Planning a Surat to Kedarnath trip seems overwhelming, but with the right planning and guidance about the routes and travel options, it can become a truly memorable experience.
Many devotees from Gujarat, especially from Surat, undertake this sacred journey to the Kedarnath Temple to seek divine blessings and a unique experience in the Himalayas.
If you are also planning a Kedarnath trip from Surat, just explore this guide on how to reach Kedarnath from Surat, covering all about the Surat to Kedarnath distance, route, travel options, and practical travel tips.
Where Is Kedarnath Located?
Kedanath is a sacred pilgrimage site situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 11,755 feet (3583 meters) above sea level. This temple sits on the banks of the Mandakini River and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Kedarnath Journey Overview:
- Travel Options: Flight, Train, or by Road
- Duration: 2 to 3 days, depending on the road conditions, breaks, and weather
- Common Route: Surat → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railhead: Haridwar & Rishikesh
Surat To Kedarnath Distance & Route
The Surat to Kedarnath distance is approximately 1,250 to 1,600 km, depending on the chosen travel mode and where you start from. Since there is no direct connectivity between these two, devotees must combine their journey via flight/train, road travel, and trek to reach the site.
Source: Google Maps
Key information about the Surat to Kedarnath Distance by Train, Flight, and Road, along with routes.
Surat to Kedarnath Distance by Flight: 1,232 km (7-8 hrs + trek)
- Route: Surat (STV) → Dehradun → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
From Surat to Kedarnath Distance by Train: 1,365 km (30-32 hrs + trek)
- Route: Surat → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Surat to Kedarnath Distance by Road: 1,675 km (28-32 hrs + trek)
- Route: Surat → Vadodara → Udaipur → Delhi → Haridwar → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Best Way To Reach Kedarnath From Surat
The best way to reach Kedarnath from Surat depends on your travel preferences, budget, and available time.
By Air + Road: The fastest and most efficient way to travel from Surat to Kedarnath is to take a flight from Surat to Dehradun, proceed on the road journey to the last motorable points, Sonprayag and Gaurikund, and then trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
By Train + Road: While many travellers choose a budget-friendly option, taking a train from Surat to Haridwar/Rishikesh or Delhi and continuing by road to Gaurikund, the final stretch is a 16 km trek towards Kedarnath Temple.
| Travel Type | Route | Distance (Approx) | Time Required | Cost Range | Best For |
| Flight + Road + Trek | Surat → Dehradun → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple | Flight + 250 km (road) + 16 km trek | 1–2 Days | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000+ | Fastest & comfortable travel |
| Train + Road + Trek | Surat → Haridwar / Rishikesh → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple | 1,300 km (train + road) + 16 km trek | 2–3 Days | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 | Budget-friendly travel |
| Road + Trek | Surat → Haridwar / Rishikesh → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple | 1,400–1,500 km + 16 km trek | 3–4 Days | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | Flexible & scenic road trip |
How To Reach Kedarnath From Surat
To reach Kedarnath from Surat, you may need to combine the travel by train/flight and road to reach Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh and a trek to the temple.
Here is a detailed step-by-step guide from Surat to Kedarnath:
Step 1: Surat To Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh
By Air: Many direct and connecting flights are available from Surat International Airport to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun by airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and more.
- Distance: 230-240 km
- Duration: 8-9 hours
- Flight Ticket Price: ₹6,932 – ₹10,503
By Train: Take available trains, such as BDTS HW SPL (09019) and TVCN YRNK SF EXP (22659) from Surat to the nearest railheads of Kedarnath.
- Distance: 1,365 km
- Duration: 30-35 hours
- Train Ticket Price: ₹1,500 (Sleeper) – ₹3,500 (AC)
Step 2: Airport/Railhead To Gaurikund
From the airport and railway station, continue further by road to Gaurikund by taking a bus, taxi, or cab.
- Distance: 245 to 260 km
- Travel Time: 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions
- Travel Options: Bus or Cab/Taxi
- Price: ₹750 – ₹1,200 (Bus) or ₹8,900 – ₹10,600 (Cab/Taxi)
Note: Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag; from there, take a local shared jeep/taxi to reach Gaurikund.
Step 3: Final Stretch: Trek
After reaching Gaurikund, embark on the 16 km trek to the Kedarnath Temple.
- Trek Distance: 16 km
- Time: 6-7 hours, depending on fitness level
- Trek difficulty: Moderately to Difficult
Surat To Kedarnath Flight
Taking Surat to Kedarnath flight is the fastest and most time-saving way to travel. But it involves travel in a multi-stage journey, as Kedarnath doesn’t have its own airport.
Take a flight from Surat International Airport to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the nearest airport. From the airport, take a taxi to reach the base camp, Gaurikund.
- Aerial Distance: 230-240 km
- Flight Duration: 8-9 hours
- Surat to Kedarnath Flight Price (Dehradun): ₹6,932 – ₹10,503
From there, continue the journey to Gaurikund by road, and then the further stretch is trekking or shuttling by helicopter services.
Surat To Kedarnath By Train
Travelling by train from Surat to Kedarnath is the most economical option to reach Kedarnath, but there is no direct train between the two.
You can take a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh (nearest railhead to Kedarnath) from Surat. After that, proceed on a road journey to Sonprayag, then Gaurikund. From there, head on a trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
- Popular Trains: BDTS HW SPL (09019) runs daily, while TVCN YRNK SF EXP (22659) is another option that runs on Saturdays only.
- Distance: 1,365 km
- Duration: 30-35 hours
Note: If you don’t get any direct trains, you can take a train from Surat to New Delhi, like the Rajdhani Express (fastest option). Then, transfer to another train or complete the remaining journey by road travel and trek to reach the shrine.
Surat to Kedarnath Train Ticket Price
Generally, train ticket prices from Surat to Haridwar/Rishikesh (nearest railheads to Kedarnath) ranges between ₹1500 (Sleeper) and ₹3500 (AC class) and can vary by season and train class.
Surat To Kedarnath By Road
Travelling from Surat to Kedarnath by road is an option for those who prefer long scenic journeys. It requires covering a distance of around 1,675 km up to the last motorable point, Gaurikund. Typically follows the NH-48 and NH-7 routes and takes around 2-3 days, depending on your pace and rest stops.
From Gaurikund, your motorable journey ends, and the trek starts towards Kedarnath Temple, which you can complete on foot or by Pony/Palki.
Distance: 1,675 km + Trek
Travel Time: 2-3 days
Travel Options: Private Car, Taxi, Bus
Route: NH48 and NH58
Surat → Vadodara → Udaipur → Jaipur → Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Note: Buses from Surat to Kedarnath are frequent, provided by private operators. So in case of unavailability, travel to Delhi, then transfer to another bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there, you can easily find a cab/taxi or local bus to the base camp.
Pro tip: Long road journeys can cause travel fatigue. So plan your journey carefully, take frequent breaks, and avoid over-exhausting yourself.
Kedarnath Trek Guide
Your road journey ends in Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From there, you must complete the 16 km trek, which you can cover via three primary options:
- Trekking on foot: It requires good physical health and stamina and takes around 6-8 hours.
- Pony/Palki/Porter: Available from Gaurikund, ideal for those who cannot trek.
- Helicopter Service: Government helicopter services for Kedarnath from nearby helipads like Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
Kedarnath Trek Overview
- Starting Point: Gaurikund
- Leading Point: Sri Kedarnath Temple
- Trek Distance: 16-18 km one way
- Time Taken: 6-8 hours
- On-route Stops: Jungle Chatti, Bheemabali, Linchauli, Kedarnath Base Camp
- Service: Medical service, camps, food, and basic amenities are available
Important Travel Tips For Visitors
- Registration: Firstly, complete your mandatory registration, as without Kedarnath Registration, you are not allowed to proceed on your journey beyond the checkpoints on the route.
- Best time to visit: Check the weather before travel. Plan during May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant, and trails are accessible.
- Pack Essentials: Pack warm clothes, basic meds, trekking gear, and essential documents for safe and comfortable travel.
- Carry Cash: Keep cash in your hand, as ATMs are rare or limited in remote regions.
- Book stay & transportation in advance: If you are planning to visit in peak season, book your Kedarnath Package from Surat now to avoid any last-minute hassle.
- Avoid night driving: driving after sunset is not allowed on hilly roads for safety reasons, so avoid it.
- Proper Acclimatisation: Take frequent breaks during road travel and trek to avoid overexertion.
Conclusion
Surat to Kedarnath travel seems very tiring or overwhelming due to the long travel, but with proper planning, it can be manageable. The Surat to Kedarnath distance can be covered effectively by combining air/train and road travel.
However, you choose a budget-friendly train or the fastest flight, then a road journey to the base camp, and a trek leading to the Kedarnath Temple, every step takes you towards divinity and spirituality.
FAQs
How far is Kedarnath from Surat?
Kedarnath is approximately 1,250 km to 1,550 km away from Surat by road and which can vary depending on the chosen travel mode and where you start your journey.
How to travel to Kedarnath from Surat?
Since there is no direct connectivity by air, train, or road, you must combine travel journeys. Either take a flight to Dehradun or a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh from Surat. Then continue by road journey to Sonprayag and Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
How much is the flight ticket from Surat to Kedarnath?
The cost of a flight ticket from Surat to Dehradun (the nearest airport to Kedarnath) ranges between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000 one-way. Price can vary by season and availability of tickets.
How can I reach Kedarnath by train from Surat?
To reach Kedarnath from Surat by train involves taking a train from Surat to Haridwar, followed by a road journey to Sonprayag/Gaurikund and then a final 16 km trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
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