Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located at an altitude of about 3,583 m (11,755 ft) in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, it is one of the four shrines of the Char Dham pilgrimage and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.

Highlights

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks.
• Open only during the warmer months (typically May to October/November); it closes in winter because of heavy snowfall.
• The temple is believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya.

How to reach

1. Reach Gaurikund by road.
2. From Gaurikund, travel approximately 16 km to Kedarnath by:
   • Trekking
   • Pony or mule
   • Palanquin (Doli/Kandi)
   • Helicopter services (from locations such as Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi)

Nearby attractions

• Bhairavnath Temple
• Vasuki Tal
• Triyuginarayan Temple
• Sonprayag

Best time to visit

• May–June: Pleasant weather with clear mountain views.
• September–October: Crisp weather after the monsoon, often with excellent visibility.
• Avoid July–August if possible because heavy monsoon rains can increase the risk of landslides and disrupt travel.

Kedarnath is revered not only for its spiritual significance but also for its breathtaking Himalayan setting, making it one of India’s most iconic pilgrimage destinations.