Kedarnath

Uttarakhad, RudraprayagDay hikes

Range

Gangotri Range / Garhwal Himalayas

Altitude

3583m

Difficulty

Hard

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About Kedarnath

One of the holiest Hindu shrines, it is part of the Chota Char Dham and is the highest of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is set against the backdrop of the massive Kedarnath peak and Kedar Dome.

Best time to visit

May, June, September, October

History & Significance

Historically attributed to the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who sought Lord Shiva's penance here. The current structure is believed to have been revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Places to See

Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple (600m uphill), Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal), Vasuki Tal (8km trek), Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi, and the famous Rudra Cave.

Journey & Transport

How to Reach

By Road: Reach Sonprayag/Gaurikund via Rishikesh (216 km) or Haridwar (240 km). By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~238 km). By Rail: Nearest major stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh.

Important Notes

Acclimatization: Spend a night at a lower altitude like Guptkashi or Sonprayag before trekking. Oxygen: Portable oxygen cans are recommended for those with breathing issues. Registration: Ensure your biometric registration is completed via the official Char Dham portal. Nearby police station: Kedarnath Chowki / Sonprayag Police Station Nearby hospital: Government Medical Camp (Kedarnath) / Six-bed Hospital (Sonprayag) / PHC Guptkashi

Facilities

StayGMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guest houses, private lodges, and dharamshalas are available at the top. It is highly recommended to book in advance.
FoodNumerous dhabas and local eateries along the trek and at the top serve vegetarian North Indian meals, tea, and energy snacks. No non-vegetarian food or alcohol is allowed.
WaterAvailable at regular intervals via natural springs and tap water stations. While packaged water is sold, trekkers are encouraged to carry reusable bottles to minimize plastic waste.