Nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath Trek is one of the most spiritual and scenic journeys in India. It’s not just a route to a temple — it’s a path that takes you closer to faith, nature, and yourself. The Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands majestically at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims and trekkers from across the world come to experience this divine journey that blends breathtaking views, adventure, and deep devotion.
About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple stands surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and the Mandakini River flowing beside it. The powerful chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echo through the mountains, filling every traveler’s heart with faith and peace.
Kedarnath Trek Distance
The trek to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund, which is around 5 km from Sonprayag.
- Trek Distance: 16 km (one way)
- Elevation Gain: Around 5,000 feet
- Trek Duration: 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace
You can complete the Kedarnath trek in a day, but some prefer to rest midway at places like Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, or Linchauli.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The temple opens every year in late April or early May and closes around Diwali (October or November) due to heavy snowfall.
The best time for the Kedarnath trek is:
- May to June: Pleasant weather, clear skies, and open roads.
- September to October: Less crowd and post-monsoon greenery.
Avoid trekking during July and August as the region receives heavy rainfall and landslides can occur.
Kedarnath Trek Route
Here’s the route breakdown from Sonprayag to Kedarnath:
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund (5 km):
You can take a shared taxi or jeep from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. Gaurikund is also home to the famous Gauri Temple and a natural hot water spring. - Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti (4 km):
The trek begins here. The path is scenic with waterfalls and small tea stalls. - Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (3 km):
The terrain becomes slightly steeper but the views are stunning. - Bheembali to Linchauli (4 km):
This stretch offers breathtaking views of snow peaks and valleys. - Linchauli to Kedarnath Base Camp (3 km):
The final climb is steady, and soon you’ll see the grand Kedarnath Temple standing tall among the mountains.
How to Reach Kedarnath
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 238 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 216 km away.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis run from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Sonprayag.
From Sonprayag, shared jeeps take you to Gaurikund — the starting point of the trek.
Helicopter Services to Kedarnath
If you wish to avoid trekking, helicopter services are available from:
- Phata
- Guptkashi
- Sirsi
Helicopter tickets can be booked online through the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Department’s official website.
Accommodation on the Kedarnath Trek
Accommodation options are available at every stop — Gaurikund, Bheembali, Linchauli, and Kedarnath Base Camp.
You can find:
- GMVN Guesthouses
- Dharamshalas and Tents
- Private Lodges
It’s best to book your stay in advance during the peak season (May–June).
Things to Carry for Kedarnath Trek
- Warm clothes and rain gear
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Power bank and torch
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic medicines and first aid kit
- Government ID proof
Important Tips
- Start early in the morning from Gaurikund to reach Kedarnath by afternoon.
- Keep yourself hydrated but avoid drinking directly from mountain streams.
- Take short breaks and avoid rushing — altitude gain can cause fatigue.
- Respect nature and avoid littering the route.
Spiritual Experience
Reaching the Kedarnath Temple after hours of trekking is a moment filled with emotion and faith. The sight of the temple surrounded by mighty Himalayas feels divine. The evening aarti at Kedarnath is one of the most peaceful and spiritual experiences — every sound, every chant feels like a conversation with Lord Shiva himself.
Nearby Attractions
If you have more time, you can explore:
Triyuginarayan Temple: The Sacred Wedding Site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Triyuginarayan Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient temples in the Himalayas. It is believed to be the divine wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, witnessed by Lord Vishnu. The temple is often compared to Kedarnath due to its architectural resemblance and spiritual importance.
At the heart of the temple lies the eternal flame, known as the Akhand Dhuni, which is said to have burned continuously since the celestial wedding took place. Devotees believe that taking blessings here brings harmony, love, and happiness in married life.
Situated at an altitude of about 1,980 meters, the temple offers a serene view of the snow-covered peaks and green valleys. The atmosphere around Triyuginarayan is peaceful, filled with divine energy and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath.
Chopta: The Mini Switzerland of India
Chopta is a breathtaking hill station located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” it sits at an altitude of around 2,680 meters above sea level and serves as the base for the famous Tungnath and Chandrashila treks. This small yet scenic hamlet is surrounded by dense forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron, offering panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba.
The beauty of Chopta lies in its untouched charm — green meadows, crystal-clear air, and peaceful surroundings make it a paradise for nature lovers and trekkers. It is also part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rare birds and animals, making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers.
In summer, Chopta is a perfect getaway for camping and trekking. During winter, it transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, ideal for adventure enthusiasts who enjoy snow treks. The Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, is a must-visit, followed by a short but steep trek to Chandrashila Peak, where one can witness one of the most stunning sunrise views in India.
Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or tranquility, Chopta offers all three in one destination, making it a must-visit place for travelers exploring Uttarakhand.
Tungnath Temple – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
Tungnath Temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is the highest Shiva temple in the world, perched at an altitude of around 3,680 meters (12,073 ft) above sea level. It is one of the five Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds immense spiritual significance in Hindu mythology.
According to legend, the Pandavas built this temple to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war. The name “Tungnath” translates to “Lord of the Peaks,” which perfectly suits its majestic setting amidst the Garhwal Himalayas.
The temple’s architecture, made of ancient stone and adorned with carvings, stands as a beautiful example of Himalayan craftsmanship. Despite being thousands of years old, it remains well-preserved and continues to attract thousands of pilgrims every year.
Reaching Tungnath involves a 3.5 km trek from Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.” The route is short but steep, surrounded by lush meadows, rhododendron forests, and panoramic views of snow-clad peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul.
A little above Tungnath lies Chandrashila Peak, from where one can witness one of the most breathtaking sunrise views in the Himalayas.
Tungnath is not just a spiritual destination — it’s also a symbol of faith, endurance, and peace, drawing both devotees and trekkers seeking divine blessings and Himalayan serenity.
Final thought
The Kedarnath Trek is not just a pilgrimage — it’s a journey of faith, endurance, and devotion. Every step you take brings you closer to Lord Shiva and the spiritual energy of the Himalayas. Whether you walk, ride a pony, or take a helicopter, one thing is sure — Kedarnath will stay with you forever.