Are you visiting Dehradun to Kedarnath and worried about how to start? Don’t worry, you are not alone in this. Many travellers get overwhelmed by complex logistics and misinformation.
That’s why we prepared this practical guide on how to reach Kedarnath from Dehradun, covering everything about the journey, including Dehradun to Kedarnath distance, route, and travel options, along with tips for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Dehradun is a major transit hub in Uttarakhand, offering air, train, and road connectivity, making it a convenient starting point for the trip. Whether you are a first-time traveller or a frequent traveller, having the right information about the route and distance is crucial for safe travel.
Dehradun To Kedarnath Distance
The distance between Dehradun and Kedarnath is around 245 km by road up to Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From there, head on a trek to the Kedarnath Temple. Kedarnath distance from Dehradun depends on where you start and the mode you choose (road + trek or helicopter).
Let’s takeaways at Dehradun to Kedarnath distance by road, travel time, and route:
- Total distance: 246 km by road + 16 km trek
- Travel time: 1-2 days, depending on breaks and halts
- Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Key stopovers: Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag
How To Reach Kedarnath From Dehradun?
To reach the Kedarnath Temple from Dehradun, you must travel to Dehradun via Train or Flight. From Dehradun, drive to Gaurikund, approx. 240 km by road, and then follow a trek journey of around 16 km to the temple.
Alternatively, you can take a helicopter service directly from the Dehradun Shastradhara helipad or a shuttle helicopter from nearby helipads: Phata, Sirisi, and Guptkashi.
Here are practical ways for the Kedarnath Temple by road journey from Dehradun:
Dehradun To Kedarnath By Road
Travelling from Dehradun to Kedarnath by road covers around 240-250 km and takes around 8-10 hours to reach Gauri Kund. From there, pilgrims must complete a 16 km uphill trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
Dehradun To Kedarnath Bus
Travelling by bus from Dehradun to Kedarnath is a cheaper way to travel and operates from ISBT Dehradun to Sonprayag during the peak season. The journey involves two stages: firstly, bus travel from Dehradun to Sonprayag, and continuing to Gaurikund. From there, embark on a 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Key details about the Dehradun to Kedarnath bus travel:
- Dehradun to Kedarnath Distance by bus: 240-250 km (from Dehradun to Sonprayag).
- Travel time: 8-10 hours for the road journey
- Best Route: Follows the NH-7 and NH-109 route passing via Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Dehradun to Kedarnath Bus fare: Generally, the one-way bus fare (up to Sonprayag) ranges from ₹500 to ₹1,200 per person and can vary by service provider, bus type (AC or non-AC), and season.
- Dehradun to Kedarnath bus timing: Depart early in the morning, around 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM, from Dehradun, to ensure reaching the base camp before dark.
- Operators: State-run government buses (UTC) and private buses of GMOU and Khatri Tour & Travels.
Onward Journey:
The bus will drop you at Sonprayag; keep it in mind. From there, you must take a shuttle taxi to reach Gaurikund, the official starting point for the trek. From Gaurikund, start your trek journey toward the Kedarnath Temple.
Dehradun To Kedarnath By Taxi/Car/Cab
Hiring a taxi or cab is a flexible option that typically ends at Sonprayag, the last motorable point for private vehicles. From there, take a government taxi to Gaurikund and trek to the Kedarnath Temple.
It is ideal for families travelling with seniors or young children to provide safety and convenience with a doorstep facility. Pilgrims can hire these services directly from a taxi stand at Dehradun or book via a major travel portal like EaseMyTrip or MakeMyTrip.
Dheradun to Kedarnath taxi fare:
Taxi fare from Dehradun to Kedarnath (Sonprayag or Gaurikund) depends on the taxi type and seasonal demand. Generally, it ranges from 4,000 to 9,000 for a one-way trip.
Here is the one-way taxi fare by vehicle type:
- Sedan (Dzire/Etios): ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 with a capacity of 4 people
- SUV( Ertiga/Innova): ₹6,000 to ₹12,000 with 6-7 people
- Tempo Traveler: ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 with 10-20 seater
Key details about Kedarnath to Dehradun taxi/cab travel:
- Distance: 245-50 km
- Travel time: 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions
- Service provider: Hire from a local operator or an online booking portal.
- Drop-off point: A private taxi will drop you at Sonprayag.
- Final leg: From there, take a shuttle taxi to reach Gaurikund; it costs around Rs. 50-60 per person. Then head on a trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
Dehradun To Kedarnath By Train
Travelling by train is an economical option to reach Kedarnath. But there is no direct Dehradun to Kedarnath train; devotees must combine their journey with road travel and the final leg via trek or helicopter.
Firstly, take a train to Dehradun railway station; from there, switch to road travel via a taxi or bus to cover a distance of around 250 km to reach the last motorable hub (Gaurikund). For the final journey, trek on foot or hire a pony/palki service or a shuttle helicopter from Phata, Sirsi, and Gaurikund.
Dehradun To Kedarnath By Helicopter
Dehradun to Kedarnath is the fastest way to travel, ideal for time-bound travellers or pilgrims who can not take a full road trip or trek. There are two primary types of helicopter service for the Kedarnath yatra.
Kedarnath Tour By Helicopter from Dehradun
You can book a direct helicopter package from Dehradun to Kedarnath. Operate from the Shastradhara helipad, and it’s very expensive; the cost ranges between ₹85,000 and ₹1,00,000 per person.
It is ideal for NRIs, premium travellers, and time-bound travellers. Generally, it involves 2 days/1 night tour.
Government-operated shuttle service for Kedarnath
Travellers who want to combine their road travel with a helicopter or wish to skip the strenuous trek can book seasonal helicopter services operated according to the Government rules and regulations. It operates from the nearby helipads Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi; it requires booking in advance due to high demand.
- Base helipads: Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi—all accessible by road from Dehradun.
- Cost: ₹6,400 to ₹13,000 per person for a round trip.
- Flight Duration: 8-12 minutes for a round trip
- Booking method: Can be done only through the official website of IRCTC Heliyatra.
- Availability: Demands are very high during the peak season; pilgrims are failing to secure confirmed tickets.
Dehradun To Kedarnath Route Map
The Dehradun to Kedarnath route map can span over 250 km by road up to Gaurikund, taking around 8-10 hours of driving, followed by a 16 km trek from the base point.
The journey follows a standard NH-7 route. Passing through scenic Himalayan towns.
Key Route: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Here are the major segments of the Dehradun to Kedarnath route, to help plan a practical travel journey.
Dehradun to Rishikesh
- Distance: 38 km
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Road Conditions: Smooth and well-connected, but experiences heavy traffic, so start early to avoid it.
- Highlights: Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, etc.
Rishikesh to Devprayag
A major key stop for a necessary break.
- Distance: 70 km
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Road Conditions: Moderately good, lined with local markets, hotels, and restaurants.
- Highlights: Witness Devprayag Sangam and explore local markets.
Devprayag to Rudraprayag
- Distance: 70-80 km
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Road Conditions: Hilly & narrow, offering fuel stations and ATM facilities.
- Highlights: Driving via the riverside, witnessing the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
Rudraprayag to Guptkashi
The journey becomes steeper in some sections, requiring careful driving.
- Distance: 45 km
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Road Conditions: Generally good. Provide basic amenities of food, stay, and medical services.
- Highlights: Guptkashi is widely famous for the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple and sacred kunds.
Guptkashi to Sonprayag
- Distance: 30 km
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Road Conditions: Roads are scenic but narrow involves sharp turns.
- Highlights: Scenic views of the surroundings, perfect for a halt or breaks
Sonprayag to Gaurikund
It’s a controlled area under the Government. Gaurikund serves as the official starting point for the trek. Where travellers can rest and prepare themselves for an uphill trek.
- Distance: 5 km uphill drive
- Time: 20-30 minutes
- Road Conditions: It’s a restricted area for private vehicles due to hilly and windy roads.
- Highlights: Snow-capped peaks & lush green valleys
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple (Trek)
Road journey from Dehradun to Kedarnath ends at Gaurikund, where the trek to the Kedarnath Temple starts. Key details about the Kedarnath trek.
- Kedarnath trek distance: 16 km one way
- Time taken: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
- En route facilities: Resting sheds, a medical camp, and local eateries.
- Major stop points: Jungle chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli, Kedarnath base camp
- Alternative options: Pony/Palki/Pithu service & Helicopter service
Travel & Safety Tips
- Weather & road consideration: Weather can fluctuate in the mountains, so be aware of it. Avoid the monsoon due to the risks of heavy rain and landslides.
- Start early from Dehradun: During the peak season, roads are busy, so start early to avoid traffic.
- Carry Essentials: Pack light and smart for safe travel, from warm clothing to trekking essentials and medicines; you must pack these items.
- Kedarnath Registration: Registration for Kedarnath is the very first and most crucial step of a spiritual journey, and can be done online or offline in both modes.
- Best time to visit: Choose the best time to visit Kedarnath, which is May to June and September to October, offering pleasant weather and accessible trails.
- Acclimatization: Take a proper break and acclimatize your body at a lower altitude; give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
- Book transportation & stay in advance: If you plan to visit the peak season, book your stay in advance to avoid last-minute hassle
- Keep cash & IDs handy: Cash is king in remote areas, so carry sufficient cash for your trip and keep IDs handy.
Conclusion
Covering the Dehradun to Kedarnath distance by road offers a spiritual journey filled with unique experiences. But it required proper planning and preparation for a safe and comfortable journey.
Whether you choose a budget road trip or a helicopter service, the journey to this sacred destination remains the same in its spiritual essence. So travel smart and safe, and be flexible.
FAQs
How can I reach Kedarnath from Dehradun?
To reach Kedarnath from Dehradun, you must cover a distance by road via taxi or bus up to Sonprayag/Gaurikund. Takes around 8-10 hours to drive. From there, head on an uphill trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
How much helicopter ticket cost from Dehradun to Kedarnath?
The helicopter ticket cost for Kedarnath depends on where you opt for shuttle services from nearby helipads: Phata/Guptkashi/Sirsi can cost you around 6500 to 13000 per person for the trek part only, while the complete helicopter package from Dehradun to Kedarnath costs you around ₹85000 to ₹100000 per person.
How many hours from Dehradun to Kedarnath?
Generally, a road journey from Dehradun to the Kedarnath base camp (Gaurikund) takes around 14-15 hours, and the trek can take around 6-8 hours. The complete journey can be split over 2-3 days, including necessary breaks, darshan, and halts.
How far is Dehradun from Kedarnath by road?
Kedarnath is around 245 km by road from Dehradun, while it includes a trek of around 16 km that starts from Dehradun. Takes almost 8-12 hours for road travel and 6-8 hours for a trek.
How to go to Kedarnath from Dehradun by bus?
To reach Kedarnath from Dehradun, take a bus from ISBT Dehradun to Sonprayag and then a shuttle taxi to Gaurikund. From there, begin your trek to reach Kedarnath Temple.
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