The holy temple Kedarnath is one of the most significant and highly respected Hindu temples in India. Situated in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, it’s not only a religious place—it’s a site steeped in legends, faith, and history.
Kedarnath Temple History
According to ancient Hindu mythology, the sacred temple Kedarnath was built by the Pandavas—the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. They had arrived here to atone for their previous sins. It is believed that Lord Shiva, not wanting to meet them, took the form of a bull and disappeared into the earth at exactly the spot where the temple was constructed. The lingam within the temple is said to have been naturally created, molded by the elements of earth, air, water, and fire.
Though no one knows the exact year it was built, the temple is thought to be over 1,000 years old. Over the centuries, Kedarnath mandir has faced many challenges, from harsh weather to natural disasters like landslides and earthquakes. Despite everything, the sacred temple Kedarnath still stands strong, drawing thousands of pilgrims and travelers every year who come seeking peace, blessings and a connection to something greater.
Kedarnath Opening Date 2025
The gates of the sacred temple Kedarnath will officially open at 7 AM on May 2, 2025. This has been confirmed by Vijay Prasad Thapliyal, the CEO of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee. The opening date was decided on the holy day of Mahashivratri, following traditional rituals held at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath. During winter, this temple becomes the home of Lord Kedarnath when the main shrine is closed due to snow. So plan your Kedarnath trip accordingly.
Kedarnath Temple Altitude
The Kedarnath Temple is situated at an altitude of approximately 11,755 feet (3,583 meters) above sea level.
Kedarnath Online Registration 2025
Online registration for the Kedarnath Yatra is now open from March 20th, and the best part—it’s completely free this year. The Uttarakhand government has removed the earlier fee of ₹150 to make the pilgrimage more accessible.
You can register easily through the official tourism website or the Uttarakhand tourism mobile app. Here’s how:
Steps for Kedarnath Online Registration:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of UTDB
Go to the Char Dham E-Pass Portal or the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board site.
Step 2: Choose Kedarnath Yatra
Head over to the “Kedarnath Yatra” section on the official site. Click on the “Registration” tab and then choose “New Registration.”
Step 3: Fill in Your Details
Fill in all the required details—this includes your name, contact info, and a few personal details.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload the necessary documents, such as a valid photo ID proof (like Aadhar or Voter ID) and one passport-size photo.
Step 5: Pay Resgistration Fees of Kedarnath
Pay the registration fee (currently ₹150 per person, though this may change).
Step 6: Confirmation Mail
Once you’re done, you’ll get a confirmation email with your registration number. Make sure to keep this safe—it’s important for your journey.
Carry Your Documents
Print the confirmation email and bring it with your ID for verification at checkpoints during the yatra.
Helicopter Kedarnath Booking
If you’re planning to visit the sacred temple Kedarnath, you have two main ways to reach it.
For those traveling on foot, get ready for a steep 16 km trek up the mountain. It’s a challenging but truly rewarding experience for many pilgrims.
But if you’re looking for a quicker and easier option, helicopter services to Kedarnath temple are also available—and bookings have already started! The best part? The helicopter ride takes only 10 minutes to cover the full distance.
Curious about the cost? Here’s what you need to know about Kedarnath helicopter ride prices and booking options.
Booking Start Date
Helicopter bookings for Kedarnath Yatra 2025 officially began on April 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM.
Currently, you can book tickets for travel between May 2 to May 31, 2025.
Where to Book
You can book your helicopter tickets online at:
👉 www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in
🛑 Important: Only pilgrims who have already registered on the official Uttarakhand Tourism portal can book tickets:
👉 registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
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Helicopter Ticket Prices (One-Way)
Prices have gone up by 5% this year.
- Phata ➡ Kedarnath – ₹6,074
- Sersi ➡ Kedarnath – ₹6,072
- Guptkashi ➡ Kedarnath – ₹8,426
Important Guidelines for Pilgrims
- Children 2 years & above need a full ticket
- Infants under 2 years can fly for free (no seat provided)
- Each helicopter can carry 4 adults + 2 children + 2 infants (weight dependent)
- If you weigh more than 80 kg, you’ll pay ₹150 per extra kg
- Aadhaar or Birth Certificate is a must for infant ID
- Screenshots or incomplete tickets won’t be accepted
- Reach the helipad 2 hours early for security checks
Where to Stay in Kedarnath
If you wish to make a pilgrimage to Kedarnath and are short of funds, there are options available for you, varying from government guest houses to dharamshalas and private tents.
GMVN Kedarnath (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) Camps & Guesthouses
GMVN Kedarnath (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) runs a chain of budget camps and guesthouses around and in Kedarnath, providing consistent but pocket-friendly stays to pilgrims and tourists. These government camps provide simple stays with basic amenities, providing a warm stay in the midst of the rugged terrain. GMVN stays are available for various budget pockets, and hence are popular among tourists.
Dormitory beds can be obtained at a reasonable price of ₹300-₹600 per person, while twin-sharing rooms cost ₹1,500-₹2,500 per night. For families or groups, rooms that can accommodate 4-6 people are also available, priced ₹3,000-₹5,000 per night. GMVN Kedarnath stays can be booked online on the official GMVN website, though on-the-spot bookings can be done during off-seasons. Advance booking is strongly recommended during peak pilgrimage seasons to ensure a stay.
Locations:
GMVN Kedarnath Camps (closer to temple)
GMVN Gaurikund Guesthouse
GMVN Sonprayag Guesthouse
GMVN Guptkashi Guesthouse
Dharamshalas in Kedarnath
For budget travelers, Dharamshalas (pilgrim rest houses) provide simple but comfortable stay in Kedarnath. Run by religious societies and charitable trusts, rest houses are dormitory stays at low prices, within reach of pilgrims of all economic classes. Dorm beds in rest houses are offered between ₹150-₹400 per head, and private rooms, although fewer in number, are offered between ₹500-₹1,500 a night.
Facilities in Dharamshalas are simple, usually with plain beds and common toilets. Some of them also provide free or low-cost vegetarian meals, and thus a popular choice among single travelers and small groups with modest budgets. Far from being luxurious, they provide a peaceful and spirituality-focused environment to the pilgrims.
Locations:
Kedarnath Temple Dharamshala
Nandi Complex Dharamshala
Bharat Sevashram Sangha Dharamshala
Shankaracharya Dharamshala
Private Tents in Kedarnath
For the close-to-nature and adventurous stay, private tents are offered near Kedarnath Temple and along the trekking route. These tents offer basic amenities with sleeping bags, blankets, and mattresses to keep them warm and comfortable in the weather at high altitudes. Campsites near the temple and trekking points such as Jungle Chatti and Bheem Bali offer tents of all sizes, ranging from single-occupancy to big group tents.
Single-occupancy tents are offered at ₹800-₹1,500 per night, and double-occupancy tents are offered at ₹1,500-₹2,500 per night. Group tents for 4-6 people are offered at ₹3,000-₹5,000 per night. For tent stays, guests are offered facilities for common washrooms, and limited power supply is offered. This stay option is ideal for adventure seekers and trekkers who wish to stay close to nature while staying in Kedarnath.
Locations:
Camps around Kedarnath Temple
Jungle Chatti (on the trek)
Bheem Bali (during the trek)
Budget Hotels in Sonprayag & Gaurikund and Guptkashi
For those tourists looking for marginally improved amenities and comfort, there are low-budget hotels in surrounding towns like Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund as a good location to stay. These offer private rooms with better facilities, such as attached washrooms, hot water facility, and restaurant facility. Some of these even provide transport to trek to Kedarnath.
Single rooms at these locations are available at ₹800-₹1,500 per day, and double rooms are available at ₹1,500-₹3,000 per day. Family suites for families are available at ₹3,500-₹6,000 per day. These are for pilgrims looking for balance between comfort and affordability, specifically tourists who don’t want to stay in the high-altitude region of Kedarnath itself.
Popular Hotels & Lodges
Guptkashi: Kedar Valley Resort, Hotel Shivalik, GMVN Guptkashi
Sonprayag: Hotel Priyanshu, Shree Kedar Hotel
Gaurikund: Hotel Kedar Heights, GMVN Gaurikund
Which Choice Do You Make?
- For the most budget-friendly stay: Dharamshalas (~₹150-₹400)
- For budget comfort: GMVN Guesthouses (~₹600-₹2,500)
- For the thrill seekers: Private Tents (~₹800-₹2,500)
- For good facilities prior to trekking: Guptkashi/Sonprayag hotels (~₹800-₹6,000)
