Delhi to Kedarnath

Delhi to Kedarnath roadways route ranges between 450 kilometres along the national highway, typically ranging from 6 days itinerary passing through scenic views of Haridwar and Rishikesh. This route has both smooth highways and challenging winding highways.

If you are planning for the Kedarnath Yatra this travel season, then we have tried to gather some of the best options available to you at one platform, with the best and budgeted mode of transport, along with some recommendations. Lastly, which you may consider to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Registration and Opening Date

Note: Mandatory registration for all travellers at Gaurikund and Sonprayag that can be done online or offline, but needs to be obtained before the yatra for any last-minute denial.

Registration Type	Steps	Locations/ Portal	Requirements
Online	1. Visit https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/ 2. Select “Register” > Kedarnath 3. Enter name, phone, address, ID proof 4. Submit for confirmation email & number	Official Uttarakhand Tourism portal	Aadhaar/ Voter ID, printout of registration
Offline	1. Visit the centre. 2. Fill the form 3. Submit ID 4. Receive yatra pass	Haridwar Railway Station, Rishikesh Bus Stand, Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Gaurikund	Original ID proof

Kedarnath Dham Opening Dates 

Aspect	Details
Temple Opening	April 22 at 8:00 AM
Daily Darshan	Morning: 4-7 AM; Evening: 5-7 PM (with Mangala & Shayan Aarti)
Temple Closing	November 10-11

Delhi to Kedarnath Yatra Route and Best Options

Being situated at rugged mountain tops, Delhi to Kedarnath Dham Yatra mainly depends on roadways for its connectivity, also road being well maintained,  but there are options for railways or airways till gateways like Haridwar Rishikesh or Dehradun. Therefore, we have provided you with details for the flight trains and buses for your convenience.

By Train

Being gateways for the Kedarnath Yatra Haridwar and Rishikesh railways station house trains for the travellers. All Yatris need to board trains from their cities to these centres for further travel, and then proceed on the pilgrimage route through bus taxis, and shared jeeps.

Step-by-Step Train + Road Route

• Delhi (NDLS)/ Hazrat Nizamuddin board train like Mussoorie Express or Jan Shatabdi to Rishikesh (RKSH) or Haridwar Junction. (Time taken-5-6 hours)
• From Rishikesh/Haridwar, hire a taxi/ GMOU bus or shared jeep to Sonprayag (8-10 hours, 210 km): to Guptkashi via Devprayag
• Sonprayag to Gaurikund (30 mins): Local shared taxi (5 km).
• Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km trek, 6-8 hours): walk, pony, or helicopter.
• Gaurikund to Kedarnath will be a trekking route for about 16 km.

 Delhi ──► Haridwar/Rishikesh ──► Sonprayag ──► Gaurikund ──► Kedarnath

By Flight

Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) (1-hour flight) is the major airport near Kedarnath. Then travellers need to take a taxi/bus to Kedarnath by road (238 km, 8-10 hours).

• For the quickest access, book helicopter rides from the Phata/Sirsi helipads after landing in Dehradun.

Flight + Road Breakdown

Delhi airport (DEL) → Dehradun airport (DED): IndiGo/SpiceJet daily flights (~₹3,000-5,000). Board a bus/taxi/ (helicopter service also available) from Dehradun (DED) Airport towards → Haridwar/Rishikesh (1 hour) → Sonprayag (7 hours) →reach  Gaurikund trek base, from here you can board a helicopter or trek.→ 16 km.

Helicopter Shortcut

Phata/Dehradun helipads offer a 7-15 minute ride to Kedarnath (~₹7,000-9,000 round trip).

• Remember that slots are limited—book via IRCTC/authorized operators weeks ahead

By Bus

The most budget-friendly option for the Kedarnath Yatra lies with bus travel through local operators like Uttarakhand Roadways (GMOU/UTC), while the private operators’ option is also open.

Operator Type	Examples	Route	Fare (₹)	Duration
Government (GMOU/UTC)	Uttarakhand Roadways	Delhi → Sonprayag	850-1,200	13 hrs
Private	UPSRTC, RedBus partners (Devbhoomi Travels)	Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh	500-1,000	6-8 hrs
Volvo/AC Private	Mahalaxmi Travels, Indo-Canadian	Delhi → Gaurikund	1,500-2,500	12 hrs
Shared Jeeps (Local)	GMOU Jeeps	Sonprayag → Gaurikund	50-150	30 mins

Bus Route & Schedule

• Delhi → Sonprayag/Gaurikund (452 km, 13 hours): Departs 9:00-11:00 PM, reaches Rishikesh by 3:00 AM, and Sonprayag by 10:00 AM. Return from Gaurikund at 1:00 PM.
• Fare: ₹850-1,200 (one-way)

Booking & Tips

Pre -book online at utconline.uk.gov.in or at ISBT counters to avoid any last-minute hassle.

• After Sonprayag, take a local shared jeep (₹50-100) to the Gaurikund trek base.
• AC/non-AC Volvo options are available during peak Yatra (April-Nov).

Delhi to Kedarnath through Personal Vehicle

NH334/NH7 provide smooth access from Delhi to Kedarnath (450 km to Gaurikund) with only exceptions being narrow winding hills. Therefore, it is always recommended to hire or accompany someone experienced for hilly roads, although these roads are well maintained, especially during the Yatra season. (April-Nov).​

Self-Drive Route Breakdown

• Delhi → Haridwar (230 km, 5-6 hrs): Multi-lane highway, tolls ~₹500.
• Haridwar → Rudraprayag (190 km, 6-7 hrs): winding roads via Devprayag.
• Rudraprayag → Gaurikund (75 km, 3-4 hrs): steep hairpins; park at Sonprayag and take a jeep to Gaurikund (₹100).

Road Conditions

• Delhi-Haridwar (230 km): Excellent-conditioned NH334 multi-lane highway (60-80 km/h speeds), plenty of fuel stops, and Dhabas are in abundance.
• Haridwar-Rudraprayag (190 km): Good paved roads via Devprayag; you may experience moderate traffic.
• Rudraprayag-Sonprayag/Gaurikund (75 km): Narrow single lane with steep drops, this area becomes landslide-prone in monsoons; it’s always recommended to drive slowly (20-30 km/h).

Trek Route & Rest Stops

After reaching Gaurikund, travellers must trek 16 kilometres to Kedarnath Dham through breathtaking Himalayan trails.

Gaurikund (Start, 1,980m)

──► Jungle Chatti (4 km) – Chai stalls, ponies

──► Bheembali (3 km) – Waterfall views, camps

──► Linchauli (4 km) –stays, medical aid

──► Base Camp (4 km) – Glacier views

──► Kedarnath Temple (1 km) – Darshan!

• Pony/Dandi rates: ₹2,000-10,000 round trip. Start early by 7 AM; no night trekking allowed.

 6-Day Delhi to Kedarnath Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi → Haridwar (230 km, 6 hrs)

Depart early via NH334. Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Overnight stay in Haridwar.

Stay options – Hotel Ganga Exotica or Bhagirathi by Atishay – Ganga-view rooms, near Har Ki Pauri for evening Aarti (₹2,500-5,000/night).

Day 2: Haridwar → Rudraprayag (190 km, 7 hrs)

Visit Rishikesh en route to the Devprayag confluence. Narrow roads begin post-Rishikesh.

An overnight stay is recommended in Rudraprayag.

Stay options – Monal Resort – Hilltop views of the Alaknanda River, clean veg meals, and ample parking for Yatra vehicles (₹3,000-6,000).

Day 3: Rudraprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (75 km drive + 16 km trek, 10 hrs)

Drive to Sonprayag (park your vehicle), take a jeep to Gaurikund. Trek via Jungle Chatti and Bheembali (rest) and reach by evening for Darshan. Overnight stay at Kedarnath.

Stay options – Behl Ashram – Basic dorms 5 mins from the temple, hot meals, perfect post-trek rest (₹1,500-3,000, seasonal only).

Day 4: Kedarnath Darshan & Return to Gaurikund (16 km trek down, 5 hrs)

Morning Aarti (4-7 AM), explore Bhim Shila. Trek back to Gaurikund, drive to Rudraprayag. Overnight.

Day 5: Rudraprayag → Rishikesh (190 km, 7 hrs)

Stop at Srinagar if time permits. Evening leisure in Rishikesh. Can rest overnight.

Stay options – Dewa Retreat – Riverside luxury with yoga sessions and buffet breakfast (₹4,000-8,000).

Day 6: Rishikesh → Delhi (250 km, 6 hrs)

Train/bus option from Haridwar or direct drive home.

Total Distance: ~450 km road + 32 km trek. Register online first; May-June is the best season.

Best Places to Visit near Kedarnath

• Bhairavnath Temple: 500 m south; believed to be the guardian deity of the valley, along with valley views.​
•  Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi: Behind the main temple, the saint’s resting place amid the peaks.
•  Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal): 3-4 km trek; serene lake with snow reflections.
•  Vasuki Tal: 8 km moderate trek at 4,135 m; a blossoming place for Brahma Kamal flowers, and with a view of Chaukhamba peaks.​
•  Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Nearby forests; you can spot musk deer and monal birds.
•  Gaurikund: the last motorable point; here lie the hot springs and Parvati Temple.​
• Sonprayag: 8 km before Gaurikund; Mandakini-Bal Ganga river confluence.​
• Rambara: Midway trek spot; scenic bridge and caves.​
• Guptkashi: 47 km away; Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnik Kund

Common Mistakes to Avoid While on the Delhi to Kedarnath Trip:

Trek Preparation

• Skipping Yatra Registration: At Sonprayag or Gaurikund; complete online/offline registration 2-3 days prior with Aadhaar/Voter ID.
• Overpacking Heavy Bags: Limits mobility on steep 17 km trek; carry essentials only (20-30 L backpack).​
• Wrong Footwear: Slippery paths cause falls; use waterproof trekking shoes with grip.​​
• Ignoring Acclimatisation: Sudden altitude leads to sickness; rest in Guptkashi/Sonprayag first.​
• No Bookings: Peak season tents cost ₹5,000+; book stays/ponies/helicopters online.​
• Cashless Reliance: ATMs are scarce; carry ₹10,000+ cash for taxis/food/emergencies.​
• Ignoring Weather: No raincoat causes hypothermia; pack layers, check forecasts, and avoid monsoons.​​

Route-Specific Traps

• Pony from Sonprayag: Adds time/cost; take from Gaurikund for cheaper rates.​
• Wrong Season for Travel: closed Oct-May due to snow; Yatra opens late in April/May.

NamasteIndiaTrip Recommendations

• Registration: Complete free online Yatra registration at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before leaving Delhi—mandatory checks at Rishikesh/Gaurikund checkpoints.
• Start Early: Begin the trek from Gaurikund by 7 AM to avoid crowds, heat, and afternoon weather changes; finish before dark.
• Weather Prep: Layer clothing (5-18°C); pack a raincoat even in May-June; check Rudraprayag BRO boards for landslides.
• Group Travel: Never trek alone; stick with fellow pilgrims or porters, especially seniors/heart patients.

People Also Asked –

Q-1: Do we need a health permit for elderly people or children to trek?

Ans: No, mandatory health permit or fitness certificate is required for elderly people or children to trek to Kedarnath. Families with kids/elderly prefer Phata heli service to skip the trek entirely—safer at high altitude.

Q-2: How are the road conditions between Delhi to Kedarnath ?

Ans: Roads from Delhi to Kedarnath (450 km to Gaurikund) start excellently on NH334 highways but turn narrow and winding with tight curves after Haridwar/Rishikesh.

Q-3: Are trains available from Delhi to Kedarnath regularly?

Ans: No direct trains run to Kedarnath due to its high Himalayan location. Regular trains from Delhi reach Haridwar or Rishikesh (5-6 hours via Mussoorie Express/Jan Shatabdi), then continue by bus/taxi to Sonprayag/Gaurikund.

Q-4:: How to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath on a budget?

Ans: Travel from Delhi to Kedarnath on a budget (~₹4,000-6,000/person round trip) by overnight GMOU buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Sonprayag (₹850-1,200 one-way), shared jeeps to Gaurikund (₹50-150), walking the 16 km trek (free), and basic Dharamshalas (₹500-1,000/night).

Q-5:: What is the best time to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath?

Ans: May to June is the best time to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath. Clear roads and minimal landslide risk make trekking comfortable after the temple opens around April 22 in 2026.

Q-6: Do we need to carry warm clothes during the summer Kedarnath Yatra?

Ans: Yes, carry warm clothes even during the summer (May-June) Kedarnath Yatra. Daytime temps reach 8-18°C but drop to 0-9°C at night, with chilly winds at 3,583m altitude making evenings/mornings cold for trekking

Q-7: Does it also rain during trekking, and do we also need to carry a raincoat for the yatra?

Ans: Yes, sudden rain showers can occur even during the May-June trekking season at Kedarnath’s high altitude. Afternoon thunderstorms are common despite “summer” timing—June averages 168 mm of rainfall with partially cloudy skies.

Q-8: Can we do offline registration?

Ans: Yes, offline registration for Kedarnath Yatra is available at designated centres—Haridwar Railway Station, Rishikesh ISBT and Bus Stand, Rishikesh Gurudwara (Hemkund Sahib), Haridwar Rahi Hotel, Guptkashi Bus Stand, Sonprayag, Gaurikund, Joshimath, Phata, and Janki Chatti—visit any with your ID proof for an instant Yatra pass.