Kedarnath Yatra Travel Tips

Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is one of the highly sacred sites in the country. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is part of a Chhota Char Dham circuit, a Panch Kedar, and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas – multiplying its significance three-fold! However, the pious Dham is located at a lofty height of 3,583 metres, making the journey quite strenuous. Essential planning is required to undertake this special holy Yatra. That’s why we bring you our essential Kedarnath travel tips to help you complete your journey easily and comfortably! Read on…

Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra

This guide provides you with all the travelling tips you need for a successful Kedarnath Yatra. From discussing Langar food to ticket booking, we discuss it all! Here are the tips:

Pick the Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Owing to its location in the mountains, the Kedarnath Dham stays open only for 6 months a year. Therefore, the best time to undertake the Kedarnath Yatra is when the weather is pleasant and free of heavy rains and snowfall. The peak seasons are in May & June and September & October. Here’s a quick guide:

Opening and Closing Dates for Kedarnath (2025)

• Opening Date: 2 May 2025
• Closing Date: 23 October 2025 (tentative)

Peak Months to Visit

• May to June: You get pleasant weather with sunny afternoons. The temperatures swing between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. This time is ideal for temple tours and sightseeing.
• September to October: Welcome to the clear skies and lush green valleys, fresh off of the monsoon season. Enjoy pleasant weather in this post-monsoon season. However, night can get cold. So bring warm layers.

Avoidable Seasons

• July to August: Avoid this period as it’s marred with heavy rains. And because of that you’ll find roads to be slippery and will be met with frequent road blockages. Moreover, there’s a constant risk of landslides!
• November to April: This period observes heavy snowfall due to which the shrine gets closed and is moved to its winter seats. And therefore, Kedarnath Yatra is impossible.

How to Reach Kedarnath

You can reach the holy Dham of Kedarnath via multiple routes:

1. By Air

The nearest airport to the Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It is located about 250 km from the shrine. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sonprayag/Guptkashi.

2. By Train

There are two railway stations that lie closest to the Kedarnath shrine. One is Haridwar Railway Station and the other is Rishikesh Railway Station, both of which are located about 240 km. From here on, you can take a bus or cab to either Gaurikund or Sonprayag.

3. By Road

Take a shared taxi from Sonprayag to Gaurikund – a 5 km ride. From Gaurikund, the 16 km trek starts at the Kedarnath Temple. If you want to skip trekking, you can opt for Pony/Palki/Doli/Mule. You can also avail of helicopter services from here.

Accommodation in Kedarnath

Due to Kedarnath’s high-altitude location, there aren’t very many accommodation options available there. You can expect tents & camps, in addition to small lodges. However, if you prefer luxury stays, you can move to nearby locations like Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Phata. It’s also advised to book in advance, especially during the peak season as there’s a surge of pilgrims and good lodgings quickly get fully booked.

Budget Options (INR 500 – INR 2,000 per night)

• GMVN Guest Houses
• Campsites
• Tents
• Dharamshalas

Mid-Range Hotels (INR 2,000 – INR 4,000 per night)

• Small Lodges
• 2-3 Star Hotels
• Homestays

Packing Essentials for Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath stays cold for a good part of the year. In addition, it’s located at very high altitudes where oxygen deficiency is common. Moreover, you might also be required to do trekking. Therefore, pack accordingly to deal with the unique weather conditions of Kedarnath:

• Warm Clothes: Wooleen sweaters, Jackets, Thermal vests, Woollen Socks & Gloves
• Rain Gear: Umbrella, Raincoat, Windcheater, and Water-Proof Bags
• Health Essentials: Personal Medicines, First Aid Kit, Energy Bars, Dry Fruits, Water Bottle, and ORS
• Trekking Gear: Trekking Shoes, Walking Stick, Backpack, and Head Torch or Flashlight

Important Travel Tips for Kedarnath

To have a safe and sound journey to Kedarnath, it’s important to keep in mind the following things:

1. Register for the Yatra

It’s mandatory to register for the Kedarnath Yatra as per the Uttarakhand State Government policy. You can register online at the official portal or try the offline method and register at the designated counters available in Rishikesh and Haridwar.

2. Helicopter Booking Tips

The helicopter is a popular way to reach the Kedarnath shrine. You can book your tickets through IRCTC or other authorized portals. You can avail of the heli services from helipads available at Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.

3. Adopt Best Trekking Practices

• It’s best to start your trek early, preferably by 4-5 AM.
• Take small breaks intermittently to avoid exhaustion.
• Drink water regularly. However, avoid drinking lots of water at once.

4. Avail Hygienic Food

Avoid eating unhealthy food. You can get hygienic and nutritious food at the Free Langar service. Expect simple, sattvic, vegetarian meals, consisting of rotis, veggies, rice, and dal.

5. Take Weather Precautions

The weather in the Himalayas changes frequently and is quite unpredictable. It’s best to check for weather forecasts before setting out for the day. Also, subscribe to the weather alerts. And if it’s raining heavily or even lightly snowing, skip the travel.

6. Prevent Altitude Sickness

To prevent altitude sickness, follow these practices:

• Take a good rest before going out for trekking.
• Ascend gradually and catch your breath.
• Carry disposable oxygen bottles with you.
• Avoid smoking as this can cause breathing issues.

Best Places to Visit in Kedarnath

To make the most out of your Kedarnath trip, it’s ideal to visit the following places on your Kedarnath Yatra:

1. Bhairavnath Temple: Just 1 km uphill from the Kedarnath shrine lies the Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. He is believed to be the guardian deity of the Kedarnath Temple and also of the entire valley.
2. Vasuki Tal: This high-altitude lake is an 8 km trek away from the Kedarnath Temple. Visitors just love the unparalleled striking vistas here!
3. Shankaracharya Samadhi: This is dedicated to the 8th-century saint Adi Shankaracharya. He is credited with reviving the Kedarnath Temple as well as Hinduism. His Samadhi is located just behind the Kedarnath Temple.
4. Gandhi Sarovar: Enjoy this serene glacial lake, located just a short trek away from Kedarnath temple. Also, relish the panoramic picturesque views here.

Kedarnath Yatra is not the easiest but it’s worth it. The pilgrim has to go through tough terrains, having their devotion and endurance thoroughly tested. However, this adventure-filled ride can be successfully done with proper planning and care. Hope you find our travelling tips guide useful!