Top 10 Hotels in Kedarnath Near Temple (Walking Distance)

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.

• “Luxury” is rare: You will not find 5-star hotels with bathtubs here.
• Hot Water: Most hotels provide hot water in buckets (you usually pay ₹50-₹100 extra per bucket).
• Electricity: It can come and go. Carry a power bank.

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).

• How Near: About 500 meters from the temple (10-minute walk).
• Why stay here: It is very clean and reliable. They have cottages and dormitories. The location is safe, and the prices are fixed.
• Best for: Families and those who want a trusted government stay.

2. Punjab Sindh Awas

This is a very famous Dharamshala/Hotel option. It is extremely close to the main temple.

• How Near: Just 50-100 meters! You can almost see the temple from the gate.
• Why stay here: It feels spiritual and safe. The rooms are basic but decent. It is always in high demand because of its location.
• Best for: Elders who cannot walk much.

3. Hotel Gayatri Sadan

A popular private hotel that offers better service than many others.

• How Near: Approx 100 meters.
• Why stay here: They often have better amenities like attached washrooms and cleaner bedding compared to basic camps.
• Best for: Families looking for comfort.

4. Hotel Rajasthan Seva Sadan

Another excellent “Ashram-style” hotel that is very big and reliable.

• How Near: 50 meters (Very close).
• Why stay here: It is huge and well-managed. The food in their canteen is simple and fresh.
• Best for: Large groups and budget travelers.

5. Hotel Jaipur House

You will see this building easily; it looks quite nice from the outside.

• How Near: Just behind the temple complex.
• Why stay here: The view of the mountains from here is amazing. It is one of the cleaner accommodation in Kedarnath near temple options.
• Best for: Photographers and view lovers.

6. Hotel Agra Bhawan

A very old and trusted name in Kedarnath hospitality.

• How Near: 50-80 meters.
• Why stay here: It is basic but very convenient. You can quickly run back to your room after Darshan.
• Best for: Pilgrims who want to be in the center of the action.

7. Hotel Behl Ashram

This is a good budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise too much on cleanliness.

• How Near: 100-150 meters.
• Why stay here: It is simple, clean, and the staff is generally helpful.
• Best for: Solo travelers and budget groups.

8. New Himachal House

This is a semi-deluxe option. “Deluxe” in Kedarnath means you get a clean bed and an attached toilet.

• How Near: Walking distance (approx 150m).
• Why stay here: It is slightly more comfortable than the basic tents.
• Best for: Couples or small families.

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.

• How Near: It is at the base (Sitapur). You fly or trek from here.
• Why stay here: You get 4-star amenities, delicious buffet food, and room heaters.
• Best for: People who will take a helicopter for a day trip and come back to sleep in comfort.

10. Private Tents & Camps (Near Helipad)

If you cannot find a room in a hotel, tents are your best friend.

• How Near: 1 km from the temple (Near the helipad).
• Why stay here: It is an adventure! It can be very cold, but sleeping in a sleeping bag on the snow is a memory for life.
• Best for: Young people and adventure lovers.

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.

1. Use Official Sites: For GMVN, use the official Uttarakhand tourism website.
2. Trust Verified Agents: As a founder of Clans Stays, I verify every booking personally.
3. Don’t Trust Cheap Instagram Ads: If someone offers you a room for ₹500 in May/June, it is a scam. Real prices are higher.

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?

• Tents: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per person.
• Basic Hotels: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per room.
• Better Rooms: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per room (in peak season).

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