chants—creating a powerful, peaceful vibe.
This isn’t just a place—it’s a spiritual experience shaped by faith, history, and stunning mountain beauty.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Step 1: Getting to base camp
- You can fly from your city’s airport to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant) after reaching Dehradun airport take a taxi to Sonpryag which takes approx 7-8 hours to reach sonprayag.
- Take a train from your city’s railways station to Haridwar/Rishikesh then hire a shared taxi or Bus to sonprayag which takes approx 6 to 7 hours.
- Take a road trip from your city to Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag.
Step 2: Base camp to Kedarnath
- Reach sonprayag to gaurikund by hiring a shared taxi to start Kedarnath Trek
- Trek to 16 Km from gaurikund to kedarnath which takes something 7 to 8 hours to reach kedarnath temple
- Also you can get pony and palqueen service to reach Kedarnath temple
- Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Sirsi and Guptkashi to reach Kedarnath temple which takes 10 mins to reach Kedarnath Temple.
Preparation
Physical Preparation: Physical preparation is essential because the Kedarnath trek is 16 Km long and situated at an altitude of 3583 meters. So, to reach Kedarnath, you have to be physically fit. You can be fit by evolving in exercise and yoga, in which you have to perform Running, Brisk Walking, push-ups, Pull-ups, Shoulders, Squats, Breathing exercises and Stretching. These will help to build your stamina and strength and make your trek easier.
Mentally Preparation: Have a positive mindset to overcome any obstacles and visualize yourself that you are going to complete this trek on your own. It will boost your stamina, take trekking seriously, take it on your ego which is the best way to make your mindset strong to reach your destination. Be hydrated and let your body acclimatize with the environment.
What to Pack: Packing smart is essential to make your journey smoother and struggle free so you have to pack Layered clothes which will help you to take your body warm, take sturdy shoes which will help you to trek, pack reusable water bottle to be hydrated during your yatra, pack dry fruits, raincoat, and have some cash because atm are not avail there.
Registration/Permit: To get entry for the way for Kedarnath you have to register yourself or your member who is going with you, on government website which is registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in to get permit for Kedarnath Yatra or Char Dham Yatra.
Registering yourself on the gov website is compulsory for Kedarnath yatra otherwise you will be unable to participate in the Kedarnath Yatra.
Accommodation and Food
Don’t expect that you will get fancy or luxury hotels in kedarnath, kedarnath has basic and pilgrim friendly accommodation options which will be clean and clear.
Where to Stay:
- Near the Temple- You can stay at GMVN Guest houses which are run by the government. You will get a clean room at an affordable price.
- Comes with basic lodges with shared bathroom without heaters
- Book 2-3 months before your trip
Food Option:
- You can get hot indian meals in the temple area such as dal-rice, roti-sabzi, maggi noodles, chai and snacks
- Basic north indian food like Prathas, This will be avail in Sonprayag/Uttarakhand
- No veg and alcohol is strictly prohibited in Kedarnath.
Conclusion
First time to Kedarnath? It’s a sacred temple in the mountains. Deep faith and stunning views. Remember it’s open only from May to October. Avoid July-August due to rain.
Getting there is an effort! You’ll trek 16 km uphill (or use ponies, palkis or helicopters). Get fit beforehand by exercising and pack smart: warm clothes, good shoes, water bottle, snacks, raincoat and cash.
Most importantly, you MUST register online before you go. Once there, simple rooms near the temple and basic veg food – no fancy hotels or non-veg food.
Plan well, prepare your body and mind, follow the rules and you’ll have an amazing experience of devotion and adventure in the Himalayas
- First-Timer's Guide to Kedarnath: Everything You Need to Know
- Kedarnath Temple, located in the middle of Himalayan heart surrounded by a majestic snow-capped peak, situated at an altitude of 3583 meters from along the bank of mandakini river which gives the breathtaking landscape view of Kedarnath. Kedarnath Yatra is also a yatra to one of 12 Jyotirlinga, part of Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar,
- Kedarnath Yatra, Kedarnath Trek, Kedarnath Trip, Char Dham Yatra
