About Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath Dham is one of the holiest Hindu shrines and part of the revered Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Mandakini River in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is believed to have been established by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war.
Where is Kedarnath Located?
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State: Uttarakhand, India
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District: Rudraprayag
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Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) above sea level
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Coordinates: 30.7346° N, 79.0669° E
You need to trek about 16 km from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath Temple. Helicopter services and pony rides are also available for easier access.
When Does Kedarnath Dham Open in 2025?
For 2025, Kedarnath Temple opens on 10 May 2025 (tentatively), on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. The exact date is usually announced by the priests at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath after performing special rituals.
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Opening Date (Tentative): 10 May 2025
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Closing Date (Tentative): 3 November 2025 (Bhai Dooj)
⚠️ Note: The temple remains closed for 6 months due to heavy snowfall. During winter, the deity is worshipped at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath.
Kedarnath Temple Darshan Timings (2025)
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Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Special Rituals:
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Abhishek Puja: Starts at 4:00 AM (Booking required in advance)
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Aarti: Performed daily in the evening after 6:00 PM
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Visitors are advised to reach early in the morning if they wish to attend the Rudrabhishek Puja.
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham
Air:
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Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km)
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From Dehradun, drive to Sonprayag, then reach Gaurikund by local transport.
Train:
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Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh or Haridwar
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From there, hire a cab or take a bus to Sonprayag.
Road:
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Drive up to Gaurikund, then trek to the temple (16 km).
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Pilgrims can also book pony, palki, or helicopter rides from Phata or Guptkashi.
Helicopter Services to Kedarnath
Helicopter services are available from:
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Phata
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Sersi
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Guptkashi
📝 Book your chopper in advance through the IRCTC Helicopter Booking Portal or Uttarakhand government-approved sites.
Kedarnath Dham Accommodation
You can find budget to mid-range options in:
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Gaurikund
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Sonprayag
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Guptkashi
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Kedarnath Base Camp
🔔 Book early during peak season (May–June and September–October). GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouses are reliable.
Important Travel Tips
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Carry warm clothes, as weather changes rapidly.
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Oxygen levels are low; elderly and people with breathing problems should consult a doctor.
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Download the “Yatra Registration App” and register for a Yatra Pass (mandatory).
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Carry ID proofs and health certificates (required for helicopter service).
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Mobile connectivity is limited — mainly BSNL and Jio work in the area.
Kedarnath Yatra 2025
The Kedarnath Dham Yatra is a spiritually uplifting and physically demanding journey that offers divine blessings and serene natural beauty. Whether you’re going for darshan, spiritual peace, or Himalayan adventure — make sure you’re well-prepared.
