Are you planning the Kedarnath Yatra 2024 and are unsure about the best time to visit Kedarnath? In this post, we will provide all the important information.
Kedarnath is a holy town in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. It is famous for the religiously significant Kedarnath temple, which is 3586 m high and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated near the head of the Mandakini river. Located amid towering mountains and glaciers, Kedarnath offers impressive views. The Kedarnath temple is one of the part of the Chota Chardham Yatra. It is also one of the Panch Kedars and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Annually, lakhs of pilgrims worldwide travel to Uttarakhand to get the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The holy temple is closed for six months and accessible for the rest of the six months. During the harsh winter, the temples remain closed as the roads become inaccessible and reopen the following summer months. The priests in Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple decide the opening date of the Kedarnath Dham every year. For 2024, the Kedarnath Dham will open after Post-Monsoon on 15th September 2024 and close on 20 November 2024. Hence, devotees or yatris need to plan their Yatra accordingly.
Here, we will share all the essential details about the best time to visit Kedarnath and essential tips to plan a safe Yatra.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Being situated at high altitudes, the region receives extreme rainfall and snowfall. Hence, it is generally advisable to plan your Yatra after considering the weather factors. Here, we will share season-wise details that Kedarnath Dham experiences every year, and you can make your yatra plans accordingly.
Kedarnath in Summer
The best month to visit Kedarnath is May and June. The temperature during this time is comfortable, usually between 5°C and 20°C. Trekking paths become safer due to the reduction of snow from the winter season. The snow begins to melt, the vegetation comes to life, the entire region experiences greenery and you can hear the gushing of rivers. Summer season is also when the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter services resume. Hence, you can avail of the services.
Benefits to visit Kedarnath in Summer
- Pleasant Weather: Rough reeds provide good cover to the hunter and the clear, temperate weather makes the journey more comfortable. Hence, this is the best time to visit Kedarnath.
- Accessibility: The routes are entirely accessible and functional, and the persons in question have easier access to accommodations and services.
- Scenic Beauty: The landscapes are covered in beautiful flowers all around the area, which may make it a calming place to spend time.
Considerations of Visiting Kedarnath in Summer
- Crowds: Remember, this is a high season, and there will be a large number of people in the temple. The trekking path may also experience crowd.
- Higher Costs: This high number of people will also be on the same level of demand for various services such as accommodation, which can also be at a high cost.
Kedarnath in Monsoon
Due to the monsoons, Kedarnath experiences extreme conditions from July to September. It rains frequently and heavily. Heavy rains may cause landslides and floods, complicating travel arrangements and endangering travelers. This is not the best time to visit Kedarnath.
Benefits of visiting Kedarnath in Monsoon
There is no such benefit of traveling during the monsoon month. Hence, you should not make any travel plans.
Considerations of visiting Kedarnath in Monsoon
- Safety Risks: Traveling may also be too difficult or dangerous. Hence, don’t plan your yatra.
- Limited Access: Because of bad weather, most of the facilities and parts of the trekking path may remain closed or not easily accessible. The roads also wash off, making it challenging.
Kedarnath in Winter
Kedarnath experiences heavy snowfall from November to April, which keeps the temple closed throughout winter. Besides, the region experiences very low temperatures at times. The best time to visit Kedarnath can be from September to November (before the temple closes and during the onset of winter).
During October or November, temperatures start to fall and then snowfall begins. Hence, before heavy snowfall, consider planning your Yatra. Also, during this period, you might expect less crowd. You may also plan to book Do Dham Yatra by helicopter where you can visit both Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham together.
Benefits to Visit Kedarnath in Winter
- Snowy Landscapes: Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic views of some snow-capped mountains during the winter months.
- Solitude: The place is almost unoccupied and it is a perfect place for the peace-loving person but at the same time who can resist the cold weather.
Considerations of Visiting Kedarnath in Winter
Plan your Yatra before heavy snowfall to have a safe Yatra experience.
Why Visit Kedarnath Dham?
Kedarnath Dham is of utmost importance to Hindus as a religious destination. It is believed that Lord Shiva pardoned the Pandavas for killing their cousins in the Mahabharata. The temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya and is known for its example of pure devotion and the spirit of awakening. Besides being a prime place of worship, Kedarnath is a scenic location with splendid views of mountains. The best way to reach Kedarnath Dham is by helicopter, which is convenient for reaching the temple and for getting blessings from Lord Shiva in Kedarnath temple.
The beauty of Kedarnath Lord Shiva deity with a snow-capped backdrop of Kedarnath peak, the divine Mandakini River, dense forests and meadows leave everyone in a tranquil state of mind. Traveling to Kedarnath as part of the Chardham Yatra is a religious and cultural pilgrimage. It tests physical strength while nourishing the soul with spiritual energy. The trek is also a long distance of 16 km and tedious but it is also a form of penance and devotion.
What to Know Before Visiting Kedarnath
- Planning Your Yatra: Always plan your Yatra during the best time to visit Kedarnath since you may have roadblocks and hindrances.
- Physical Fitness: The track to kedarnath is very strenuous and therefore, one should be physically fit to undertake the trip. Hence, before the Yatra doing regular exercise and trekking is advisable.
- Clothing: Wear warm clothes such as thermals and warm jackets, gloves and caps in the summer as well because it can be cold sometimes.
- Footwear: Strong and waterproof trekking shoes with a proper sole are almost compulsory.
- Rain Gear: Bring raincoats and waterproof bags when traveling.
- Medical Kit: Always have a simple first-aid kit including painkillers, antiseptic solution, and medications to alleviate the effect of high altitude.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated and have enough water with you. Drink water from reliable sources.
- Dress Modestly: Follow the etiquette of the area and dress conservatively especially around religious places such as temples.
- Environmental Responsibility: Adopt the principles of ecotourism. Do not throw trash, and be careful not to harm the flora and fauna.
- Limited Connectivity: Anticipate slow or no internet and mobile connectivity at times. Share your travel plans with your family and friends prior to your intended travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1). In which month Kedarnath closed?
Every year, the doors of Kedarnath Dham are closed two days after Diwali, on the occasion of Bhai Dooj in the winter season.
Q2). What is the age limit for Kedarnath?
There is no specific age limit for visiting Kedarnath Dham.
Q3). Can We Stay at Night in Kedarnath Dham?
Yes, there are multiple lodging facilities (GMVN Guest House, Private Dharamshala, Ground Bedded Tents and Private Tents) available at Kedarnath for pilgrims during Chardham Yatra.
Q4). Are phones allowed in Kedarnath?
The Uttarakhand government has banned the use of mobile phones within a 200-meter radius of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri temples.
Q5). Can I visit only Kedarnath without registration?
No, pilgrims cannot visit the Kedarnath Temple without registration.
