Kedarnath Vs Kedarkantha Trek: Key differences explained

Quick answer: Kedarnath and Kedarkantha are two different places. Kedarnath is a famous Shiva temple and Char Dham pilgrimage in Rudraprayag district, reached by a 16 km walk from Gaurikund and open only from about May to early November. Kedarkantha is a 12,500 ft summit trek in Uttarkashi district, done mostly in winter for snow.

The names sound almost the same, so many people mix them up when they search. But the two trips are very different: one is a pilgrimage to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the other is a snow trek to a mountain top. This guide explains the key differences so you can pick the right one.

Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. It stands at about 11,755 ft (3,583 m) in Rudraprayag district, near the source of the Mandakini river. Pilgrims drive to Sonprayag and Gaurikund, then walk about 16 km on a paved path to the temple. Ponies, palkis and helicopter services are also available.

The temple opens in late April or May and closes around Bhai Dooj in October or November, when heavy snow covers the area. In winter, the deity is worshipped at Ukhimath. Kedarnath is busy, especially in May and June, with lakhs of pilgrims every season.

Kedarkantha is a 12,500 ft (3,810 m) peak in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarkashi district. The trek starts from Sankri village, about 190 km from Dehradun, and goes through pine and oak forest to the frozen lake of Juda Ka Talab, then to the base camp and an early-morning summit climb. It is an easy-to-moderate trek and one of the most popular first snow treks in India.

With us, the Kedarkantha trek takes 5 days from Dehradun to Dehradun. From the top you get a 360-degree view of Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch and Black Peak, and in December and January the whole ridge is under snow.

• Choose Kedarnath if you want darshan at a Jyotirlinga temple, a well-made path, hotels and the option of a pony or helicopter.
• Choose Kedarkantha if you want an adventure trek, camping, a real summit and snow in winter.
• In winter (December to March) only Kedarkantha is possible, because Kedarnath Temple is closed.

The Kedarnath walk is long but on a paved path, and help is available all the way. The challenge is the steady climb of about 16 km in one day and the crowds in peak season. Kedarkantha has no paved path: you walk on forest trails and snow, carry a daypack, sleep in tents and start summit day before sunrise. It is not technical, but you need basic fitness for 4 to 6 hours of walking a day.

Kedarnath: May to June and September to October, when the temple is open and the weather is clear. July and August bring heavy rain and landslide risk.

Kedarkantha: December to March for snow, and October to November for clear views. For month-by-month weather, read our Kedarkantha temperature and weather guide.

Local legend says Lord Shiva first meditated on Kedarkantha, but the villagers disturbed him, so he moved on to Kedarnath. This is how the peak got its name.

They are in different districts and are best in different seasons, so most people do them separately. Kedarnath is a summer and autumn pilgrimage; Kedarkantha is best as a winter trek. If you are comparing winter treks, also read Kedarkantha vs Chopta Chandrashila.

Are Kedarnath and Kedarkantha the same?
No. Kedarnath is a temple and pilgrimage in Rudraprayag district. Kedarkantha is a summit trek in Uttarkashi district. They are far apart and best in different seasons.

Which is higher, Kedarnath or Kedarkantha?
Kedarkantha summit, at about 12,500 ft, is higher than Kedarnath Temple at about 11,755 ft.

Can I visit Kedarnath in December?
No. Kedarnath Temple is closed from about November to April because of heavy snow. December is the best month for the Kedarkantha trek instead.

Is Kedarkantha good for beginners?
Yes. Kedarkantha is an easy-to-moderate trek and one of the most popular first snow treks in India. Basic fitness and a few weeks of preparation are enough.

Planning a snow trek this winter? See the full Kedarkantha trek itinerary, cost and dates.