Kedarnath Yatra Guide: Travel Itinerary, Trek Info and more!

5 minutes read

If Kedarnath yatra is on your travel bucket list for 2025, you’re not alone. Thousands of spiritual seekers, adventurers, and culture lovers are gearing up for this epic Himalayan pilgrimage. But planning your Kedarnath Yatra isn’t as simple as booking a train, it needs the right timing, gear, mindset, and this guide to help you every step of the way.

What is the Best Time for a Kedarnath Yatra?

The Kedarnath temple opens on May 2, 2025 (tentative, based on Akshaya Tritiya) and closes tentatively around November 3, 2025 (on Bhai Dooj). Pilgrims can only visit the temple during this six-month window when the snow clears. Avoid July–August due to heavy monsoon and landslides for your Kedarnath trip.

💡You need to register your trip at Uttarakhand Tourism before marking your beginning.

Why Visit Kedarnath?

Situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s also the most revered temple among the Panch Kedarnath and forms a key stop in the Char Dham Yatra. The spiritual energy of the temple, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glacial rivers, makes the Kedarnath Yatra not just a journey, but a divine experience as you do your Kedarnath darshan.

Kedarnath Yatra- Doli Procession

This age-old tradition involves the ceremonial procession of the Panchmukhi Doli from the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath to the Kedarnath shrine itself. It signals the beginning of the Kedarnath Yatra season and invites devotees to prepare themselves for darshan.

Doli Program (tentative)-

• Day 1: The Doli departs from Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, and rests for the night at the Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi.
• Day 2: The journey continues from Guptkashi to Phata, where the Doli halts for the night.
• Day 3: From Phata, the Doli proceeds to Gaurikund, a major base point for the Kedarnath trek.
• Day 4: The Doli ascends from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Dham, passing key points of Junglechatti, Bhimbali, Rambada, Lincholi, and Rudra Point.
• Day 5: In the early morning hours—amidst Vedic chants and sacred rituals—the Kapat (temple doors) of Kedarnath are ceremoniously opened for pilgrims.

How to Reach Kedarnath?

There are multiple ways to start your Kedarnath yatra, depending on your location, budget, and comfort level:

✈️ By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the closest.

From here, take a cab or bus to Gaurikund, the base camp.

🚆 By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Haridwar, Rishikesh.

From here, take a cab or bus to Gaurikund, the base camp.

🚙 By Road:

Popular route: Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.

From Gaurikund, the real Kedarnath trek begins.

🚁 By Helicopter:

Services are available from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi, and Dehradun.

Great option for senior citizens or those short on time.

Kedarnath Yatra Trek: What to Expect

The 16 km Kedarnath Yatra trek from Gaurikund is scenic but challenging. It takes about 6–8 hours to complete, with steep inclines, rugged terrain, and high altitude.

• Alternate options: Ponies, palkis, and even mules are available.
• Helicopter rides cut the time down to 8–10 minutes, followed by a short walk to the temple.

Exploring Panch Kedarnath Temples

While Kedarnath Yatra is the most popular, the spiritual circuit of Panch Kedarnath includes:

• Kedarnath – Shiva’s hump
• Tungnath – His arms
• Rudranath – His face
• Madhyamaheshwar – His navel
• Kalpeshwar – His matted locks, jata (open year-round)

If you’re a trekking enthusiast or a Shiva devotee, plan a longer Panch Kedarnath tour for a deeply immersive experience.

What are the Places to Visit near Kedarnath?

• Triyuginarayan Temple – Where Shiva married Parvati
• Chopta – Mini Switzerland of India & base for Tungnath trek
• Badrinath – Combine with Kedarnath tour for a powerful Char Dham circuit

What to Pack for Kedarnath Yatra?

• Warm clothing (layered)
• Good trekking shoes
• Raincoat/poncho
• Torch and power bank
• Cash
• Medical kit (altitude sickness)
• Yatra registration slip and ID
• BSNL SIM card

Kedarnath Yatra: Real Stories from Real Influencers

Just like you, reader, thousands of people set afoot the incredible Kedarnath Yatra trek, especially on Explurger, a travel social media app just for travellers and explorers. Our Explurger tribe has always been good and ready for an adventure. Some have covered the yatra on foot, some on cycles, some doing kavad yatra on foot, some even daring the dandvat yatra! Here are some famous influencers who have made their mark on the social media game with their yatra adventures!

 

 

Influencer Sonu Mali on his Kavad Yatra on foot from Haridwar to Amarnath on the Paanch Kedarnath yatra.

Check out his Explurger profile https://explurger.com/pf/oa74rnydz1sneb88r

 

 

 

 

 

 

Influencer Akshay Singh, a keen Shiva traveller who has completed multiple treks despite all his difficulties.

Check out his Explurger profile: https://explurger.com/pf/x3uxo76jrblfjfo9g

Final Thoughts: Your Kedarnath Yatra Starts Now

So, whether you’re going for the divine vibes, the high-altitude trek, or just to check Kedarnath off your spiritual travel list, this journey is bound to stay with you long after the last aarti ends. The snow-capped peaks, the chants echoing in the valley, and that first glimpse of the temple after the long trek, it’s magic.

And while the path may test your stamina, the destination heals your soul.

So start prepping your backpack (and your heart), grab those permits, and let Lord Shiva lead the way. Trust us; your Kedarnath Yatra won’t just be a trip. It’ll be a story you’ll keep telling for years.

Also, don’t forget to register for your slot at the Chardham Yatra (it’s mandatory!)

See you on the trail!

Faq’s About Kedarnath Yatra