Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it stands as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, and a vital part of the Char Dham Yatra. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Mandakini River, Kedarnath is accessible only by a 17 km uphill trek from Gaurikund—though helicopter and pony options are also available.
The temple is steeped in mythology, with references tracing back to the Mahabharata. It is said the Pandavas built this temple seeking Shiva’s forgiveness. When Lord Shiva appeared as a bull and disappeared into the ground, different parts of his body appeared in various places, forming the Panch Kedar shrines—Kedarnath being the primary one.
Kedarnath Temple 2025 Overview
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Temple Name: Shri Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple
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Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
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Managed By: Shri Badarinath Kedarnath Temple Committee
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Opening Date: May 2, 2025, at 6:20 AM (Tentative)
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Closing Date: November 2025 (Tentative)
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Best Time to Visit: May to June & September to October
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Travel Base Point: Gaurikund (17 km trek)
Kedarnath Temple Darshan Timings
| Session | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 04:00 AM – 03:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
| Temple Opening Hours | 04:00 AM |
| Temple Closing Hours | 08:00 PM |
Early morning darshan includes Rudrabhishek Seva, and evening includes Shiva Aarti and Strotam Paath.
Kedarnath Temple Sevas & Ticket Prices 2025
Morning Sevas
| Seva Name | Timings | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rudrabhishek Puja | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹6,500 |
| Mahabhishek Puja | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹8,500 |
| Shodashopachar Puja | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹5,500 |
| Laghurudrabhishek Puja | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹5,000 |
| Ashtopachar Puja | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹850 |
| Panchopachar Puja | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹850 |
| Entire Puja of the Day | 04:00 AM – 07:00 AM | ₹26,000 |
Evening Sevas
| Path Name | Timings | Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shiva Ashtotari Path | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹900 |
| Shiva Namawali Path | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹1,800 |
| Shiva Shaashtrannam Path | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹1,800 |
| Shiva Mahimanstrotam Path | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹1,800 |
| Shiva Tandav Strotam Path | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹1,700 |
| Shiva Parakshamastrotam Path | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹1,800 |
| Entire Evening Aarti | 06:00 PM – 07:30 PM | ₹2,500 |
Steps to Register for Kedarnath Yatra 2025
To ensure smooth darshan, pilgrims must register online through the official portal. Follow these steps:
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Click on ‘Pilgrim Registration/Login’ (top right of homepage).
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Register using Mobile Number, Name, Gender, Email ID & Captcha.
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Receive OTP and create login credentials.
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Enter Travel Details, including dates and other Char Dham destinations.
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Upload ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, or DL) and your Photo.
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Submit your application and complete verification.
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Download your e-pass for darshan and keep it handy throughout the yatra.
Important Instructions
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Yatra Registration Starts: May 2, 2025
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Registration Mandatory: For darshan, puja, and accommodation
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Green Card Required: For vehicle permits & entry
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Helicopter Booking: Available at https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in
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Helpline Number: +91-73022 57116
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Support Email: support-ucdb@uk.gov.in
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km) |
| By Rail | Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (216 km) |
| By Road | Regular buses and cabs from Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh |
| By Trek | 17 km uphill from Gaurikund to Kedarnath |
| By Helicopter | Book via the IRCTC portal |
Nearby Pilgrimage Sites (Panch Kedar)
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Tungnath – Arms of Shiva
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Rudranath – Face of Shiva
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Madhyamaheshwar – Stomach/Navel of Shiva
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Kalpeshwar – Hair of Shiva
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Kedarnath – Hump of the Bull (Main Shrine)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will Kedarnath Temple open in 2025?
The tentative opening date is May 2, 2025, at 6:20 AM.
Q: Is online registration mandatory?
Yes, all visitors must register in advance at badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in
Q: Can we book Rudrabhishek or Mahabhishek online?
Yes. You can book all Sevas and Paths online via the official portal.
Q: What are the helicopter booking options for Kedarnath?
Helicopter services are available, and bookings must be made at https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in
Q: How long is the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
It is a 17-kilometer trek that takes about 6–8 hours, depending on fitness and weather.