An important temple of Hindus Lord Shiva, situated on an elevation of 3,580 meters or 11,755 feet from the surface in Garhwal Himalayas near river Mandakini, state of Uttarakhand in India, is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas.
It is working only on days from April/Akshaya Tritiya, Kartik Purnima (November). Winters, and the godling is shifted to Ukhimath for religious ceremonial purpose.
if you are planning to visit Kedarnath in 2025, this article will be very useful for you because in this article, I will tell you how to reach Kedarnath, how to have darshan there, what precautions to take, how many days you should plan for the trip, how many kilometers of trekking is required, what are the arrangements for hotel or tent stays near the temple, what transport options are available for sightseeing, and if you want to take a helicopter, what are the arrangements for that. At the end of the article, we will also discuss the total cost for an individual or a couple for the Kedarnath trip. So, stay tuned, and I will explain everything in detail to make your Kedarnath Dham trip convenient and cost-effective.
According to a myth the temple was constructed by the Pandavas as a reward for pleasing Lord Shiva through their prayers and to remember him in thier every pryer. It is one of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage site which is very famous and it is the highest among the twelve Jyotirlingas which are situated in india. In order to reach the temple one has to undertake an uphill trekpking through their legs oer the can take donkey of 22 kilometers from Gaurikund. Services such as ponies and mules are available to assist the pilgrims on the way.
TTD Online Darshan Tickets Booking 2025: Timings & Price
Procedure To Register Onto The Kedarnath Website
first of all you have to -> Kedarnath Yatra registration online (link).Now, If you already have an account please try to login, If not sign up.on the official website:
- first of all you need to Go to the official website for Kedarnath Yatra registration (link).
- Now, If you already have an account try to log in. Otherwise create a new account.
- Fill in Required Details:
- Enter your information as part of the application such as; full name, phone numbers and address of your residence.
- Name your travel dates for the yatra.
- If so, it is also important to include information on the rest of the traveling party also.
- Upload Necessary Documents:
- The user should add an approved photo identification proof (Aadhar card, passport, driver’s license etc.).
- Finally, it is required to provide a photo, better with an accent on the person’s face taken in the last year.
- Submit Your Registration:
- Check the information you’ve provided below.
- After entering all the necessary information press the button related to registration.
Make sure you check for any changes for COVID-19 actions or any other changes for some reasons. Safe travels
Overview of the Kedarnath temple
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India |
| Altitude | 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) |
| Best Time to Visit | May to June and September to October |
| Temple Opening Date | Late April or early May |
| Temple Closing Date | November |
| Mode of Transport | Trekking, Helicopter, Pony, Palanquin |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 239 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rishikesh (approx. 229 km) |
| Trek Distance | 16 km from Gaurikund |
| Starting Point | Gaurikund |
| Accommodation | Guest houses, hotels, tents, and dharamshalas in Gaurikund and Kedarnath |
| Permits Required | Biometric registration (can be done online or at various points en route) |
| Major Attractions | Kedarnath Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi |
| Weather Conditions | Cold and unpredictable; heavy snowfall in winters |
| Essential Items | Warm clothing, trekking shoes, raincoat, first aid kit, torch, personal medication |
| Health Advisory | High-altitude acclimatization recommended; consult a doctor if you have health conditions |
What are the Services Available In Kedarnath Temple
Puja Slots:
- You can attend puja at both Kedarnath and Badarinath temples.
- There are 17 puja slots available for Kedarnath and 34 for Badarinath.
- The earliest puja booking date is July 29, 2024.
Helicopter Tickets:
- Helicopter services are available for Kedarnath.
- Ticket prices are based on the departure point, seating category and demand.
- One way helicopter tickets usually cost between INR 7,000 and INR 12,000 per person.
- VIP darshan passes at Kedarnath Temple are available for Rs. 1100/person.
- Return tickets from the Sersi sector cost Rs. 5,498.
Yatra Formalities:
- Complete necessary formalities before starting your journey.
- Check for updates from the official portal especially for any changes due to COVID or other reasons.
How you can reach to the Kedarnath temple as a visitor
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is about 238 km away from that airport.
- Take a flight from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai to Dehradun to reach this place.
- From Dehradun, hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund which is going to take a 8-10 hours.
- Helicopter services are available from Dehradun, Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Book in advance for the ride which takes 10-15 minutes and costs around INR 6,500 round trip.
By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Rishikesh whi h is far of 216 km from Gaurikund.
- Trains run from Delhi, Haridwar or other major cities to Rishikesh which takes an 4-7 hours.
- From Rishikesh you should take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund the time is taken is 8-10 hours
By Bus: - Buses run from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate or Anand Vihar), Haridwar or Dehradun to Gaurikund (12-14 hours).
- Choose A/C non-A/C or Volvo buses based on your budget.
- From Gaurikund, you need to trek or take other transport to Kedarnath.
By Car: - you should drive from Delhi (458 km) via Haridwar, Rishikesh and Rudraprayag to Gaurikund (12-14 hours).
- Route: Delhi > Haridwar (206 km) > Rishikesh (24 km) > Devprayag (74 km) > Srinagar (34 km) > Rudraprayag (33 km) > Gaurikund (74 km).
- Roads are narrow and winding in the hills, so drive carefully.
How to Reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga
The first thing we’ll discuss is how to reach Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. To reach Kedarnath, you first need to arrive at the nearest railway station or airport.
By Train
If you are traveling by train, the closest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities and states. From Haridwar, you can travel by road to finally reach Kedarnath. Alternatively, there is another railway station in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, from where you can also travel by road to reach Kedarnath. Or you can come to Rishikesh and from Rishikesh, you can directly reach Kedarnath Dham.
By Flight
If we talk about the second option, friends, that is by flight. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport in Dehradun. From Dehradun, you can reach Kedarnath Dham by flight.
Planning the Kedarnath Trip
Now, let’s talk about how to plan your Kedarnath trip once you’ve reached Dehradun or Haridwar. The temple opening date for Kedarnath in 2025 is May 2, 2025. For Yamunotri and Gangotri, the opening date is April 30, 2025, and for Badrinath, it’s May 4, 2025.
Journey to Sonprayag
From Haridwar, Dehradun, or Rishikesh, where you arrive by railway station or flight, you’ll need to cover approximately 220 km to reach a major stop called Sonprayag. Sonprayag is the last point where public transport goes, whether you come by private vehicle, bus, or commercial taxi vehicle. If we talk about buses from Haridwar to Sonprayag, you can book tickets online for around ₹1, and you can reach Sonprayag by booking a bus for ₹1. From Dehradun, you can also come by bus or if you have booked a package or have your own commercial vehicle like an Innova, the 220 km journey from Dehradun to Sonprayag will take about 7-8 hours while covering the hilly route.
En Route Stops
While covering this 220 km journey, you will come across three places to visit. First, there is Dhari Devi Temple, considered the protector of the four Dhams. You can visit and have darshan of Mata Ji at Dhari Devi Temple. The second place is Devprayag Sangam, and along with it, Rudraprayag Sangam. You can see these three things and finally reach Sonprayag.
Accommodation in Sonprayag
In Sonprayag, you can stay that night. In Sonprayag, you’ll get plenty of hotel options. Here, the cost ranges from ₹1000 to ₹1200, ₹1300, ₹1400, ₹1500 per head, which includes hotel stay, breakfast, and dinner. If some tourists don’t find hotels in Sonprayag, there is a place 14 km before Sonprayag called Phata, where some tourists also take their stay.
Day 2: Sonprayag to Gaurikund and Trek to Kedarnath
On day two, friends, you need to leave from Sonprayag to Gaurikund and from Gaurikund, proceed further to Kedarnath Temple. From Sonprayag to Gaurikund, no private vehicles go. As I mentioned earlier, you’ll need to take a Sumo or Bolero, operated by the Uttarakhand government. The 5 km journey from Sonprayag to Gaurikund goes through very narrow lanes, so only Sumo or Bolero vehicles are permitted, charging ₹50 to ₹80, and they will drop you at the trekking point in Gaurikund.
Trek to Kedarnath
From Gaurikund, you start your trekking. You’ll see a huge board indicating the start of the Kedarnath trek, which is said to be 16 km but is actually 20 km. During this 20 km trekking journey, keep in mind to leave early in the morning from Sonprayag so that your trek from Gaurikund starts early. If you delay, you may reach Kedarnath late, possibly by 8, 9, or 10 PM. So, it’s better to leave Sonprayag by 3 or 4 AM for Gaurikund and start your trek. The 20 km trek will take 10 to 11 or 12 hours as it’s quite challenging. Walk slowly, chanting “Jai Shri Kedar, Jai Shri Kedar,” and you’ll finally reach Kedarnath Dham after 10-11 hours.
Facilities During Trek
Three years ago, when I visited Kedarnath in 2020 and 2022, there weren’t many facilities during the 20 km journey. But today, there are plenty of facilities in these hills, including tents, shelters, seating arrangements, drinking water, and food options throughout the trek.
Alternatives to Trekking
For those unable to trek, the second option is horses, mules, palkis, or porters, available from Gaurikund. About half a kilometer from where the Sumo or Bolero drops you, you’ll find a horse stop where you can bargain. Horse charges are around ₹3000 to ₹3200, and if rates increase this year, it could go up to ₹3400 one way. Return charges are separate, around ₹2500 to ₹3000.
Helicopter Option
The final and most convenient option is the helicopter. Helicopters operate from three places: Sirsi helipad (2 km from Sonprayag), Phata helipad (16 km before Sonprayag), and Guptkashi helipad (42 km before Sonprayag). You can book helicopters through the IRCTC website, and I’m providing the link in the description box and pop-up. Before booking a helicopter or starting the Char Dham trip, one mandatory thing is Uttarakhand Tourism registration, which is free. Register your travel dates, passenger details, and trip duration. Only after this can you book a helicopter. The cost this year will likely be ₹6000 to ₹7000 for a round trip, including both to and fro.
Day 2: Arrival in Kedarnath
If you trek, you’ll reach Kedarnath around 6, 7, or maximum 8 PM. You’ll see the grand courtyard of Kedarnath Dham, the magnificent Kedarnath Jyotirlinga temple. As soon as you see it, all your fatigue will vanish because the temple of our Bhole Nath is so beautiful.
Accommodation in Kedarnath
In Kedarnath, accommodation options are basically of two types: hotel stays and tent stays. GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), an Uttarakhand Tourism website, provides tent and cottage facilities, and since last year, hotel facilities too. Bookings are online only, with no offline provisions. Private hotels are also available. Hotel stays cost around ₹3000 to ₹3200, ₹3500, or ₹3800 per person, including breakfast and dinner. This is per head, so for however many people, you pay per person. For tents, private tents and GMVN tents cost around ₹1000 to ₹1200. Earlier, tents were set up 1 km behind the temple, and GMVN cottages were near the helipad, but now tents are available near the temple.
Day 3: Darshan and Sightseeing
On day three, wake up in the morning, bathe, and join the queue for darshan of Bhole Nath at Kedarnath Jyotirlinga. If you visit in September-October, darshan takes less time, but in May-June, it takes at least 2.5 to 3 hours due to the rush. Get in line early to save time. Previously, it was an open area, but now a temporary shelter has been set up, which is great. Chant “Har Har Mahadev” while waiting for your turn. Once you enter the temple courtyard, have darshan of Bhole Nath. Photography is not allowed inside, so I can’t show you the inside view.
Additional Sightseeing
After darshan, visit Bhim Shila, a stone behind the temple that stopped during the 2013 disaster, known as Bhim Shila. Do its parikrama and darshan. Then, move to the backside of the temple to visit the Adi Shankaracharya Temple, believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya. After that, proceed to Bhairavnath Temple, about 1 km to the left of Kedarnath Temple, requiring a steep climb. It may be tough, but go slowly and have darshan of Bhairavnath Ji. From the hilltop, you’ll get an aerial view of Kedarnath Dham, with small tents, hotels, and the temple of Bhole Nath.
Return Journey
After these visits, start your return by noon if trekking, reaching Gaurikund or Sonprayag in 6 hours. If you came by helicopter, take it back. Stay overnight in Sonprayag, where your luggage is kept.
Day 4: Return
On day four, check out from the hotel, have breakfast, and head to your destination, Haridwar or Dehradun, to catch your train or flight. The entire Kedarnath Dham trip takes three nights and four days
Kedarnath darshan visit 1st time
have a great darshan, follow the above instructions carefully to have a great darshan