Kedarnath Yatra 2024 is very popular among Hindu pilgrims. Here we have shared the opening date and closing date of Kedarnath Temple in Char Dham Yatra 2024. Along with a Travel Guide for booking hotels, helicopter services, and the registration process.
Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is also the most renowned temple among the Panch Kedar. Panch Kedar is a group of 5 Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalayas.
These temples’ names are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Madhyamaheswar, Rudranath, and Kalpeswar. The Kedarnath Dham is also part of the Char Dham Yatra 2024.
Kedarnath shrine is situated in a breathtaking location near the milky white Mandakini River. At the astonishing height of 3,583 meters.
We have compiled all the important information about Kedarnath Yatra 2024. And we can say that this is your Online Travel Guide for your Kedarnath Trip.
About Kedarnath Yatra 2024
- Deity: Kedarnath, Lord of Kedar Khand (Shiva)
- District: Rudraprayag
- State: Uttarakhand (India)
- Elevation / Height: 3,583m (11,755 ft)
- Visitors / Year: 15 Lakh visitors in 2022
More than 15 Lakh people visited Kedarnath in just the first 6 months of the Char Dham Yatra in 2022.
Kedarnath is one of the significant temples of the sacred Chota Char Dham Yatra. This Yatra consists of four temples of Uttarakhand. These are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Kedarnath Yatra Opening Date 2024
Kedarnath Temple’s opening date depends on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya and is declared on the Maha Shivaratri every year.
The date of opening of the Kedarnath shrine is decided by priests of Omkareshwar Temple located in Ukhimath after the calculation of Hindu Panchang.
The closing date of Kedarnath is fixed on the day of Bhai Dooj after the Diwali festival around November.
The opening and closing dates of the Kedarnath Temple in Char Dham Yatra 2024 are as follows:
| Opening Date | April 2024 at 6:20 AM (Morning) |
| Closing Date | 03 Nov 2024 (Eve of Bhaiya Dooj) |
Check Registration, Pooja Timings Details Here
Kedarnath Temple History
There are so many stories and legends about Kedarnath Temple and it has been a pilgrimage center since ancient times.
Although, it is not confirmed who built the original Kedarnath Mandir and when.
But a mythological story describes the temple’s construction to the legendary brothers Pandavas. But the holy Mahabharata does not mention any place called Kedarnath.
The holy Kedarnath temple is said to have been built in the 8th century AD by Hindu guru Adi Sankaracharya.
Sankaracharya rebuilt the place where the Pandavas of Mahabharat fame is believed to constructed a Shiv temple.
History of Char Dham Temples
Kedarnath FloodÂ
Kedarnath town was the most affected area during the 2013 flash floods in North India. Uttarakhand is the most disaster-prone state in India. And The Kedarnath Temple complex, surrounding areas in Rudraprayag, and Kedarnath town suffered vast damage.
But the temple structure did not suffer any “major” damage. Apart from a few cracks on one side of the four walls which were caused by the flowing debris from the higher mountains.
During the disaster, a huge rock among the flood, mud, and debris worked as a barrier. And it protected the temple from extensive damage.
The surroundings of the Kedarnath Temple for example – buildings, hotels, and market areas were vanished away in the flood and damaged heavily.
Also Read:Â Full Story and Reason Behind Kedarnath Flood 2013Â
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple?
Here we have compiled all the routes and distance information on how to reach Kedarnath in the best possible way.
Suppose you are planning your trip from any major city like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Banglore.
Then it’s very important to know the distance and best possible routes for your Kedarnath Trip.
It does not matter whether you are traveling to Kedarnath by train, air, or by road, Haridwar and Rishikesh are the main points from where you have to start your journey to the hilly area.
Kedarnath Yatra 2024 Route Maps & Distance Guide
If you want to reach Kedarnath Temple from any part of India. Then Gaurikund will be your last destination by road.
Your City ➜ Haridwar or Rishikesh ➜ Devprayag ➜ Srinagar ➜ Rudraprayag ➜ Sonprayag ➜ Gaurikund and then finally 16 km Trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Gaurikund is accessible from major destinations of Uttarakhand. After that Kedarnath temple can be reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund.
Kedarnath Distance from various Cities of India
Here we are sharing a detailed Route Map & Distance Guide on how to reach Kedarnath from major cities in India.
Click on Any Route below and you will be redirected to a detailed Guide on that Route.
⦿ Delhi To Kedarnath (466 km)
⦿ Rishikesh To Kedarnath (227 km)
⦿ Haridwar To Kedarnath (252 km)
⦿ Dehradun To Kedarnath (266 km)
⦿ Mumbai To Kedarnath (1912 km)
⦿ Chandigarh To Kedarnath (524 km)
⦿ Jaipur To Kedarnath (758 km)
⦿ Lucknow To Kedarnath (730 km)
⦿ Ahmedabad To Kedarnath (1431 km)
⦿ Banglore To Kedarnath (2558 km)
⦿ Chennai To Kedarnath (2609 km)
⦿ Kolkata To Kedarnath (1699 km)
⦿ Pune To Kedarnath (1913 km)
⦿ Hyderabad To Kedarnath (1685 km)
Gaurikund To Kedarnath Temple
There are so many transport options from Dehradun or Haridwar or Rishikesh To Gaurikund. It is also accessible from major destinations of Uttarakhand.
But the roads towards Kedarnath Temple only stretch till Gauri Kund.
After that, you have to take a 16 km trek towards the sacred shrine Kedarnath Mandir.
Paalkies and Ponies are also easily available here. And if you have a good budget, then you can also hire a helicopter service during the peak season of the Kedarnath Yatra.
Also Read: Kedarnath Trek Travel Guide
Best Time To Visit Kedarnath
The doors (Kapat) of the Kedarnath Temple (Mandir) open to devotees in the month of April-May every year.
And close around the last week of November on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.
- This period is called the Char Dham Yatra Season.
- This is the best time to visit Kedarnath Yatra.
During the Char Dham Yatra season, you can also visit Badrinath Temple, Gangotri Temple, and Yamunotri Temple.
The weather and climate during the yatra season are very pleasant and the temperature remains below 20 degrees Celcius.
Best Time for Your Char Dham Trip
Weather in Kedarnath
All the temples of the Char Dham Yatra are located at high elevations in Uttarakhand. And hence, it is normally very cold weather in Kedarnath in winter. Due to most often sub-zero temperatures which make trekking next to impossible.
Kedarnath Temperature Today
Moreover, the Kapat (doors) of the temples close during the winter season. Thus, the Char Dham yatra is carried out mostly during the summer months. From April to June when the weather is favorable for steep climbing and sightseeing tours.
And also sometimes from late Sep to Nov, when the monsoon decreases and at the start of the winter season (autumn). This is the best time to visit Kedarnath.
But as much as possible the rainy season for this Sacred Yatra (Tour) should be avoided. Because the roads and paths (trek) become slippery and there are circumstances of landslides are high.
- Kedarnath Temperature in January
- Kedarnath Temperature in February
- Kedarnath Temperature in March
- Kedarnath Temperature in April
- Kedarnath Temperature in May
- Kedarnath Temperature in June
- Kedarnath Temperature in July
- Kedarnath Temperature in August
- Kedarnath Temperature in September
- Kedarnath Temperature in October
- Kedarnath Temperature in November
- Kedarnath Temperature in December
Hotels in Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple is a remote location as compared to other Char Dham Temples in Uttarakhand. That is why there are so many options for accommodation.
From hotels to Govt guest houses like GMVN Tourist Guest Houses and Tent Camps, there are a variety of facilities to make your tour memorable.
One of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is definitely the most difficult way of austerity selected by pilgrims of all age groups.
During the months (April to November) when the Kapat (doors) of the temple is open for pilgrims, the 14 Km trek from Gauri Kund to the shrine of Lord Shiva is as crowded as a crossroads on a busy Monday in a city. For the sacred tour, there is a need for temporary residence or accommodation.
These are some of the best-recommended Hotels/Cottages/Rooms in Kedarnath.
Check Hotels Booking Prices Here
Helicopter Services in Kedarnath
The hard journey becomes much easier because of the daily helicopter service from the helipad in Guptkashi, Phata, and Sersi village in Kedarnath.
Some operators also offer a premium helicopter service from Jollygrant Airport directly during the peak season of Char Dham Yatra 2024.
Check the Helicopter Booking Prices Here
Devotees can visit the Kedarnath shrine and also return the same day as the helicopter service flies at regular intervals from Phata and Agustmuni helipads.
5-seater helicopters are operated by different tour companies like Himalayan Heli, Pawanhansh..etc.
There are three main routes available for Heli services in Kedarnath.
Guptkashi, Phata, & Sersi.
You can take your helicopter ride from any of these three places.
Meditation Cave in Kedarnath
Another name for Kedarnath Cave is Rudra Meditation Cave. This region is maintained and runs as a “Modern Meditation Cave” by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). Kedarnath Cave is located one and a half kilometers from the Kedarnath Temple complex.
A stay in the cave can only be booked online from the portal of GMVN and fees INR 990 for a day.
Rudra Cave can be reached from Kedarnath following a trek of around a kilometer very easily. The holy town of Kedarnath is well-linked to several prominent cities in North India.
Also Read: Kedarnath Cave Travel Guide
What is Panch Kedar?
Panch Kedar is part of Lord Shiva’s body that appeared at five places in Kedarnath Town of Uttarakhand. These temples are considered highly sacred by Hindus and it is said that Pandavas built these 5 temples.
Panch Kedar is an important pilgrimage destination dedicated to Lord Shiva. Panch Kedar Temple’s names are Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheswar, and Kalpeswara.
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Kedarnath Temple: Located in the Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath Temple is the most famous and important temple among the Panch Kedar. It is situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is believed to have been built by the Pandavas.
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Tungnath Temple: Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is located in the Rudraprayag district. It is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters and is believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
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Rudranath Temple: Located in the Chamoli district, Rudranath Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s face appeared after he disappeared from Kedarnath.
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Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Madhyamaheshwar Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s navel appeared.
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Kalpeshwar Temple: Located in the Chamoli district, Kalpeshwar Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s hair appeared. It is situated at an altitude of 2,134 meters.
Panch Kedar Route Map & Distance
The best way to visit Panch Kedar temples is a bus service that leaves Gaurikund near Kedar Nath. The Timing of this bus is every morning at 5 am and stops at every point for Panch Kedar temples.
Travel Guide for Char Dhams:
- Badrinath Yatra 2024 Guide
- Gangotri Yatra 2024 Guide
- Yamunotri Yatra 2024 Guide
- Panch Kedar Yatra 2024 Guide
FAQs About Kedarnath
Here are some most frequently asked questions about Kedarnath.
Who built the Kedarnath Temple?
According to Hindu mythology, Kedarnath Mandir was constructed by the legendary brothers Pandava. But the modern structure of the Kedarnath Temple is said to have been built in the 8th century AD by Hindu Guru Adi Sankaracharya at the same place where the Pandavas are believed to built a Shiv temple.
Why the Kedarnath Yatra is Famous?
It is believed that Pandavas went to heaven from the path above the Kedarnath, and they built the Shiva Temple in Kedar Valley. And Kedarnath temple is located in the highest place among the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Where is the Kedarnath Located?
Kedarnath is a holy Hindu Temple located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.
Kedarnath Yatra Opening Date in 2024?
The date for the opening of Shri Kedarnath Temple’s Kapat is announced by the priests on the auspicious day of Basant Panchmi. This year in 2024, Kedarnath Temple will be open on 26 April 2024.
Kedarnath Temple Closing Date in 2024?
Kedarnath Temple will close on Oct-Nov 2024, the date is not announced yet. (Most probably Nov 2024)
What is Kedarnath Temple Pooja Timing?
The morning pooja starts at 4:00 and lasts till 7:00. thus after the last Aarti, Kedarnath Temple is closed till the next morning. only between April & November.
Why Kedarnath Temple Closes Every Year?
Due to the very cold weather, the doors (Kapat) of the Kedarnath temple are closed, and everyone from the Kedar Valley migrates downwards.
How old Kedarnath Temple is?
The Lord Shiva Temple of Kedarnath is around 3000 years old. As per mythology, the Kedarnath Temple was made by the Pandavas brothers. however, the exact date or year of the temple’s establishment is not mentioned in pristine literature. But if we look at the scientific evidence, a minimum age of Kedardham of about 3,000 years can be considered.
How Kedarnath temple survive the flood?
During the flood in 2013, the temple structure did not suffer any “major” damage, apart from a few cracks on one side of the four walls which were caused by the flowing debris from the higher mountains. During the disaster, a huge rock in the flood worked as a barrier and protected the temple from extensive damage. The boulder saved the Kedarnath Temple although scientists believed that the structure and construction of the Temple were the reason for not being destroyed.
What is the name of the stone which saved Kedarnath Temple?
The stone that saved Kedarnath Mandir is called Bheem Sheela.
How Far is Kedarnath Temple from the Helipad?
The Kedarnath Helipad is situated about 700 meters away from Kedarnath Temple and can be accessed within a few minutes. Daily helicopter services are available from the helipad in Phata village in Kedarnath. Some operators also offer a helicopter service from the town of Agustmuni in Rudraprayag.
Can We Stay Near Kedarnath?
Yes, everyone can stay near Kedarnath Temple. You can find several hotels and Dharamshalas there according to your budget.
Explore Kedarnath
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- Kedarnath Shivling Story
- 21 Facts About Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Ji Ki Aarti and Bhajan
- Read Kedarnath Blog
- Kedarnath itinerary Plan
- Kedarnath Wallpaper