Planning a trip from Delhi to Kedarnath? This guide will help you with everything—best routes, travel options, costs, and important tips to make your journey easy and memorable. Whether you’re visiting the sacred Kedarnath Temple for blessings or seeking an adventure in the Himalayas, we’ve got you covered!
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
Kedarnath is located in Uttarakhand, in the Rudraprayag district at a height of 3,583 meters. There is no direct train or road to the temple, so you will need a combination of travel options. Here are the best ways to reach Kedarnath from Delhi:
1. Delhi to Kedarnath by Road (Budget-Friendly Option)
🚗 Total Distance: 450 km (Delhi to Gaurikund) ⏳ Travel Time: 12-14 hours (excluding trek time)
- Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund
- From Gaurikund, trek 16 km to Kedarnath Temple.
🚌 Bus & Taxi Options:
- Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh: Available via Uttarakhand Roadways and private buses (₹500-₹1200 per person).
- Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag: Private/shared taxis available (₹5000-₹7000 per vehicle).
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: Shared jeep ride (₹50 per person).
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: Trek or hire a pony/doli (₹2500-₹5000).
2. Delhi to Kedarnath by Train (Most Comfortable Option)
🚆 Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar (230 km from Kedarnath)
- Step 1: Take a train from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh (Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express, etc.).
- Step 2: Hire a taxi or take a bus from Haridwar to Sonprayag.
- Step 3: Travel from Sonprayag to Gaurikund (Shared Jeep).
- Step 4: Trek to Kedarnath or take a helicopter from Phata.
🎫 Train Cost: ₹200 – ₹1500 (depending on class & train type)
3. Delhi to Kedarnath by Air (Fastest Way)
✈️ Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km from Kedarnath)
- Step 1: Fly from Delhi to Dehradun (1-hour flight).
- Step 2: Take a taxi/bus from Dehradun to Gaurikund (~8-10 hours).
- Step 3: Trek or take a helicopter from Phata to Kedarnath.
💰 Flight Cost: ₹2500 – ₹5000 (one-way)
🚁 Helicopter Service (Best for Elderly & Quick Trips)
- Available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.
- Cost: ₹5000-₹7000 per person (round trip).
- Travel time: Only 10 minutes!
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
⏳ Kedarnath Temple is open from April/May to November.
✅ Best Season: May to June & September to October (Pleasant weather, less crowd) ❄️ Avoid: July-August (Heavy rainfall & landslides) and Winter (November-April) (Temple is closed due to snow).
Trekking from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
🥾 Distance: 16 km ⏳ Time: 5-8 hours
Trek Route:
Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Linchauli → Kedarnath
🚶 Trekking Tips:
- Start early morning (before 6 AM) to avoid rush.
- Carry warm clothes, raincoats, and comfortable shoes.
- Stay hydrated and carry energy bars.
- Pony & palki services are available (₹3000-₹5000 per person).
Where to Stay in Kedarnath?
🏨 Accommodation Options:
- GMVN Guest Houses (₹800 – ₹3000)
- Private Hotels & Dharmshalas (₹500 – ₹2500 per night)
- Tents & Camps (₹1000 – ₹2000 per person)
🔹 Book in advance during peak season (May-June).
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath
📍 1. Bhairavnath Temple (1 km) – Amazing views of the Himalayas. 📍 2. Vasuki Tal (8 km) – A beautiful high-altitude lake. 📍 3. Triyuginarayan Temple (25 km) – Known for Lord Shiva’s wedding. 📍 4. Chopta (Mini Switzerland of India) (80 km) – Perfect for nature lovers and trekking.
Essential Travel Tips
✔️ Carry your ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.). ✔️ Weather can change quickly – always carry a raincoat and warm clothes. ✔️ Book Helicopter & Hotels early to avoid last-minute problems. ✔️ Mobile networks are weak in Kedarnath – inform family before starting the trek. ✔️ Follow the instructions of local authorities and temple management.
Final Thoughts – A Journey of Faith & Adventure!
Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath is not just a trip—it’s a mix of spirituality and adventure. Whether you trek, take a helicopter, or travel by road, the peaceful and divine energy of Kedarnath will make your journey truly special! 🚩✨
🔹 Have questions? Drop them in the comments! 😊