Kedarnath Tour Packages

Latest Updates on Kedarnath Yatra 2024:

•    The Kedarnath Temple will reopen for devotees on 10th May 2024 at 7:00 AM. 

•    Best time to visit Kedarnath is between April to June and September to October.

•    Book your Kedarnath Travel Package 2024 and enjoy your pilgrimage at a great price! 

•    The online registration to visit the Kedarnath Temple will begin in April. 

History of Kedarnath Temple

There are many stories about the origin of the Kedarnath temple. Some say that it was built in the 2nd century by Raja Bhoj of Malwa. Other tales claim that Adi Shankaracharya made it in the 8th century. As per historians, after the war of Kurukshetra, Pandavas sought to meet Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for killing their cousins. Lord Shiva wasn’t happy with them and refused to meet. He (Lord Shiva) then left Kashi, and appeared as a Nandi the bull in Guptkashi. When Pandavas found out about this, they immediately left for Guptkashi. Yet again, Shiva escaped and reappeared in five different parts at different places. The face of the bull appeared at Rudranath, arms emerged at Tungnath, the locks in Kalpeshwar, the navel and stomach at Madhyamaheshwar, and the hump at Kedarnath. All these five temples are collectively called Panch Kedar.

As per the second tale associated with the temple, Nara-Narayana, two incarnations of Lord Vishnu, performed penance here. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in front of them. Nara-Narayana requested Lord Shiva to stay at Kedarnath in his original form. Lord Shiva granted their wish and made Kedarnath as his home. Here, Lord Shiva is known as Kedareshwara.

Architecture of Kedarnath Temple

Be it forest fire, water crisis, landslide or flood, Kedarnath Temple has stood all the test of time. An imposing sight amidst picturesque mountains, the temple, made of grey slab stones, is nothing less than an architectural masterpiece. Inside the temple, there’s a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap for pilgrim or visitors’ assemblies. There’s also a statue of Draupadi and other deities in the main hall.

As per the geologists, the temple is nearly 400 years old. Reports of scientists also claim that several yellow lines on the temple walls say that it has escaped from glacial movement damages. Scientists even studied its architecture and concluded that those who designed it not only considered the terrain but also ensured that the temple should be strong enough to brave the formation of snow and glaciers and withstand every kind of disaster.

When to plan Kedarnath Yatra

Each year, due to the extreme weather conditions, the portals of Kedarnath temple remain open for only a specific period - from the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya (April) to Kartik Purnima (around October/November). During the winter season, the deity of the temple is brought down to Ukhimath.

Kedarnath Yatra requires a lot of planning. You will have to not only decide about the accommodation but also transfers to make your Kedarnath darshan a memorable one. So to make your Kedarnath travel a comfortable one, you can book any of the Kedarnath Yatra tour packages available with MakeMyTrip. Get in touch with the travel experts of MakeMyTrip, and they’ll design the perfect itinerary for you. Even if you want to add a visit to other Char Dham Yatra temples in your itinerary, the travel experts will customise your holiday as per the requirement. You can also check out the Char Dham Yatra and Do Dham Yatra package available with MakeMyTrip. Don’t wait further and book your Kedarnath travel now for the best deals on hotels and holidays.

Best Time to Visit

The portals of Kedarnath Temple remain open for darshan from April to October/November. During the summer season, from April to June, the temperature ranges between (-3°) C to 12°C, making it the best time to seek blessings at the temple. During the monsoon season, the region receives heavy rainfall, and there are good chances of landslides. If you wish to escape the crowd, then you can plan Kedarnath Yatra in September. See below for more details on the best time to visit Kedarnath.

Summer (April to June)

From April to June, the temperature ranges around 5°C, making it the best time to plan your Kedarnath Yatra. During the summer season, the temperature may drop down to (-3°) C, so pilgrims must carry some warm clothes to protect themselves from cold weather. A maximum number of tourists plan their Kedarnath darshan during the summer season, so it will be best to book your yatra in advance. You can also see the Kedarnath packages at MakeMyTrip to get the best deals during the summer season.

Monsoon (July to September)

Kedarnath receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, with an average temperature of around 8°C. Planning a Kedarnath darshan during the monsoon season can be difficult as the region is quite prone to landslides. If you’re determined to plan your Kedarnath travel during the monsoon season, then do carry a raincoat, gumboots, and trekking shoes to insulate yourself against the rainy season. As compared to other months, you will find less rush at Kedarnath Dham in September.

Winter (October to February) 

Kedarnath receives a heavy snowfall during the winter season, with an average temperature of around (-2) ° C. Thus, the portals of Kedarnath closes for visitors during the winter season, and the idol is shifted to the Ukhimath, which is located close to Guptkashi.

MakeMyTrip has a great selection of Kedarnath tour packages for almost every season. All that you need to do is select any of the Do Dham and Char Dham Yatra packages from the holiday section of MakeMyTrip.

How to Reach Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3584 meters on the banks of Mandakini River, is not easily accessible by road. To reach the temple, pilgrims will have to first reach Gaurikund and then trek for around 15-16 kilometres. Gaurikund is easily accessible by road from Haridwar (closest Railway Station) and Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (closest Airport). Mentioned below are complete details of how to reach Kedarnath Temple.

By Road

If you’re planning a Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi, you will have to first reach Rishikesh. Thereupon, you can either take a bus or hire a private cab to reach Guptkashi, which is the last settled town on the way to Kedarnath Yatra. From Guptkashi, you will have to embark on a short ride to Gaurikund, the closest motorable region to the Kedarnath temple. A 15-16-kilometre trek from Gaurikund would bring you to the revered Kedarnath Dham.

By Train

The closest railway stations to the Kedarnath Temple are Dehradun Railway Station and Haridwar Railway Station. Regular bus services are available from Haridwar and Rishikesh to reach Gaurikund.

By Air

There’s no direct air connectivity for Kedarnath. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, well-connected with all the major hubs of India, is the closest airport to Kedarnath. If you want to avoid trekking to the temple, then Kedarnath helicopter service is also available from Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi.

If you’re planning a Kedarnath Yatra, then do have a look at the Kedarnath packages available with MakeMyTrip. All the Char Dham and Do Dham Yatra packages available with MakeMyTrip include transfers too, and you do not have to worry about how to reach Kedarnath.

Places to Visit in Kedarnath

Apart from the sacred Kedarnath temple, there are a lot of tourist attractions to visit on the Kedarnath Yatra. Mentioned below are some of the places that you can include in your Kedarnath package.

Gandhi Sarovar

Located at 3900 meters height above the sea level on the mouth of Chorabari Bamak glacier, Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, is known for offering a stunning view of snow-capped mountains. As per the locals, the original name of the lake is Kanti Sarovar. The lake got its present name when Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed here in 1948. It is also believed to be the place where Lord Shiva imparted Yoga knowledge to the Saptrishis. Bhairava Temple, close to the glacier, is quite famous amongst the pilgrims.

Sonprayag

A must-visit on your Kedarnath Yatra, Sonprayag, located at an elevation of 1829 metres, marks the point where the Basuki and Mandakini rivers meet. If time permits, do take a bath at the sacred Sonprayag as it said to help attain moksha or salvation and cleanse away sins. The place is not only known for its religious significance but also the gorgeous view of snow-covered mountains and lush valley. A visit to Triyugi village, which is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, can also be included on your visit to Sonprayag.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 975 square kilometres, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), one of the largest protected areas in the Western Himalayas, is a treasure trove of endangered Musk deer. Owing to its population of more than 200 different species of rhododendrons, photography enthusiasts often include a visit to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in their Char Dham Yatra package, as the place looks stunning in several shades of red and pink.

Further, adding a touch of green are the vast swathes of lush green oak (banj) forests, covering the gentle slopes of mountains. The sanctuary is thronged by bird lovers too, as here they can get the perfect picture of Himalayan Monal. There’s a belief among locals that Himalayan Monal can be seen only with Lord Shiva’s blessings. The sanctuary is home to a good number of moth species too, including Actias Selene (Indian Moon Moth), Asian Tear Sucker, Silk Moth, Naga Hawkmoth, etc.

Guptkashi

On a holy Do Dham Yatra, do include a visit to Guptkashi, a significant pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand and mainly known for its two ancient temples - Vishwanath temple and Ardhnarishwar temple. The sacred Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is counted amongst the Panch Kedars and Chota Kedarnath. Made of a single stone, Vishwanath Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva proposed to Goddess Parvati. Towards the left side of the temple is a shrine dedicated to Ardhanarishvara. Located at an altitude of 1319 meters on the mountain facing Ukhimath town, Guptkashi is also home to Manikarnika Kund, the place where two streams of the Ganga and Yamuna meets. Since it is one of the largest towns in Uttarkashi district, here you can find many shops to buy religious artefacts, idols, paintings, etc.

Gaurikund

Gaurikund, around 16 kilometres away from the Kedarnath temple, marks the commencement point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The place got its name from thermal spring that used to flow through this place before the flash flood of 2013. According to legends - Gaurikund was the place where Goddess Parvati performed penance, involving yoga practices, to win over Lord Shiva’s heart. Lord Shiva accepted her marriage proposal at Gaurikund, and later they got married at Triyuginarayan Temple. This place is also associated with the beheading of Lord Ganesh. The lake here is also called Parvati Sarovar as here Goddess Parvati procured Lord Ganesha as his son.

Vasuki Tal Lake

One can determine the significance of Vasu Tal Lake from the fact that it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu took a bath on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan. This impressive high-altitude lake, located at an altitude of 4328 metres in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, offers a sweeping view of the Chaukhamba peaks. Further, making the aura of the place more divine are Brahmakamals – known to be one-of-its-kind in the world – blooming around its edges. For adventure enthusiasts going for Kedarnath darshan, a visit to Vasuki Tal Lake can be a highlight of their trip. Trekking to the lake is a one-day experience, but it can be extremely difficult for first-time trekkers. Adventurers can hike from Gaurikund, while others can take a pony ride to Kedarnath and then trek to Vasuki Tal Lake. On your Char Dham Yatra tour, you can also add a visit to Vasuki Top, which is 900 meters away from Vasuki Tal Lake.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

Located right behind the Kedarnath temple, Shankaracharya Samadhi is believed to be the revered spot where the famous Indian philosopher - Adi Shankaracharya attained Moksha. It is believed that Kedarnath darshan is incomplete without paying respect to the sacred Shankaracharya Samadhi. Do include a visit to Shankaracharya Samadhi in your Kedarnath package as the sphatik lingam housed here is said to remove negative karma. Pilgrims usually visit here to free themselves from any diseases and curse.

Bhairavnath Temple

Bhairavnath Temple (also known as Bhairon Baba Mandir), situated on the southern side of the Kedarnath Temple, is dedicated to Bhairav, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. As per the legends, Bhairav is described as the protector of the Kedarnath Temple and the whole Kedar Valley in the winter season when the temple is closed. As per the rituals, pilgrims going for Kedarnath darshan should pay a visit to Bhairav Temple. The temple is also known for offering a splendid view of the Himalayas and the verdant Kedar Valley.

Triyuginarayan Temple

Widely known as Trijugi Narayan temple, Triyuginarayan Temple, located at an altitude of 1980 metres, is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married in the presence of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. Since the marriage, a perpetual fire (also known as Akhand Dhuni) kept on burning in front of the temple, which is the reason why the temple is called Akhand Dhuni Temple. There’s also Brahma Shila inside the temple, the sacred place where the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati took place. You can also collect the ashes of the fire and visit the water-bodies nearby as they’re believed to have originated from Lord Vishnu’s navel. Devotees even carry a wood to offer in the holy fire and then take back the ashes. Along with the silver idol of Lord Vishnu, the temple also features an idol of Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi.

Rudra Cave

Around 1.5 kilometres away from the Kedarnath Temple complex, Rudra Cave, built on the other end of Mandakini River, was built by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute. Constructed by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam as a part of their guest house chain, the holy retreat is an ideal place to meditate in peace. The cave is made of Himalayan stones in a traditional Garhwali style architecture and offers a clear view of the Kedarnath shrine and the Bhairav Nath Mandir. The place is also famous for hosting Prime Minister Modi during his visit to Kedarnath in 2019.

Things to do in and around Kedarnath Temple

Trekking to Kedarnath Temple isn’t an easy task but the views make it worth all the efforts, especially of Chopta Valley from the sunset point. Watching the stunning panorama of sun gliding below the horizon, changing colours of mountains from orange to pink is breath-taking. Visiting the sunset point right in the lap of the Himalayas and far away from the crowd can be a relaxing experience. This place is quite famous amongst the trekkers for various treks like Tungnath and Chandrashila that start from here.

Take part in trekking expeditions

Kedarnath Yatra holds a special significance for not only devotees but also adventure enthusiasts. Some through meadows, while other cutting and running through deadly cliffs, there are a lot many treks near Kedarnath temple that you can take part in to make your trek a memorable one. Vasuki Tal, Paniya Tal, Panwali Kantha, Khatling Sahastra Trek, and Panwali Kedarnath Trek are some of the popular treks that adventurers can add to their bucket list.

Visit Deoria Tal

When you’re going on a Kedarnath Yatra, you can add a short trekking trip to Deoria Tal to see the miraculous reflections of Chaukhamba peaks on its crystal-clear water. Located at an altitude of 2438 metres, the lake is approachable by walking through serene shrubs from a small town called Sari. You can spend a day here relaxing on the meadows around and watching the magnificent views of mountains like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, and the Kalanag peaks. Since it is located in the middle of a Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, the lake is quite prominent amongst the birdies. From sparkling blue lakes to lush green meadows against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains, Deoria Tal trek has everything one could ask for.

Take a holy dip in Sonprayag

Marking the point where the Basuki and Mandakini rivers meet, Sonprayag is a famous place of spiritual significance for pilgrims travelling for Kedarnath Dham Yatra. Located at an altitude of 1829 metres, the place offers a scintillating view of snow-covered mountains and lush Sonprayag valley. While here, you can take a holy dip as it is said to cleanse away all your sins, and the attainment of Moksha is possible.

Temple hopping in Haridwar

Counted amongst the holiest places for Hindus, Haridwar marks the point where the river Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plains for the first time. On your Char Dham Yatra, enjoy a short stopover in Haridwar and seek blessings at its famous temples. Some are located on the top of a hill, while others by the Ganga River, temples in Haridwar attract hordes of visitors. Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple, and Bilkeshwar Temple are some of the prominent temples in Haridwar that you can add in your Kedarnath Yatra. If you wish to take a break from exploring temples, then you could sit by the riverside and watch a mesmerizing view of the Ganges. A trip to Haridwar is incomplete without attending the evening aarti at Har ki Pauri.

Go on a day trip to Rishikesh

The yoga capital of the world, the birthplace of Ayurveda, and a hub for adventurers - Rishikesh is an ultimate place to be on your Char Dham Yatra. The city has a lot to offer when it comes to spirituality and adventure. You can start your day by seeking blessings at Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Temple. For those seeking spiritual enlightenment through yoga and meditation often include a visit to Parmarth Niketan. While exploring the temple, you can also take a break at Chotiwala restaurant and relish their delicious Chole Bhature. If you’re looking for some thrilling activities, then you can take part in White water rafting or Bungee jumping. As the day comes to an end, visit the popular Parmarth Ghat and attend the evening aarti.

For your upcoming pilgrimage holiday in India, if you’re planning a Kedarnath Yatra, then do checkout the Kedarnath darshan, Char Dham Yatra, and Do Dham Yatra packages available with MakeMyTrip. You can enjoy a carefree Kedarnath darshan. From Kedarnath stay to Kedarnath helicopter service and meals during Kedarnath Yatra, the Kedarnath packages available with MakeMyTrip include everything. You will also have an option of a customized Kedarnath tour package to make your tour a memorable one. Book your Kedarnath package at the best prices with MakeMyTrip.