Introduction
The Kedarnath yatra is not just about covering distances; it’s about knowing how to reach Kedarnath in the best way and planning the route for safe travel. Since there is no direct air, train, or rail connectivity to the temple itself.
Kedarnath is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Bangalore, and more. A 16 km trek from Gaurikund is required to reach the temple.
Read this complete guide on “How to reach Kedarnath Temple” to know the best way to travel to Kedarnath by flight, train, route, with complete details.
Where Is Kedarnath Temple Located?
Kedarnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand within the Garhwal Himalayas. Situated on the banks of the Mandakini River, the temple sits at an altitude of 11,755 feet (3583 meters) and is surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
The temple is easily accessible by flight, train, and road from major cities in India. Although the route to Kedarnath offers the most stunning views of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
Overview of Kedarnath Journey
- Location: Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 feet)
- Travel Options: Flight, Train, or by Road
- Duration: 3 to 4 days, depending on the starting point, road route, and travel mode
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railhead: Haridwar & Rishikesh
- Trek Distance: 16 Km
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Base Camp: Gaurikund
How To Reach Kedarnath Temple?
Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are the primary gateways for the Kedarnath yatra. From there, devotees can easily find various transport modes, like taxi, bus, and shared jeep, to reach Sonprayag, which is the last motorable point for private vehicles, and then take a shuttle taxi to Gaurikund.
Gaurikund is the official starting point for the Kedarnath trek. From here, devotees must complete a 16 km uphill trek to reach the temple. There is no direct motor access to the temple, as Gaurikund is the last and nearest transit hub to Kedarnath. If you are unable to trek, you can hire Pony/Palki/Pitthu for it.
How To Reach Kedarnath By Flight?
Travelling by flight is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Kedarnath. Since Kedarnath doesn’t have its own commercial Airport. Pilgrims must take a flight to the nearest airport, which is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, to Kedarnath. From Dehradun, devotees must travel to the last motorable point, followed by a trek to reach the site.
Travellers can also take a helicopter service from nearby helipads to reach the temple by skipping the trek. Here is a detailed overview of how to reach Kedarnath by flight:
Step 1: Air Travel to Dehradun
Fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, serving as a primary air gateway to Kedarnath, around 238 km away. Having daily flights from the major indian cities, like Delhi or Mumbai.
- Major Airlines: IndiGo and Air India
- Connectivity: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc
- Flight duration: depends on distance, minimum 60 minutes to max. 2-3 hours.
Step 2: Dehradun to Gaurikund
After reaching Dehradun, devotees have two primary options: one is to opt for the helicopter service, and the second is to travel to the last transit hub and complete the trek. Let’s discuss each option one by one.
Option A: Helicopter Service: From Dehradun, drive to nearby helipads: Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi. From these helipads, shuttle helicopter services are available during the yatra season for those who are unable to trek or have less time to travel.
It takes pilgrims directly to the Kedarnath helipad, near the temple, by a short flight. Requires prior booking through the official site of Heliyatra IRCTC.
- Kedarnath shuttle flight duration: 10-12 minutes
- Kedarnath flight ticket price: ₹7,000 to ₹12,000 per person can vary by season.
- Suitable for: senior citizens and time-bound travellers.
Option B: Road Travel: From Dehradun, hire a private taxi to reach Sonpryag, then continue to Gaurikund via shuttle taxi.
Final Stretch: Trek to Kedarnath Temple
After reaching Gaurikund, head on a trek of around 16-18 km to the Kedarnath Temple. Can be covered on foot or by Pony/palki and Pitthu service.
How To Reach Kedarnath By Train?
The Kedarnath journey by train is the most economical option, but like the airport, Kedarnath doesn’t have its own railway station. Pilgrims must travel to the nearest railheads: Haridwar and Rishikesh. From there, the road journey to the last transit hub followed a trek to reach the temple.
Below is a detailed overview of how to reach Kedarnath by train.
Step 1: Train travel to Haridwar/ Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the most convenient and nearest railhead to Kedarnath, approximately 216 km away. Haridwar and Dehradun are other major stations with better connectivity to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Surat, Bangalore, etc.
Popular trains: Vande Bharat, Jan Shatabadi (12055), Shatabdi Exp. (12017), Yoga Express, and more.
Step 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund
Once you reach any of these stations, you need to transfer to a road journey to Sonprayag/Gaurikund.
- Total Road Distance: 240-250 km by road
- Duration: 8-10 hours
- Travel options: State-run buses and Private taxis/cabs
- Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Estimated price: ₹700 to ₹1000 per person for the bus and a one-way taxi fare of ₹5,000 to ₹8,000, which can vary throughout the season.
Final Step: From Gaurikund, complete the trek toward the Kedarnath Temple. If you are unable to trek, then opt for a local service like Pony and Palki from Gaurikund.
How To Reach Kedarnath By Road?
Reaching Kedarnath by road is the only option after reaching the major transit hubs, like Haridwar and Rishikesh. But there are no direct roads leading to the Kedarnath Temple. Travellers must travel to the last motorable point, which is Gaurikund, and then complete the last stretch trek toward the Kedarnath Temple.
Here is a brief overview of how to reach Kedarnath by road:
Step 1: Travel to Haridwar/Rishikesh first
Travel by your own vehicle or take Volvo buses available from cities, Like Delhi to reach Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Step 2: Haridwar to Sonprayag/Gaurikund
After heading to Haridwar, transfer to another vehicle to reach Gaurikund.
Travel Options:
- Local bus: The most economical option, buses operate regularly from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Fares range from 500 to 1500 per person, depending on the service provider, or vary by season.
- Private taxi/cab: For convenience, hire a private taxi or a car to reach Sonprayag, then continue to Gaurikund. Costs range between 6000 and 9000 per person.
- Self-drive: You can reach Sonprayag by your own vehicle; parking is available here.
Note: Sonprayag is the last transit hub for private vehicles and long-distance local buses. From Sonprayag, travellers need to take a shared jeep to Gaurikund.
Step 3: Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple
Final Step: From Gaurikund, head on a trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple. If you are a fit individual, you can easily take around 6-8 hours, or if you are unable to trek, you can take a local service of Pony/Palki for Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Trek Guide
Your ultimate road journey ends in Gaurikund. From there, the Kedarnath trek starts to reach the temple. It’s an uphill trek of around 16 km one way, considered moderately challenging due to rugged terrain and demanding good physical health.
- Starting Point: Gaurikund
- Leading Point: Kedarnath Temple
- Trek Distance: 16 km one way
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
- Trek Route: Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Linchauli → Kedarnath base camp → Kedarnath Temple
- On-route Facility: Medical service, camp, food, and basic amenities
- Alternate Option: For those who are unable to trek, Pony, Palki, and Pitthu services are available at Gaurikund.
- Highlights: Views of snow-capped peaks and river valleys.
Travel Tips For Visitors
- Start Early: Begin your journey early, whether you travel on roads or trek to the temple, to avoid traffic and rush.
- Check Weather & Roads: Always be aware of the roads and weather; it can fluctuate in the Himalayas, affecting accessibility, so be careful.
- Keep Registration & ID: Always carry a valid ID proof, passport-size photo, and registration slip.
- Keep Buffer Days: Keep one or two extra days in your travel plans for any delays or mishaps.
- Booking in Advance: Avoid last-minute planning; always book transportation or a Kedarnath yatra package well in advance.
- Avoid Night Travel: Driving after sunset, generally after 8:00 p.m., is not allowed for safety reasons, so follow this rule.
Suggested Itinerary For Kedarnath
Day 1: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Guptkashi
Drive to Guptkashi and do an overnight stay at a hotel in Guptkashi
Day 2: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Drive to Guarikund and trek to Kedarnath. Stay a night near the temple
Day 3: Kedarnath Darshan & Guptkashi
Darshan at Kedarnath, trek back to Gaurikund, and drive back to Guptkashi
Day 4: Guptkashi to Haridwar
Heads on the return journey to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarnath can be overwhelming for groups such as senior citizens or first-timers due to steep treks and high altitudes, but with the right planning, it becomes a smooth and fulfilling experience.
So whether you opt for a helicopter or trek on foot, which tests your strength and teaches you lessons of patience and endurance.
In the end, Kedarnath is a fully spiritually enriching experience, and with a better understanding of how to reach Kedarnath and the right approach, it really can be truly meaningful.
FAQs
How to reach Kedarnath easily?
To reach Kedarnath easily, you can take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport or a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh, continue by road to Gaurikund, and then trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple. For comfort and safety, take a helicopter service or Pony/palki service to bypass the strenuous trek and reach the site.
How many days are sufficient for Kedarnath?
Generally, 3-5 days are enough for road travel from Haridwar, trekking to the site, Darshan at the temple, and nearby sightseeing to visit and explore Kedarnath.
Is it better to fly or trek to Kedarnath?
Choice is yours whether you may go by helicopter or trek to reach Kedarnath. If you are a fit individual, you can reach Kedarnath by trekking on foot, or if you are unable to trek, you can opt for a helicopter service.
How can I go to Kedarnath by train?
To reach Kedarnath by train, take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, the nearest railheads to the temple. From there, take a bus or a local taxi to Sonprayag, then Gaurikund. From there, head on a trek to reach the temple.
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