Namaste! I am Mayank Upadhyay. If you are reading this, you are probably planning a trip to the holy land of Baba Kedar. Since you are looking for a place to stay, let me tell you something from my 5 years of experience as a travel agent: Finding a good hotel right next to the temple is the hardest part of the Yatra. I have worked with big companies like MMT and OYO, and now I run my own agency, Clans Stays. I have sent thousands of pilgrims to Kedarnath. I know which hotels have hot water, which ones are clean, and which ones are just “okay.” Today, I will share the Top 10 hotels in Kedarnath near the temple so you can save time and energy for your prayers. The Truth About “Luxury” in Kedarnath [Image Idea: A photo of a simple, clean hotel room in Kedarnath with thick blankets and a wooden interior. Alt Text: Interior of a comfortable accommodation in Kedarnath near temple.] Before I give you the list, please understand one thing. Kedarnath is at 11,755 feet. It is not a city; it is a difficult mountain area. If you want real luxury (heaters, 24/7 buffet, geysers), you should stay at Phata or Guptkashi and take a helicopter up and down. But if you want to stay walking distance from the temple to see the morning Aarti, here is the best list. Top 10 Places to Stay in Kedarnath (Close to Temple) Here are the best options, mixing government cottages, private hotels, and clean ashrams. 1. GMVN Swargarohini Cottages This is widely considered the best place to stay in Kedarnath. It is run by the government (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam). 2. Punjab Sindh Awas This is a very famous Dharamshala/Hotel option. It is extremely close to the main temple. 3. Hotel Gayatri Sadan A popular private hotel that offers better service than many others. 4. Hotel Rajasthan Seva Sadan Another excellent “Ashram-style” hotel that is very big and reliable. 5. Hotel Jaipur House You will see this building easily; it looks quite nice from the outside. 6. Hotel Agra Bhawan A very old and trusted name in Kedarnath hospitality. 7. Hotel Behl Ashram This is a good budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise too much on cleanliness. 8. New Himachal House This is a semi-deluxe option. “Deluxe” in Kedarnath means you get a clean bed and an attached toilet. 9. Kedar River Retreat (Sitapur Base) Wait! This one is NOT at the top. I am adding this for my NRI clients or those who want Real Luxury. 10. Private Tents & Camps (Near Helipad) If you cannot find a room in a hotel, tents are your best friend. Quick Comparison Table [Image Idea: A graphic chart comparing these hotels. Alt Text: Comparison chart of Kedarnath hotels price and distance.] Hotel Name Distance from Temple Type Best For Punjab Sindh Awas 50m Ashram/Hotel Elders GMVN Swargarohini 500m Govt Cottage Families Gayatri Sadan 100m Private Hotel Comfort Tents/Camps 1km Camping Youth How to Book Safely (Avoid Scams!) This is the most important part of this blog. Every year, I get calls from people who paid money to a fake website and found no hotel when they reached Kedarnath. Please be careful. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1. Which is the best hotel to stay in Kedarnath? If you can get a booking, GMVN Swargarohini is the best because it is government-run and clean. For private hotels, Punjab Sindh Awas is great because it is very close. Q2. Are there 5-star hotels in Kedarnath? No. There are no 5-star hotels near the temple. For luxury, you must stay at the base (Sitapur or Phata) and use a helicopter. Q3. How can I book GMVN cottages? You can book them online on the GMVN website. They open bookings 2-3 months in advance and get full very fast. Q4. Is there hot water in Kedarnath hotels? Yes, but usually in buckets. You have to pay ₹50 to ₹100 extra per bucket. Very few hotels have working geysers because of low electricity. Q5. Can I book hotels on the spot? In May and June (peak season), never rely on spot booking. You might end up sleeping in the cold. Always book in advance. Q6. What is the price of hotels in Kedarnath? Conclusion Visiting Kedarnath is a blessing. Don’t let a bad hotel ruin your spiritual experience. Whether you want a simple room at Punjab Sindh Awas or a comfortable cottage at GMVN, make sure you book early. If you are confused or scared of scams, just message me at Clans Stays. My team and I will handle your accommodation in Kedarnath near temple so you can focus on chanting “Om Namah Shivaya.” Jai Baba Kedar! — Mayank Upadhyay, Founder, Clans Stays