Kedarnath Dham is situated in the picturesque Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, India and is of great religious importance. Also, the Kedarnath Dham is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and it is revered as an important pilgrimage center belonging to the Chota Char Dham yatra. Every year, thousands of devotees make arduous pilgrimages to the divine darshan of the deity residing in the Kedarnath Temple, which is at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level.
If you are planning for the Kedarnath Yatra in 2025, here is some information you should know.
Kedarnath Dham Overview
Kedarnath Dham, featuring an ancient stone temple and a stunning backdrop of snow-clad mountains, has a unique place in the Hindu religion. It is a thousand-year temple and constructed by Adi Shankaracharya as the place is believed to have existed as a temple built by the Pandavas. The deity worshiped here is a conical rock formation of Lord Shiva in the form of Sadashiva.
The trek to Kedarnath Yatra is quite challenging but it provides deep spiritual satisfaction. Pilgrims can either cover a distance of about 16 km from the base of Gaurikund or otherwise prefer to book the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter services. During the journey, the pilgrims get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Mandakini River, the forest and the high mountains. To visit only Kedarnath ji and Badrinath ji, we have Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Tour Package.
History of Kedarnath Dham
Many mythological and religious stories and beliefs are associated with the history of the Kedarnath Dham. It is a belief that the Pandavas wanted to offer prayers to Lord Shiva for redemption after the great war of Mahabharata. Shiva, however, escaped from them by assuming the form of a bull and thus hid himself in the Garhwal area. Shiva went down into the earth when Pandavas found him. However, his hump remained visible at the surface of the earth at Kedarnath. There is also the belief that other parts of Shiva emerged in other places, forming the Panch Kedar temples today, which are all located in Uttarakhand.
Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have built the temple in the 8th century AD. It is one of the oldest and only spiritual shrines that have survived all the natural disasters and still attracts millions. In the year 2013, the temple area was heavily flooded, but the shrine itself was not touched at all, which added to the belief of the pilgrims even further.
Now, let’s talk about the architecture of the Kedarnath Temple. The structure is a work of art constructed from large, heavy, evenly cut grey slabs of stones. The conical Shiva lingam is worshiped as the Lord in his Sadashiva form, and this makes a difference in the temple compared to the shrines of Shiva. So, the temple features a Garba Griha for worship and a mandap for assembling people and other pilgrims. Looking at the rich history and mythologies associated with the Kedarnath Temple, it is evident that the temple has stood the test of time.
Kedarnath Yatra Registration
For pilgrims to complete the Kedarnath Yatra, they need to complete the Chardham Yatra registration, which is mandatory. The Uttarakhand Government makes it mandatory to complete the registration process for the safety of the pilgrims and to manage the influx of tourists. Pilgrims can complete the registration process either online or offline. With the registration, you can’t enter the temples, but you can also avail yourself of helicopter services from reputable operators such as LIH Travel.
Here, we will mention the various ways you can complete the registration process:
Online Registration Process
To proceed with the Kedarnath Dham Yatra online registration process, pilgrims can visit the official website or download the required application. During the registration process, you need to enter details like name, contact details, mail ID, number of passengers traveling, name of each passenger, necessary ID and documents, and, if required, medical certificate.
To complete the online registration process, follow these steps:
- Go to https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/ website. There, you must complete the signup procedure, and proceed with the Kedarnath Yatra registration. You must input the travel dates, number of pilgrims, name, contact number, and the documents asked to complete the registration process.
- You can download the Tourist Care Uttarakhand app which is available for both iOS and Android apps. Then, you can proceed with the registration.
- Completing the Yatra registration is also easy with the help of WhatsApp. So send the message “Yatra” to the number 8394833833 and complete the steps.
After registration, you will receive a registration slip having a QR code and the slip has all the necessary information of the pilgrims.
Offline Registration
In case you wish to complete the offline Kedarnath Yatra registration, then you need to find offline centers that offer this facility. So you need to visit any of these offline centers, present your documents, and then complete the registration process. After the registration, they will receive the registration slip. So some of the offline centers are as follows:
- Haridwar Rahi Hotel
- Rishikesh ISBT
- Rishikesh Gurudwara
- Janki Chatti
- Sonprayag
- Barkot
- Hina (Uttarkashi)
- Pankhi
- Joshimath
- Gauri Kund
- Govind Ghat
Pilgrims must always carry this registration slip to the Kedarnath Temple as the verification will be done physically at the temple.
Best time to Visit Kedarnath
Planning your Kedarnath Yatra is important since the temple is at high altitudes and the weather there can be unpredictable. Pilgrims must note that the Kedarnath Temple remains open only for a period of six months from May till October/November and remains closed and inaccessible from November to March. The opening dates of the temples are always determined by the priests of Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple and accordingly, after all the rituals, the temple opens for the general public.
In general, the temple opens around May which is the summer season at Kedarnath. So this is the best time for the Kedarnath Yatra. Generally, this is the period when the region experiences a high number of tourists so the region can be crowded. Also, accommodation options are also limited. Hence, you must do advance bookings. Besides that, the Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter services booking should also be done in advance. Hence, you should plan accordingly. The weather at Kedarnath is cool, clear, and the snow melts away, clearing the paths. Hence, May till June can be a good option for the Yatra.
The monsoon season, that ranges from June/July till September isn’t advisable for travel. So this is the period when the region experiences high rainfall, with huge possibilities of landslides and floods. Hence, avoid this period as you may experience great trouble.
Now the post-monsoon season, from September till October/November can also be a great period to plan the Kedarnath Yatra. So this is when the monsoon subsides, skies are clear, and the region transforms into greenery. Also, the crowd levels are low during this time and you can contact reputable helicopter operators like LIH Travel to book your Kedarnath Dham Yatra.
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath
There are several beautiful and religious destinations that one can explore around Kedarnath which makes the journey even more fulfilling. Some of the places that you can visit near Kedarnath Dham are:
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the beginning point of the trek to Kedarnath with hot water springs and the Gauri Temple of Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Parvati performed meditation for a long time here to win over Lord Shiva’s heart.
Vasuki Tal
This beautiful glacial lake is at a height of 4,150 m above sea level and to reach here one has to go through strenuous trekking from Kedarnath. So the trekking distance is about 8 km. The stunning clear blue water and the snow-capped mountains are a great sight to the eyes. Thus it makes for a rewarding trek experience during your Kedarnath Yatra.
Shankaracharya Samadhi
This is near Kedarnath Temple and it is the burial place of Adi Shankaracharya who is known to have constructed the temple. Moreover, this place honors Adi Shankaracharya and remembers him for his contribution to Hindu spirituality and philosophy.
Bhairav Temple
Situated a short distance from the main temple, this temple is dedicated to Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Bhairav protects the Kedarnath Temple during the winter months.
Triyuginarayan Temple
This temple is considered to be the marriage abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati and is situated approximately 25 km away from Kedarnath. Another attraction is an eternal flame that burns in front of the temple.
Things to Know Before You Visit Kedarnath
Before you proceed for the Kedarnath Yatra, there are certain things that pilgrims should keep in mind. These are as follows:
- Physical Fitness: The 16 km trek to Kedarnath Dham is one of the most challenging treks as one has to cover steep slopes and bumpy terrains to reach Kedarnath Temple. Hence, one should work on their physical health, build stamina, and prepare their bodies accordingly to undergo this trek. If you have health conditions, you should avoid trekking at such a high altitude.
- Acclimatization: Due to the high altitude, altitude sickness is very common and therefore appropriate measures to adapt to high altitude must be done.
- Packing Essentials: Carry only essentials; carry some warm clothes, proper trekking shoes, a raincoat and a First Aid Kit. Ensure that you have enough drinking water and energy-boosting foods and avoid junk food at any cost.
- Weather Preparedness: Conditions and climate in the Himalayas are more or less given to fluctuation at times. It is always advisable to check the weather forecast before planning for the trek.
- Travel Light: Since you will be trekking for most of the time, the best thing is to carry only what is necessary. Hence, take a backpack and carry only the essentials and your necessary medications with you.
- Emergency Contacts: Always note down the local authorities number who can help you during emergencies and it is always wise to travel in a group.
Kedarnath Weather: Month Wise Guide for 2025
Everything about the Kedarnath trip is decided by the weather, when the journey should be done, what should be worn, and how difficult it will be. Cold, rain, snow, it changes fast in the mountains. So before planning your trip, check what each month really feels like up there.
May – Fresh Start but Still Very Cold
May is the first month of the yatra season. The temple opens in early May, and roads finally become clear after months of snow. But don’t think summer has started. The place is still freezing. Snow stays on the trek route, especially near the higher parts. Nights are harsh. Days are better but still chilly.
Most people feel breathless during the trek in May. The cold winds make it worse. Warm jackets, caps, gloves, and good shoes must be carried. If cold weather is not something you’re used to, May can be felt as too tough. But the good part. Everything is fresh. The first darshan after six months feels emotional. Less crowd, more devotion.
Tip: Go only if your body can take extreme cold. Book hotels early. Carry all winter gear.
June – Best Weather, Maximum Pilgrims
June is when most people go. The snow melts more, and the path is cleaner. The sky is usually clear. Sun stays longer. This is the most balanced month, not too cold, not too rainy. If you want a smooth experience, June is the best time. But yes, it gets crowded. Expect longer lines at the temple and more people on the trek. Still, the beauty of the place shines in June. Rivers flow, waterfalls fall strong, and the green patches start showing up. Days are cool. Nights need sweaters, but not five layers like in May.
Tip: Layers should be worn that can be removed during the day. Sunscreen should be used. Water should be drunk even if thirst is not felt.
July – Rain Comes, Roads Get Tricky
July is when the real mountain tests begin. Monsoon hits the region hard. Landslides have become common. Roads get blocked. Even the trek becomes dangerous. Helicopters get cancelled at the last minute. Sometimes, you start your day in the sun and end it drenched.
This month is not ideal for elderly people or families with small kids. Visibility gets low due to fog. Trekking gets slow. But some devotees still go. They believe in darshan, no matter the weather. Local shops and shelters are open, but the journey needs more time and patience.
Tip: Don’t take risks. Carry a full rain kit. Keep your phone and clothes packed in plastic inside your bag.
August – Heavy Rains Continue, Crowd Drops
August feels just like July, but heavier. Rain falls for longer hours. Roads may stay shut for days. If you’re planning in August, check the Uttarakhand weather updates daily. Also, buffer days are a must. Go only if you’re fit and experienced in hill travel. The good part? There’s less crowd. Darshan is peaceful. Locals are more helpful since not many pilgrims arrive in this season. But comfort is not guaranteed. Getting stuck on the way is common. If roads close, even returning becomes tough.
Tip: Travel only with proper shoes, poncho, and local driver. Never travel alone in this month.
September – Quiet and Beautiful After Rains
September is when the sky clears again. Monsoon goes back slowly. The hills look fresh and clean. Rivers are full. Waterfalls are strong. The air feels pure. Temperature stays low but not biting cold. The path becomes easier again. This is the perfect month for people who want a peaceful yatra without rush. Fewer people, clean environment, and better control over your pace. You get more time at the temple, and the trek feels better without slippery paths.
Tip: Still carry rain protection. Weather stays unpredictable in the first half of September.
October – Cold Returns, Yatra Ends
October is the last month of yatra. The temple closes on Bhai Dooj. By now, the air is getting cold again. Mornings are frosty. Nights are freezing. Daytime stays fine, but the sun is not always there. If it snows early, the path gets risky again. The place becomes quiet again. Less crowd. Local services slowly pack up. But this is also the most peaceful time for people who want to spend more time in prayers. Some snowfall might even begin in the last week.
Tip: Dress for winter. Keep a medical kit ready. If you’re going in late October, call your hotel to confirm road status.
What to Pack for Kedarnath Yatra – Simple Checklist
Kedarnath isn’t a normal trip. You’re going to a place where even a chappal breaking can become a big headache. If the weather changes, and you’re not packed right, you’ll feel it within 10 minutes. So don’t rush the packing. Just sit down, take a paper, and think like this: “If I’m stuck on a mountain road for 4 hours, will I have what I need?”
Here’s what you should really carry.
1. Warm Clothes – Proper Ones, Not Just One Jacket
People think it’s summer so it’ll be fine. But up there, even in June, you’ll freeze after sunset. Don’t take just a jacket. Take proper thermal inners (top and bottom), a sweater, and then your jacket. Also, woollen socks. Two pairs. Gloves too. Head gets cold fast, so something to cover ears. Even better if you take layers. One sweater, one light fleece, and a jacket. That way you can remove one while walking and still stay warm.
Pro tip: Carry one old shawl or stole. Comes in use everywhere during aarti, while sleeping, or just wrapping up.
2. Shoes
Sports shoes look nice, but they slip on wet stones. And that trek is full of stones. You need proper trekking shoes. With grip. With ankle support. Break them in before the trip and wear them for 4-5 days at home. Else, you’ll get shoe bites for 4 km. Also: extra socks. Always. Your socks will get wet. Keep one in your day bag.
3. Raincoat or Poncho – Umbrella Will Be Useless
If you think carrying an umbrella will save you, forget it. Rain doesn’t fall straight in the hills, it hits sideways. And you need your hands free on the trek. Poncho works best. One that covers your bag too. Plastic cover for your bag is also smart. Put your clothes in plastic inside your backpack. That’s how you save dry clothes even if rain gets in.
4. Medicine Kit – Don’t Wait for the Shop on the Hill
Local shops sell basic stuff, but they won’t have what you need when your stomach gives up mid-journey. Pack Crocin, Dolo, Combiflam, vomiting medicine, antacid, balm, band aid, cotton, Dettol, and ORS sachets. If you take regular meds (BP, sugar, thyroid), carry 2–3 days extra.
Put this pouch in the outer pocket, not inside the clothes.
5. Torch, Power Bank, Aadhar Copy – Don’t Skip These
Electricity cuts are common. Your hotel might give you one dim light and that’s it. Torch is important. Even phone torches can die if you run out of battery. And the network is patchy. Carrying a power bank. Take printouts of your registration, Aadhar, and hotel slip. Sometimes, the app won’t open and you’ll stand in the line for nothing.
6. Everyday Things People Regret Forgetting
- Cold cream (your skin will get dry)
- Toothbrush + paste (pack in a pouch)
- Water bottle (refill at trusted places)
- Plastic bags – always useful
- Paper soap
- Safety pins – for when the bag zip gives up
Also, take a small bag to carry daily, something that stays close to your body and doesn’t hurt the shoulders. Keep your money, power bank, and ID in this.
7. Snacks – Not Junk, Just What Keeps You Going
Carry dry fruits, almonds, raisins, cashews. Carry glucose biscuits. Toffees are great too, you feel the sugar rush while walking. Keep a small bottle of Glucon-D. If you have a flask, fill it with warm water or chai from your stay. Don’t eat too heavy before the trek. But also don’t stay empty stomach.
Local Food Options on the Kedarnath Route
Kedarnath is not about fancy food. The place is simple, spiritual, and tough on the body. That’s why the food you get on the way is also simple, nothing fancy, just hot, basic, and filling. Most dhabas serve pure veg food, and many don’t even use onion or garlic. But what you get will warm you up, especially after hours of walking.
So here’s what’s really there, what people eat while doing the Kedarnath yatra.
1. Aloo Paratha – The Breakfast King
From Rishikesh to Sonprayag to Gaurikund you’ll find small dhabas serving aloo paratha almost everywhere. It’s made fresh, served hot, usually with a small bowl of curd and some spicy achar. It’s heavy, so it gives energy for the trek. One paratha with chai is enough to fill you for the next 3–4 hours.
2. Maggi & Chai – The Trekker’s Comfort Food
Once you start the actual trek from Gaurikund, you’ll see small stalls every 2–3 km. They sell Maggi, tea, coffee, and boiled eggs. Maggi becomes your best friend. It’s hot, salty, and just right when your legs are tired and your hands are freezing. Chai tastes different here. Maybe it’s the height, or the cold, or the tired body. But sitting on a wooden bench, with mist around, sipping hot tea with a view of the valley, it hits differently.
3. Basic Thali at Kedarnath Base – Simple, Hot and Needed
Once you reach Kedarnath base, most people are too tired to eat heavy food. But the GMVN canteens and local kitchens serve hot thalis rice, dal, roti, and a basic sabzi. It’s not hotel style. The roti might be thick, and the rice may be plain. But after the climb, this food feels like a blessing. There are also charity langars that serve free food. No onion, no garlic, just satvik meals. The best part? You feel the devotion in every bite. Volunteers serve you like family.
4. Local Garhwali Dishes
If you stop around Guptkashi, Sitapur, or any local village, ask for Garhwali food. Some homestays and small eateries might cook it if you request in advance. Aloo ke gutke (spicy boiled potatoes with mustard seeds), mandua ki roti (made from millet), and jhangora ki kheer (sweet made from barnyard millet) — these are true local flavours.
They’re healthy, warm, and perfect for the cold. But don’t expect this food everywhere. It depends on the family or dhaba. Still, it’s worth asking.
The food here isn’t about taste, it’s about warmth and strength. Eat what’s hot. Drink clean water. And thank the people who’re cooking up there, many of them wake at 4 am just to light the stove for yatris like you. Eat simple, stay strong, and you’ll have a much better yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1). What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Yatra?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October. The Kedarnath temple opens in late April or early May and closes in late October or early November due to heavy snowfall in the region. The summer months of May to June and the post-monsoon months of September to October are particularly pleasant.
Q2). How can I reach Kedarnath Temple?
To reach Kedarnath, you can take a train or flight to Haridwar, Dehradun, or Rishikesh. From there, you can travel by road to Gaurikund, the last motorable point. The final stretch involves a 16-18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. Helicopter services are also available from various points like Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.
Q3). How long does it take to complete the Kedarnath Yatra?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath takes around 6-8 hours, depending on one’s pace and physical condition. The entire journey, including travel to and from Gaurikund, can take 2-4 days, depending on your starting point and itinerary.
Q4). Is there any age limit for Kedarnath Yatra?
There is no age limit to complete the Kedarnath Yatra.
