Kedarnath Yatra
Complete Guide, Trek Distance & Travel Info
A simple guide to explore Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred and adventurous pilgrimages in India, attracting thousands of devotees and trekkers every year. Located at 3,583 meters in the Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple offers a spiritual experience along with a scenic trekking route. In this Kedarnath Yatra guide by Clanstays, you’ll find complete details about the trek distance, Delhi to Kedarnath distance by road, Kedarnath accommodation, walking distance, weather, travel tips and the best Kedarnath packages. Whether you are planning a Kedarnath tour with family or trekking from Gaurikund, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth and comfortable journey.
Yamunotri
Gangotri
Kedarnath
Badrinath
Table of Contents
Religious importance of Kedarnath temple
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a major stop in the Char Dham Yatra, often included in a Kedarnath Yatra package. According to legends, the Pandavas visited this sacred site to seek forgiveness after the Mahabharata war. It is also one of the Panch Kedar temples, where Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of a bull. The temple was restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Surrounded by Himalayan peaks and the Mandakini River, it offers peace to every pilgrim during the pilgrimage.
Mythology of Kedarnath temple
After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the sins of fighting their relatives. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and hid in the Himalayas. The Pandavas pursued him, and when Bhima recognized the bull, he tried to hold it. The bull dived into the earth, and its body parts appeared separately the hump at Kedarnath, arms at Tungnath, face at Rudranath, navel at Madhyamaheshwar, and hair at Kalpeshwar. These sites became the Panch Kedar. It is believed his head surfaced at Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. The hump at Kedarnath formed the temple visited today, included in a Kedarnath Yatra 3 nights 4 days, a Kedarnath package with hotel stay, Kedarnath Yatra for senior citizens, or a Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter.
Best time to visit Kedarnath temple
The best time to visit Kedarnath is May–June and September–October, when the weather stays pleasant and the views remain clear. Summer offers mild temperatures, while autumn brings greenery and crisp skies.
How to reach Kedarnath temple
Kedarnath is reachable by road up to Gaurikund, the final motorable point. Gaurikund has good bus and taxi connections from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. From there, a 16 km trek leads to the temple, with pony, palki, and porter services available for support.
By Road
You can begin your journey to Kedarnath from any location, but the main starting points are Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the most convenient because they offer easy road access to Gaurikund, the Kedarnath entry point. From Gaurikund, a 16 km Kedarnath Temple trek or pony or palki ride leads to the shrine, often included in a Kedarnath Yatra package. Many pilgrims choose these options when planning the best time to visit Kedarnath for a smooth journey.
- From Haridwar: ~241 km / 8–9 hours to Gaurikund via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
- From Rishikesh: ~215 km / 7–8 hours on the same route via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
- From Dehradun: ~250 km / 8–9 hours on the same route via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
- From Delhi: ~450 km / 14–15 hours via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
By Trekking
According to the Kedarnath travel guide, the trek to Kedarnath Dham starts from Gaurikund, the final point for Kedarnath access by road, and covers about 16 km. The route includes steep sections, rocky paths, and Himalayan views. On the way, pilgrims cross Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, and Linchauli before reaching the temple. Trekking to Kedarnath Dham offers multiple waterfalls, the Kedarnath Mandakini river route, and snowy peaks. The journey usually takes 5–7 hours, with pony, palki, and porter services available for support .
By Helicopter
The Kedarnath helicopter service provides a fast and comfortable option to reach the sacred temple, perfect for senior citizens or travelers seeking a convenient pilgrimage experience. Helicopters fly from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi, and Sitapur directly to Kedarnath helipad, located just 500 meters from the shrine. Each flight takes approximately 7–10 minutes, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas. Although helicopter tickets cost more than traditional trekking or pony/doli options, they significantly reduce travel time and physical effort. Advanced booking is strongly recommended, as seats get filled quickly during peak yatra season. This remains among the fastest and most efficient methods to complete your Kedarnath darshan.
Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing
Kedarnath Temple opens every year in late April or early May and closes in late October or early November. For 2026, the temple will open on 22 April 2026 at 7:00 AM and close tentatively on 11 November 2026. All Kedarnath Yatra services run only during the pilgrimage season. Official dates are declared each year by the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee.
- Opening Date: The Kedarnath Temple usually opens every year in late April or early May on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
- Closing Date: The temple closes in late October or early November on Bhai Dooj due to heavy snowfall in winter.
- During the closed months (November to April), the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Ukhimath, where devotees can offer prayers.
- All services like trekking routes, pony/palki rides, helicopter services, and accommodations operate only during the open season.
- The exact opening and closing dates are announced each year by the Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC).
Traveling Tips for Kedarnath
- Book accommodation and helicopter/pony services in advance, especially in peak season.
- Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as temperatures can drop suddenly.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry a raincoat during the monsoon.
- Keep basic medicines, first-aid, and necessary documents with you.
- Start your trek early in the morning for better weather and more daylight.
- Stay hydrated and take short breaks during the trek.
- Respect local customs and maintain cleanliness in the temple area.
Things to do in Kedarnath Temple
- Darshan of Lord Shiva: Offer prayers at one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
- Attend Aarti: Experience the divine morning and evening aarti ceremonies.
- Visit Bhairavnath Temple: Located 500 meters away, offering stunning valley views.
- Explore Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude lake about 8 km from Kedarnath.
- Meditate and Sit by Mandakini River: Enjoy peace and spiritual vibes.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of snow-capped peaks and the temple surroundings.
Places to visit near Kedarnath Temple
- Bhairavnath Temple: Just 500 meters away, known for its panoramic views of the Kedarnath valley.
- Vasuki Tal: A high-altitude glacial lake, about 8 km trek from Kedarnath.
- Shankaracharya Samadhi: The memorial of Adi Shankaracharya, located behind the temple.
- Gaurikund: 16 km from Kedarnath, the trek’s starting point, with a hot water spring.
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): About 3 km from Kedarnath, a beautiful lake at the foot of Kedarnath peak.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: Around 25 km from Gaurikund, believed to be the wedding place of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- Guptkashi: About 45 km from Gaurikund, known for the Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Kund.
Why you should visit Kedarnath temple once
Kedarnath Temple is a sacred shrine of Lord Shiva and part of Char Dham Yatra and 12 Jyotirlingas. Situated in the snowy Himalayan mountains, it offers spiritual blessings with stunning natural views. The temple’s ancient history connects to the Pandavas and saint Adi Shankaracharya. A Kedarnath pilgrimage is a special journey of devotion, strength, and inner peace. The peaceful environment, beautiful Mandakini River, and holy energy create an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Experience Kedarnath Comfortably with Clan Stays
Clan Stays takes care of your complete Kedarnath Yatra to make it easy and hassle-free. We arrange travel, rooms, and trek support so you can enjoy your spiritual trip peacefully. Clean and comfortable hotels near Gaurikund and other places, plus help from our trained team, make your journey smooth. We also provide choices like helicopter booking and tour packages that fit all budgets. Extra care for senior pilgrims or travelers who need help keeps everyone safe and comfortable, making your Kedarnath pilgrimage well-planned and special.
Accommodation Guide
Kedarnath accommodation options include GMVN guesthouses, dharamshalas, and seasonal tents close to the temple. For enhanced comfort, nearby locations like Gaurikund, Guptkashi, Phata, and Sitapur provide quality hotels and lodges with better facilities. Advance booking through a reliable travel agent is highly recommended, particularly during peak pilgrimage season, to prevent last-minute accommodation issues. Pre-booking guarantees a hassle-free Kedarnath Yatra experience, allowing pilgrims to concentrate fully on their spiritual journey without concerns about room availability or lodging standards.
Top-Selling Kedarnath Tour Packages
Hotel in Kedarnath
New Agra Bhawan
Deluxe Room ₹3,000
Jodhpur House
Deluxe Room ₹8,600
Amritara SunInn, Kedarnath
Deluxe Room ₹7,370
Our Blogs
Uttarakhand is a state full of nature, spirituality, and culture. From the holy banks of the Ganga to snow-covered peaks and quiet mountain towns, there are many beautiful places to see in Uttarakhand. Whether you want a peaceful holiday, a spiritual journey, or a mountain adventure, this guide will help you choose the best places for your next trip.
Clan Stays Reviews
Meet the Visionary Behind Clan Stay
Hello travellers! I’m Mayank Upadhyay, the person behind Clan Stays. Born and brought up in Nainital, Uttarakhand, I completed my graduation (B.Tech from UIT, Dehradun) and post-graduation (MBA from IMS Unison, Dehradun), which gave me the opportunity to explore both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions on my own. This is why I know Uttarakhand deeply not just the main routes, but also every hidden corner and secret spot.
With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, including working as a Business Development Manager at MakeMyTrip, I combined my professional expertise with local knowledge to create Clan Stays.
So far, we have helped over 500+ families explore Uttarakhand, and through these experiences, I’ve learned that travel isn’t just about providing good hotels or transportation, it’s about staying connected with travellers and helping them design their journey exactly the way they want it. Every trip should be an experience, not just a movement from one place to another, and at Clan Stays, we make sure every traveller enjoys their Uttarakhand adventure to the fullest.
I believe every traveller deserves honest guidance. It doesn’t matter if you are from India or from anywhere in the world, every guest is equally important to me.
That’s why I always give genuine suggestions about when and where to travel.
No filters, no confusion, only real advice based on the best time and season to explore each place.
For me, travel should be joyful, easy, and stress-free, I keep my tips clear and simple so you can discover every destination at the right time and enjoy it in the most beautiful way.
