Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the four major pilgrimage sites, known as Char Dham, in India. Here in this article, we have presented a complete travel guide for Kedarnath yatra in 2023.

Kedarnath Temple Yatra 2023

Kedarnath is one of the four sacred shrines known as the Char Dhams in Uttarakhand, India. The Kedarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage journey that takes devotees to the Kedarnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.

The Kedarnath Yatra starts in the month of April or May and continues until October or November, depending on weather conditions. The Yatra is open for a limited time period every year, as the temple is located in a high-altitude region where the weather can be unpredictable and harsh.

Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing date in 2023

Kedarnath Temple opens on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, which usually falls in late April or early May, and closes on the day of Bhai Dooj, which usually falls in October or November.

• Kedarnath Opening Date: 26 April 2023
• Kedarnath Closing Date: 15 November 2023

Kedarnath Temple History

The history of Kedarnath Temple dates back to the Mahabharata era. According to legends, the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata, visited Kedarnath to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva to atone for their sins committed during the war. It is believed that the temple was originally built by the Pandavas.

However, the present-day temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, a famous Hindu philosopher and theologian. He is said to have discovered the temple buried under the snow and restored it to its former glory.

The temple was renovated and expanded in the 11th century AD by King Bhoja of the Paramara dynasty. The temple has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries due to natural calamities such as earthquakes, avalanches, and floods.

Kedarnath Temple Distance

Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Gaurikund is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. The distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple is approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles).

Kedarnath Temple Temperature

The temperature in Kedarnath Temple varies depending on the season.

During the summer months of May to June, the temperature ranges from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) during the day and can drop to 5°C (41°F) at night.

During the monsoon season from July to September, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F) during the day and can drop to 3°C (37°F) at night.

In the winter months from October to April, the temperature can drop below freezing, and the region receives heavy snowfall.

Kedarnath Temple Inside

Kedarnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Himalayan range. The temple is built of large, heavy, and evenly cut grey stone slabs, and the inner sanctum houses a conical-shaped Shiva lingam made of black stone. The temple has a small assembly hall for devotees to offer prayers and make offerings to Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath Temple Height

Kedarnath Temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.

Kedarnath Temple Yatra Guide

Here is a detailed guide to the Kedarnath Yatra:

Kedarnath Starting point

The starting point of the Yatra is usually from the town of Rishikesh, which is well connected by road, rail, and air. From Rishikesh, devotees travel to Gaurikund, which is the last motorable point of the Yatra. From there, pilgrims can either trek or hire a mule or a pony to reach the Kedarnath Temple.

Trekking in Kedarnath

The trekking distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is around 16 kilometers (10 miles), and it takes about 6 to 8 hours to cover this distance. The trek is challenging as it involves steep climbs, rocky terrain, and narrow paths. Pilgrims need to be physically fit and prepared for the trek.

Accommodation in Kedarnath

There are various accommodation options available for pilgrims on the trek route, including guesthouses, lodges, and tents. The Kedarnath Temple also provides free accommodation for pilgrims in its dormitory.

Weather in Kedarnath

The weather in Kedarnath is cold and unpredictable. Pilgrims need to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season when landslides and flash floods are common.

Kedarnath Temple timings

The Kedarnath Temple is open from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The temple remains closed during the winter season due to heavy snowfall.

Kedarnath Pooja and darshan

Pilgrims can perform various poojas and rituals at the temple, including Rudrabhishek, Mahamrityunjaya Jaap, and Abhishek. The darshan of the lingam is the main attraction of the temple.

Other attractions in Kedarnath

Apart from the Kedarnath Temple, there are several other attractions that pilgrims can visit on the Yatra, including the Bhairon Temple, Gandhi Sarovar, Vasuki Tal, and Triyuginarayan Temple.

In conclusion, the Kedarnath Yatra is a challenging but spiritually rewarding journey that attracts millions of devotees every year. Pilgrims need to be physically and mentally prepared for the journey, as it involves trekking through a high-altitude region with unpredictable weather conditions.

Kedarnath Yatra Registration

To register for the Kedarnath Yatra, you can follow the below steps:

• Visit the official website of the Kedarnath temple or the Uttarakhand government’s tourism website.
• Look for the Kedarnath Yatra registration link.
• Fill in the required details such as your name, address, phone number, email id, and ID proof details.
• Choose your travel dates and mode of transportation (trekking or helicopter).
• Pay the registration fee online, which can vary depending on your mode of transportation and other factors.
• Once you have completed the registration process, you will receive a confirmation message or email with your registration details.

Kedarnath Yatra 2023 Helicopter Booking

The Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is a popular option for pilgrims who want to avoid the steep and challenging trek to the Kedarnath Temple. Helicopter booking for the Kedarnath Yatra in 2023 can be done online through the official website of the Uttarakhand government’s tourism department or through various private tour operators.

Here are the steps to book a helicopter for the Kedarnath Yatra 2023:

• Visit the official website of the Uttarakhand tourism department or search for private tour operators offering helicopter services for the Kedarnath Yatra.
• Look for the helicopter booking section and select your preferred date, time, and package.
• Fill in the required personal details such as name, age, address, and ID proof details.
• Pay the booking fee online through the available payment options.
• Once you have completed the booking process, you will receive a confirmation message or email with your booking details.
• It is advisable to book your helicopter tickets well in advance as they tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season.

Kedarnath Temple Photos

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Kedarnath temple.

Why Kedarnath is Famous?

Kedarnath is famous for its ancient Kedarnath Temple, which is one of the four major Hindu pilgrimage sites, known as Char Dham, in India. It is believed that visiting Kedarnath and seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva can help one attain salvation.

How to reach Kedarnath?

Kedarnath can be reached by road, air, and train. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh. From there, one can take a bus, or taxi, or hire a private vehicle to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. From Gaurikund, one can either trek to Kedarnath or take a helicopter.

How to reach Kedarnath from Delhi?

One can take a flight, train, or bus from Delhi to Dehradun, which is the nearest major city to Kedarnath. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. From Gaurikund, one can either trek to Kedarnath or take a helicopter.

Where is Kedarnath?

Kedarnath is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It is situated in the Himalayan range, in the Rudraprayag district.

Who Built Kedarnath Temple?

According to legend, the Kedarnath temple was built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic. However, the exact origin of the temple is not known. The present-day temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu philosopher, and theologian.

How to go Kedarnath?

To go to Kedarnath, one needs to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. From Gaurikund, one can either trek to Kedarnath or take a helicopter.

How old is Kedarnath Temple?

The exact age of the Kedarnath temple is not known but it is said it would be more than thousands of years old. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata epic. However, the present-day temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya.

How to book a helicopter for Kedarnath?

Helicopter booking for Kedarnath can be done online through the official website of the Uttarakhand government’s tourism department or through various private tour operators.

How to reach Kedarnath from Mumbai?

One can take a flight or train from Mumbai to Dehradun, which is the nearest major city to Kedarnath. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. From Gaurikund, one can either trek to Kedarnath or take a helicopter.

Kedarnath in which state?

Kedarnath is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India.

How long is the Kedarnath Trek?

The Kedarnath trek is around 16 km long, and it takes around 6-8 hours to complete, depending on one’s fitness level and the weather conditions.

When to visit Kedarnath?

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and from September to November. The temple remains closed during the winter months from November to April due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions.

Why Kedarnath is Closed for 6 months?

Kedarnath is closed for 6 months during the winter season from November to April due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. The region becomes inaccessible during this time, and it is not

How to Reach Kedarnath from Lucknow?

One can take a flight or train from Lucknow to Dehradun, which is the nearest major city to Kedarnath. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. From Gaurikund, one can either trek to Kedarnath or take a helicopter.

How Kedarnath Temple Survived Flood?

In June 2013, Kedarnath was hit by a devastating flood, which caused widespread damage and loss of life. The Kedarnath Temple was also severely damaged, but it miraculously survived the flood.

According to reports, the temple was partially submerged in water, but the main shrine and the statue of Lord Shiva remained intact.

It is believed that the temple was protected by a large rock (Bhim Shila), which diverted the flow of the floodwaters and prevented them from causing more damage. The temple was later restored and reopened for devotees in 2015.