About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple stands at about 3,583 meters beneath snowy peaks near the source of the Mandakini River. It is the highest of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the four shrines of the Uttarakhand Char Dham circuit. Legend says the Pandavas sought Shiva here to atone after the Mahabharata war, and the hump shaped linga inside represents the god in the form of a bull.
The massive grey stone temple survived the devastating floods of 2013, sheltered by a huge boulder now revered as Bhim Shila. Pilgrims reach it by a trek of about 16 kilometers from Gaurikund, or by pony, palanquin or helicopter. The shrine opens in late April or May and closes after Diwali, when the deity moves to Ukhimath for winter.
What to see
- Ancient stone temple against the Kedarnath peaks
- Bhim Shila boulder behind the temple
- Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya
- Trek from Gaurikund along the Mandakini
- Evening aarti in the cold mountain air
Visiting Kedarnath Temple: practical guide
- Best time
- May to June and September to October
- Hours
- Open about 4 am to 9 pm during the season; closed in winter
- Entry
- Free; mandatory Char Dham registration
- Dress code
- Warm layered clothing, rain jacket and trekking shoes
- Nearest airport
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), about 240 km by road to Gaurikund
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Register online with the Uttarakhand tourism portal
- Acclimatize and watch for altitude sickness
- Avoid July and August due to landslide risk
Festivals and special days
- Opening ceremony on Akshaya Tritiya season
- Shravan month
- Closing ceremony after Bhai Dooj
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Hinduism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered.
- Some temples, such as Puri Jagannath, admit only Hindus; respect posted signs.
- Ask before photographing shrines, rituals or cremation grounds.
- Use your right hand to accept prasad, the blessed food offering.
- Avoid bringing leather items or meat into temple grounds.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kedarnath Temple?
Kedarnath Temple is in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India, Asia. GPS coordinates: 30.7352, 79.0669. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED), about 240 km by road to Gaurikund.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple?
May to June and September to October
Is there an entry fee for Kedarnath Temple?
Free; mandatory Char Dham registration Opening hours: Open about 4 am to 9 pm during the season; closed in winter
What should I wear when visiting Kedarnath Temple?
Warm layered clothing, rain jacket and trekking shoes
Which religion is Kedarnath Temple sacred to?
Kedarnath Temple is sacred to Hinduism. Active place of worship.
