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How to Reach Kedarnath – Full Travel Guide

Sadadiya Karan
Kedarnath Temple with Himalayan mountains, trekking route and sunrise – travel guide feature image

Kedarnath Temple surrounded by the Himalayas — a complete travel guide to reach the sacred pilgrimage site.

Author: BhaktiParv.com

Introduction

Kedarnath is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations, located deep in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is part of the Char Dham Yatra and attracts millions of devotees every year. Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, flowing rivers, and breathtaking valleys, Kedarnath offers not just a spiritual journey but also an unforgettable travel experience.

However, reaching Kedarnath requires careful planning because of its high altitude, limited accessibility, and challenging weather conditions. Many first-time travelers struggle with questions like:

This full Kedarnath travel guide answers all your questions in a simple, clear, and practical way. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or alone, this step-by-step guide will help you reach Kedarnath smoothly and safely.

Where Is Kedarnath Located?

Kedarnath Temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at an elevation of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 ft).
The temple sits near the Mandakini River, surrounded by the mighty Kedarnath Mountain ranges.

The nearest road point is Gaurikund, from where the 16 km trek to Kedarnath begins.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Kedarnath remains open only for 6 months:

Best months to visit:

Avoid the monsoon months (July–August) because of landslides and heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Kedarnath – Complete Guide

Reaching Kedarnath involves three main steps:

  1. Arrive in Uttarakhand (Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun)
  2. Travel to Gaurikund (the last road point)
  3. Trek / helicopter ride from Gaurikund to Kedarnath

Let’s understand each step in detail.

1. How to Reach Kedarnath by Flight

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is:

✈ Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Distance to Gaurikund: ~223 km

From the airport, you can travel to Kedarnath via:

Approx Travel Time:

If you want the fastest route, book your flight till Dehradun and then book a direct cab to Gaurikund.

2. How to Reach Kedarnath by Train

The nearest major railway stations are:

🚆 Haridwar Junction (most preferred)

Distance to Gaurikund: ~238 km

🚆 Rishikesh Railway Station

Distance to Gaurikund: ~216 km

🚆 Dehradun Railway Station

Distance to Gaurikund: ~250 km

From these stations, you can take:

Haridwar & Rishikesh are the most convenient because of frequent transport options.

3. How to Reach Kedarnath by Road (Bus / Car / Taxi)

🚍 By Bus

You will find regular buses from:

Most buses go toward:

From Sonprayag, only shuttle taxis run to Gaurikund.

🚗 By Car / Taxi

This is the most comfortable way.

Best route:

Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund

Total time from Delhi: 12–14 hours

Gaurikund to Kedarnath – Trek Route (16 km)

From Gaurikund, the 16 km trek to Kedarnath begins. This trek is steep, but the government has improved the path.

Trek Distance: 16 km

Trek Time: 6–8 hours (normal walkers)

Route Points:

Options to Reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund

1. Trekking (Most popular)

Suitable for:

2. Pony / Mule Service

Available from Gaurikund & Sonprayag.

Ideal for:

3. Palki / Kandi Service

For those who cannot walk at all.
Carried by 4 trained men.

4. Helicopter Services (Fastest option)

Helicopter services operate from:

Helicopter Time:

5–10 minutes to Kedarnath Helipad

Key Tip:

Book helicopter tickets online in advance because slots fill up quickly.

Where to Stay in Kedarnath

✔ Guest Houses

✔ GMVN Cottages

✔ Camps

✔ Dharamshalas

✔ Budget hotels (Guptkashi / Sonprayag)

Best Option:

Stay at Kedarnath Base Camp or near the temple for a surreal experience.

Where to Stay in Gaurikund / Sonprayag

These two locations have plenty of:

It’s common for travelers to stay here before beginning the trek.

Important Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra

✔ 1. Register Online Before Travel

Registration is mandatory on the Uttarakhand Tourism website.

✔ 2. Carry Warm Clothes

Even in May–June, temperatures drop sharply at night.

✔ 3. Drink Plenty of Water

High altitude means fast dehydration.

✔ 4. Keep Essential Medicines

Motion sickness, high altitude, and cold may cause discomfort.

✔ 5. Start Trek Early Morning

The weather becomes unpredictable after 12 PM.

✔ 6. Book Stay in Advance

During peak season, accommodation gets full fast.

Food Options During Kedarnath Yatra

Along the trek route, you will find:

At Kedarnath, temple area has many simple veg food outlets.

Mobile Network & Connectivity

Kedarnath has limited network coverage.

Best networks:

Avoid depending on internet for communication in high-altitude zones.

Weather Conditions in Kedarnath

Kedarnath weather changes every hour.

Summer (May–June):

5°C – 18°C

Post-Monsoon (Sept–Oct):

2°C – 12°C

Nights:

Always extremely cold

Carry:

Is Kedarnath Safe?

Yes, Kedarnath is safe if you follow:

Final Thoughts

Kedarnath is not just a travel destination; it is a spiritual journey that requires faith, preparation, and awareness. Reaching Kedarnath may feel challenging, but the experience is worth every step. The mighty mountains, divine energy, and peaceful environment leave every devotee with a deep sense of spiritual transformation.

A well-planned trip, proper registration, and understanding the travel routes can make your Kedarnath Yatra safe, smooth, and memorable. Whether you choose trekking, pony, or helicopter services, each route offers a unique connection to the Himalayas. As you walk the sacred path, remember that Kedarnath is a journey of devotion as much as it is of endurance. With the right preparation, your visit will become a cherished lifetime experience.

Category: Kedarnath Travel Guide | Uttarakhand Temples | Hindu Pilgrimage

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