Avoid
Kedarnath in November
Uttarakhand, India
November closes Kedarnath. The temple shuts on Bhai Dooj (usually late October or early November). By mid-November, the area is under snow and the trek route is impassable. The murti is in Ukhimath for winter. Infrastructure is dismantled. Kedarnath enters six months of isolation. For visitors wanting the winter shrine experience, Ukhimath (accessible year-round) maintains worship.
The November story
November Kedarnath is closed. The temple shut on Bhai Dooj and the area is rapidly becoming inaccessible. For the winter Kedarnath experience, visit Ukhimath (1311m) where daily worship continues with the murti from the main temple. Ukhimath is accessible year-round from Rudraprayag (41km). The small winter shrine, attended by the same priestly families who serve at Kedarnath, offers a stripped-down but genuine spiritual experience. For planning next season: Char Dham registration opens online months in advance. The May opening dates are announced on the Uttarakhand government website. Book helicopter tickets early — May-June slots fill quickly. Physical preparation: the 16km trek gains 1600m elevation. Start training 2-3 months before.
Why November scores 1/5
Weather
Temple closes post-Diwali with Bhai Dooj ceremony. Last helicopter flights early Nov. Snow arriving. Only early Nov viable — check exact closure date.
Roads & Access
self drive: Drive to Sonprayag. No cars beyond.. road condition: Char Dham highway. Monsoon landslides.. public transport: Bus to Guptkashi. Shuttle to Gaurikund. Trek or helicopter.. from nearest city: Rishikesh 220km to Gaurikund. Then 16km trek.. last km difficulty: extreme (16km trek)
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: SDRF, NDRF during yatra. helpline: Char Dham Yatra: 1364. ambulance: 108 (to Gaurikund only). police station: Kedarnath outpost (seasonal). nearest hospital: Medical camp at Kedarnath (seasonal, basic). District Hospital Rudraprayag 80km.
Network
VI: No, JIO: No, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: No. BSNL intermittent at Kedarnath. All networks at Guptkashi. No signal on 16km trek.
Kids
Not ideal for kids — Spiritually profound for older teens
Elevation
3,583m — High altitude, acclimatisation needed
Who should go
- ✓Experienced trekkers / adventurers
- ✓Nobody — temple closed, area inaccessible
- ✓Ukhimath visitors for the winter shrine
- ✓Next-season planners starting registration and booking
- ✓Training athletes preparing for next May's trek
Who should think twice
- ✗First-time travelers
- ✗Anyone with health conditions
- ✗Everyone — temple is closed, area under snow
- ✗No visitor category should attempt access
- ✗Anyone not understanding this is a hard, non-negotiable closure
- ✗Trekkers of any experience level — avalanche risk is extreme
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0/5 | Temple closed. Valley buried under 10+ feet snow. Trek route impassable. Kedarnath town completely evacuated. Murti worshipped at Ukhimath for winter. |
| February | 0/5 | Temple closed. Heaviest snowfall month. Avalanche risk in Mandakini valley. Zero access possible. Valley in complete winter hibernation until late April. |
| March | 0/5 | Temple closed. Snow melting at lower points but Kedarnath at 3,583m still buried. Trek route blocked. BRO begins road clearing to Gaurikund. |
| April | 1/5 | Temple opens Akshaya Tritiya (late April, date varies). Trek route clearing. Helicopter bookings surge. Only visit last week if confirmed open. Cold and icy. |
| May | 5/5 | Season opens, 0-12°C. Trek from Gaurikund (16km) or helicopter. Pilgrims surge. Mule and pony bookings essential. Snow patches on trail. Peak spiritual energy. |
| June | 5/5 | Peak pilgrimage, 5-15°C. Helicopters booked months ahead. 6-8 hour queues for darshan. Trek busy but beautiful. Meadows blooming. Book everything far in advance. |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon makes trek route extremely dangerous. 2013 flood disaster killed 6,000+. Landslides, swollen rivers, slippery trails. Temple open but access life-threatening. |
| August | 2/5 | Peak monsoon. Trek route at its most dangerous. Multiple landslide zones. Helicopter flights cancelled frequently. Pilgrims stranded regularly. Avoid completely. |
| September | 4/5 | Post-monsoon, 2-10°C. Rain retreating. Trek route stabilizing. Far fewer pilgrims — 30-minute darshan instead of 6-hour queues. Autumn scenery beautiful. |
| October | 5/5 | Best for peaceful darshan, 0-8°C. Clear skies, snow-dusted peaks, tiny queues. Trek route at its most scenic. Cold but rewarding. Temple closing mid-Nov. |
| Novemberviewing | 1/5 | Temple closes post-Diwali with Bhai Dooj ceremony. Last helicopter flights early Nov. Snow arriving. Only early Nov viable — check exact closure date. |
| December | 0/5 | Temple closed for winter. Valley under deep snow. Trek route impassable. Murti moved to Ukhimath. No access until late April next year. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Rishikesh 220km to Gaurikund. Then 16km trek.. Roads: Char Dham highway. Monsoon landslides.. Self-drive: Drive to Sonprayag. No cars beyond.. Public transport: Bus to Guptkashi. Shuttle to Gaurikund. Trek or helicopter.. Last stretch: extreme (16km trek)
Elevation
3,583m
Difficulty
hard
Budget tier
budget
Permits required
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Nearby in Uttarakhand scoring high in November
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