Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Best Time to visit Kedarnath

The weather in Kedarnath remains cold throughout the year, and still, many pilgrims visit the temple every year because of their faith. In case you are also willing to visit Kedarnath but don’t know what is the best time to visit the temple, and then go through the paragraphs below:

Summer Season (April to June)

The Kedarnath temple is open from March to October, and hence, the summer season (April to June)is the most preferable to visit the temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. From April to June,the climate remains mildly warm and convenient with the average temperature running from 4 Degrees Celcius to 12 Degrees Celcius. The temperature can also increase accordingly up to 20-30 Degrees Celsius.

During summer the region has mild warm weather with cool breeze around, which makes the visit more enjoyable for the pilgrims. The roads are clear during summer so you can include Tungnath Temple, Gauri Kund, and Bhairav Temple as some of the added packages in your Kedarnath tour packages.

Winter Season (October to March)

During the winter season, the temperature remains below 0 Degrees Celcius most of the time. The temple also closes during this period because of the harsh winter and so much snow on the ground. But sometimes there are even sunny days and the temperature can fluctuate from 0 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius.

So it is not convenient to visit Kedarnath during winter, but you can plan to go to Kedarnath only if you wish to see the beauty of the mountains and the area wrapped in snow.

Monsoon Season (July to September)

We highly recommend you not to plan your Kedarnath Yatra during the rainy season which is from July to September as the area receives heavy rainfall. There is a higher probability of landslides due to which the routes and trek get blocked resultingin several hours of delay or else you can get in big trouble.

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Things to do in Kedarnath

If you are visiting Kedarnath, then you can try doing these amazing things:

Kedarnath Temple: The very first thing you can do at Kedarnath is visit the temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve jyotirlingas. You can also witness the beauty of the evening aAartiheld at the temple.

Trek to Kedarnath Temple: For trek lovers the route to the temple can be fun, as you have to trek 22 km from Gaurikund to the temple. During the trek, you can see the beauty of the Himalayan peaks and valleys covered with greenery all around.

Explore Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is about 8 km from the Kedarnath temple. You can go and visit the lake and can also camp near the lake and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Explore Chorabari (Gandhi) Glacier: It is located just 1 km away from Kedarnath. If you want to visit the place then you have to trek to the glacier, where you can see snow-covered mountains all around.

Visit Shankaracharya Samadhi: Nearby temple is situated the Samadhi of great philosopher Shankaracharya, who established the Chardham pilgrimage.

Go for Bird watching: Due to the greenery and forest all around, Kedarnath has become home to many species of birds, flora, and fauna.

Wildlife Photography: During the trek to temple you can witness the pure beauty of nature. Also you can take some amazing and beautiful wildlife images, which will make your trip more memorable.

Visit nearby rivers: In Rudraprayag, you can also visit the Sangam place where the Mandakini and Basukiriver meet.

Visit Bhairavnath and Triyuginarayan Temple: You can also visit these two temples which are located near the Kedarnath temple. As Bhairavanath is called Kshetrapal of Kedarnath and at Triyuginarayan lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.

Chopta: You can visit this small and beautiful hill station near Kedarnath, which is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. Here you can also visit Chandrashila and Tungnath temples.

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How to reach Kedarnath?

There are various ways to reach Kedarnath. Some of them are as follows:

By Air: Airways is the most convenient and time-saving way to reach Kedarnath. Kedarnath does not have an airport but people can opt for the nearest air hub, which is located in Dehradun.Jolly Grant Airport is located about 238 to 250 km away from Kedarnath and has significant importance in Uttarakhand tourism. The airport has direct links to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, and several other business and industrial centers. Also, people get the option of choosing from the following airlines – IndiGo, Spice Jet, and Air India.

Talking about the shortest connectivity, New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is only 260 km away; the flight time is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. After reaching Dehradun, you will get several options that are available to reach Kedarnath, which include general taxi service, private taxi service, and city bus service. But if you want a budget-friendly and comfortable ride then you can contact Dehradun Taxi Services.

By Road: Kedarnath has good road access from important cities such as Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. From these cities, you can hire a taxi or a bus to move ahead towards Kedarnath. The distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath via road is approximately 280 Km you can cover conveniently in 8-9 hours with Dehradun Taxi Services.

By Train: If you are looking for cheaper transportation then you can surely travel by train. While there is no railway junction in Kedarnath, people can opt for a railhead at Rishikesh. The Rishikesh Railway Station is well-connected to the major cities and is located around 210 km away from Gaurikund. So you can board a train from Delhi to Rishikesh which will take around 8 hours to Rishikesh.

On arrival at Rishikesh, you will find several transport available for Gaurikund like the normal buses, cabs, and sharing taxis. Try to reach Gaurikund as soon as possible so that you can start and complete your trek easily.

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How to reach Kedarnath Temple?

Reaching Kedarnath town is quite easy, but the real struggle begins from Gaurikund. Till Gaurikund you can travel by bus or taxi, but from Gaurikund the trek to Kedarnath temple begins and you can use these options to reach the temple:

By Helicopter: You can opt for heli-services to reach Kedarnath from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi. Booking a helicopter is very easy you can either complete the booking online or offline. But, remember that the heli services bookings are mainly open between May and October.

By Trek: The other option is to complete the 22 km trek from Gaurikund to the temple by foot, which takes you about 8-9 hours.

By Palki or Pony: The last option for those who cannot walk, remains palki and pony, which are easily available at Gaurikund.

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Tourist Places near Kedarnath

Here are some tourist places near Kedarnath:

Tungnath: Tungnath (part of Panch Kedar) is the highest temple in the world which is devoted to lord Shiva and is located in Chopta, which is only 30km away from Kedarnath.

Chopta: It is a small town full of meadows, and evergreen forests, and a part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand state. It is also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. It offers you breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks.

Sonprayag: While visiting the temple you can visit this place as it is the very starting point of the Kedarnath temple trek. Also here you can see the Sangam of the river Mandakini and Basuki.

Rudraprayag: Situated on the bank of the river Alaknanda and Mandakini at a distance of 34 K.M. from Srinagar in Garhwal. Rudraprayag is one of the most instinctive holy places which derived its name from the god Rudra incarnation of Lord Shiva. Also, it is endowed with scenic nature and is located close to several lakes and glaciers.

Madmaheswar: Madhyamaheshwar or Madmaheshwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Shiva located in the Mansoona village in the Garhwal Himalayas in the part of Uttarakhand, India. This temple is dedicated to the middle of the navel of the bull; which again denotes the god Shiva and is commonly called the Madhya ­Narayana. This Temple is said to have been constructed by Bhima, the Second Pandava brother and he used to pray to God Shiva here.

Ukhimath: It is a Pilgrimage center which is situated in Rudraprayag District of Uttrakhand State. The town Ukhimath is also called Okhimath, which is located at an altitude of 1317 meters above sea level and is one of the religious cities in the state of Uttarakhand. Okhimath is well known for the Omkareshwar Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a famous tourist spot in the town. You can visit the temple and witness the aarti held in the evening and take blessings.

Deoria Tal: This lake is also known as Devariya Tal. It is located at a 5 km uphill trek from the Sari village, Chopta this place provides you with a heavenly feeling of peace and the view of the Himalayan ranges including Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, and the Kalanag. Devariya Tal is situated at the height of 2300 mts feet above sea level and is surrounded by thick forest on one side and the other side by a Himalayan peak. Trekking is allowed till Deorital and you can also spend a night there and then continue the trek which passes through the jungle.

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Google Map Distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath

The distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath is approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles) by road and it takes about 8-9 hours to reach your destination.

The route from Dehradun to Kedarnath passes through some old pilgrimage towns like Devprayag, Sonprayag, Gaurikund, and Rudraprayag. Throughout the journey you will see many amazing and breathtaking scenic views and ancient temples.

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Hotels and Restaurants near Kedarnath

Thousands of pilgrims visit the Kedarnath temple and stay overnight at the temple to witness the evening aarti. Therefore, the government and the locals of Kedarnath have set up many luxurious and budget-friendly hotels and restaurants near the temple for the pilgrims. Here’s the list of some top hotels and restaurants near Kedarnath Temple:

• GMVN Kedarnath
• Chauhan Hotel and Restaurant - 9720923375
• Swargarohini Cottages GMVN
• Yatra Hill Resort
• Gujarat Bhawan
• New Agrabhawan Kedarnath
• Hotel Punjab Sind Awas
• Kedarnath Tent Prithvi Yatra Hotel

Important: If you are looking for a low-budget stay, then there are several tents and camps available near the temple. Also, you can carry your tent along with you.

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Does it snow in Kedarnath?

Yes, it does snow in Kedarnath, as the temple is situated in the state of Uttarakhand at a height of 3,583m (11,755ft) in the Himalayas. Snowfall is common in Kedarnath during the winter mostly during November to March.

Heavy snowfalls occur in Kedarnath every year, with several feet of snow on the ground at a time and it is one of the major reasons why the Kedarnath temple where thousands of devotees go for pilgrimage every year remains closed during winter and opens only in April, or early May when the snow melts.

The Snow in Kedarnath enhances the overall beauty of the destination, yet at the same time, it’s disadvantageous as the roads get blocked and extreme weather condition persists during the winter season.

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Kedarnath Snowfall Time

Kedarnath is nearly closed for tourists and pilgrims during the winter season from November to March because most of the routes get closed due to heavy snowfall. The weather at Kedarnath becomes colder with heavy rainfall after which the temperature goes to minus 18 Degrees Celcius.

Most people in the town make sure that they leave the town before winter sets in, and as such, this townbecomes a ghost town. During the winter season, the main attraction of Kedarnath (Temple) also get closed down.

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Tips for visiting Kedarnath

Before starting your journey to Kedarnath, keep these points in your mind:

Complete your online registration before starting your yatra to Kedarnath. (Without registration or permit you won’t be allowed to visit the temple).

Carry your ID cards along with you, as they can be required in case of any emergency.

Consult your doctor before beginning the journey, as the temple is located at a high altitude and you have to cover a 22 km trek to the temple.

Carry a first-aid kit along with some important medications like paracetamol, painkillers, and antibiotics.

Always carry an umbrella or a raincoat with you because the weather in Kedarnath is unpredictable.

Pack your backpacks according to the weather in Kedarnath. Keep warm and thermal innerwear, as it is mostly cold in Kedarnath.

Always choose appropriate and quality shoes, as the trek to the temple is about 22 km. Also, carry an extra pair of socks and slippers with you.

Manage to carry a torch or any flashlight along with you.

Book your accommodation prior, as sometimes due to excessive crowds it becomes difficult for the pilgrims to find a stay.

Carry a sufficient amount of cash with you, as due to low networks most of the shopkeepers do not accept online transactions.

Also carry some snacks and water, as the trek to the temple is long and you must keep yourself hydrated and energetic.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kedarnath