Kedarnath Tourism And Travel Guide

A holy city, nestled in the Himalayas, it is one of the Char Dhams, and is home to arguably one of India’s most revered temples. Situated in a stunning backdrop, Kedarnath can only be reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. It is a widely celebrated religious and tourist destination, offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding natural beauty. Due to the extreme conditions, the city is shut off to the public for nearly six months. Tourism thrives in Kedarnath primarily from May to June.  In 2013, this spiritual hub was badly damaged by flash floods. However, it has started to regain its old charm over the last few years and is still a must-visit destination. To learn more about things to do here, how to reach and the ideal time to visit, check out this travel guide of Kedarnath.

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport is the closest domestic airport to Kedarnath (239 km away). It is well-connected to Gaurikund via trains and busses. Alternatively there are helicopter services available from multiple destinations in Uttarakhand. This is the best and fastest way to reach Kedarnath.

By Road:

Situated on NH 109, the quickest way to get to Kedarnath is via trek from Gaurikund (16 km away). Gaurikund is very well-connected to other parts in and around Uttarakhand by roadways. There are multiple car and bus options available for visitors.

By Rail:

The closest railway station is in Rishikesh (215 km away). There many taxi and bus options available to get to Gaurikund from the station. The only way to reach Kedarnath is via trekking from Gaurikund.

Monsoon (July – August):

The rainy season begins in July and wraps up around mid-September. From here on till the winter season begins, is the peak season to visit Kedarnath.

Summer (May – June):

As the weather is generally quite chilly through the rest of the year, the best months to visit Kedarnath are from May to June, with an average temperature of 15 to 30° C. The Kedarnath Temple opens its doors to devotees in mid-May, on the day of Akshay Tritiya.

Winter (November – April):

Between November and March, Kedarnath is practically closed to tourists. Temperatures drop to sub-zero levels and are accompanied by heavy rains, resulting in most people avoiding travel here. 

Relax at Vasuki Tal:

A massive lake, located in the Himalayas next to Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal presents a visual treat for trekkers brave enough to endure the steep slopes to reach this magical destination. It is frequented by pilgrims and tourists alike and is open 24 hours a day.

Trek to Kedarnath Peak:

For visitors infatuated with mountains, you must trek to Kedarnath Peak at a height of 3584 m above sea level. Trekkers can enjoy the gorgeous Chaukhamba Peaks and the Mandakini Valley from the height.

Visit Sunset Point:

For unmatched sightings of the Chopta Valley, visit the Sunset Point. It is an ideal spot for camping overnight. This spot also serves as the base location for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Visit Kedarnath Temple:

This literally is the main purpose of visit to Kedarnath, for most devotees and pilgrims at least. The Kedarnath temple is very ancient and is one of the most revered temples of Lord Shiva. It opens on Akshay Tritiya in May and shuts by Diwali in October.

Tilwada bazaar is the main centre for commerce in Kedarnath. The place caters to majority of shopping needs of visitors and tourists. It is the transportation hub for Kedarnath as well with multiple busses and taxis available to travel around the area. Visitors can pick up religious mementos, fresh produce, artefacts etc. all from this popular shopping district. There a number of famous restaurants located in the area, making it the focal point of Kedarnath. 

There are numerous roadside stalls and restaurants scattered along the city centre and are a must-try for visitors. Everything from North-Indian to Rajasthani to Asian cuisine is available in abundance in the area. However, majority of the restaurants are strictly vegetarian, Kedarnath being a place of worship.