Kedarnath
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India • 30.74°N, 79.07°E
📖 About Kedarnath
- ✦At 3,535 metres (11,598 feet), one of India's highest accessible Shiva temples year-round
- ✦Temple opens early May (Akshaya Tritiya), closes November (Bhai Dooj) - verify exact dates
- ✦16 km helicopter ride from Phata or Sersi cuts trek to 500 metres
- ✦July receives 223 mm rainfall - monsoon landslides close roads frequently during this month
One of the four Char Dham sites, Kedarnath temple sits at 3,535 metres on the Mandakini riverbank, with Kedarnath peak (6,940 metres) rising directly behind. The temple, rebuilt after the 2013 floods that killed over 5,000 people, now has a concrete protection wall and improved drainage. May highs reach 20.7°C (69.3°F) but September drops to 18.9°C (66°F), and October nights fall to -0.8°C (30.6°F). The standard route from Gaurikund covers 16 km with a 1,200-metre climb - ponies cost Rs 1,800-2,500 one way, palanquins Rs 6,000-8,000 (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in the 8th century, though the current stone structure dates to rebuilding efforts after the Katyuri dynasty period. The 2013 Uttarakhand floods destroyed most of Kedarnath town - only the temple survived, with boulders stopping metres from its walls. Gandhi Sarovar lake sits 3 km uphill at 3,800 metres, where glacial melt creates a turquoise pool below Kedarnath peak. The trek passes through alpine terrain with no tree cover above 3,000 metres - summer temperatures rarely exceed 22°C (71.6°F) even in June.
Elderly pilgrims and families with children manage the trek using ponies or helicopter services, but altitude sickness affects many above 3,000 metres - headaches and nausea start within hours for unacclimatised visitors. The town has only basic lodges with shared bathrooms and erratic hot water, no ATMs (bring cash from Gaurikund), and mobile networks that fail frequently during rain.
🎯 Things to Do in Kedarnath
The main Shiva temple opens at 4:00 AM for early morning aarti and closes around 9:00 PM - no entry fee, but VIP darshan costs Rs 2,000 (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Morning slots between 6:00-8:00 AM have shorter queues, while 10:00 AM-2:00 PM sees waits of 2-3 hours. The 2013 floods left the original structure intact but destroyed surrounding buildings - new concrete walls now protect the perimeter.
This glacial lake sits 3 km uphill from the temple at 3,800 metres, a 90-minute steep climb with no shade. The trail passes Bhairav temple after 500 metres, then continues through boulder fields to turquoise water fed by Chorabari glacier melt. Most pilgrims skip this trek due to altitude and steep sections, making it relatively quiet even during peak season.
At 4,150 metres and 8 km from Kedarnath temple, this high-altitude lake requires 5-6 hours of trekking one way through rocky terrain. The route passes through zero vegetation, with views of Chaukhamba peaks (7,138 metres) across the valley. Only acclimatised trekkers should attempt this - most pilgrims turn back after 3 km due to breathlessness and cold winds.
Pawan Hans and private operators run 7-minute flights from Phata helipad (23 km before Gaurikund) to Kedarnath helipad, 500 metres below the temple, costing Rs 4,000-7,000 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Book 2-3 weeks ahead during May-June peak season through online portals or local agents in Guptkashi. Flights cancel frequently in rain or cloud cover - carry trek gear as backup.
The final 5 km from Sonprayag to Gaurikund requires local shared jeeps since private vehicles cannot enter - jeeps charge Rs 30-50 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The road runs alongside the Mandakini river through a narrow gorge, rebuilt after the 2013 floods washed away the original route. Gaurikund has hot spring pools, basic dhabas, and the last ATM before Kedarnath.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Rudraprayag region, not exclusively Kedarnath. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Kedarnath
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for sub-zero nights - October temperatures drop to -0.8°C (30.6°F) and May mornings start around 1°C (33.8°F). Carry thermals, down jacket, gloves, woollen cap, and waterproof trekking shoes even in summer.
Book helicopter tickets 15-20 days ahead through official websites or agents in Guptkashi - walk-in bookings rarely succeed during May-June and September-October peak months. Temple committee announces exact opening and closing dates 1-2 months in advance.
The Gaurikund-Kedarnath trek covers 16 km with 1,200-metre elevation gain - ponies cost Rs 1,800-2,500 one way, palanquins Rs 6,000-8,000 (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Monsoon landslides close roads July-August, making May-June or September-October safer for travel.
Gaurikund has the last ATM before Kedarnath - withdraw Rs 5,000-8,000 for pony hire, lodge stay, and meals since UPI fails regularly above 3,000 metres. Kedarnath lodges accept cash only, and shared bathroom lodges cost Rs 500-1,000 per night during season (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
Most lodges cluster near the temple within 200-300 metres, with basic rooms and shared bathrooms priced Rs 500-1,000, better lodges with attached bath Rs 2,000-3,000 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Book through Uttarakhand Tourism or local agents in Guptkashi since advance online booking is limited.
📍 More Places in Rudraprayag
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Kedarnath
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Kedarnath covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Kedarnath is located in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 3535 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.