Introduction
Kedarnath temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. Almost all the Hindus in India and abroad have a dream to visit this beautiful location at least once in a lifetime. Kedarnath temple is located at an altitude of 3583 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped mountains on three sides and a deep valley in front of the temple, making it tough for pilgrims to visit here. But as this temple is part of panch kedar temples (which includes Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar and Tungnath temple), 12 jyotirlingas of India, char dham yatra and do dham yatra of Uttarakhand, every year thousands of devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers to lord Shiva. Its high-altitude location and harsh climate add to the challenges in the Kedarnath yatra. Having a proper idea of the best time to visit the Kedarnath temple and which climate has what effect can make your pilgrimage convenient and safe. So in this blog we are going to figure out the most idle time for you to visit the Kedarnath temple. Whether you are going there for pilgrimage or just want to explore the regional beauty of Kedarnath Valley, this blog is going to be of great help to you. So without wasting time, let's dive deep and figure out the best time to visit Kedarnath temple.
Opening and Closing of Temple:-
Due to adverse climatic conditions and challenging terrain, the temple remains closed for about six months in a year and reopens in the last week of April or the first week of May on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya. The exact date for the opening of the temple may vary and is being announced by the head priest of the Ukhimath temple on the occasion of Maha Shivratari. Similarly, temples get closed on the occasion of Bhai Dooj, but again, the exact date may vary, and the exact date will be announced by Vijay Dashmi. So if you are planning for the Kedarnath yatra, you need to plan between May and November only. So let's discuss the best time to visit the Kedarnath temple as per season and month one by one.
Summer (May to June)
One of the best times to visit Kedarnath Temple is in the month of May or June, as the temperature at this time is moderate and the climatic condition is moderate. Although, even in May and June, you may get a rainfall of 1 to 2 hours, but it's normal here in the mountains, and you need not to worry a lot. But as I said earlier, this is one of the most favorable times of the year; you may face huge crowds and other difficulties arising out of this crowd, like long-lasting traffic jams, long lines for darshan, and VIP entries getting closed during this time. If you are planning to visit the Kedarnath temple with kids or elderly parents, then May and June are going to be the most favorable time for your visit to the Kedarnath temple.
Monsoon (July to August)
This is one of the most unfavourable time to visit to this region. This region experiences huge rainfall during these months and due to which some other problems arises like road blockage, landslide, flood, thundering, stone shooting and it could be fatal to visit to Kedarnath temple during these months. Still there are some advantanges of visiting to Kedarnath temple during these months like prices are very low, no croud and no line for darshan, so you can have darshan easily. If you wish to visit during the month of July or August, then keep your schedule flexible, hire gide while trekking so that he can guide you the best and keep you safe during the trekking.
Winter (September to October or November)
This is the time when the rain just ended and the sky got clear. Temperature in the month of September will range between 18 degrees Celsius and 7 degrees Celsius with a clear view of snow-capped mountains and dense forest all around the valley. This is another best time to visit Kedarnath temple you can plan for if you are planning to visit here with your family or friends. But if you are an adventure enthusiast and willing to experience the live snowfall, then November will be the most favorable time to visit. This time is most favorable for the youngsters, as you will get to experience the live snowfall and beauty all around the temple. But it could be not very favorable for anyone who is above the age of 55 years, as the temperature here will be very low, and it could fall up to -15 degrees Celsius.
Conclusion:-
In conclusion, Kedarnath Temple is a divine and breathtaking destination that attracts pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. The ideal time to visit largely depends on your preferences and physical condition. If you're looking for moderate weather and a family-friendly experience, the summer months of May and June are perfect, though they can be crowded. For those who prefer peace and can handle the risks, visiting during the monsoon months of July and August could be an option, but only with extra precautions. If you enjoy clear skies and moderate temperatures, September and October offer the best of both worlds. However, for adventure seekers willing to experience live snowfall, November is the time to go, though it may not be suitable for older individuals due to the extreme cold. Remember, the temple opens in late April or early May and closes by Bhai Dooj, so planning your trip within these months will ensure you can experience the temple's spiritual atmosphere. Whatever time you choose, Kedarnath is sure to offer a memorable and unique experience.