The Sacred Jyotirlinga of the Himalayas
Kedarnath is among the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the holiest of the Char Dham circuit. Situated at 3,583 metres in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the ancient stone Kedarnath temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. Framed by the peaks of Kedarnath, Bharatekuntha and Kiriti, and the churning Mandakini river below, the setting is as dramatically beautiful as it is spiritually overwhelming.
The temple opens only from Akshaya Tritiya (Apr/May) to Kartik Purnima (November). During this window lakhs of devotees trek 16 km from Gaurikund or fly in by helicopter. Kedarnath is also the third stop of the sacred Char Dham Yatra — after Yamunotri and Gangotri, and before Badrinath.
One of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva — believed to wash away sins and grant moksha. Built by the Pandavas and re-established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE.
Trek from Gaurikund in 6–8 hours, or take a helicopter from Phata / Sirsi in just 10 minutes. Ponies, palkis and porters are available at fixed government rates.
One of India's highest pilgrimage destinations — acclimatisation is strongly recommended before the trek. Ascend slowly, hydrate often and rest a night at Guptkashi or Sonprayag.
Biometric yatra registration is required before travel for every pilgrim. We complete the registration, helicopter slots and puja bookings for you as part of every Kedarnath package.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Most popular time — temple opening, clear skies and all routes open. Book helicopter and hotels months in advance.
Landslide risk and road closures possible. Temple remains open but travel is challenging. Helicopters often grounded.
Crisp air, dramatic skies and far fewer crowds. The temple closing ceremony on Kartik Purnima is a deeply moving event.
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath
Ancient stone Shiva temple built by the Pandavas, re-established by Adi Shankaracharya. The most sacred Jyotirlinga in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Crystal-clear glacial lake where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in 1948. Stunning moraine scenery above the treeline.
Remote high-altitude lake with views of Chaukhamba massif. A strenuous but rewarding extension beyond the Kedarnath shrine.
Gateway to Kedarnath with Tapt Kund hot springs and Gauri Devi temple. The last motor-road point before the 16 km trek begins.
Legendary site of Shiva and Parvati's divine wedding. An eternal flame said to have burned since the day of the wedding still burns here.
Magic mountain lake famous for mirror-like Chaukhamba reflections. Easy 3 km walk from Sari village — best at sunrise.
Things to Do in Kedarnath
How to Reach Kedarnath
Nearest airport — Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~240 km). Flights from Delhi (45 min), Mumbai and Bangalore. Helicopter services then operate from Phata, Sirsi, Guptkashi and Agustmuni helipads directly to the temple.
Nearest railhead — Rishikesh (~210 km) or Haridwar Junction (~225 km), both well-connected to Delhi and major cities. Take a taxi or GMOU bus onward to Sonprayag and Gaurikund from either station.
Delhi to Gaurikund is ~450 km (10–12 hrs). The last 16 km must be covered on foot, pony, or helicopter. Helicopter bookings are done separately via IRCTC or private operators well in advance.
