Kedarnath Temple Opening, Closing Date 2024 and Char Dham Yatra 2024

Kedarnath Temple in India is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, and it is open to visitors from April to November each year. The exact dates of opening and closing are determined by the priests of the temple and the local authorities, based on the weather conditions and the Hindu calendar.

In 2024, Kedarnath Temple will open on May 11th, 2024 and close in November 2nd, 2024. The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer and post-monsoon seasons (April-June and September-October), when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are open.

If you are planning a pilgrimage to Kedarnath, check the opening and closing dates in advance, and book your accommodation and travel arrangements well.

Kedarnath Temple Opening and Closing Date 2024

This year, the Kedarnath Temple opened for devotees on May 14, 2024, at 6:20 a.m., according to sources from the Badrinath – Kedarnath Mandir Samiti. The Kedarnath Temple in the Garhwal Himalayas will close on the auspicious day of November 2nd, 2024, for the winter season.

How to Reach Kedarnath Temple?

1. By train: The closest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh, 216 kilometers away on NH58.
2. By road: Buses and taxis to Gaurikund are available from major towns in Uttarakhand, such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, and Chamoli. Gaurikund is on National Highway 109, which connects Rudraprayag to Kedarnath.
3. By air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant airport, 238 kilometers away.

Char Dham – Kedarnath Temple Yatra

The Char Dhams, or four sacred abodes, are four pilgrimage sites in India considered the most holy places for Hindus. The Char Dhams are located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.

The four Char Dham pilgrimage sites are

1. Badrinath: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Badrinath is one of India’s 108 Divya Desams or holy Vishnu temples.
2. Kedarnath: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kedarnath is among India’s 12 Jyotirlingas or most sacred Shiva temples.
3. Gangotri: Dedicated to the goddess Ganga, Gangotri is the source of the Ganges River, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism.
4. Yamunotri: Dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, another sacred river in Hinduism.

Hindus undertake the Char Dham yatra pilgrimage to visit all four sacred sites. The yatra is considered a very holy journey, and it is believed that completing the Char Dham yatra can lead to moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Char Dham Yatra Opening Date 2024

Char Dham Yatra Closing Date 2024

Badrinath Temple – An Important Step in Char Dham Yatra

Badrinath Temple is one of India’s 108 Divya Desams or holy Vishnu temples. It is located in Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) above sea level.

The Badrinath Temple is believed to have been built by the sage Adi Shankara in the 8th century AD. The temple is made of black stone and has a pyramidal roof. The temple’s main deity is a black stone statue of Lord Vishnu, which is said to be over 10,000 years old.

The Badrinath Temple is open to visitors from April to November each year. The temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The best time to visit Badrinath is during summer, when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are open.

Things to do in Badrinath – Kedarnath Temple

• Visit the Badrinath Temple: The Badrinath Temple is the main attraction in Badrinath. Pilgrims from all over India come to Badrinath to visit the temple and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
• Trek to Vasuki Tal: Vasuki Tal is a beautiful alpine lake about 10 kilometers from Badrinath. The trek to Vasuki Tal is moderate in difficulty and takes about 5-6 hours to complete.
• Visit the Bheem Pul: Bheem Pul is a natural rock bridge about 3 kilometers from Badrinath. It is believed that the Pandavas built the Bheem Pul during their exile.
• Visit the Tapt Kund: Tapt Kund is a hot spring near the Badrinath Temple. Pilgrims bathe in the Tapt Kund to cleanse themselves before entering the temple.

6 Scenic Treks to Visit Near Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath is also a popular trekking destination, with many scenic and spiritual places to visit in the surrounding area.

1. Madhyamaheshwar Temple: Madhyamaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedars and is dedicated to Shiva’s middle (Madhya) or belly part or navel (Nabhi). The temple is located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by snow peaks.
2. Kalpeshwar Temple: Kalpeshwar Temple is another Panch Kedars dedicated to Shiva’s hair (kalpa). The temple is located in a remote area of the Himalayas and can be reached by a challenging trek.
3. Rudranath Temple: Rudranath Temple is the third of the Panch Kedars and is dedicated to the face (rudra) of Shiva. The temple is in a high-altitude meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
4. Vasuki Tal Trek: Vasuki Tal is a beautiful alpine lake about 10 kilometers from Kedarnath. The trek to Vasuki Tal is moderate in difficulty and takes about 5-6 hours to complete. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, offering stunning views of the mountains.
5. Chorabari Tal Trek: Chorabari Tal is another beautiful alpine lake about 15 kilometers from Kedarnath. The trek to Chorabari Tal is more challenging than the trek to Vasuki Tal and takes about 6-7 hours to complete. The lake is located in a remote area of the Himalayas and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek: The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek is a popular three-day trek that takes you to some of the most scenic and spiritual places in the Kedarnath region. The trek begins in the village of Chopta and passes through forests, meadows, and alpine lakes. The highest point on the trek is Chandrashila, which offers stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Kedarnath Peak and Nanda Devi.

These are just a few scenic and spiritual places to visit near Kedarnath. The region is a trekker’s paradise, with trails for all experience levels. Whether you are looking for a challenging trek to a remote alpine lake or a stroll through a beautiful valley, you will find something you like in Kedarnath.

FAQs on Kedarnath Yatra 2024

What are the Kedarnath Temple opening and closing dates?

Kedarnath Temple is open to visitors from April to November yearly. The exact dates of opening and closing are determined by the priests of the temple and the local authorities, based on the weather conditions and the Hindu calendar.

Where is Kedarnath Temple located?

Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.

How to reach Kedarnath Temple?

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath Temple is Rishikesh, about 294 kilometers away. Kedarnath Temple is well-connected by road to Rishikesh and other significant towns in Uttarakhand. There are regular buses and taxis available from Rishikesh to Kedarnath Temple.

What are the best places to visit near Kedarnath Temple?

Some of the best places to visit near Kedarnath Temple include Vasuki Tal, Bheem Pul, Tapt Kund, Chorabari Tal, and Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek.