🛕 Ultimate Travel Guide to Kedarnath from Major Indian Cities

Also available in Hindi

Kedarnath, nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The journey to Kedarnath is both spiritually uplifting and physically invigorating. Whether you're planning your yatra from Gorakhpur, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Delhi, Mumbai, Jharkhand, Kolkata, Hyderabad, or Rajasthan, this complete travel guide covers all the details you need—from route planning, transportation, trekking, stay options, and budget estimates to essential packing lists.

🚩 Kedarnath Temple Overview

Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple opens around late April or early May and closes after Diwali due to extreme winter.

📍 Route Planning from Major Cities

🔸 Starting from Gorakhpur / Bihar

  • Train: Gorakhpur to Haridwar or Rishikesh via Lucknow (~13–16 hrs)
  • Bus: Rishikesh to Sonprayag (~8–10 hrs)
  • Shared Jeep: Sonprayag to Gaurikund (last motorable point)
  • Trek: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (~16–18 km)

🔸 Starting from Madhya Pradesh (e.g. Bhopal)

  • Train: Bhopal to Haridwar (~17–20 hrs)
  • Then follow the same route as above

🔸 Starting from Gujarat (e.g. Ahmedabad)

  • Train: Ahmedabad to Haridwar (~23 hrs)
  • Alternative: Flight to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport)

🔸 Starting from Delhi

  • Train: Delhi to Haridwar (~6 hrs)
  • Bus/Taxi: Haridwar to Sonprayag (~10 hrs)

🔸 Starting from Mumbai

  • Flight: Mumbai to Dehradun (~2.5 hrs)
  • Then taxi/bus to Sonprayag (~8–10 hrs)

🔸 Starting from Jharkhand (e.g. Ranchi)

  • Train: Ranchi to Haridwar via Varanasi or Patna (~22–28 hrs)
  • Alternative: Flight to Dehradun (connecting via Delhi or Kolkata)
  • Follow Haridwar to Kedarnath route thereafter

🔸 Starting from Kolkata

  • Train: Kolkata to Haridwar (~30 hrs)
  • Flight: Kolkata to Dehradun (~5–6 hrs with stop)
  • Then follow road route to Kedarnath

🔸 Starting from Hyderabad

  • Flight: Hyderabad to Dehradun (~4–5 hrs with one stop)
  • Then Dehradun to Sonprayag via road (~8–10 hrs)

🔸 Starting from Rajasthan (e.g. Jaipur)

  • Train: Jaipur to Haridwar (~14 hrs)
  • Road: Haridwar to Sonprayag (~8–10 hrs)

🚁 Helicopter Services

Helicopter services are available from:

  • Phata
  • Sersi
  • Guptkashi

Booking must be done via the official Uttarakhand government portal. Round-trip costs range from ₹5,500 to ₹7,000 per person.

🥾 Trekking Route

The main trekking route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16–18 km. It is well-maintained but steep and requires moderate physical fitness. Pony, palki (palanquin), and doli services are available.

🏨 Where to Stay

  • Sonprayag: Budget hotels and guest houses (₹500–₹1500)
  • Gaurikund: GMVN guest houses and dharamshalas
  • Kedarnath Base: Camps, GMVN cottages, and temple guesthouses (₹800–₹3000)

🧳 What to Carry

  • Warm clothes (thermal, gloves, jackets)
  • Comfortable trekking shoes
  • Raincoat/Umbrella
  • Powerbank, torch, water bottles
  • First-aid kit, ORS, altitude sickness tablets
  • Valid ID proof

💸 Budget Estimation (Per Person)

Item Cost (₹)
Train/Flight2,000 – 8,000
Local transport (bus/shared jeep)1,000 – 1,500
Stay (3–5 nights)2,000 – 5,000
Food1,000 – 2,000
Pony/Doli (optional)3,000 – 6,000
Helicopter (optional)5,500 – 7,000
Misc (guide, snacks, poncho)500 – 1,000

Total Budget: ₹8,000 – ₹24,000 (depending on travel mode and luxuries)

🕐 Ideal Itinerary (6 Days)

  • Day 1: Travel to Haridwar/Rishikesh
  • Day 2: Haridwar to Sonprayag
  • Day 3: Sonprayag to Kedarnath (trek)
  • Day 4: Darshan and return trek
  • Day 5: Sonprayag to Rishikesh
  • Day 6: Rishikesh to Home

⚠️ Tips and Precautions

  • Acclimatize properly to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)
  • Start trek early (before 5 AM recommended)
  • Carry cash (ATMs are rare post-Rudraprayag)
  • Book GMVN stays or helicopter well in advance
  • Keep digital and physical copies of ID

🧘 Final Thoughts

Visiting Kedarnath is more than just a pilgrimage—it's an adventure, a challenge, and a spiritual cleanse. Whether you go by trek, pony, or helicopter, the experience will stay with you forever. Plan well, respect nature, and stay safe on this incredible yatra to the abode of Lord Shiva.