Overview

Kedarnath is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It’s the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key part of the Char Dham Yatra (along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri).
📍 Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) above sea level
🏞️ Location: Near the Mandakini River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including Kedarnath and Kedar Dome
🗓️ Temple Opening Time: Usually late April or early May to November (depends on the weather and Hindu calendar)
❄️ Closed Season: Winter (November–April) — the idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved to Ukhimath for worship

🕉️ Spiritual Significance
According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins. Shiva, avoiding them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground, leaving his hump at Kedarnath — which became the site of the temple.
It’s believed that visiting Kedarnath cleanses one’s soul and helps attain moksha (liberation).

🌅 Major Attractions
1. Kedarnath Temple
Ancient stone temple built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya.
Constructed from massive stone slabs and has withstood major floods and earthquakes.
Offers serene early morning Rudrabhishek and mesmerizing evening Aarti rituals.
2. Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Located just behind the temple — believed to be the final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, who revived Hinduism and Char Dham pilgrimage.
3. Bhairavnath Temple
Dedicated to Bhairav, the fierce guardian deity of Kedarnath.
Offers panoramic views of the Kedarnath valley.
4. Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)
A glacial lake located about 3 km from Kedarnath Temple.
Known for its reflection of the Himalayan peaks and calm atmosphere.
5. Vasuki Tal
A pristine high-altitude lake, about 8 km trek from Kedarnath.
Offers stunning views of Chaukhamba Peak.

🚶 Trek to Kedarnath
Starting Point: Gaurikund
The last motorable stop before Kedarnath.
Also known for the Gauri Temple and natural hot springs.
Trek Details:
Distance: 22 km (one way)
Route: Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Linchauli → Kedarnath
Options:
Trek on foot
Hire pony, palanquin, or helicopter services (from Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi, or Sersi).

🍛 Food Options
Only simple vegetarian food is available due to religious significance.
Popular items: Khichdi, rajma-chawal, tea, and packaged snacks.
Eat early — most dhabas close by sunset.

🚗 How to Reach
By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant (Dehradun, 239 km)
By Train: Nearest station – Rishikesh (221 km)
By Road: Well-connected up to Gaurikund via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
By Helicopter: Services from Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi, or Sersi (approx. 10-minute ride).

📅 Best Time to Visit
May to June: Ideal weather, snow-capped peaks visible.
September to October: Clear skies after monsoon; fewer crowds.
Avoid July–August: Heavy rainfall, landslides possible.

⚠️ Travel Tips
Acclimatize well; the altitude can cause shortness of breath.
Carry warm clothes, even in summer — nights are cold.
Keep essentials: raincoat, medicines, flashlight, and trekking shoes.
Pre-book helicopter during peak season.
Respect temple customs — photography is not allowed inside.

🌄 Nearby Places to Visit
Guptkashi: Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple.
Triyuginarayan: The mythological site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
Chopta (Mini Switzerland of India): A picturesque meadow ideal for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila.