Kedarnath is one of the holiest places in Hinduism: one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the four shrines of Uttarakhand's Char Dham Yatra. The stone temple stands at about 3,583 m in Rudraprayag district, near the source of the Mandakini river, with the snow walls of the Kedarnath range rising right behind it.
No road reaches the temple. The last road head is Sonprayag; from there a shuttle runs to Gaurikund, and the final 16 km are on foot, on a pony, in a palki, or by helicopter from helipads lower in the valley.
The story of Kedarnath
The best-known legend says that after the Kurukshetra war the Pandavas came to the Himalayas to seek Shiva's forgiveness. Shiva avoided them by taking the form of a bull. When Bhima recognised him and tried to hold him, the bull sank into the ground, leaving its hump at Kedarnath. Other parts of the bull are said to have appeared at the other four Panch Kedar temples: Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar.
The present temple is traditionally linked with Adi Shankaracharya, whose samadhi shrine stands just behind it. In the 2013 flood, a huge boulder, now worshipped as Bhim Shila, is believed to have stopped behind the temple and shielded it from the water.
Why go to Kedarnath
A Jyotirlinga in the snows
One of the most sacred Shiva shrines in India, open only about six months a year.
A real Himalayan journey
The 16 km climb up the Mandakini valley is part of the pilgrimage.
Living legends
The Pandava story, Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi and Bhim Shila, all in one place.
Main things to see at Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple darshan
Queues can be long in May and June; early morning is quietest.
Bhairavnath Temple
A short, steep climb above the town to the guardian deity of Kedarnath.
Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
The rebuilt memorial behind the temple, with a large statue of the saint.
Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath
Baba Kedar's winter seat, reachable by road through the cold months.
Distances to Kedarnath
Before you go
- Yatra registration is compulsory and is checked at Sonprayag; register online on the Uttarakhand tourism registration portal or at counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh and Sonprayag.
- Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag; shared shuttles run the last 5 km to Gaurikund.
- Helicopter tickets are sold only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra website and need a yatra registration.
- The air is thin at 3,500 m; people with heart, lung or blood pressure problems should see a doctor first.
- Carry warm layers, a rain jacket and a torch in every season.
Kedarnath FAQs
When does Kedarnath close in 2026?
Kedarnath closes on Bhai Dooj, which falls around 11 November in 2026. The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee confirms the exact date and time.
Where is Kedarnath worshipped in winter?
At the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, Rudraprayag district, which is open through the winter and reachable by road.
When will Kedarnath open in 2027?
The opening date is announced on Mahashivratri. The temple usually reopens in late April or May.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
About 16 km from Gaurikund to the temple. Most people take 6 to 9 hours to walk up.
Is registration compulsory for Kedarnath?
Yes. Every pilgrim needs a Char Dham yatra registration, which is checked on the way, especially at Sonprayag.
