If you are devoted to Lord Shiva, you must have heard of Kedarnath, the supreme land of devotion and one of the jyotirlingas! Kedarnath is a prominent pilgrimage place in Uttarakhand and one of the Char Dhams. This holy pilgrimage is located near the head of the Mandakini River amidst the Garhwal Himalayan mountainscape. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is visited by thousands of devotees from all across the country. The Kedarnath Temple is open for nearly 6 months, and the summer is the best time to visit Kedarnath before closing for the rest of the year.
Coming under one of the holiest sites for Hindus, Kedarnath! Are you planning to visit the land of Shiva? Let’s explore the blog to find out details about the Kedarnath trek, its timings, and the opening and closing dates to ease your planning.
Pilgrimage Tour: BestTime to Make a Visit to Kedarnath!
The summer season, from April to June, is the best time to visit Kedarnath. Pre-winter months (September-October) are ideal for planning for a Kedarnath Yatra when worshippers can participate in a hassle-free Yatra for the Almighty Shiva. Due to the harsh cold and heavy snowfall, this holy temple remains closed from November to March (Winter). Due to snow, trails leading to Kedarnath are difficult to ride. Kedarnath has uneven roads and pathways constructed that are prone to landslides during the monsoon season. As a result, you should avoid going there between the months of July and August. In this blog, we have explained in full detail the travelling conditions based on different seasons that help you to plan your Kedarnath trek.
Best Month to Visit Kedarnath
You might miss out on Kedarnath trekking without proper information and key details. Here is an overview of the best time to visit Kedarnath, with additional details on temperature and seasons that help to ease your journey for the Kedarnath trip.
Summer Season at Kedarnath (April to June)
The warm months of April to June are the best time to visit Kedarnath. The temperature range during this period is from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. This time, the region gets mild temperatures, and it also brings a refreshing breeze during the time of summer, making the weather more pleasant. Some of the top attractions for your Kedarnath trek are Tungnath Temple, Gauri Kund, and Bhairavnath Temple.
In the summer, the temperature in Kedarnath is:
- In April, the average temperature in Kedarnath varies from -3°C to 8°C. The days are still beautiful, but the evenings are bitterly cold.
- The average temperature in Kedarnath in May is between 0°C and 5°C. This month marks the beginning of the Kedarnath Yatra. The weather is still chilly, and bringing some woolens is a good idea because the temperature drops to zero at night.
- In June, the average temperature in Kedarnath varies between 4°C and 12°C. The region enjoys sunny weather during the day, making June the best time to visit Kedarnath.
Trip Essential Checklist
Summer is considered one of the best times to visit Kedarnath. Here is the list of items to carry during your Kedarnath trekking:
- Day pack, trekking shoes/comfortable walking shoes, and trekking pants,
- A windproof jacket, light woollen clothing, a sun cap, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, lip balm, a torch/flashlight with additional batteries,
- A walking stick, and personal necessities. You must also bring a water bottle, dried fruits, energy snacks, and energy drinks like Electoral (ORS)/Gatorade with you.
Monsoon season at Kedarnath (July-August)
Visiting Kedarnath during the monsoon season, from July to August, is not recommended due to severe rainfall in the region. Landslides are more likely to occur, and roadblocks can cause significant travel delays; hence, this is not the best time to visit Kedarnath. During the monsoon season, the temperature at Kedarnath ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Temperatures at Kedarnath during the Monsoon:
- The monsoon season begins in July at Kedarnath, and the region receives average rainfall. The temperature ranges from 6 to 15 degrees Celsius. The Yatra is challenging due to the foggy and rainy weather.
- The average temperature in August in Kedarnath is between 8°C and 14°C. The days are still hot, but the evenings are getting a little cooler during this month. It is highly recommended that you bring a raincoat and umbrella with you.
- The average temperature in September is between 3°C and 12°C, which makes the weather pleasant, making it the best time to visit Kedarnath.
Trip Essential Checklist
- A day pack with a rain cover, waterproof trekking shoes, trekking pants, windproof/water-resistant jacket, thick fleece, woollen clothing,
- Waterproof gloves, thick woollen socks, a walking stick, a raincoat/poncho, a torch/flashlight with extra batteries, and personal toiletries should all be carried.
- To avoid dehydration, bring a water bottle, a few dry fruits to snack on, and energy drinks.
Winter at Kedarnath (October-March)
The winter season in Kedarnath begins in November and lasts until April. This is not the best time to visit Kedarnath because the routes are closed due to heavy snowfall. The Kedarnath Temple is also closed during the winter months. The winters are bitterly cold, with temperatures plummeting to below zero. Kedarnath is still blanketed in snow, making it inaccessible for the time being, so it is not the best time to visit Kedarnath.
During the winter season, the idol of Kedarnath is moved from Kedarnath Temple to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. The temple is located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag area and serves as Lord Kedarnath’s winter residence for six months. One of the best time to visit Kedarnath is in winter to experience more relaxation while trekking.
The temperature in Kedarnath in the Winter:
- In October, temperatures in Kedarnath range from 1°C to 5°C. The climate is chilly. As the temperature drops at night, it is a good idea to bring some heavy woollens.
- In November, the average temperature in Kedarnath is between -10°C and 4°C. On Bhaiya Dooj, the region receives significant snowfall, and temples typically close for the month.
- In December, the temperature in Kedarnath ranges from -15°C to -2°C. Due to heavy snowfall in the region, highways are blocked, and the Kedarnath Yatra is cancelled.
- In January, the average temperature in Kedarnath is between -18°C and -4°C.
- During January, Kedarnath had severe snowfall, and the temple was closed.
The following table depicts the temperature and weather conditions during different travelling seasons in Kedarnath to help you decide the best time to visit Kedarnath.
| Travelling Seasons | Temperature Range | Weather |
| Apri-June | 15-30 °C | Summer, Cool, and Pleasant |
| July-September | 12-27 °C | Monsoon Average rains with the possibility of landslides |
| October-March | 0-20 °C | Winter Extreme cold |
How to Reach Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is one of the holiest places located in Uttrakhand, India, and it is easily accessible by a variety of transportation modes. One of the most connecting points to Kedarnath is Gaurikund, which is located 16 km away.
Through Bus: You can take a bus from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund. Once you reach there, you can follow a trek of 16 KM to reach the temple.
Self-Drive: If you are not comfortable with public transportation, take your car and follow a self-driving car to Gaurikund, and there you can relax and begin your trekking.
Helicopter: Want to escape trekking? You can travel by helicopter from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are available between May and October.
Airways: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 238 km away. Thereafter, you can take a taxi and cab to reach Kedarnath.
Train: One of the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, which is about 216 Km away from the temple. Thereon, you can hire a taxi to reach Gauri Kund.
Here is a glimpse of the distance covered to visit Kedarnath:
| Delhi to Kedarnath | 445 km by Road |
| Mumbai to Kedarnath | 1725 km by Road |
| Kolkata to Kedarnath | 1500 km by Road |
| Bengaluru to Kedarnath | 2150 km by Road |
| Chennai to Kedarnath | 2300 km by Road |
Plan Your Next Kedarnath Trek!
The sanctity of Kedarnath Dham, as well as its beautiful, magnificent Panorama, are well-known. Lord Shiva’s enchanting sacred town is located in Uttarakhand’s northern state. It is thought that a person must travel the Chardham Yatra at least once in his lifetime to earn salvation. The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months when you can see the most vibrant sights while still experiencing the town’s spiritual aura.
FAQs
Why is Kedarnath Trek getting more popular?
Kedarnath comes under one of the Jyotirlingas in India and is one of the divine temples to seek blessings from Lord Shiva in Kedarnath.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath for snowfall?
The best time to visit Kedarnath to witness snowfall is between the month of December and February.
Is Kedarnath safer to trek?
Kedarnath is located at the highest altitude, 3,583 meters above sea level, and in the Himalayan region. It is safe to trek Kedarnath. However, you have to keep in mind certain tips to stay hydrated, weather check, carry medicine, backpack, and other essentials.
What is the oldest name for Kedarnath?
The historical name for Kedarnath is “Kedar Khand.” It is famous as a sacred pilgrimage centre in Northern India.
Which are the 4 Dham you can visit?
You can visit the Himalayas region’s four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.