Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest shrines in India and part of the Char Dham Yatra. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, at a height of about 11,755 feet. The temple remains open only for six months every year due to heavy snowfall in winter. In 2025, the temple will open around April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and close around November (Kartik Purnima).
Devotees from all over the world visit Kedarnath for darshan of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The journey to Kedarnath is both spiritual and adventurous. Pilgrims trek about 16 km from Gaurikund to reach the temple. For those unable to trek, helicopter services, pony rides, and palanquins are available.
The darshan at Kedarnath is regulated through ticket booking to manage crowds and ensure safety. Devotees must register before starting the yatra.
Overview of Kedarnath Darshan 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Jyotirlinga) |
| Elevation | 11,755 feet |
| Opening Date 2025 | April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) |
| Closing Date 2025 | November (Kartik Purnima) |
| Trek Distance | 16 km from Gaurikund |
| Ticket Price | Free for darshan, paid for special aartis & helicopter |
| Special Attraction | Part of Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri) |
Kedarnath Temple Timings
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Shringar Darshan | 4:00 AM onwards |
| Rudrabhishek Puja | 4:00 AM – 6:30 AM |
| Shayan Aarti | 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
Types of Darshan & Sevas
Kedarnath Temple provides free darshan to all devotees, but there are also paid pujas and special tickets for those who wish to perform sevas.
| Seva / Darshan | Price (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free | Stand in queue for darshan |
| Rudrabhishek Puja | ₹1,300 | Special abhishekam to Lord Shiva |
| Mahabhishek Puja | ₹3,500 | Conducted early morning |
| Laghu Rudrabhishek | ₹6,500 | Advanced puja with mantras |
| Maha Rudrabhishek | ₹11,000 | Elaborate ritual performed by priests |
| Aarti (Morning/Evening) | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Special participation in aarti |
(Prices may vary as per 2025 updates by Kedarnath Devasthanam Board)
How to Book Kedarnath Darshan Tickets
All pilgrims need to register before visiting Kedarnath. Tickets can be booked online or offline.
Online Booking Process:
- Visit the official website – https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in.
- Select Darshan Registration.
- Enter your details (Name, ID proof, Contact).
- Choose date of darshan.
- Download and print your Yatra E-Pass.
- Carry the same along with original ID proof.
Offline Booking:
- Pilgrims can also register at counters in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund.
- ID proof is compulsory.
Helicopter Tickets:
- Book on official government-approved portals only.
- Routes available: Phata → Kedarnath, Guptkashi → Kedarnath, Sersi → Kedarnath.
- Price: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 (one-way).
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple
- By Road: Kedarnath is connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun by road till Gaurikund. From there, a 16 km trek starts.
- By Train: Nearest railway station – Rishikesh (215 km away).
- By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (239 km away). Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi.
- Trekking: From Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km). Pony, palki, and helicopter options available for those who cannot trek.
Accommodation Options
The temple trust and private hotels provide various options for stay:
| Accommodation | Price Range (per night) | Location | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMVN Guest Houses | ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 | Near Kedarnath Temple | Rooms, Dormitory |
| Dharmashalas | ₹500 – ₹1,000 | Near Temple | Basic Stay |
| Budget Hotels (Guptkashi / Sonprayag) | ₹800 – ₹2,000 | 5–15 km from Temple | Family-friendly |
| Tents & Camps | ₹500 – ₹1,200 | Kedarnath Base Camp | Shared Stay |
| Luxury Camps | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Kedarnath Valley | Comfortable stay, Meals included |
Important Instructions for Devotees
- Carry warm clothes, raincoat, torch, medicines, and trekking shoes.
- Oxygen levels are low, so senior citizens and heart patients should consult doctors before traveling.
- Always register online/offline before yatra. Without registration, entry is not allowed.
- Do not carry plastic bags, alcohol, or tobacco.
- Mobile connectivity is weak near Kedarnath. Keep family informed in advance.
- Follow the instructions of the Uttarakhand Government and the Devasthanam Board.
Dos and Don’ts
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Register online before yatra | Do not travel without medical check-up if unfit |
| Carry woolens and proper shoes | Do not litter in the trekking path |
| Keep ID proof always | Do not argue with temple/security staff |
| Start trek early morning | Do not trek after 3 PM (risk of landslides) |
| Respect the environment and temple rules | Do not overpack luggage |
FAQs on Kedarnath Darshan Tickets 2025
Q1. When will Kedarnath Temple open in 2025?
A: It will open around April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and close in November (Kartik Purnima).
Q2. Is registration compulsory for darshan?
A: Yes, every devotee must register online or offline.
Q3. Is there any fee for darshan?
A: General darshan is free. Paid tickets are for special sevas and pujas.
Q4. How to book helicopter tickets for Kedarnath?
A: Book through government-approved websites only.
Q5. How long is the Kedarnath trek?
A: 16 km from Gaurikund.
Q6. Can senior citizens visit Kedarnath?
A: Yes, but only with medical clearance. Helicopter option is best.
Q7. Which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
A: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Q8. Can we stay overnight at Kedarnath?
A: Yes, in guest houses, tents, and lodges managed by GMVN and private operators.
Q9. What is Rudrabhishek Puja cost at Kedarnath?
A: Around ₹1,300 per ticket.
Q10. What is special about Kedarnath?
A: It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra.
Kedarnath darshan visit 1st time
have a great darshan, follow the above instructions carefully to have a great darshan