How to Reach Kedarnath Dham – A Complete Travel Guide
Kedarnath Dham can be reached by road, train and air. The Kedarnath Dham Yatra typically begins from Delhi. Due to the lack of direct buses or trains to Kedarnath, a stop in Dehradun is necessary. You can travel to Dehradun from Delhi by plane, train, or road. If you like road trips, Delhi has two bus terminals: Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar, from where daily buses depart for Dehradun, taking around 5-6 hours. Many travellers enjoy this road journey segment. Once in Dehradun, you may opt for CharDham Yatra by Helicopter or Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter packages to Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. The Chardham Yatra Route Map guide will help you find the best route from other cities to Kedarnath.
From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, the last point motor vehicles can reach before Kedarnath Dham. From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek leads up to the Kedarnath Temple.
Kedarnath Highlights (Best Time & Temple Opening Date)
Kedarnath Location: 30°44′6.7″N 79°4′0.9″E
Kedarnath State: Uttarakhand
Kedarnath District: Rudraprayag
Kedarnath Height: 3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Kedarnath Temperature: 5.1°C
Kedarnath Weather: Extreme Cold
Kedarnath Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Best Time: May-June and September-November
Kedarnath Temple Opening Date 2025: Coming Soon
Kedarnath Temple Closing Date 2025: Coming Soon
Darshan Time: 7:00 am
How to Reach Kedarnath by Road
Delhi to Kedarnath by road is 452 km.
To complete your Kedarnath Yatra by road, take a bus or car from Delhi to Rishikesh (238 km, 5-6 hrs). Continue to Rudraprayag (141 km, 5 hrs), then Sonprayag (72.8 km, 3 hrs). From Sonprayag, it’s 5 km (20 mins) to Gaurikund. Then, embark on a 16 km trek (5 hrs) to Kedarnath. You may walk, hire a pony/mule, or take a helicopter from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun, to Kedarnath, a revered site with the famous Kedarnath Temple.
| Kedarnath Road Route | Distance | Time | Conveyance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Rishikesh | 238 km | 5-6 hrs | Bus/Taxi/Car |
| Rishikesh – Rudraprayag | 141 km | 5 hrs | Bus/Taxi/Car |
| Rudraprayag – Sonprayag | 72.8 km | 3 hrs | Jeep/Taxi/Car |
| Sonprayag – Gaurikund | 5 km | 20 mins | Jeep/Taxi/Car |
| Gaurikund – Kedarnath | 16 km trek | 5 hrs | Foot/Pony/Helipad |
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham by Train
There is no railway station at Kedarnath; Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest, located 210 km from Gaurikund. Rishikesh is well-connected to major Indian cities. From there, take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund.
| Kedarnath Train Route | Distance | Time | Conveyance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Rishikesh | 238 km | 5-6 hrs | Train |
| Rishikesh – Rudraprayag | 141 km | 5 hrs | Bus/Taxi/Car |
| Rudraprayag – Gaurikund | 78.9 km | 4 hrs | Jeep/Taxi/Car |
| Gaurikund – Kedarnath | 16 km trek | 4 hrs | Foot/Pony/Helipad |
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham by Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kedarnath, around 250 km away, with flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Helicopter services are available from Sahastradhara Road, Dehradun, directly to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, from where you can trek or hire a pony.
| Kedarnath Air Route | Distance | Time | Conveyance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Dehradun | 202 km | 1 hr | Airplane |
| Dehradun – Sahastradhara | 30 km | 53 min | Taxi/Cab |
| Sahastradhara – Gaurikund | 103 km | 30 min | Helicopter |
| Gaurikund – Kedarnath | 16 km | 5-10 min | Helicopter |
How to Reach Kedarnath from Haridwar
Haridwar is the starting point of many Chardham Yatra journeys, with Haridwar to Kedarnath by road covering 252 km, including the trek from Gaurikund. The route is: Haridwar > Rishikesh > Devprayag > Srinagar > Agastmuni > Guptkashi > Sonprayag > Gaurikund, followed by a 16 km trek.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Cabs & Jeeps:
Taxis cost around 5000-6000 INR one way, taking 8-9 hrs. Tata Sumos or shared jeeps are also available, ideal for quick travel.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi
The road distance is approx 470 km. Take a bus/taxi from Delhi to Haridwar, then proceed via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund, from where you will trek.
| Delhi to Kedarnath Road | Distance | Time | Conveyance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Haridwar | 213 km | 5 hrs | Taxi/Car |
| Haridwar – Rishikesh | 28 km | 2 hrs | Bus/Taxi/Car |
| Rishikesh – Rudraprayag | 138 km | 4 hrs | Taxi/Car |
| Rudraprayag – Sonprayag | 72 km | 3 hrs | Taxi/Car |
| Sonprayag – Gaurikund | 6 km | 35 min | Taxi/Car |
| Gaurikund – Kedarnath | 16 km trek | 4 hrs | Foot/Pony/Mule |
Delhi to Kedarnath by Train: Take a train to Rishikesh (nearest railway station), then proceed by road.
Delhi to Kedarnath by Air: Take a flight to Dehradun, then a taxi to Sahastradhara Helipad, followed by a helicopter ride to Kedarnath.
Hotel Accommodations Near Kedarnath Temple:
| Location | Hotel | Meal Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Padam Koti | Kedarnath (New Padam Koti) | All Meal |
| Gauri Kund Trek Way | Kedarnath Malwar House | All Meal |
| Near Retas Kund | Old Himachal House | All Meal |
| Panch Bhaiya | Padma Ashram | All Meal |
| Near Gayatri Sadan | Sunil Guest House | All Meal |
Kedarnath Distance from Other Dham:
| From | Distance by Road | Distance by Flight | Time by Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | 408 km | 31 km | 9-10 hrs |
| Yamunotri | 387 km | 66 km | 9 hrs |
| Badrinath | 218 km | 41 km | 5 hrs |
Popular Kedarnath Route:
Delhi > Haridwar > Rishikesh > Guptkashi > Sonprayag > Gaurikund > Kedarnath.
What to do near Kedarnath:
-
Visit Bhairavnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Sonaprayag, Chandrashila, Gaurikund, and Triyuginarayan Temple.
-
Enjoy hot springs, spiritual walks, and views of snow-capped peaks.
Things to Carry During Kedarnath Yatra:
-
ID proof, waterproof backpack, trekking shoes, medical kit, woollens, rain gear, high-energy snacks, and a reliable JIO SIM.
FAQs: How to Reach Kedarnath Dham
1. Is the Kedarnath trip difficult?
The difficulty depends on your fitness level, weather conditions, and mode of transport (trek vs. helicopter).
2. What clothes should I wear for the Kedarnath Yatra?
Pack woollens, thermals, waterproof jackets, and sturdy trekking boots for the cold and unpredictable weather.
3. Is oxygen low in Kedarnath?
Yes, oxygen levels drop significantly above 8,000 ft. Acclimatization is important.
4. Does mobile network work in Kedarnath?
Reliance JIO has the best connectivity in the region.
5. Is Kedarnath Temple open every day?
Yes, it opens at 6 AM, closes around noon, and reopens from 5 PM to 9 PM.
6. What is the distance from Rudraprayag to Kedarnath?
Approx. 51 km by road (till Gaurikund) + 16 km trek.
7. What is the best way to Reach Kedarnath Dham?
The fastest and easiest way is by helicopter from Phata, Guptkashi, or Dehradun.
8. Which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km away).
9. For how many months is Kedarnath open?
The temple remains open for six months (May to October) every year.
10. What is the best time for Chardham Yatra in 2025?
May-June (peak season) and September-October (post-monsoon).
11. What is the cost of Chardham Yatra by helicopter?
Approx. ₹2,15,000 per person for a 5-night/6-day package.
12. Which is the most trusted travel agent for Kedarnath Yatra?
Travel Shrine offers reliable and well-organized pilgrimage packages.
Plan your spiritual journey with confidence! 🚁🙏
Kedarnath Dham in the Himalayas is the most spiritual adobe of Lord Shiva, surrounded by Nar and Narayan ranges. Plan your Kedarnath Yatra via Travel Shrine, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling journey.
