About Bhim Shila
Prime Day & Hours: Mondays
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport - Dehradun
Nearest Bus Stop: Gaurikund
Bhim Shila, a colossal boulder steeped in mythology and modern miracle, is located just behind the Kedarnath Temple. According to legend, Bhima of the Mahabharata put it there to protect the shrine. In the floods of 2013, it miraculously redirected the floodwaters, keeping the temple safe, and is a must addition to your Kedarnath tour package.
Bhim Shila is not only spiritually important, but it is also easy to get to from Kedarnath post-darshan by a steep 3-4 km trek. The path follows the Mandakini River and goes up rocky ridges and slopes covered in pine trees. Along the way, it reveals stunning views of the Himalayas. When pilgrims get to the site, they often feel a strong emotional lift and are full of awe, natural beauty, and spiritual energy.
At the base of the boulder, visitors can sit, meditate, and think about the protective legacy that saved hundreds of people during the disaster. Bhim Shila is a unique blend of faith, geology, and the beauty of the Himalayas. It is a deeply experiential highlight that encourages mindfulness, awe, and lasting memories.
Bhim Shila Highlights
• Marvel at this “miracle rock”, Bhim Shila, revered as Bhim’s divine shield, halted floodwaters and debris in the 2013 catastrophe.
• Experience the majestic Himalayan setting, just behind Kedarnath Temple, Bhim Shila is framed by the Mandakini River, pine-clad slopes, and glaciated peaks.
• Soak in mythic and spiritual resonance, place coins, flowers, and whisper prayers here, and connect with stories of Bhima, Shiva, and Shankaracharya.
How To Reach Bhim Shila
- By Trek: You have to trek 16 km from Gaurikund to get to Kedarnath, it will take you around 6-8 hours to complete the trek.
- By Helicopter: Helicopter services are also available from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sersi helipads for a faster and easier experience. You can also board the helicopter from Dehradun as per your convinience.
- By Pony or Palanquin: You can hire local pony or palanquin service providers or book them in advance, starting from Gaurikund or Sonprayag to aid your journey.
Best Time To Visit Bhim Shila
Peak Season (May to June and September to October):
- Temple Access: Kedarnath Temple typically opens in early May
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, daytime temps around 5 to 20 °C, nights may drop to 0 to 5 °C
- Things to Do: Pilgrimage, temple rituals, strolls
Moderate Season (July to August):
- Weather Insights: Monsoon season with heavy rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 18 °C
- Things to do: Quiet darshan, photography
Low Season (November to April):
- Temple Access: Kedarnath Temple closed; idol shifts to Ukhimath
- Weather Insights: Cold, with heavy snowfall, ranging from -25 to 5 °C
- Things to do: Spot snowy landscapes, winter photography
Bhim Shila Other Essential Information
Know before you go
- Check weather conditions beforehand, as Kedarnath experiences unpredictable weather.
- The temple remains closed during winters (Nov–Apr) due to heavy snowfall.
- It is advisable to train before embarking on the trek; the 16-18 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is physically demanding.
- Pack warm clothing even in summer (May–June, Sept–Oct), as it’s cold. Pack thermal wear, gloves, woollen socks, and a waterproof jacket for warmth and sudden rain.
- Avoid overpacking and carry only essentials like a small backpack, torch, power bank, first aid kit, water bottles, glucose sachets, and dry snacks.
- Acclimatise to altitude, spend a day at Sonprayag or Gaurikund to let your body adjust to the altitude and avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
- Carry a valid government-issued ID and medical certificate (especially for those above 50), as it may be required at checkpoints.
- Avoid the monsoon season, as July–August is prone to landslides and flash floods.
- Mobile connectivity is limited; only BSNL and Jio work intermittently near the temple.
- Carry enough cash from Rudraprayag or Guptkashi, as ATMs are rare and unreliable beyond Sonprayag.
- Dress modestly, maintain cleanliness, and follow temple norms.
- Do not litter on the trek route and carry back your trash.
See the miraculous boulder up close
Stand close to the huge 20 x 12 ft Bhim Shila boulder, which is like a guardian behind Kedarnath Temple. It famously turned away the floodwaters of 2013, which saved the shrine. Touching its cold, worn surface makes you feel reverence, awe, and a strong sense of divine protection.
Trek the Sacred High Trail
To make your pilgrimage longer, climb a steep 1 km from Rudraksha Mandapam to Bhim Shila. Follow Mandakini's whisper as you make your way through jagged strata and rocky ledges. The valley views get better with each step: Mandakini's silver course, the peaks of the Chorabari Glacier, and other stunning Himalayan views that make the effort worthwhile.
Explore Adjacent Sacred Sites
Just behind Bhim Shila lies the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi Temple, where the sage’s mortal remains lie in spiritual stillness. Merge visits for deeper resonance, with nearby Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar) and the Bhairavnath shrine harmonising reflection with exploration.
Tourism Board Alliances
Bhim Shila FAQs
What is Bhim Shila, and why is it significant?
Bhim Shila is a huge boulder that is about 20 by 12 feet and is located just behind the Kedarnath Temple. This rock stopped the raging floodwaters and debris during the terrible flood on June 16, 2013. By changing the current, it saved the shrine and about 300 to 500 lives.
What’s the legend behind Bhim Shila?
Legend credits Bhima from the Mahabharata with placing this rock beside Lord Shiva’s abode. During their Penances at Kedarnath, it's said Bhima used his mace to set it as a divine protector. This myth interweaves with its 2013 heroics, reinforcing its awe-inspiring sacred aura.
How easy is access to the rock from the temple?
Bhim Shila is located just a few meters behind the main Kedarnath Temple, in the temple courtyard. There is no separate trek; just follow the path behind the shrine. Because it's so close, it's a natural last stop on your trip, making it easy to add to your spiritual tour.