Kedarnath Dham is one of the most revered sites for followers of Hinduism. It is located in Uttarakhand’s Himalayan Shivalik range. With its stunning landscapes and religious importance, Kedarnath draws visitors from all around the world. There are many ways to reach Kedarnath, with the helicopter being the most exciting one. You can also reach Kedarnath via road and train.
The Kedarnath Dham journey usually begins from Delhi. It is because direct trains or buses are not available to Kedarnath, so you will have to take a halt in Dehradun. You can choose between various transportation modes, such as roads, planes, or trains, to reach Dehradun from Delhi. In this guide, we have mentioned everything you need to know about how to reach Kedarnath.
Where is Kedarnath Located?
Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham sites and a holy town situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag District. It is situated in the Kedarnath Valley at an altitude of 3584 mts. Gaurikund is the last motorable road to reach Kedarnath. The distance to Kedarnath from Gaurikund is around 16 km. You can also board a helicopter to reach Kedarnath.
How to Reach Kedarnath
You can reach Kedarnath via road, air, and train. However, a road journey is only possible till Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you will have to undertake a 16 km trek to Kedarnath.
By Road
- If you have decided to undertake the Kedarnath Dham Yatra by road, you can board a car or bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (5-6 hours, 238 km).
- Once you have left Rishikesh, you can continue your journey to Rudraprayag (5 hours, 141 km). Then continue your journey to Sonprayag (3 hrs, 72.8 km).
- From Sonprayag, it takes only 5 km (20 minutes) to reach Gaurikund.
- From Gaurikund, you will have to undertake a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
- If you do not want to trek, you can hire a mule or pony or walk the way.
| Kedarnath Road Route | Distance (in Km) | 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 | On foot/Pony/Mule/Helipad |
Trek Facilities
First aid services and basic medical assistance are available to ensure the safety of trekkers.
- Local vendors offer tasty meals on the trek route.
- Experienced guides are always there to assist you in navigating the trail and enhance your trekking experience.
Brief Road Map for Kedarnath Journey
New Delhi – Haridwar (206 km) – Rishikesh (24 km) – Devprayag (74 km) – Srinagar (34 km) – Rudraprayag (33 km) – Gaurikund (via Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Phata – Sitapur – Sonprayag 74 km) – Kedarnath by trek (16 km)
By Air
- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kedarnath.
- It is situated at a distance of around 250 Km from Kedarnath Dham.
- This airport provides direct flights to many cities such as Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Lucknow.
- Another option is to board a chopper from the Sahastradhara Helipad located in Dehradun.
- You can go to either Gaurikund or Sonprayag using these facilities and then proceed with your journey to Kedarnath either on foot or taking a pony.
By Train
- Kedarnath doesn’t have a railway station.
- Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath.
- It is situated around 210 km from Gaurikund and is connected to all the major Indian cities, and on a daily basis has a regular train.
- From Rishikesh, you can board a bus to Gaurikund.
| Kedarnath Train Route | Distance (in Km) | 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 | 6 km trek | 4 hrs | On foot/Pony/Mule/Helipad |
By Helicopter
- You can reach Kedarnath by taking a helicopter from Uttarakhand’s different locations.
- It is considered to be the fastest way to reach Kedarnath.
- Some places that offer helicopter services to Kedarnath include Phata, Sitapur, Dehradun, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag.
- The price of helicopter services is decided by the Uttarakhand Government every year.
| Kedarnath Air Route | Distance (in km) | Time | Conveyance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Dehradun | 202 km (aerial) | 1 hr | Airplane |
| Dehradun to Sahastradhara Road | 30 km | 53 Min | Taxi/Cab |
| Sahastradhara Road to Gaurikund | 103 km (aerial) | 30 Min | Helicopter |
| Gaurikund to Kedarnath | 16 km | 5 -10 Min | Helicopter |
Important Helicopter Guidelines
- Book the helicopter in advance, especially if you’re traveling in peak season.
- The helicopter may be cancelled if the weather is bad, so have an extra day in hand for the yatra.
- Choose operators that are approved by the government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the trekking distance to Kedarnath?
You will have to undertake a 16-kilometer trek to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund. The trekking routes have been rebuilt since the devastating flash flood disaster that hit the region in 2013.
Is a direct bus available to Kedarnath?
There are no direct buses available for Kedarnath. You will have to first reach Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
Which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest airport to Kedarnath, situated at a distance of around 238 km.
Are helicopter services available to Kedarnath?
Helicopter services are available from Guptkashi, Sersi, and Phata in the season. From these airports, you can fly directly to the Kedarnath helipad that is located about 500 meters from the main temple.
Can senior citizens reach Kedarnath?
Helicopter yatra is the best way for senior citizens to reach Kedarnath. With this option, you don’t need to undertake the trek to the temple.
Which is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath?
Kedarnath doesn’t have a railway station. Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath.
Do you need to register for the Kedarnath Yatra?
Yes, it is mandatory for every Yatri to register for the Kedarnath Yatra as it helps with crowd management.
Can you reach Kedarnath from Delhi by bus?
The bus route from Delhi to Kedarnath is a great choice for budget travelers. From Delhi, overnight buses connect you to Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. From these places, the onward road journey continues.
Is a direct train available to Kedarnath?
Kedarnath doesn’t have a railway station. Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath.
Which is the last motorable road to Kedarnath?
Gaurikund is the last motorable point to Kedarnath. From Gaurikund, you will have to undertake a 16 km trek to Kedarnath.
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