Kedarnath’s Rudra Caves: a dwelling like no other in the high mountains

Have you been to the famous Kedarnath Temple? If yes, did you also make it to the Rudra Caves, just a kilometre away from the temple complex?
Rudra Cave or Rudra Gufa was made popular by Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in 2019, when he meditated in the cave for a night.

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Every year, from the month of May till October end, Kedarnath, which is a part of the Char Dham Yatra, opens for visitors and pilgrims. The large number of pilgrims and visitors is no surprise.

Just a kilometre away from the temple complex, there are underground meditation caves constructed by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute, as a part of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam’s (GMVN) guest house chain. These caves are open for visitors who wish to stay in the area to meditate. At present, there are three meditation caves, out of which, one made headlines back in 2019..

Rudra Gufa is also known as the Dhyaan Gufa (dhyaan meaning meditation). Located on the other end of the Mandakini river, the cave provides a very peaceful retreat, perfect for meditation. For those who are looking for some time with themselves, in complete isolation, can make use of these meditation caves where one will be surrounded by only basic amenities.


So what’s so special about Rudra Gufa? This single-person accommodation, stone meditation cave in the middle of nowhere is no luxury by any means. Small, but it’s the vibe, as they say. This small stone cave has a wooden door and a window that faces the Kedarnath and Bhairavnath temples. This cave dwelling comes with basic amenities like a single bed with warm bedding, running water, attached washroom, geyser, heater, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone for communication with the GMVN staff and a calling bell.

Back in April of this year, two additional meditation caves were introduced. Some more of such caves are in the pipeline.


Don’t think that your cave stay will be one with hardships; the stay is quite comfortable and GMVN provides basic food facility for the cave stays. From morning tea to dinner, all your day’s meals are taken care of by GMVN. It’s a pretty budget deal with stays ranging from INR 990 to INR 3000 per night. Breakfasts come for INR 70 per plate, and lunch and dinner for INR 130 per plate.

There are few other things when it comes to a stay at one of the caves. Your stay has to be for a minimum of three days. Advance booking is always recommended, given the limited number of caves available! Another requirement is that you need to undergo a medical check-up and only if you are medically fit, will you be allowed to stay in one of the caves. One never knows what kind of health ailments such high altitude and cold weather may bring.

1. Where is Rudra cave?
   Rudra Cave is located just a kilometre away from Kedarnath Temple in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand.
2. Is Rudra Cave open to visitors?
   The cave is open to visitors only during the yatra season in summers.
3. How many meditation caves are there in Kedarnath?
   In total, there are three meditation caves in Kedarnath.