How to Reach Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a highly revered pilgrimage site located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It is one of the four sacred shrines in the Chota Char Dham yatra and is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 metres above sea level, in the midst of the majestic Himalayan ranges. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. Apart from its religious significance, the Kedarnath route map is also known for its scenic beauty. The snow-capped mountains, the crystal clear streams, and the lush green forests make Kedarnath an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Though Kedarnath is also popularly known for the tragedy that happened in 2013 when a massive glacier burst took thousands of lives. The cloudburst caused the Mandakini river to overflow and the town was soon covered with floods, heavy rains and landslides that washed off many homes, heritages and infrastructures. After all this, the temple remained untouched and the town has become more beautiful than ever.

If you are planning a trip from Delhi to Kedarnath, there are several options available to you. Wondering how to reach Kedarnath? Here’s how: -

By Air:

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located at a distance of about 239 km from Kedarnath. From Delhi, you can take a flight to Dehradun, which takes around 1 hour. Once you reach Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kedarnath. The journey takes around 8-10 hours depending on the mode of transport you choose.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is the Rishikesh railway station, which is located at a distance of about 216 km from Kedarnath. From Delhi, you can take a train to Rishikesh, which takes you around 6-7 hours. When you get to Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or a bus to Kedarnath. Depending on the mode of transportation, the journey takes between 8-10 hours.

By Bus:

There are several buses available from Delhi to Rishikesh and Haridwar, which are the major starting points for the Kedarnath Trek. The journey takes around 6-7 hours depending on the traffic conditions. As there are no direct buses to Kedarnath from Delhi. You can reach Kedarnath by taxi or bus from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The journey takes around 8-10 hours depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

By Car:

If you are planning to drive to Kedarnath from Delhi, you must be clear about how to reach Kedarnath.

You can take the NH 334 to reach Rishikesh, which is located at a distance of about 230 km. From Rishikesh, you can take NH 109 to reach Rudraprayag, which is located at a distance of about 140 km from Rishikesh. From Rudraprayag, you can take NH 107 to reach Kedarnath, which is located at a distance of about 74 km from Rudraprayag. The total distance from Delhi to Kedarnath by road is around 458 km, and the journey takes around 14-15 hours depending on the traffic conditions and halts you take.

By Helicopter:

If you want to save time and avoid the long trek to Kedarnath, you can even take a helicopter from Phata, which is located at a distance of about 210 km from Rishikesh. The helicopter ride takes about 30 minutes, and you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges during the journey. Once you reach Kedarnath, you can hire a pony or a palanquin to reach the temple, which is located at a distance of about 1.5 km from the helipad.

By Trek:

Trekking is the most popular way to reach Kedarnath. The trek distance to Kedarnath is about 16 kilometres and can take about 6-7 hours to complete. The trek starts from Gaurikund, which is about 200 km from Rishikesh. Gaurikund is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar and Dehradun. From Gaurikund, the trek on the Kedarnath route takes you through scenic valleys and rivers. The trek can be challenging, especially for those who are not used to high altitudes, but it is a fulfilling experience.

By Ponies and Porters:

If you are not comfortable with trekking or taking a helicopter, you can hire ponies or porters. Wondering how to go to Kedarnath with this mode of conveyance? Well, ponies and porters are available at Gaurikund and can take you to Kedarnath. The journey can be challenging but it is a good option for people who can’t trek or take a helicopter.

Here are some Trekking Tips That’ll Keep You in Good Stead.

• It is necessary to have your documents in place. Register for a trek to Kedarnath at Sonprayag and pick up your Yatra E-pass in hard copy. You may be asked for it at various checkpoints.
• You must carry a raincoat because the weather in the valley can be unpredictable.
• There, mornings and evenings are cooler, while the afternoon can be overly sunny. If you're going on a trek in the middle of the day, bring a hat and sunglasses.
• Carry a hard copy of your entire vaccine certificate or call their support centre to make sure you are carrying all the necessary documents.
• The trek is open for only limited hours i.e. from morning 4 am to 1.30 pm in the afternoon. Plan your hike to fit within the time frame as you won’t be able to trek after that.
• Wear a good pair of hiking shoes is essential because they provide a good grip on the ground as you walk.
• Keep your bag as light as possible for a comfortable journey because food, water, and consumables will be available along the way

Best Time to Visit

Kedarnath, the spiritual place should be visited whenever you have the opportunity to indulge in the religious essence and charm of this beautiful town. Weather-wise, the months of May through mid-September should be preferable because the climate is more pleasant.

A Kedarnath temple package is the best way to have a spiritually enlightening trip of a lifetime and experience this mystical place in depth.

Kedarnath is a beautiful pilgrimage site that attracts thousands of devotees every year. The journey to Kedarnath is quite challenging, but the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and the peaceful environment make it a truly unforgettable experience.