Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva and is counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Set high in the Himalayas, the temple is known for its powerful spiritual atmosphere, dramatic mountain backdrop, and the deep faith of pilgrims who travel here every year.

Tradition connects Kedarnath with ancient worship and the larger sacred landscape of the Char Dham. Because of heavy snowfall and extreme winter conditions, the temple remains closed for several months each year, and darshan resumes when the portals reopen for the yatra season. For 2026, the reopening has been announced for April 22, 2026 (8:00 AM).

During the open season, daily darshan generally runs in two main blocks with a midday break. A commonly followed schedule is morning darshan 7:00 AM–3:00 PM, then the temple remains closed 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, followed by evening darshan 5:00 PM–7:00 PM (aarti timings are separate and may vary slightly by day).

How to reach: the last major road point is typically Sonprayag, after which pilgrims proceed toward Gaurikund and then trek onward to Kedarnath. For travel hubs, many visitors come via Rishikesh / Haridwar by rail and by road to the trek base, while the nearest major airport is Jolly Grant Airport.

Practical tip: because the route involves high altitude and unpredictable weather, carry layered clothing, rain protection, and keep a buffer day in your plan. If you want a smoother darshan, aim for early morning and avoid peak crowd hours in the evening.

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A sacred Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of India’s most powerful pilgrimage destinations.