Kedarnath Uttarakhand India | Temperature, Weather & Registration Guide

Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in Northern India. Situated on the banks of the Mandakini River at an altitude of 3,584 meters (11,760 ft), Kedarnath lies in the historical region known as Kedar Khand. It is an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra, the Panch Kedar, and is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks and deep spiritual energy, Kedarnath attracts devotees, trekkers, and seekers from across the world.

Is Kedarnath in Uttarakhand?

Yes, Kedarnath is in Uttarakhand, located in the Rudraprayag district of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the highest-altitude Shiva temples in India and the highest Jyotirlinga among the twelve.

Shiva Temples & the Legend of Kedarnath

Uttarakhand is home to hundreds of Shiva shrines—over 200 temples in the Garhwal region alone. Among them, Kedarnath holds unmatched spiritual importance.

According to legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their own kin. Shiva avoided them and finally took refuge in Kedarnath in the form of a buffalo. When Bhima tried to stop him, Shiva disappeared into the earth.

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Panch Kedar – Five Manifestations of Lord Shiva

The parts of Lord Shiva appeared at five sacred locations:

1. Kedarnath – Hump

2. Tungnath – Arms

3. Rudranath – Face

4. Madhyamaheshwar – Belly

5. Kalpeshwar – Hair

Together, these temples are known as the Panch Kedar, with Kedarnath being the most significant.

Rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya

The present Kedarnath temple was rebuilt in the 8th century AD by Adi Shankaracharya, near an even older Pandava-era shrine. His samadhi is located close to the temple.

The temple stands on a wide plateau, framed by snow-covered peaks, creating one of the most awe-inspiring sacred landscapes in India.

Architecture of Kedarnath Temple

• Constructed from massive grey stone slabs

• Built without mortar, using interlocking techniques

• Raised on a rectangular stone platform

• Stone steps with Pali inscriptions

• Inner walls depict deities and mythological scenes

Inside the sanctum, the Jyotirlinga appears as a conical rock formation, representing Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form. A large Nandi statue guards the temple entrance.

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga – Spiritual Significance

In Hindu belief, Shiva manifests as Jyotirlinga, the infinite cosmic light. Kedarnath is considered the 11th Jyotirlinga and holds a special place as the highest Jyotirlinga in the world.

• Altitude: 3,584 meters

• Trek distance: 16 km from Gaurikund

• Trek difficulty: Challenging, high-altitude path

👉 How many kilometers is the Kedarnath trek?
16 km one way

👉 How long is the Kedarnath trek?
6–8 hours depending on fitness and weather

Kedarnath Temple History

The temple’s origins date back to the Mahabharata era. Over centuries, it has undergone several restorations while preserving its spiritual essence.

Despite devastating floods in 2013, the temple remained largely unharmed, reinforcing devotees’ belief in divine protection.

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Ukhimath – Winter Home of Kedarnath

Due to extreme winter snowfall, Kedarnath temple closes every year.

• When Kedarnath is closed: November to April

• The idol of Lord Shiva is ceremonially moved to Ukhimath

• Worship continues in Ukhimath until reopening in May

The temple usually:

• Closes: Kartik month (Oct–Nov)

• Reopens: Vaishakh month (Apr–May)

Kedarnath Temperature & Weather

❄️ Winter (Oct–Apr)

• Temperature: -15°C to 5°C

• Heavy snowfall

• Temple closed

🌸 Summer (May–June)

• Temperature: 5°C to 18°C

• Best time for pilgrimage

• Pleasant trekking conditions

🌧️ Monsoon (July–mid Sept)

• Frequent rainfall

• Landslide-prone

• Travel risky

👉 Best time to visit Kedarnath: May–June & September

Accommodation in Kedarnath Uttarakhand India

🛏️ Stay Options

• Dharamshalas – Budget, pilgrim-friendly

• GMVN & BKTC guest houses – Sonprayag & Guptkashi

• Private hotels – Sitapur (≈20 km from Kedarnath)

Many pilgrims stay nearby and complete darshan in a single day via trek or helicopter.

Kedarnath Registration & Travel FAQs

• Kedarnath Yatra Registration: Free (online & offline)

• Kedarnath registration fees: ₹0 (No charge)

• Kedarnath height: 3,584 meters | 11,760 feet

• Kedarnath trek distance: 16 km from Gaurikund

• Uttarakhand to Kedarnath distance: ~240–265 km by road

• Kedarnath from Haridwar: ~240 km + trek

• Kedarnath from Rishikesh: ~215 km up to Sonprayag

• Nearest railway station: Rishikesh

• Helicopter booking: Via IRCTC & private operators

• Kedarnath floods: Occurred in 2013

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Conclusion

Kedarnath Uttarakhand India is not just a pilgrimage—it is a journey into mythology, devotion, and the raw power of the Himalayas. From its Jyotirlinga significance and ancient legends to its extreme climate and challenging trek, Kedarnath tests both faith and endurance.

A visit here leaves devotees spiritually uplifted and deeply connected to Lord Shiva, making Kedarnath one of the most transformative destinations in India.

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