Kedarnath Temple, one of the most revered shrines of Lord Shiva, is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Perched at a height of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, the temple is surrounded by the majestic snow-clad Himalayan peaks and the Mandakini River flowing nearby. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and an essential part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra. The temple remains closed for nearly six months every year due to extreme weather conditions. Therefore, the Kedarnath Temple opening and closing dates in 2025 hold great importance for pilgrims. Knowing these dates in advance helps devotees plan their spiritual journey with ease.
Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2025
The temple’s schedule is based on ancient traditions and astrological calculations.
- Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2025: 2 May 2025 (Tentative; final date will be announced on Maha Shivratri)
- Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2025: 23 October 2025 (Tentative; fixed on the day of Bhai Dooj after Diwali)
During the opening ceremony, the idol of Lord Shiva is brought to the temple from Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where it is worshipped during the winter months. The atmosphere is filled with chants, music, and devotion as thousands of pilgrims witness the divine rituals.
The closing ceremony is equally significant. The idol of Lord Shiva is shifted back to Ukhimath, and Kedarnath Temple remains covered in snow throughout winter.
Daily Rituals and Puja Timings at Kedarnath
Pilgrims not only visit Kedarnath for darshan but also to participate in various rituals and pujas performed daily.
Morning Rituals
- 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM: The temple opens with the Mangal Aarti followed by Abhishek Puja, where the Shivling is bathed with water, ghee, milk, and honey.
- Devotees can also perform Rudrabhishek and Laghu Rudra rituals by booking them in advance.
Darshan Timings
- 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM: General darshan hours for devotees.
Evening Rituals
- 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM: The temple is lit with oil lamps, and Shayan Aarti is performed before closing.
The pujas are conducted in Sanskrit, and the spiritual vibrations can be felt in every corner of the valley.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple
Reaching Kedarnath is a journey in itself, involving air, rail, road, and trekking options.
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km away).
- From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Gaurikund.
By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (216 km from Kedarnath).
- From Rishikesh, you can take buses or hire taxis to Sonprayag/Gaurikund.
By Road
- Kedarnath is well-connected by road until Gaurikund, the last motorable point.
- Regular buses and shared taxis run from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund.
By Trek
- From Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple, a 16 km trek needs to be completed.
- The route passes through Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli, and Rambara.
- Options for those unable to trek:
- Ponies/Mules
- Palkis (Palanquins)
- Helicopter Services (from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sitapur to Kedarnath helipad, just 500 meters from the temple)
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Temple in 2025
The temple is open only for six months, so planning your visit is crucial.
- May – June (Summer): The most popular time for yatra with clear skies and pleasant weather. Ideal for trekking.
- July – August (Monsoon): Heavy rainfall causes landslides and floods. Not recommended for travel.
- September – October (Post-Monsoon): Best time to visit with fewer crowds, fresh greenery, and calm weather.
Accommodation Options Near Kedarnath Temple
Thousands of pilgrims visit Kedarnath every year, and accommodation is available in different forms.
1. GMVN Guest Houses
- Managed by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), these provide clean and affordable lodging.
- Available at Gaurikund, Sonprayag, and near Kedarnath temple.
2. Dharamshalas
- Budget-friendly stays run by charitable trusts and temple authorities.
- Simple facilities but comfortable for short stays.
3. Hotels and Lodges
- Available in Gaurikund, Sonprayag, and Guptkashi.
- Range from budget to mid-range hotels with modern amenities.
4. Camps and Tents
- Near the temple, camps provide a unique experience of staying close to nature.
- Many private operators arrange tented accommodations for groups and families.
Essential Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra 2025
To make your journey safe and spiritually fulfilling, keep these tips in mind:
- Registration is Mandatory: Pilgrims must register for Char Dham Yatra on the Uttarakhand Government’s official website or at registration counters.
- Physical Preparation: The trek is challenging. Regular walking, yoga, and light exercise before the trip are recommended.
- Carry Woolens: Even in summer, the temperature at Kedarnath drops at night. Carry warm clothes, gloves, and caps.
- Health Check-up: If you have breathing or heart issues, consult a doctor before starting the yatra.
- Pack Essentials: Raincoat, trekking shoes, power bank, torch, medicines, and ID proofs.
- Advance Booking: Accommodation and helicopter tickets should be booked early as they sell out quickly.
- Weather Awareness: Always check weather forecasts. Heavy rain or snow can delay your journey.
- Respect Traditions: Follow temple rules, dress modestly, and maintain cleanliness.
Significance of Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is not just a temple; it is a legend woven into Indian mythology.
- Mythological Belief: After the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve their sins. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and tried to escape. When Bhima recognized him, Shiva dived underground, leaving his hump behind at Kedarnath.
- Jyotirlinga: Kedarnath is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, where Lord Shiva is worshipped as the “Lord of Kedar Khand”.
- Spiritual Energy: Surrounded by mountains and glaciers, devotees believe that meditating here connects them directly to divine energy.
Conclusion
The Kedarnath Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2025 are of great significance for devotees who wish to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. With the tentative opening on 2 May 2025 and closing around 23 October 2025, planning your journey early will make your yatra smooth and spiritually enriching.
Whether you are a pilgrim or a traveler seeking peace, Kedarnath is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are preparing your journey and need travel ideas, itineraries, or affordable packages, Triplla is here to guide you with complete details and personalized assistance to make your pilgrimage memorable.