Situated at an elevation of 11,745 feet amidst the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas, the Kedarnath Temple is revered as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is not only significant in Hindu culture but also ranks among the 275 temples recognized as Paadal Petra Sthalams, some of the most important Shiva shrines across the world.
Kedarnath Temple is historically significant as it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva absolved the Pandavas of their sins during the epic Mahabharata. This sacred site has gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the Valley of Flowers National Park and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Each year, thousands of devotees undertake a challenging yet spiritually enriching trek to Kedarnath, solidifying its reputation as one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. In anticipation of 2026, pilgrims can look forward to visiting Kedarnath starting April 22. Yes, it’s true! The holy Kedarnath Temple will welcome visitors from 8 AM on April 22, marking the commencement of this year’s pilgrimage season.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has confirmed this reopening date, ensuring that preparations are underway for a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. The chosen date, considered auspicious, was fixed on Mahashivratri through traditional rituals and in consultation with the Hindu calendar.
The Kedarnath Temple closes each year for about six months due to harsh winters, with the schedules for the 2026 Char Dham Yatra including other temple openings on April 19 and April 23 for Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Badrinath, respectively.
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple
Traveling to Kedarnath can be done via train, flight, or road. The nearest railway stations are Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Helicopter services are available from Guptkashi, Sirsi, and Phata, while charter flights from Dehradun can take you to Kedarnath and other nearby locations.
For road travel, the closest bus stops are in Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. You can reach Gaurikund by road, then trek 16 km to Kedarnath Temple. Common routes include approximately 250 km from Dehradun, 220-240 km from Haridwar/Rishikesh, and 280 km from Uttarkashi. The trek can take about 6-8 hours, with options to walk, hire a pony, or take a helicopter for the height.
