Kedarnath Jyotirlinga, Uttarakhand
Complete Travel & Darshan Guide

🕉️ About Kedarnath

Kedarnath is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas, situated at a breathtaking altitude of 3,583 meters near the Mandakini river in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a vital part of the sacred Chardham Yatra. The temple, believed to have been originally built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya, is renowned for its incredible resilience, surviving massive avalanches and the devastating 2013 flash floods.

📍 Location – Kedarnath Mandir Kahan Hai?

Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is nestled fiercely amidst the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of the Kedarnath range.

🕒 Temple Timings & Aarti Schedule

Please note that Kedarnath timings may change during major festivals like Maha Shivratri and Shravan month.

🎟️ Darshan & Booking Guide

Important: The temple opens only for six months (Usually May/Akshaya Tritiya to October/Bhai Dooj). During winter, the deity is shifted to Ukhimath. Booking helicopter tickets via IRCTC is the primary way for VIP travel. General trekking darshan requires no ticket but all pilgrims must complete the mandatory Biometric Registration on the Uttarakhand tourism portal.

🚗 How to Reach Kedarnath

• ✈️ By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (240 km from Gaurikund). Helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi directly to Kedarnath basecamp.
• 🚆 By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (215 km from Gaurikund) or Haridwar Junction (240 km) are the closest major railway heads.
• 🚌 By Road: You can drive or take a bus up to Gaurikund, which is the base camp. From Gaurikund, it is an arduous 16+ KM uphill trek to the shrine. Ponies and palanquins are available.

🗺️ Distances from Key Cities

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

The temple opens generally from late April or early May to Kartik Purnima during Diwali (October/November). The best window is May to mid-June (mild weather) and September to October (post-monsoon, highly scenic). Avoid the brutal monsoon (July-August) due to high landslide risks.

⚠️ Travel Tips, Rules & Dress Code

• 👗 Dress Code: Traditional Indian wear is heavily advised. Avoid shorts, skirts, or inappropriate clothing.
• 📵 Electronics: Mobile phones and cameras are typically restricted inside the main inner sanctum area. Lockers are available.
• 👟 Footwear: Must be removed outside the main temple entrance.
• 🆔 ID Proof: Always carry a valid Govt ID (Aadhaar/Passport) for security and accommodation checks.

🗺️ Nearby Attractions

❓ FAQs