Kedarnath Opening Date 2024
Kedarnath is a town in Uttarakhand, India, famous for the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s part of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage circuit and sits at an elevation of 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple, built by Adi Shankaracharya, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Pilgrims trek to Kedarnath, which is open to visitors during the summer months. The region is known for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped peaks and the Mandakini River.
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Kedarnath Opening and Closing Dates 2024
The Kedarnath Temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya, announced during the Maha Shiva Ratri festival. The specific date is determined by priests at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath using the Panchang. In 2024, following these calculations, the temple doors opened at 06:20 am on May 11th, accompanied by a special Pooja ceremony. The opening date for Kedarnath in 2024 was revealed during the Mahashivratri festival.
| Kedarnath Dham | Timing |
| Kedarnath Opening Date | 10 May 2024 at 6:30 AM, Wednesday |
| Kedarnath Closing Date | 15 Nov 2024 (tentative) |
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Train: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, located 216 kilometres before Kedarnath on NH58.
By Road: Buses and taxis to Gaurikund are readily available from major Uttarakhand destinations such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli, etc. Gaurikund is on National Highway 109, connecting Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, situated 238 kilometres away from Kedarnath.
Kedarnath in winter
Kedarnath in winter, starting in November, Kedarnath experiences substantial snowfall, leading to the closure of all routes and the shrine itself for six months. The sacred idol of Lord Shiva is temporarily relocated from Garhwal (Kedarkhand) to Ukhimath during this time, and it is only in the first week of May that the idol is brought back to Kedarnath. At this juncture, the temple doors are opened, welcoming pilgrims from across India for a sacred journey. The shrine shuts down during the Kartik week on the day of Bhai Dooj (October-November) and resumes operations after Akshay Tritiya (April-May) each year. Throughout its closure, the temple remains buried in snow, and religious ceremonies take place in Ukhimath.
Top 10 Places to Visit Near Kedarnath
Kedarnath, located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers several nearby attractions for visitors. Here are some places to visit near Kedarnath:
- Badrinath
- Gaurikund
- Rudraprayag
- Chopta
- Triyuginarayan
- Agastyamuni
- Deoria Tal
- Sonprayag
- Guptkashi
- Gopeshwar
Badrinath: Another significant pilgrimage site, Badrinath is one of the Char Dham (four sacred shrines) and is located approximately 220 kilometres from Kedarnath. The Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a major attraction.
Gaurikund: It is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath and is known for its hot water springs. Gaurikund is also associated with a mythological story related to Goddess Parvati.
Rudraprayag: Situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, Rudraprayag is known for its scenic beauty and the Rudranath and Chamunda Devi temples.
Chopta: Often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is known for its meadows and breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. It’s a base for the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
Triyuginarayan: Famous for its ancient Triyuginarayan Temple, this place is believed to be the venue of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s wedding. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers beautiful landscapes.
Agastyamuni: Located along the banks of the Mandakini River, Agastyamuni is known for the Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple. The town is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Deoria Tal: A pristine lake surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks, Deoria Tal is a trekking destination offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Sonprayag: It is the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers and serves as a starting point for the trek to Kedarnath. The location is renowned for its picturesque landscapes.
Guptkashi: Another important pilgrimage destination, Guptkashi is known for the Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Gopeshwar: Situated at an altitude of about 1,500 meters, Gopeshwar is known for its ancient temples, including the Gopinath Temple and the Tungnath Temple.
Make sure to check the local weather and road conditions before planning your trip, especially if you are considering visiting during the winter months.
Conclusion
the revered Kedarnath Temple opened its doors on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya in 2024, with the specific date determined by calculations performed by priests at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath using the Panchang. The sacred ceremony commenced at 06:20 am on May 14th, marked by a special Pooja during the Mahashivratri festival. As pilgrims embark on this spiritual journey, the temple is tentatively scheduled to close its doors on November 15, 2024.
FAQs for Kedarnath Opening Date 2024
When will Kedarnath open in 2024?
The opening date of Kedarnath in 2024 is usually announced by the authorities. It typically opens in late April or early May, depending on weather conditions.
For which 6 months is Kedarnath closed?
Kedarnath remains closed for approximately six months during the winter season, from November to April, due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions.
Can we go to Kedarnath in the winter season?
No, Kedarnath is not accessible to pilgrims during the winter season as the temple is closed, and the region experiences extreme weather conditions with heavy snowfall.
Which is the nearest town to Kedarnath?
The nearest town to Kedarnath is Gaurikund, which serves as the base for the trek to Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, one can reach Kedarnath by trekking or using other transportation options.
How many places are there to visit in Kedarnath?
Apart from the sacred Kedarnath Temple, other notable places to visit in Kedarnath include Shankaracharya Samadhi, Bhairavnath Temple, and the picturesque Vasuki Tal.
Which month is best for Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during May to June and September to October when the weather is relatively pleasant, and the temple is open for pilgrims.
Where does Kedarnath stay during winter?
During winter, the deity of Kedarnath is shifted to Ukhimath, where the temple remains open for devotees. The idol is worshipped at Ukhimath during the closure of the Kedarnath Temple.
Why is Kedarnath Temple closed in winter?
Kedarnath Temple is closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions that make the region inaccessible and unsafe for pilgrims.
Is Kedarnath open during snowfall?
No, Kedarnath Temple is closed during snowfall as part of its annual closure during the winter season. Pilgrims are advised not to attempt the journey during this time due to challenging weather conditions.
