Kedarnath is one of the four main pilgrimage sites for Chota Char Dham in India, along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Kedarnath Temple is revered as one of the 12 jyotirlingas, alongside the sacred site of Gaurikund. The journey to Kedarnath, situated in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, is highly significant for devotees of Shiva. Inside the temple, a special cone-shaped rock is revered as Lord Shiva in his "Sadashiva" form.
The registration for the Chardham Yatra 2024 is expected to commence shortly for the upcoming season. Find out the simple steps for online registration, necessary documents, fees, and more.
While there is no registration fee for Chardham devotees, registration is compulsory for all devotees.
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Kedarnath Temple Highlights
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Information |
Rephrased Version |
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Best Time To Visit |
Best time to visit: April-Oct. Winter months are closed due to heavy snowfall. |
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Guarikund to Kedarnath Trek Distance |
16 km (Approx) |
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Kedarnath Temple Opening Date |
Opening: May 11, 2024, 6:20 AM. (Tentatively) |
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Kedarnath Temple Closing Date |
Closing: November 2024. (Tentatively) |
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Darshan Timing |
The temple opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM. |
Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates
The Kedarnath Temple opens on an auspicious day, usually announced during Maha Shivaratri, and closes two days after Diwali. It shuts for winter and reopens in April-May 2024. Updates for 2024 will be available soon.
The Kedarnath Temple gates open after extensive worship by Rawal and Pujaris. Pilgrims can take darshan after the first opening puja by priests.
The closing ceremony is a grand celebration. Garhwal Bands accompany Baba Kedar Doli to its winter abode at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.
Kedarnath Temple Darshan Timings
The maximum crowd for darshan is in the morning; fewer people visit in the evening (7:00-8:00 PM)
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Darshan Timing |
Kedarnath Temple |
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Morning |
5:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
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Evening |
5:00 or 6:00 PM to 8:00 or 10:00 PM |
Kedarnath Temple Route and Transportation
- The journey begins from Haridwar, proceeding to Gaurikund by bus.
- From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads to the temple.
- Walking stick available in Gaurikund for ₹ 50.
- A shared jeep from Haridwar to Sonprayag costs ₹ 50 per person.
- The route passes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Agastya Muni.
- Buses to Gaurikund are available from Haridwar railway station between 3 AM to 10 AM for ₹ 700 to ₹ 800.
- Private taxi from Haridwar to Kedarnath Dham costs between ₹ 10000 to ₹ 15000.
Kedarnath Temple Accommodation
- Sonprayag offers more hotel options compared to Gaurikund.
- Staying in Gaurikund is recommended for an early start.
- A deluxe room in Sunil Lodge, Gaurikund, costs around ₹ 3500.
- GMVN camp near Kedarnath Dham costs ₹ 800 per night, including dinner.
Kedarnath Temple Trek Highlights
- Points of interest along the trek include Jungle Chatti, Bhim Bali, and Rambada.
- The real trek to Kedarnath Dham starts after Rambada.
- Hiring a mule is recommended for those having difficulty walking.
- Palanquin return trip costs ₹ 10000, more comfortable than a horse ride (around ₹ 6000).
Additional Tips
- Essential items for the trek include a raincoat, gloves, jacket, inner socks, winter cap, and umbrella.
- Mobile networks available include Airtel, Vodafone, and Jio, with varying connection quality.
- Yatra plan is designed for 3 days but is recommended for a more comfortable 4-day journey.
Kedarnath Temple Horse-drawn carriages Rates
Fixed rates of horses and mules for the Sonprayag/Gaurikund to Kedarnath walking route (for passengers)
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Place |
From Where |
Till Where |
Distance (km) |
Mule Owner Fee |
Arrangement Fee (Including GST) |
Grand Total |
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Gaurikund |
Gaurikund |
Base Camp Kedarnath |
14 |
2800 |
150 |
2950 |
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Gaurikund |
Gaurikund |
Lincholi |
11 |
2000 |
150 |
2150 |
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Gaurikund |
Gaurikund |
Bhimbali |
14 |
2000 |
150 |
2150 |
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Gaurikund |
Sonprayag |
Base Camp Kedarnath |
14 |
950 |
150 |
1100 |
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Gaurikund |
Sonprayag |
Lincholi |
11 |
750 |
150 |
900 |
Kedarnath Temple Horse-drawn Carriages Rates
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Sl. |
From where |
Till where |
Distance Km. |
Mule Owner Fee |
Arrangement Fee |
Grand Total |
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1. |
Bhimbali |
Base Camp Kedarnath |
8 |
1500 |
150 |
1650 |
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2. |
Bhimbali |
Gaurikund |
6 |
950 |
150 |
1100 |
Kedarnath Temple Helicopter Ride Price
Exclusively through the IRCTC HeliYatra website, pilgrims can now book helicopter tickets to Shri Kedarnath Dham conveniently.
- Children aged 02 years and above seat provided, charged full adult fare.
- Infants under 02 years: no fare, no seat.
- Maximum 02 children, 02 infants per sortie.
- Example: 02 children, 02 infants, 04 adults per sortie.
- Arrive at Helipad 1 hour before slot time.
- Reach entry point 2 hours before for check-in and security.
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Route |
One Way |
Return |
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Guptkashi to Kedarnath |
3870 |
7740 |
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Phata to Kedarnath |
2750 |
5500 |
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Shersi to Kedarnath |
2479 |
5498 |
Kedarnath Temple Modes of Registration
- Online: Register through this Web Portal.
- Mobile Application: Download the "Tourist Care Uttarakhand" app available on Android and iOS.
- WhatsApp Facility: Message "Yatra" to +91 8394833833 to initiate the registration process.
Kedarnath Temple Online Registration Process
Chardham Yatra Registration:
- Complete Chardham Yatra registration on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.
Streamlined Booking Process:
- After Chardham Yatra registration, create a HeliYatra account on the IRCTC website.
- Use your Registration Number or Group ID to check seat availability for the desired departure slot.
Secure Online Payment:
- Select preferred departure slot and complete booking with online payment through the chosen mode.
- Carry the IRCTC Heliyatra ticket to the assigned Helipad location and begin your Kedarnath Yatra.
Commence Your Kedarnath Yatra:
- Armed with IRCTC HeliYatra ticket, commence your journey to Shri Kedarnath Dham.
- Begin your spiritual odyssey at the assigned Helipad location with confidence.
Kedarnath Temple Online Booking Link
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Category |
Link |
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Chardham Yatra Registration |
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Helicopter Yatra |
How to Reach Kedarnath
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh. It is located 216 kilometers before Kedarnath on NH58.
- By Road: Buses and taxis to Gaurikund are readily available from major destinations in Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, and Chamoli. Gaurikund is situated on National Highway 109, connecting Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant, located at a distance of 238 kilometers.
Kedarnath Temple FAQs
Ques: Is registration required for Kedarnath Yatra?
Ans: Yes, registration for all visitors to Kedarnath is facilitated by UTDB. It is recommended to register well in advance to avoid last-minute rush. Registration is mandatory for all visitors, including children and senior citizens.
Ques: How to book Kedarnath Yatra 2023?
Ans: You can book your Kedarnath Yatra by registering on the UTDB website.
Ques: What documents do I need for Kedarnath?
Ans: To visit Kedarnath, located in Uttarakhand, you may need to carry a valid government-issued photo ID proof such as an Aadhaar card, passport, driving license, or voter ID card. This is required for registration and obtaining necessary permits.
Ques: Do we need to book tickets for Kedarnath Darshan?
Ans: Yes, booking tickets in advance for a visit to Kedarnath Temple is advisable, especially during the peak season from May to November.
Ques: Are phones allowed in Kedarnath?
Ans: Within the temple premises, warning and caution boards have been placed in various locations, clearly stating, Do not enter the temple with mobile phones. Photography and videography are banned here.
