The Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage in India. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, the temple draws thousands of pilgrims annually. In 2025, the temple would welcome pilgrims to its portals on May 2 at 7 AM. The date was fixed on the sacred day of Mahashivratri, which was observed on February 26, 2025.
The Kedarnath Temple belongs to the Char Dham Yatra, the other temples include the Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri temples. The Char Dham Yatra starts on April 30, 2025, with the doors of the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples being opened. The Badrinath Temple will be opened on May 4, 2025. The temple is closed during winter because of harsh weather conditions. It typically opens in summer for six to seven months. The temple is situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) and can be reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund.
Registrations for Char Dham Yatra will open on March 2, 2025. Pilgrims can register online or on a mobile app. Kedarnath Temple is a major religious site, providing a rich and enriching experience to all who come there.
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Mind Map on Kedarnath Temple:
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India |
| Altitude | 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) |
| Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Opening Date 2025 | May 2, 2025, at 7 AM |
| Part of | Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri) |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (240 km away) |
| Nearest Railway Stations | Rishikesh (216 km away), Haridwar (240 km away) |
| Trek Starting Point | Gaurikund (16 km trek to Kedarnath) |
| Alternative Transport | Ponies, Palkis, Helicopter services from Phata, Guptkashi |
| Special Attractions | Gandhi Sarovar, Bhairavnath Temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi |
| Registration Start Date | March 2, 2025 |
| Official Website | Kedarnath Temple |
How To Reach the Kedarnath Temple in 2025
Reaching Kedarnath in 2025 requires a mix of travel modes. Here’s an easy guide:
- By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 240 km from Kedarnath. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Sonprayag.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (216 km) and Haridwar (240km). From there, you can go by bus or hire a taxi to Sonprayag.
- By Road: You can drive or travel by bus from major cities such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to Sonprayag. Taxis and buses are available from these cities.
- Trek: You must trek 5 km by local taxi from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, it is a 16 km trek to Kedarnath. The trek is moderate to strenuous and will take around 6-8 hours. For those who are not able to trek, ponies, palkis (carried chairs), and dolis (carried palanquins) are available for hire.
- Helicopter: Helicopter services from destinations such as Dehradun, Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi are available. The helicopter ride is around 8-10 minutes and the quickest method of reaching Kedarnath. But it depends on the weather and can get canceled or delayed.
Do not forget to wear warm clothing, rain coats, and keep yourself hydrated during the trek. Advance booking of accommodation and helicopter service is advisable, particularly during peak pilgrimage time in May and June – YatraDham
Procedure To Go the trek to Kedarnath in 2025
The trek to Kedarnath in 2025 is a journey filled with natural beauty and spiritual significance. The trek begins from Gaurikund, which is 5 km from Sonprayag. The distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is 16 km.
Following are the points of the Trekking
- Beginning Point – Gaurikund: From Sonprayag, hire a local taxi to Gaurikund. Gaurikund is the beginning point of the trek. There are shops here selling trekking gear and warm clothing.
- The Trek: The trek is 16 km long and can be broken up into stages. It involves a combination of paved paths, steps, and steep climbs. The initial 6 km is quite easy, taking you up to an area known as Jungle Chatti.
- Midpoint – Bheembali: At 8 km, you will arrive at Bheembali, where you can relax and take refreshments.
- Lincholi: You will arrive at Lincholi at 11 km. This is yet another halt point with amenities such as food stalls and toilets.
- Final Stretch: The final 5 km can be tough as the road becomes steeper. The final stretch from Lincholi to Kedarnath is a test of willpower.
- Reaching Kedarnath: Upon a 16 km trek, you will reach the Kedarnath Temple. The temple amidst snow-clad mountains is something to be witnessed.
If you are not able to trek, there are other alternatives such as hiring ponies, or palkis, or taking a helicopter from Phata or Guptkashi.
Don’t forget to pack warm clothing, and waterproofs, and drink plenty of water. Savour the vistas and the mystical ambience while making your way up to Kedarnath.
What are the Places to visit the Kedarnath Temple in 2025
Kedarnath is a serene and spiritual destination with a number of interesting places to visit. Some of the top destinations in Kedarnath include:
- Kedarnath Temple: The prominent destination, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by stunning mountains and has a rich history.
- Gandhi Sarovar: A peaceful lake about 4 km from Kedarnath Temple. It is otherwise called Chorabari Tal. The scenery of the surrounding mountains is just wonderful.
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: The site where Adi Shankaracharya lies, who is said to have restored the temple during the 8th century. The samadhi is found close to the Kedarnath Temple.
- Bhairavnath Temple: This temple lies around 1 km away from Kedarnath Temple and is dedicated to Bhairav, the fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. It provides a panoramic view of the Kedarnath Valley.
- Vasuki Tal: A lake situated at a height of around 8 km from Kedarnath. Trekking to Vasuki Tal is difficult but with beautiful views.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is situated at around 25 km from Kedarnath and is said to be where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati exchanged their vows of marriage.
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FAQs on Kedarnath Temple
Q: When will Kedarnath Temple open in 2025?
A: The Kedarnath Temple will open on May 2, 2025, at 7 AM.
Q: What is the height of Kedarnath Temple?
A: The temple stands at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.
Q: How do I access Kedarnath Temple?
A: You can access Kedarnath by air, train, road, and trekking. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the closest railway stations are at Rishikesh and Haridwar. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Sonprayag, and then a local taxi to Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund, you have to trek 16 km to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are also available from Phata and Guptkashi.
Q: Is there an alternative to trekking to Kedarnath?
A: Yes, ponies, palkis (carried chairs), or dolis (carried palanquins) can be hired for the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are also available from nearby places.
Q: When do registrations for Char Dham Yatra 2025 begin?
A: Registrations for Char Dham Yatra will open on March 2, 2025. You can register online or on a mobile app. 6. Q: What do I need to carry for the Kedarnath trek?
A: Warm clothing, rain gear, comfortable trekking shoes, water, and a few snacks should be carried. And also, be ready for changing weather in the mountains.
Q: What are the nearby places in Kedarnath?
A: The nearby places are Gandhi Sarovar, Bhairavnath Temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi, and Vasuki Tal. All these provide scenic beauty and religious importance.
Q: How many days a year is the Kedarnath Temple open?
A: The Kedarnath Temple is typically open from six to seven months in the summer season, between May and October/November. It is closed during winter because of harsh weather conditions.
Q: What is the importance of Kedarnath Temple?
A: Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is also one of the Char Dham Yatra and highly sacred to Hindu pilgrims.