Kedarnath Dham: Here’s how to reach and things to do

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Dham holds a sacred place in Hindu mythology and pilgrimage. Revered as one of the Char Dham sites and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath attracts devotees and travellers alike with its spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. If reports are to go by, the revered Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, is scheduled to reopen its doors to devotees on May 10, 2024.



As you plan your visit to Kedarnath Dham, keep in mind the high altitude and unpredictable weather conditions. It's advisable to carry warm clothing, rain gear, and essential medicines, and to acclimatise yourself gradually to the altitude. With its spiritual aura and awe-inspiring natural beauty, Kedarnath Dham promises a memorable pilgrimage experience for devotees and travellers alike.

Here’s how to reach Kedarnath Dham:


By air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath Dham is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 238 kilometres away. From Dehradun, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sonprayag, the nearest road to Kedarnath.

By train: The nearest railway station to Kedarnath Dham is Rishikesh Railway Station, located around 216 kilometres away. From Rishikesh, you can avail of bus services or hire taxis to reach Sonprayag.


By road: Sonprayag serves as the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Dham. It is well-connected by road to major cities and towns in Uttarakhand. From Sonprayag, you can either trek or take a pony or palanquin to reach Kedarnath.


Things to do in Kedarnath Dham:


Visit Kedarnath Temple: The main attraction of Kedarnath Dham is the ancient Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 metres (11,755 feet), the temple is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers a serene ambiance for prayer and meditation.

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Attend puja and aarti: Experience the divine atmosphere of Kedarnath by attending the daily puja and aarti rituals performed at the temple. The evening aarti, in particular, is a mesmerising sight, with the chanting of mantras and the glow of oil lamps illuminating the temple premises.


Trek to Vasuki Tal: For adventure enthusiasts, trekking to Vasuki Tal is a must-do activity. Located at an altitude of 4,150 metres (13,615 feet), this glacial lake offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and is believed to be the abode of Nag Devta, the serpent god.


Explore Chorabari Tal: Another scenic trekking destination near Kedarnath is Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar. This pristine lake is named after Mahatma Gandhi, and the trek offers mesmerising views of the Kedarnath peak and surrounding glaciers.

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Seek blessings at Bhairavnath Temple: After visiting Kedarnath Temple, pay homage to Bhairavnath Temple, located around 1 kilometre from Kedarnath. This temple is dedicated to Bhairava, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is believed to protect the area from natural calamities.

Enjoy the scenic beauty: Take some time to simply soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayan landscape surrounding Kedarnath Dham. The snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and pristine streams offer a tranquil setting for relaxation and reflection.