Where to Stay in Kedarnath Dham?

Understanding Accommodation in Kedarnath

Due to its remote Himalayan location and focus on the pilgrimage experience, Kedarnath offers unique accommodation options that differ from typical tourist destinations. The best places to stay near Kedarnath Temple prioritize basic comfort and proximity to the sacred shrine rather than luxury amenities.

The Kedarnath Yatra attracts devotees from across India and beyond, especially during the pilgrimage season from May to October. During peak season, the administration arranges accommodation for up to 15,000 devotees per night within the Dham premises, with additional facilities at various points along the trekking route.

Quick Stay Selector: Choose the Right Area at a Glance

Types of Accommodation in Kedarnath: A Divine Spectrum for Every Devotee

Lodging in Kedarnath weaves a tapestry of simplicity and solace, perfectly attuned to the yatra's sacred rhythm, from humble dorms echoing with bhajans to retreats framed by snow-kissed peaks. These options, spanning the temple precinct to nearby Sitapur and Gaurikund, ensure every pilgrim finds a sanctuary that nurtures both body and spirit. ​

Important to know: Availability near the temple is extremely limited and often sells out first. Pilgrims who arrive late in the day without confirmed bookings frequently have to descend back to Gaurikund or Sitapur, making advance planning non-negotiable.

1. Dharamshalas & Ashrams in Kedarnath: Essence of Bhakti

The most authentic pilgrimage experience, Dharamshalas & Ashrams in Kedarnath offer enveloping devotees in an aura of selfless sewa and communal devotion. These timeless havens provide clean, basic facilities tailored for spiritual immersion, with saffron-draped halls alive with kirtans and the aroma of sattvic prasad.

Popular choices include Punjab Sindh Awas, just 100 meters from the temple, boasting stunning mountain vistas and hygienic vegetarian meals that warm the soul. Shri Kedarnath Dharamshala radiates homely vibes, ideal for those embracing simplicity. Bikaner House, located just 100 meters away, offers non-AC rooms with capacities ranging from 2 to 10 beds, ideal for group harmony. Himachal House delivers cozy nooks with essential comforts, while Meerut Mandal Mewar Sadan and Rajasthan Seva Sadan promise peaceful repose near the divine footsteps. ​

Typical amenities embrace dormitory-style or private rooms, attached or shared bathrooms with hot water, nourishing vegetarian feasts, and unbeatable proximity crafting moments where faith feels tangible. ​

2. Government Guest Houses - GMVN Properties: Reliability Amid the Peaks

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) anchors reliable stays with its vast, trusted network, blending organization and accessibility for seamless yatra experiences. Swargarohini Complex shines as the flagship, offering economy rooms, family suites, and dormitories with steadfast amenities; bookings for peak seasons open early to welcome throngs.​

GMVN's tent colonies at Nandi Complex, Bhairavnath, Vasuki, Devdarshni, and Kedar Dome Cottages hug the base camp, providing 6-bed dorms with plush mattresses, private or shared baths featuring hot water, warm blankets against frosty nights, and even complimentary dinners at select spots. These well-maintained oases ensure hygiene and ease.​

3. Guest Houses in Kedarnath: Heartfelt Hospitality

A perfect balance of guest houses in Kedarnath bridge basic dharamshalas and upscale comforts, ideal for families and groups seeking warmth without excess. Ameesha Hotel delights with modern touches like private bathrooms and room service. Bagwari House offers 3- to 7-bedded non-AC rooms, while Padam Koti provides 3- to 6-bed setups.​

Hanuman Tent delivers tented coziness with mattresses, Leela Mahadev Guest House charms with serene vibes, Bangal Guest House wins for location and service, and Sunil Guest House ensures basics with genuine care. These gems foster family-like bonds over shared meals and trail tales. ​

4. Mid-Range Hotels in Kedarnath: Elevated Comfort with Devotion

Mid-range hotels in Kedarnath elevate the spiritual sojourn with thoughtful amenities while honoring the yatra's sanctity. Hotel Ganga Kedarnath, a 3-star haven, features flat-screen TVs and vegetarian breakfasts. Hotel Namami Gange & Restaurant boasts gardens, terraces, and dining nooks. Hotel Maya Residency offers free WiFi and round-the-clock front desk support, while Gayatri Sadan Cottage excels in pilgrim-focused facilities. ​ These stays envelop you in cleanliness, hot water, and serene spaces, ideal for recharging between aartis and treks. ​

5. Budget Hotels in Kedarnath: Essentials for the Essentials

Budget hotels in Kedarnath cater to wise wanderers, delivering core comforts in Gaurikund and base areas without fanfare, perfect for solos and groups. Expect clean rooms with attached bathrooms, reliable hot water, simple vegetarian meals, extra mattresses, fresh bedding, and CCTV security. ​ These no-frills nests prioritize location and functionality, fueling trekkers for the path ahead with efficiency and peace. ​

6. Luxury & Premium Hotels in Kedarnath: Valley Opulence Nearby

Luxury & premium hotels in Kedarnath in Phata, Sitapur, and Guptkashi offer refined escapes amid the terrain's constraints. Amritara SunInn (Phata) provides 4-star allure with restaurants and terraces. Kedara Yatih Resort serves buffet breakfasts amid mountain panoramas. Kedar River Retreat (Sitapur-Rampur) enchants with tranquil vibes, Shivalik Valley Resort (Sitapur) is a family favorite, and La Fiyoli Resort (Phata) stuns 10 km from the trek start.

Best Areas to Stay Around Kedarnath Dham

Choosing the right location to stay during your Kedarnath Yatra plays a crucial role in determining the ease, comfort, and spiritual flow of your journey. Each area around Kedarnath serves a specific purpose depending on your mode of travel, physical preparedness, and yatra schedule.

Hotels & Resorts Near Kedarnath Temple

Staying close to the Kedarnath Temple is ideal for devotees who wish to immerse themselves fully in temple rituals and darshan without the strain of long walks. Accommodations here allow easy access to early morning and late evening aartis, enabling pilgrims to experience the sanctum during quieter, spiritually charged hours. Most stays in this zone are dharamshalas, GMVN properties, and small guest houses that offer basic facilities designed for high-altitude conditions. Due to limited availability and extreme demand, especially during peak months, advance booking is essential. These stays are best suited for spiritually focused pilgrims, senior citizens who have completed the trek, and those staying for a single night near the shrine.

Insight: Staying near the temple is physically easier but logistically harder. Rooms are basic, oxygen levels are low, and availability disappears quickly during peak dates. Ideal only if your trek or helicopter arrival is well-timed.

Hotels and Resorts in Gaurikund

Gaurikund serves as the official starting point of the 16 km trek to Kedarnath and is therefore a strategic overnight halt for trekkers. Staying here allows pilgrims to begin the ascent early in the morning, avoiding crowd congestion and afternoon weather fluctuations. Accommodation options in Gaurikund include budget hotels, guest houses, and dharamshalas offering clean rooms, hot water facilities, and simple meals. This area is particularly suitable for first-time trekkers, budget-conscious pilgrims, and those planning a steady, well-paced trek. Gaurikund also has better access to transport, medical aid, and basic markets compared to higher-altitude locations.

Insight: Many first-time yatris underestimate the benefit of starting the trek before sunrise. A night in Gaurikund significantly improves pacing, crowd avoidance, and overall trek comfort.

Hotels & Resprts in Sitapur & Phata

Sitapur and Phata are preferred by pilgrims seeking comfort without compromising on proximity to Kedarnath. These towns function as base camps for helicopter services and offer a range of mid-range to premium hotels and resorts. Accommodations here provide spacious rooms, reliable electricity, better dining facilities, and scenic surroundings along the Mandakini River. Staying in Sitapur or Phata is ideal for elderly pilgrims, families with children, and devotees opting for helicopter darshan. These locations also work well for ravellers who want a restful night before or after completing the yatra.

Best for comfort-first pilgrims: These towns offer the best balance between proximity and recovery. For helicopter ravellers and elderly devotees, staying here often results in a calmer, better-paced darshan experience.

Hotels and Resorts in Guptkashi

Guptkashi is one of the most well-developed towns on the Kedarnath route and is ideal for families and pilgrims planning a longer stay. With better infrastructure, road connectivity, medical facilities, and a wider range of hotels, Guptkashi allows for comfortable acclimatization before heading to higher altitudes. It also holds religious significance with temples like Vishwanath and Ardhnarishwar, adding spiritual depth to the journey. This area is particularly suitable for group travelers, senior citizens, and those combining Kedarnath with other Char Dham destinations

Insight: Ideal if Kedarnath is part of a longer Char Dham circuit and you want proper acclimatization, medical access, and rest days built into your plan.

Booking Tips for Staying in Kedarnath (Read This Carefully)

• Book Early, Especially Temple-Area Stays: GMVN rooms, dharamshalas, and tent colonies near Kedarnath Temple fill weeks in advance during peak yatra months.
• Don’t Rely on On-the-Spot Availability: Walk-in accommodation is unpredictable and stressful at high altitude.
• Carry Printed Confirmations: Mobile networks are unreliable; printed booking proof helps during check-in.
• Expect Fixed Hot Water Timings: Most accommodations provide hot water only during scheduled hours.
• Pack for Indoor Cold: Nights are cold even indoors; thermal layers and woolens are essential.
• Power Cuts Are Normal: Carry power banks and keep devices charged whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get accommodation in Kedarnath without prior booking?

On-the-spot accommodation is limited and unreliable during the yatra season. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Are luxury hotels available near Kedarnath Temple?

No. Luxury hotels are available only in nearby towns such as Phata, Sitapur, and Guptkashi.

Is hot water available in Kedarnath accommodations?

Yes, but usually only during fixed hours due to limited heating resources.

Which accommodation is best for senior citizens?

GMVN guest houses near the temple or comfortable hotels in Sitapur and Phata are most suitable.

Are meals included in Kedarnath stays?

Most dharamshalas and GMVN properties offer simple vegetarian meals, often included in the stay.

A pilgrimage to Kedarnath is as much about planning wisely as it is about faith. Where you stay determines how rested you feel, how smoothly darshan unfolds, and how deeply you experience the sacred silence of the Himalayas. Whether you choose the simplicity of a temple-side dharamshala or the comfort of a valley resort, aligning accommodation with your physical ability and yatra schedule makes all the difference.

If you’re unsure where to stay based on your trek plans, helicopter timing, or travel companions, thoughtful planning can transform your Kedarnath Yatra from exhausting to enriching.