How to reach Kedarnath: Kedarnath is in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a holy site for Hindus. It is a major stop on the Char Dham pilgrimage, along with Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The Kedarnath Temple sits at 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) and honors Lord Shiva. Each year, millions of devotees and trekkers visit. The trip to Kedarnath mixes spiritual meaning with beautiful Himalayan views. It offers a life-changing experience.
Planning a spiritual journey to the stunning Himalayas? Wondering how to reach Kedarnath? You’re in the right spot. Kedarnath is a key Char Dham pilgrimage site in India. It sits at 3,583 meters in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and peaceful valleys, it draws thousands of devotees and trekkers each year.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned pilgrim, knowing the best routes and transport options is vital. This guide will show you how to reach Kedarnath in 2025—by air, road, rail, or even helicopter. Focus on your divine experience, not travel stress.
Contents
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Kedarnath
- How to Reach Kedarnath By Road
- How to Reach Kedarnath By Train
- How to Reach Kedarnath By Air
- How to Reach Kedarnath By Helicopter
- The Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
- Accommodation near Kedarnath
- Things to Carry
- Kedarnath Nearby Attractions
- Distance to Other Char Dham Sites
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Kedarnath Yatra difficult?
- What clothes should I wear?
- Is oxygen low in Kedarnath?
- Does mobile service work in Kedarnath?
- What are the temple hours?
- What is the distance from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath?
- What is the best way to reach Kedarnath?
- Where should I stay overnight in Kedarnath?
- How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
- How to Reach Kedarnath from Chennai?
- How to Reach Kedarnath from Hyderabad?
- How to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata?
- Conclusion
Best Time to Visit
The Kedarnath Temple is open from May to October due to extreme weather conditions in the region. The temple will open on May 2, 2025, at 6:20 AM. It will close on October 23, 2025. This was announced by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Samiti on Mahashivratri. The best months to visit are May to June and September to October. During these times, temperatures are mild, ranging from 5 to 15°C. Trekking conditions are also safer. Avoid the monsoon season (July-August) due to potential landslides and heavy rainfall.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road, with Gaurikund being the last motorable point. From there, a 16 km trek or helicopter ride leads to the temple. Below are the detailed routes to reach Kedarnath by road, train, air, and helicopter.
How to Reach Kedarnath By Road
How to Reach Kedarnath From Delhi
- Distance: Approximately 458 km to Gaurikund, plus a 16 km trek to Kedarnath.
- Route:
- Delhi to Rishikesh: 238 km, 5-6 hours
- Rishikesh to Rudraprayag: 141 km, 5 hours
- Rudraprayag to Sonprayag: 72.8 km, 3 hours
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: 5 km, 20 minutes
- Options:
- How to Reach Kedarnath via Bus: Regular buses operate from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar terminals to Rishikesh or Haridwar. From there, state-run or private buses go to Gaurikund.
- How to Reach Kedarnath via Taxi: Hire a taxi for flexibility, costing around ₹5,000-₹6,000 one-way from Haridwar to Gaurikund, depending on the vehicle type (sedan or SUV).
- How to Reach Kedarnath via Self-Drive: Possible but challenging due to winding roads; experienced drivers recommended.
- Note: Roads may get crowded during peak pilgrimage season. Also, monsoon travel can face delays from landslides.
How to Reach Kedarnath From Haridwar
- Distance: 252 km to Gaurikund, plus the 16 km trek.
- Route: Haridwar > Rishikesh > Devprayag > Srinagar > Rudraprayag > Guptkashi > Sonprayag > Gaurikund.
- Options:
- How to Reach Kedarnath via Shared Jeeps: Tata Sumo or shared jeeps are budget-friendly and handle hilly roads well. You can find them in Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Taxi: A taxi from Haridwar to Gaurikund takes 8-9 hours.
- Tip: Start early to avoid traffic and ensure daylight travel for safety.
Road Conditions
The roads to Gaurikund are well-maintained but narrow, with sharp bends. Check weather and road conditions before traveling, especially during monsoons. Permits from the Uttarakhand Forest Department are required for the trek from Gaurikund.
How to Reach Kedarnath By Train
Kedarnath has no railway station, so you’ll need to travel to a nearby railhead and continue by road.
- Nearest Station: Rishikesh Railway Station, 210 km from Gaurikund.
- Connectivity: Rishikesh links easily to major cities. It’s 245 km from Delhi, about a 6-hour train ride. Daily trains also connect Rishikesh to Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
- How to Reach Kedarnath From Rishikesh: Take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund, which takes about 8-10 hours.
- Another option is Haridwar Railway Station, which is 230 km from Gaurikund. It has similar road access to Gaurikund.
- Note: Book train tickets early during peak season, and plan for road travel time from the station.
How to Reach Kedarnath By Air
Flying to the nearest airport is a convenient option for those starting from distant cities.
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, 250 km from Kedarnath.
- Connectivity: Direct flights from Delhi (1 hour, ~₹2,400), Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, and Lucknow.
- From Dehradun:
- Hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh (30 km, 1 hour), then follow the road route to Gaurikund.
- You can also book a helicopter from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun to Kedarnath or nearby helipads.
- Tip: Flights to Dehradun are frequent, but book early for better fares during the pilgrimage season.
How to Reach Kedarnath By Helicopter
Helicopter services offer the quickest and easiest way to get to Kedarnath. This option is great for elderly pilgrims or anyone who can’t trek.
- Helipads: Services operate from Dehradun (Sahastradhara), Guptkashi, Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, and Sonprayag.
- For 2025:
- Booking Start Date: April 8, 2025, via the official IRCTC website (IRCTC Heliyatra).
- Mandatory Registration: Char Dham Yatra registration is required to book helicopter tickets.
- Fare: Expect a 5% fare increase from 2024 prices, though exact costs will be updated closer to the season.
- Advantages: Saves time (30 minutes from Phata to Kedarnath) and avoids the physical strain of trekking.
- Caution: Book only through IRCTC Heliyatra to avoid fraudulent websites .
Helicopter Route Example
| Route Segment | Distance (Aerial) | Time | Conveyance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Dehradun | 202 km | 1 hour | Airplane |
| Dehradun to Sahastradhara | 30 km | 53 minutes | Taxi/Cab |
| Sahastradhara to Gaurikund | 103 km | 30 minutes | Helicopter |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | 16 km | 5–10 minutes | Helicopter |
The Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
- Distance: 16 km
- Duration: 5-6 hours on foot
- The trek goes through Junglechatti, Bhimbali, Rambada, Lincholi, and Rudra Point. You’ll see amazing views of the Himalayas.
- Options:
- Trekking: Suitable for physically fit pilgrims; requires good stamina due to high altitude.
- Ponies/Palanquins: Available for hire at Gaurikund for those needing assistance.
- Helicopter: Direct service from Gaurikund or nearby helipads.
- Preparation:
- Acclimatize to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness (Kedarnath requires 87% oxygen at 3,583 meters).
- Carry warm clothing, rain gear, trekking shoes, a first-aid kit, energy bars, and water.
- Check weather forecasts, as conditions can change rapidly .
Accommodation near Kedarnath
- In Kedarnath: Limited options like guesthouses and basic lodges near the temple. Examples include:
- Kedarnath New Padam Koti
- Kedarnath Malwar House
- Sunil Guest House
- En Route: Stay in Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Guptkashi, or Phata for more comfortable hotels.
- Tip: Book your stay early, especially in peak season. Availability is limited (Chardham Hotel).
Things to Carry
- Essentials:
- ID proof (needed for registration)
- Waterproof backpack
- Trekking shoes
- First-aid kit (includes band-aids, painkillers, antiseptic cream, paracetamol)
- Clothing: Wear layered wool or thermal gear. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket, trekking trousers, and a cap or hat for sun protection.
- Food: High-energy snacks like energy bars and dry fruits.
- Other: Umbrella, raincoat, water bottle, flashlight, and power bank.
- Network: Jio, Airtel, and BSNL offer 4G connectivity around Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Nearby Attractions
Enhance your Kedarnath Yatra by visiting these nearby sites:
- Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva’s protector deity, located near the Kedarnath Temple.
- Vasuki Tal: A serene lake at 4,135 meters, known for its crystal-clear water and Brahma Kamal flowers.
- Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal): A picturesque lake at 3,900 meters, surrounded by towering peaks.
- Sonprayag: A pilgrimage site where the Mandakini and Basuki rivers meet. It is near the Triyuginarayan Temple.
- Gaurikund: Features a holy hot spring and is the starting point of the trek.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: This is the famous wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Distance to Other Char Dham Sites
| Destination Pair | Road Distance | Aerial Distance | Travel Time (Road) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath to Gangotri | 408 km | 31 km | 9-10 hours |
| Kedarnath to Yamunotri | 387 km | 66 km | 9 hours |
| Kedarnath to Badrinath | 218 km | 41 km | 5 hours |
Must Read: 12 Jyotirlingas of India: How to Reach & Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kedarnath Yatra difficult?
The trek’s difficulty depends on physical fitness, weather, and transportation mode. The 16 km trek is strenuous, but helicopters or ponies ease the journey.
What clothes should I wear?
Wear layered woolen or thermal clothing, waterproof jackets, trekking trousers, and sturdy shoes. Carry rain gear and a sun-protective hat.
Is oxygen low in Kedarnath?
At 3,583 meters, oxygen levels are lower (87% of sea level), so acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Does mobile service work in Kedarnath?
Jio, Airtel, and BSNL provide 4G connectivity on the Gaurikund-Kedarnath route.
What are the temple hours?
The temple opens daily at 6 AM, closes around noon, reopens at 5 PM, and closes after the evening Aarti (6-6:30 PM).
What is the distance from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath?
Approximately 51 km to Gaurikund, plus the 16 km trek.
What is the best way to reach Kedarnath?
Helicopters are the quickest and simplest way to travel. Road travel and trekking give a more traditional pilgrimage experience.
Where should I stay overnight in Kedarnath?
Book guesthouses in Kedarnath or stay at base camps like Gaurikund or Sonprayag for more options.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
Start by flying to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (about 1 hour). From there, take a taxi or bus to Gaurikund (7-8 hours), then trek 16 km to Kedarnath or hire a pony/palki. This is the fastest option, ideal for those short on time. Best during May-June or September-October.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Chennai?
Take a train from Chennai to Haridwar (36-40 hours). From Haridwar, hire a taxi or bus to Gaurikund (6-7 hours), then trek 16 km or use a pony/palki to Kedarnath. This is budget-friendly and scenic, perfect for those who enjoy train journeys. Book early for peak season (May-June, September-October).
How to Reach Kedarnath from Hyderabad?
Opt for a helicopter service by first flying to Dehradun (2.5-3 hours, often with a layover). From Dehradun, travel to Phata or Guptkashi by taxi (6-7 hours), then take a helicopter to Kedarnath (10-15 minutes). This is the most convenient for those avoiding the trek, but book in advance and check weather conditions.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata?
Drive or take a bus from Kolkata to Haridwar (approx. 24-30 hours by road). From Haridwar, continue by taxi or bus to Gaurikund (6-7 hours), then trek 16 km or hire a pony/palki to Kedarnath. This is ideal for road trip enthusiasts but requires stamina for long drives. Pack warm clothes for Kedarnath’s high altitude (3,583 meters).
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarnath in 2025 is a mix of faith and adventure. The majestic Himalayas surround you. You can trek the 16 km path from Gaurikund or take a quick helicopter ride. Plan carefully for a great experience. Book your stay and helicopter tickets early. Also, register for the Char Dham Yatra. Prepare for high-altitude conditions. This will help make your pilgrimage to Lord Shiva’s sacred home unforgettable.
