About Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu temples in India. Located high up in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand state, it sits at a height of 11,755 feet (3583 meters) above sea level. The temple is dedicated Lord Shiva and is part of the famous Char Dham Yatra.
The temple is surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and can only be reached by walking 16 kilometers uphill. Due to heavy snowfall during winter, it stays open for just six months a year, from April to November. During winter, the temple priests move the main idol to a nearby village called Ukhimath.
According to Hindu beliefs, the temple was built by the Pandavas to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. The current temple building is over 1000 years old and is made of large stone blocks. Despite facing a major flood in 2013, the temple stood strong and continues to attract thousands of devotees every year for the Kedarnath trip.
Best Places to Visit in Kedarnath
The surrounding areas of the main Kedarnath temple offer many beautiful places to visit, which are visually stunning and of religious importance. Our Kedarnath trip packages include visits to these nearby destinations, making your spiritual journey even more memorable. These places are easily accessible, and each has its own unique charm.
Dhari Devi Temple
Dhari Devi Temple is a must-visit place on the way to Kedarnath. Located at Kalyasaur, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, it is believed that Maa Dhari is the protector of Char-dham. It is also believed that devotees who pay their visits to Dhari Devi during their yatra to Kedarnath secure the protection of Maa Dhari and complete their yatra safely.
Kedarnath Temple
This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is over 1000 years old. The massive stone walls have stood strong through many natural disasters. Inside, you can see the unique cone-shaped Shiva lingam and beautiful stone carvings. Don’t forget to pay your visit to the incredible Bhim Shila situated just behind the main temple. This large piece of rock prevented the temple from being completely washed away during the 2013 flood.
Vasuki Taal
This crystal-clear lake sits at 14,200 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-covered peaks, and you can observe the majestic Chaukhamba peaks from this spot. It’s a moderately difficult 8-km trek from Kedarnath temple and can be completed within a day. It is believed that on one auspicious day of Rakhsha Bandhan, Lord Vishu bathed in this lake.
Gandhi Sarovar
Gandhi Sarovar is just a 3-kilometer trek from Kedarnath town. The original name of this lake is Chorabari Taal because it is situated at the mouth of the Chorabari glacier. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva taught yoga to Sapt Rishis. The lake was renamed Gandhi Sarovar in 1948 after some of Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were scattered in this lake. Other than its mythological and historical significance, the Gandhi Sarovar offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas.
Bhairav Temple
Bhairav temple is situated above Kedarnath, and it takes another 800 meters uphill trek to reach this temple. Locals regarded Lord Bhairav as Khestrapal, or the protector of the Kedarnath area, who watches over the Kedar valley when the temple is closed during winter. The temple offers amazing views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
The chief proponent of Adwaita Vedanta, Adi Guru Shankaracharya, is credited with the revival of many Hindu pilgrimage sites. Kedarnath is one of them. Legend says that Shankaracharya built the present Kedarnath temple in the 8th century AD and at the age of 32 he attained moksha there. The Samadhi of Guru Shankaracharya is a short walk from the main temple and is an important spiritual site.
Kedarnath Tour Packages from Haridwar/Rishikesh
Trip Trishul makes your spiritual journey easier by offering complete Kedarnath trip packages starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Whether you are traveling alone or looking for a Kedarnath group tour, we have options to suit your different needs and budget.
Our Kedarnath yatra package typically includes comfortable travel arrangements in shared vehicles or private cars, depending on your choice. The journey starts from either Haridwar or Rishikesh, taking you through the beautiful mountain roads to Gaurikund, where your trek to Kedarnath begins.
For accommodation, we offer comfortable stays at the sto zpover point and Kedarnath. The rooms are clean and have basic amenities like hot water and comfortable beds. The package also includes meals throughout your journey. You get simple vegetarian food that’s both healthy and tasty. What makes our Kedarnath packages special is the support we offer. Each group gets an experienced guide who knows the route well and can help during the trek. We also arrange for porters and pony rides (at extra cost) if you need help carrying your bags or don't want to walk the entire way.
Kedarnath trip is a high-altitude trek, and that’s why our packages include basic medical support and oxygen facilities during the trek. Our guides are trained to handle common altitude-related problems and know the quickest ways to get medical help if needed.
The best part is that we handle all the paperwork, including getting your Yatra registration and permits. This saves you time and makes your journey hassle-free.
The Best Time to visit Kedarnath (Months May to December)
Kedarnath opens its door to pilgrims and tourists for only six months each year. The temple follows a strict schedule due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas during winter. Let's look at the best times to plan your Kedarnath trip.
May to June (Summer Season)
May to June is the perfect time to book your Kedarnath tour package because this season offers perfect weather with temperatures between 15-30 degrees Celsius during the day. Due to clear skies, you will get excellent visibility of mountain peaks and surroundings. This is also the time when Kedarnath experiences the highest number of visitors, so if you are planning your visit around this season, book your package well in advance. In 2025, the opening of Kedarnath is scheduled for the 2nd of May.
September to October (Post-Monsoon)
The time between September and October is the next ideal time to visit Kedarnath. The temperature remains pleasant, between 10-20 degrees Celsius during the day, with the beautiful autumn colors in the valley. Weather remains largely clear around this time, and due to the pre-winter temperature drop, this season experiences lesser crowds compared to the summer months. So if you are planning to visit Kedarnath later this year, September to October is the best time to book your Kedarnath Yatra package.
What Avoid July and August
From July to August, the Kedarnath temple remains open, but this is the monsoon season. Like any other mountainous region, heavy monsoon rains make paths slippery and dangerous. Besides this time of the year, the risk of landslides and road blockages escalates, resulting in higher chances of trip cancellations.
Beyond October (Winter Closure)
The Kedarnath Temple closes around October on the auspicious day of Bhai Dooj. After this time, the temperature of this area drops rapidly below freezing, and soon heavy snowfall makes the area inaccessible. Till April ends, all the services and facilities remain stopped.
Kedarnath Trip Itinerary (5 days)
Our Kedarnath Yatra packages start from Haridwar or Rishikesh, allowing you to choose your boarding point at your convenience. Taking you on a spiritual journey to one of the most revered Jyotirlingas in India, our Kedarnath tour plan is designed to give you enough time to experience the divine presence of Lord Shiva and explore the surrounding beauty.
Your journey begins on Day 1 with a scenic drive from Haridwar to Guptkashi. The 7-8-hour journey takes you through beautiful mountain roads, with stops at the holy confluences of Devprayag and Rudrprayag. Your first night's rest will be in Guptkashi, where you will be welcomed with a comfortable hotel stay and a tasty meal.
Day 2 marks the start of your trek to Kedarnath. After a short drive to Sonprayag and then Gaurikund, you begin the 16-kilometer trek to Kedarnath. The trek typically takes 6-7 hours by foot. Your accommodation in Kedarnath will be arranged in clean and comfortable guest houses or lodges, giving you a comfortable place to rest after the challenging trek.
The third day is dedicated to spiritual activities at the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga temple. Early morning darshan gives you the perfect opportunity to seek blessings in peaceful surroundings. Your Kedarnath trip package includes a guided tour of the temple, visits to nearby sacred spots like Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, time for personal meditation, and if you want, Kedarnath special darshan. The evening aarti is a must-attend event that fills your heart with divine energy.
The fourth day involves the return journey to Gupkashi. The downhill trek is easier and quicker, taking about 4-5 hours. Once back in Guptkashi, you can rest and even visit the local temple if you wish.
The final day completes your journey as you travel back to Haridwar or Rishikesh, carrying memories of your spiritual adventure. It is recommended to get a full medical check-up before starting the yatra and carry all necessary medicines with you. Your guide will provide important instructions about dealing with altitude sickness and safety. Adhere to your guide's instructions to ensure a safe, memorable yatra.
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham Yatra
Reaching Kedarnath by Train
The nearest major railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, which is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Many travelers also get down at Haridwar station, as it has better connectivity. From these stations (Haridwar or Rishikesh), your Kedarnath trip package starts, and you will be provided with road transport to continue the journey. You can find regular trains from Delhi and Dehradun to both Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Reaching Kedarnath by Bus
Both Rishikesh and Haridwar are well connected with Delhi and all the major nearby cities through bus services throughout the day. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can take state transport buses or private buses to Sonprayag, the starting point for the Kedarnath trek. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation runs regular buses on this route. The bus journey takes about 10-11 hours and goes through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptakashi.
How to Book Kedarnath Yatra Package from Trip Trishul
Planning your sacred journey to Kedarnath becomes easy when you book through Trip Trishul. In a few easy steps, you can secure your booking. Here is the guide:
Booking Process
1. Visit Trip Trishul website, or you can connect with us through the contact details given
2. Scroll down to the package section and choose your preferred Kedarnath Tour package from mumbai based on:
1. Number of days
2. Starting point (Haridwar/Rishikesh)
3. Type of Accommodation
3. Select your travel dates
4. Fill out the booking form with:
1. Personal details
2. ID proof
3. Medical fitness certificate
3. Emergency contact information
5. Make the advance payment
6. Receive booking confirmation and trip details.
Booking Policies
1. 40% advance payment is required to confirm booking.
2. Cancellation charges:
3. Rescheduling allowed once without charges (subject to availability)
Package Inclusions
1. Transportation from start point to end point
2. Accommodation in hotels/guest houses
3. All meals (breakfast, dinner)
4. Guide services
5. Basic medical support
6. Yatra registration
7. All permits and entry fees
8. Emergency oxygen supply
9. Driver allowance and parking charges
Package Exclusions
1. Travel to the starting point (Haridwar/Rishikesh)
2. Helicopter services
3. Pony/porter services
4. Personal Expenses
5. Extra meals or room service
6. Travel Insurance
7. Any medical emergencies
8. Additional sightseeing
9. Room heaters
10. Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Kedarnath Trek Distance
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The Kedarnath trek starts from Gaurikund, and it's a 16-kilometer one-way uphill trek. The trek starts at an altitude of 6800 feet, and the elevation increases up to 3,584 feet. At the destination (Kedarnath Temple), the final altitude is 11,755 feet. The trek is considered moderately difficult, consisting of steep ascents, and can be demanding for beginners and elderly people.
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FAQ
You can visit the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board registration portal to register for the upcoming Kedarnath Yatra of 2025. Or you can simply book your Kedarnath Yatra package through Utta, and your registration will be our responsibility.
The fastest way to reach Kedarnath is by booking a helicopter service. You can include helicopter service in your Kedarnath tour package; in that case, our road transport will pick you up from Haridwar or Rishikesh and drop you at Phata, Shirshi, or Guptkashi. From these places, you can board a helicopter and reach Kedarnath within minutes.
To visit Kedarnath first, you need to make a Yatra registration. Then reach the nearest railway stations, Haridwar and Rishikesh; from there you can take the government or private bus services to Sonprayag. Private taxi services are also available. From Sonprayag, local transport services are available to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund it will be a 16-kilometer-long trek to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Temple is located in Rudraprayag district of the state of Uttarakhand.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is May to June (summer season) and September to October (post-monsoon).
Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit Kedarnath. The months of May to June and September to October are the best to visit Kedarnath.
Yes, Yatra registration is mandatory for every person to visit Kedarnath.
The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh. This station is well connected with Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. You can take a train up to Haridwar or Rishikesh, and from there road transports are available for the rest of the journey.
The average cost of a VIP Darshan ticket ranges from Rs.1100 to Rs.5100 per person, depending on the season and crowd level.
The Kedarnath trek is considered a moderately difficult trek because of the high altitude and steep ascents involved.