Kedarnath Dham – A Sacred Jyotirlinga in the Himalayas
Kedarnath Dham is one of the most holy pilgrimage sites in India and holds immense importance for Hindus. Located high in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is also an important part of the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham Yatra.
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and a deeply spiritual atmosphere, Kedarnath Dham attracts lakhs of pilgrims and travelers every year. The serenity, devotion, and natural beauty of this place make it a truly divine experience.
Kedarnath Temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. According to Hindu mythology, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva, who took the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground at Kedarnath. The hump of the bull is worshipped here.
The temple remains open only for about six months a year due to extreme winter conditions and heavy snowfall.
Where is Kedarnath Dham Located?
Kedarnath Dham is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level. It lies near the origin of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by majestic Himalayan ranges.
State: Uttarakhand
District: Rudraprayag
Nearest Road Head: Gaurikund
Distance from Rishikesh: approx. 220 km
Distance from Haridwar: approx. 240 km
From Gaurikund, pilgrims need to complete a 18 km trek to reach Kedarnath Temple.
Route Details to Reach Kedarnath Dham
The journey to Kedarnath Dham involves both road travel and trekking, making it a spiritually enriching and adventurous experience. Roads up to Gaurikund are well-connected during the yatra season under the Char Dham road project. However, mountain driving requires caution.
Beyond Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath passes through beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, and steep mountain paths.
Adventure Route to Kedarnath Dham by Rental Bike
Every year, thousands of pilgrims and adventure lovers travel to Kedarnath by rental bike, making bike rental for Kedarnath Dham a popular choice. Riding a rental bike to Kedarnath allows travelers to experience the Himalayan roads closely while enjoying scenic mountain views. The Kedarnath bike journey is possible up to Gaurikund, from where the sacred Kedarnath trek begins. Choosing a bike on rent for Kedarnath offers freedom, adventure, and a memorable Himalayan travel experience.
Scenic route:
Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund
Why choose a bike journey?
- Best for young travelers & experienced riders
- Close interaction with Himalayan beauty
- Freedom to stop for photography and sightseeing
- Challenging mountain roads add adventure
- Recommended only in good weather
This route is motorable during the yatra season, and bike travel offers a thrilling experience for riders.
Comfortable Route to Kedarnath Dham by Taxi
If comfort, reliability, and convenience are your top priorities, traveling to Kedarnath by taxi is the best and most dependable option. A taxi service for Kedarnath Dham allows you to enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey through the Himalayan roads without worrying about long driving hours or challenging road conditions. Kedarnath taxis can take you comfortably up to Gaurikund, the last motorable point, from where the holy Kedarnath trek begins. Choosing a taxi to Kedarnath is especially suitable for families, senior citizens, and group travelers looking for a relaxed and hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
Benefits of taxi travel:
- Comfortable and stress-free journey
- Suitable for families, senior citizens & groups
- Experienced drivers familiar with hill roads
- Pick-up from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun
- Safe option for long-distance travel
Taxi travel allows you to relax and focus on the spiritual journey rather than road conditions.
What Makes Kedarnath Temple Special?
Kedarnath Temple is spiritually unique and powerful for many reasons:
- One of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
- Part of the Char Dham Yatra
- Ancient stone temple built without mortar
- Survived the 2013 floods, symbol of divine protection
- Located amidst breathtaking Himalayan scenery
- Deeply mentioned in Hindu scriptures and legends
The spiritual energy, rituals, and majestic surroundings make Kedarnath a life-changing experience.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Dham
May to June (Summer Season)
This is the most popular time after the temple opens. Weather remains pleasant, and the trek is manageable. Ideal for families and first-time pilgrims.
July to August (Monsoon Season)
Heavy rainfall increases the risk of landslides and roadblocks. Travel during this time is not recommended due to safety concerns.
September to October (Post-Monsoon Season)
One of the best times to visit Kedarnath. Clear skies, fewer crowds, and breathtaking mountain views make the journey peaceful and memorable.
November to April (Winter Season)
The temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall. The idol of Lord Kedarnath is worshipped at Ukhimath (Omkareshwar Temple) during winter.
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath Dham
While visiting Kedarnath, you can also explore nearby attractions:
- Gaurikund – Starting point of the Kedarnath trek
- Bhairavnath Temple – Protector deity of Kedarnath
- Vasuki Tal – High-altitude sacred lake
- Triyuginarayan Temple – Mythological wedding place of Lord Shiva & Parvati
- Guptkashi – Ancient temple town
- Sonprayag – Confluence of rivers Mandakini & Basuki
Taxi Service for Kedarnath Dham by UK Diaries
Travel comfortably with UK Diaries Taxi Service for Kedarnath Dham. We provide reliable and affordable taxi services from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Delhi.
Our Taxi Packages Include:
- One-way & round-trip taxi services
- Experienced hill drivers
- Clean & well-maintained vehicles
- Sedan, SUV & Tempo Traveller options
- Custom Char Dham & Do Dham packages
Why Choose Our Bike Rental for Kedarnath Trip?
- Well-maintained bikes suitable for mountain roads
- Helmets & basic riding gear provided
- Flexible rental plans
- Ideal for solo riders & groups
- Support during the journey
Popular bikes include Royal Enfield, Himalayan, and other touring motorcycles, perfect for a memorable Kedarnath Dham bike journey.