3rd Dham
Kedarnath
One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of the Panch Kedar group. According to legend, the Pandavas built the original temple after seeking Shiva's forgiveness following the Kurukshetra war.
- Deity
- Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga)
- Elevation
- 3,583 m
- District
- Rudraprayag
- Ideal Duration
- 2 days including trek up and down
About Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the most physically demanding of the four dhams, requiring a trek of 16-18 km each way from Gaurikund or Sonprayag, gaining significant elevation along the way.
The temple, dedicated to Shiva as a Jyotirlinga, sits in a valley ringed by snow peaks including the Kedarnath massif. Its survival of the devastating 2013 Himalayan floods, when a boulder is believed to have deflected the debris flow around the structure, is widely regarded by pilgrims as significant.
Since 2013, infrastructure along the route has been substantially rebuilt, including a wider, better-maintained trekking path and expanded helicopter services for those unable to walk the distance.
Legend & Mythology
After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought Shiva's forgiveness for the bloodshed. Shiva evaded them by taking the form of a bull and diving underground; when Bhima caught hold of him, the bull is said to have split apart, leaving its hump at Kedarnath. Other body parts are worshipped at four other Panch Kedar shrines nearby.
How to Reach
Motorable road up to Gaurikund/Sonprayag, followed by a 16-18 km trek, pony, palki, or helicopter to the temple.
Quick Facts
Trek Distance
~16-18 km (Gaurikund/Sonprayag to temple)
Trek Difficulty
Moderate-strenuous; pony, palki, and helicopter options available
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh (~215 km from Sonprayag)
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~225 km from Sonprayag)
Portal Open/Close
Akshaya Tritiya (Apr/May) to Bhai Dooj (Oct/Nov)
Temple Architecture
12th-century stone temple built in North Indian Nagara style; survived the 2013 flash floods largely intact.
Rituals & Puja
- Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shiva lingam, generally performed by temple priests on behalf of pilgrims
- Evening aarti at the temple, drawing large crowds during peak season
- Visit to Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi shrine directly behind the main temple
Highlights
- Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi located behind the temple
- Helicopter services available from Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi
- Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake reachable via a side trek
Nearby Attractions
Vasuki Tal
High-altitude lake, additional 6 km trek from Kedarnath
Bhairav Temple
Guardian deity shrine on a ridge above Kedarnath
Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)
Glacial lake roughly 3 km above the temple
Where to Stay
Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Sitapur have the bulk of hotel infrastructure. Basic guesthouses and GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) accommodation are available near the shrine itself for those doing an early-morning darshan.
Weather
Weather can change abruptly — clear mornings frequently give way to afternoon cloud, rain, or even snow. Temperatures near the temple can fall below freezing at night throughout the season.
Travel Tips
- Start the trek by early morning to avoid afternoon weather and finish before dark
- Book helicopter tickets well in advance during May-June; seats sell out quickly
- Carry a poncho rather than just an umbrella — wind on the trail makes umbrellas impractical
Other Dhams
Plan Your Kedarnath Visit with GoTrek Travels
GoTrek Travels is a KMVN-approved operator based in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, offering guided Char Dham packages with transport, stay, and registration handled end to end.
