Kedarnath Opening Date 2025 : Kedarnath, nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered destinations for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple’s significance lies in its spiritual energy and its stunning location amidst the majestic Himalayas. The conical rock formation inside the Kedarnath temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his “Sadashiva” form, making it a divine pilgrimage for millions.
Opening and Closing Dates for Kedarnath Temple in 2025
- Opening Date: 2nd May 2025 at 6:20 AM
- Closing Date: November 2025 (exact date to be announced closer to Diwali)
Due to heavy snowfall, the temple remains closed during winter months, typically from November to April.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The ideal time to visit Kedarnath is between May and October, excluding the monsoon months of July and August when heavy rainfall can cause landslides.
- Summer (May to June): Pleasant weather and clear skies.
- Post-Monsoon (September to October): Crisp air and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Darshan Timings
The temple is open daily from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Morning Darshan: 4:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Devotees are encouraged to attend the early morning “Rudrabhishek”, which is a divine experience.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is accessible via a combination of road and trekking. Here are the detailed travel options:
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located approximately 238 km from Kedarnath. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Gaurikund.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is 216 km from Kedarnath. From Rishikesh, you can travel to Gaurikund by road.
By Road
Regular buses and taxis are available to Gaurikund from major cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Srinagar (Uttarakhand). Gaurikund, the base camp for Kedarnath, lies on National Highway 109, which connects Rudraprayag to Kedarnath.
Trek from Gaurikund
From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads to the Kedarnath Temple. Ponies, palanquins, and helicopter services are also available for convenience.
Places to See Around Kedarnath
Kedarnath is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and sacred sites:
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple – Another Jyotirlinga nestled amidst serene surroundings.
- Kalpeshwar Temple – Known for its unique spiritual significance.
- Rudranath Temple – A serene location for Shiva devotees.
For adventure enthusiasts, popular trekking routes include:
- Vasuki Tal Trek – A high-altitude glacial lake.
- Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) – A serene and scenic spot.
- Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek – Known for its unmatched Himalayan views.