Hotels in Kedarnath — simple guide for 2026 yatra

If you are looking for Hotels in Kedarnath or comparing Kedarnath hotels for your family, Then,we are here for you. The Kedarnath shrine opened on 2 May 2025 at 7:00 AM and the Mandir visiting generally ends around Bhai Dooj in last week of October. So, rooms fills fast in the opening week and closing week. You can choose our Chardham Yatra or Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter to visit Kedarnath along with Hotels in 2026.

Where “Kedarnath hotels” are actually located

At the top (near the temple): You will mostly find GMVN cottages, pre-fab huts and a few dharamshalas in Kedarnath town, plus government huts on the trek halts (Linchauli, Bhimbali). These are closest to darshan but basic and cold at night.

On the road below: You will find many private hotels and homestays at Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Guptkashi, Phata and Sersi. These are more comfortable and has more facilities such as hot water, parking and restaurants and are more suitable for helicopter landings sites like Phata/Sersi.

Quick rule of thumb:

Want first aarti and less morning walking? Stay in Kedarnath town / Linchauli.

Want comfort for elders/kids? Stay Sonprayag–Guptkashi

Taking helicopter? Stay near Phata or Sersi for easy reporting.

Stay areas & what you get (at a glance)

Area	Distance to Temple	Typical Stays	Best For	Notes
Kedarnath town	0–500 m	GMVN cottages, dharamshalas, simple lodges	First aarti, minimal walking	Very cold nights; limited amenities; book GMVN early
Linchauli (on trek)	~4–5 km before shrine	GMVN pre-fab huts / bunk cottages	Early start to darshan	High altitude; carry warm layers
Bhimbali (on trek)	~8–9 km before shrine	GMVN pre-fab huts	Break the trek into 2 days	Basic food & bedding
Gaurikund	~16 km trek start	Budget lodges, dharamshalas	Early trek start	Parking tight; arrive early
Sonprayag	Shuttle base for Gaurikund	Many private hotels/guest houses	Families, drivers, parking	Restaurants & ATMs nearby
Guptkashi	~30–35 km before Sonprayag	Resorts, hotels, homestays	Comfort & buffer day	Milder weather; medical stores
Phata / Sersi	Heli sectors	Hotels near helipads	Helicopter yatris	Confirm slot a day before

Sources for GMVN locations and trek halts are the GMVN booking pages; private-hotel clusters are visible on major OTAs.

Famous & dependable options (by zone)

Very close to the shrine (temple zone):

GMVN Swargarohini / Nandi Complex (Kedarnath) — government cottages next to the helipad/temple path.

GMVN Kedarnath (assorted cottages/huts) — simple, clean, closest to darshan.

On the trek:

GMVN Linchauli (Shivlok Cottages) — bunk-style huts about 4–5 km before the shrine.

GMVN Bhimbali (Bhima Complex) — pre-fab huts to split the climb.

Base belt (more comfort & parking):

Sonprayag hotels — Kedar Shadow Resort and several mid-range stays.

Guptkashi/Phata/Sersi — a wide spread from budget lodges to resorts; handy for heli flyers.

Tip: Helicopter fares and caps change with safety rules; check the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal and local notices before choosing a helipad-side hotel.

Booking & season tips (read before you pay)

Register first: Do the free, mandatory yatra registration on the state portal. Keep your ID handy.

Lock GMVN early: Government cottages near the shrine sell out quickly around opening week (May) and closing week (Bhai Dooj).

Choose comfort for elders: If you need hot water, parking and restaurants, pick Sonprayag–Guptkashi and start early for darshan.

Helicopter flyers: Stay Phata/Sersi for easy reporting; watch fare and schedule updates.

Weather buffer: Keep one extra day in case of rain or heli rescheduling (common in monsoon and late season)

Takeaway

For the best Hotels in Kedarnath: book GMVN cottages or Linchauli/Bhimbali huts for first aarti; choose Sonprayag–Guptkashi for comfort; stay Phata/Sersi for heli. Reserve right after the Kedarnath opening date is announced—and travel with warm layers and a calm heart. Har Har Mahadev!