Kedarnath is a holy temple situated in the Indian Himalayas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the most important temples for Hindus. It is a part of the most pious Chardham Yatra and attracts thousands and thousands of travelers every year. The best time to visit Kedarnath is either between May and June or between September and November. The Kedarnath Temple is open for visitors just for 6 months in the complete year. The opening date of this temple is announced on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.
Whereas the closing date remains permanent which is one the same date when Bhai Dooj is celebrated throughout the country. Kedarnath is not only a place for devotees but a lot of travelers do visit here each year for the peace and thrill this place has to offer. People from around the world come here to take blessings from Lord Shiva. It is also believed by devotees that praying to Lord Shiva at Kedarnath brings the person one step closer to attaining moksha.
Where to Visit in Kedarnath & When
Apart from the main temple, there are a few other important and sacred places to visit around Kedarnath. These also have a lot of significance and some of them offer a breathtaking view of the surroundings. People who visit Kedarnath enjoy their time at the below-listed attractions as the entire town of Kedarnath has serenity and a peaceful aura. Here are some important attractions around the temple:
- Deoria Tal
- Phata
- Gauri Kund
- Kedarnath Jyotirlinga Temple
- Gandhi Sarovar
- Sonprayag
- Bhairavnath Temple
- Vasuki Tal
- Sunset Point
- Anusuya Devi Temple
- Kalimath
- Kedarnath Peak Viewpoint
- Chandrapuri
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple
All these places are accessible throughout the six months of the year when the Kedarnath Temple is open. The temple opens in May and remains open till early November. Being located in the Rudraprayag District which is prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
This is the reason why people refrain from visiting there between July and August. So while you plan on visiting Kedarnath Temple, you can iterate it in such a way that all the above-given attractions are also covered.
Kedarnath in Summer
The opening date of Kedarnath is announced on the occasion of Maha Shivratri. It generally opens in early May. Summers in Kedarnath are between May and early July and the climate remains cool and pleasant with temperature dropping during the evening and nights. Being at such a high altitude, it remains cool throughout the year.
Kedarnath in Monsoon - From July till August
Mid of July is when Kedarnath experiences the onset of monsoon. The rainy season lasts here till August end and sometime early September. This is the time when the number of people visiting here reduces due to landslides and high rainfall.
Kedarnath in Winter - From October till March
From October pleasant winds start becoming chilly and it marks the onset of winter in the town. By November the temple gates get closed and it starts to snow. Kedarnath experiences the winter season till March and it again starts to warm up from mid-April.
Why visit Kedarnath?
There are a lot of reasons why one should visit Kedarnath and some of them are listed here:
- It is one of the most divine and sacred pilgrim spots of Lord Shiva.
- It is one of the Chardham and is covered by devotees every year.
- It offers a positive aura and a lot of amazing sites for nature lovers and photographers.
- Kedarnath also offers a lot of thrill to adventure seekers and the 14 km trek is like a cherry on the top.
Things to know before you visit Kedarnath
If you are planning on visiting Kedarnath, here are a few important tips that should be kept in mind.
- July and August are the months when this place experiences the highest rainfall. It becomes prone to landslides and
- The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and June or September to November.
- The opening date of Kedarnath Temple is declared on Maha Shivratri and the closing date always remains the same which is on the occasion of Bhai Dooj.
- Make sure you carry light bags because you will have to trek from Gaurikund.
- Wear the right shoes because it is important during the trek.
- Keep a sufficient number of clothes while traveling to the temple.
- You should always pre-book your hotel room if you want to stay at Kedarnath.
