Quick Facts About Kedarnath Yatra
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
- Base camp: Gaurikund
- Mobile connectivity: Airtel, Jio, and BSNL (4G Connectivity)
- Unique feature: Highest of all the Shiv Temples
- Altitude: 3,583 meters above sea level
- Main Idol: Conical stone representing Lord Shiva
- The best time for the Kedarnath Yatra: September to early November and Late April to June
- Helicopter service: from Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi and Sitapur
- Last ATM: HDFC ATM within a 24 km radius of Kedarnath
- Main protector deity: Bhairav Nath
- Location: Garhwal region’s Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand
- The trekking distance to Kedarnath Temple from Gaurikund: 16-17 km
- Managed By: Kedarnath Temple Commission
- Kedarnath Temple Height: 85 feet
Kedarnath Yatra Distance
Kedarnath Yatra's total trekking distance is approximately 16-17 km. The trek starts from Gaurikund and takes you through the Rambara Bridge to Jungle Chatti. From Jungle Chatti you’ll head to Bheembali to Linchauli and then finally you will reach the Kedarnath temple. You can undertake the trek on foot or you can even board a helicopter depending on your convenience. If you book a helicopter to reach Kedarnath you will commence your journey from Guptkashi, Phata, or Sersi. However, if you’re undertaking the trek on foot your journey will start from Gaurikund.
Kedarnath Yatra By Helicopter
Helicopter services can be availed for the Kedarnath Yatra from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sersi. You can book the ticket online or through the service team’s assistance. You’re advised to inform beforehand if you’re booking independently so that accommodation can be arranged accordingly. Based on the takeoff point ticket prices may vary. It is important to note down that only round-trip tickets for Kedarnath Dham are available.
Kedarnath Yatra Distance by Foot
- Gaurikund – Jungle Chatti (approximately 4 km)
- Jungle Chatti – Bheembali (approximately 3 km)
- Bheembali – Lincholi (approximately 4 km)
- Lincholi – Kedarnath base camp (approximately 4 km)
- Kedarnath base camp – Kedarnath temple (approximately 1 km)
If you’re undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra on foot, you will have to start the journey from Gaurikund. You will cover approximately 16-17 km distance one-way and 32 km distance round trip. Alternatively, you can hire Palkis, porters, or mules on a paid basis to reach Kedarnath Temple if you’re unable to walk.
Things to Pack for Kedarnath Yatra
Clothing
For a hassle-free Kedarnath Yatra trekking experience, you should pack 2 pants, 2-3 shirts, a windproof jacket, thermal innerwear, a warm woolen sweater, gloves, a woolen cap, socks, waterproof shoes, a raincoat, slippers, a water bottle, walking stick, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, torch, hand sanitizer, toiletries, a camera with batteries, and face masks.
Medical Kit
Essential medicines that you should pack for Kedarnath Yatra include Avil 25mg for allergies, Diamox for AMS prevention, Digene for acidity, Combiflam for pain relief, Norflox TZ for diarrhea, Avomine for motion sickness, knee cap, Moov spray, Crocin for fever, Betadine, cotton, band-aids, crepe bandage and gauze for emergencies.
Documents to Carry
If you’re undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra, you should have a biometric registration certificate, a valid photo ID like a passport or Aadhar card, a double-dose vaccine certificate, or a COVID-19 negative report. You should also carry your Chardham Yatra permit for verification purposes.
Kedarnath Yatra Cost
The Kedarnath Yatra cost varies depending on various factors like the mode of transportation, starting point of the journey, desired service quality, and number of travelers. With its spiritual significance and breathtaking mountain peaks, Kedarnath offers the perfect blend of trekking experiences and pilgrimage for visitors.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Yatra package cost
The estimated cost for the Haridwar to Kedarnath Yatra package is around INR 9500 per person, for a three-night/four-day journey. This comprehensive package includes all the basic amenities ranging from meals (dinner and breakfast), transportation to and from Haridwar, assistance of a trek leader, and accommodation for three nights on a shared basis.
Delhi to Kedarnath Yatra Package cost
The typical cost for the Delhi to Kedarnath Yatra package is approximately INR 11200 per person for a five-night, six-day journey. It includes meals from the second-day dinner to the fifth-day breakfast, transportation via A/C semi-sleeper bus from Delhi to Delhi, Yatra registration, River Rafting at Rishikesh, hotel stay for three nights, a trek leader, and sightseeing at Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Dhari Devi Temple.
Hyderabad to Kedarnath Yatra Package Cost
The typical cost for the Kedarnath Yatra package from Hyderabad is approximately INR 18,000 per person for the third AC and INR 16,000 per person for the sleeper class. The seven-night, eight-day trip includes meals from the second-day dinner to the seventh-day breakfast, a trek leader, and a five-night hotel stay.
Ahmedabad to Kedarnath Yatra Package Cost
The cost for the Kedarnath Yatra package from Ahmedabad is around INR 16,000 per person for the 3rd AC and INR 14,500 per person for the sleeper class. The seven-night, eight-day trip includes five five-night hotel stays, meals from the second-day dinner to the seventh-day breakfast, and a trek leader.
Kedarnath Yatra Helicopter Package
If you opt for the Kedarnath Yatra holiday package, additional costs may apply. You can book helicopter tickets from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sersi. Online booking can be done through the Helicopter Booking portal. You can book a helicopter ticket yourself but our representative can also assist you in booking the helicopter ticket for a small service charge.
Main Attractions of Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath is one of the most religious pilgrimage sites that offers opportunities for exploring various splendid attractions along the way. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular attractions in and around Kedarnath.
Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is the main attraction of the Kedarnath Yatra. It is dedicated to Lord Kedareshwar and houses the Lord Shiva’s main Jyotirlinga in the Garbhagriha. Situated amidst the breathtaking Himalayan ranges, Kedarnath is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. On the opposite side of the Kedarnath Temple lies the Nandi Bull’s colossal statue, symbolizing protection.
Bhairav Temple
The Bhairav Temple is also called Bhairon Baba Mandir or the Lord Bhairavnath Temple and stands as Kedarnath Temple’s guardian. It is situated in Uttarakhand’s eastern Himalayas and is dedicated to Bhairav, Lord Shiva’s fierce manifestation associated with protection and destruction. This temple holds lots of prominence in Hindu mythology but you can only reach the temple by transversing rugged terrains.
Vasuki Tal Lake
Vasuki Tal is a high-altitude lake situated at a distance of around 8 kilometers from Kedarnath in the Uttarakhand region. It is located at around 4,135 meters elevation and is surrounded by lush meadows, snow-capped peaks, and rocky terrain and offers a surreal setting for visitors. The lake holds immense religious and mythological importance in Hinduism and is believed to be the site where Vishnu bathed in its holy waters to cleanse himself of the Kurukshetra war sins.
Gaurikund
Gaurikund is situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. It is a small pilgrimage town that serves as the base camp for the Kedarnath Temple trek. Gaurikund has been named after Goddess Parvati who is also known as Gauri. According to legend, Goddess Parvati performed penance here to win Lord Shiva’s affection before their marriage. It houses natural hot water springs where pilgrims can take a holy dip.
Gandhi Sarovar
Gandhi Sarovar is an alpine lake situated at the base of the Kirti Stambh and Kedarnath peaks in Uttarakhand. It is perched at around 3,900 meters elevation and is fed by the Chorabari Bamak glacier. From Kedarnath, the trek to Gandhi Sarovar is a rewarding experience treating the visitors with the views of meandering streams, lush valleys, and snow-capped peaks. Gandhi Sarovar is also associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s spiritual legacy.
Sonprayag
Sonprayag is a small village situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. It serves as a stopover for pilgrims visiting the town of Kedarnath. Sonprayag is considered the initial point for the Kedarnath Temple trek. It is believed to be the site where Parvati and Lord Shiva got married.
Chopta Tungnath Temple
Chopta Tungnath Temple is located at 3,680 meters altitude and is the world’s highest Shiva temple. Devotees flock to the temple to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and experience this sacred site’s divine ambiance. It is surrounded by alpine meadows, lush forests, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan Temple is situated in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has been standing for the last three Yugas and hence it is also called as Triyuginarayan temple. It is believed to be the site where Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva got married. The temple complex houses a sacred fire pit where eternal flames have been burning since the divine marriage of Parvati and Shiva.
Guptakashi
Guptakashi is believed to be the site where Shiva hid himself from the Pandavas. The ancient Vishwanath Temple is the main attraction of Guptakashi. It serves as a stopover for pilgrims who undertake the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage circuit including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Rudranath Temple
Situated in the Chamoli district, Rudranath Temple is another Panch Kedar temple. It is the place where Lord Shiva’s Mukha is worshipped. Pilgrims who undertake the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit visit Rudranath as part of their spiritual expedition. Various sacred water tanks are situated around this temple, including Chandra-Kund, Suryakund, Tara-Kund, Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Ghunti.
Dhari Devi Temple
Dhari Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Dhari Devi. As per Hindu mythology, Dhari Devi Temple is the site where Kali appeared to protect the villagers from floods. You can visit the temple to seek blessings for your well-being, protection, and prosperity.
Activities in Kedarnath
Let’s take a look at the activities you can enjoy during your Kedarnath Yatra.
Trekking
Trekking is one of the most interesting activities you can enjoy during your Kedarnath Yatra. You predominantly have to trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund. As you undertake the trekking expedition you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and cascading glaciers.
Camping
In Kedarnath, you can have a serene camping experience while enjoying the beauty of nature. Since there are limited accommodation options trekkers and tourists can set up their tents nearby savoring the beauty of Kedarnath Peak.
Participate in Aarti and Puja
At the Kedarnath Temple daily Aarti and puja ceremonies are conducted, providing you with a chance to have a divine experience. The fragrance of incense, melodious chants, and the bells' rhythmic ringing create a blissful atmosphere. You can offer fruits, and flowers to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings for spiritual fulfillment, prosperity, and good health.
Kedarnath Yatra Route and Distance
The Kedarnath Yatra encompasses approximately 16 kilometers of trek, including a medium to easy gradient. The trek usually starts from Gaurikund and you get the option to avail of services like Palki/Dandi, Kandi, or Mules/Ponies. Due to security regulations from Gaurikund, the trekking timing is fixed from 4 AM to 1:30 PM.
Kedarnath Yatra Starting and Ending Point
Gaurikund is both the starting and ending point of the Kedarnath Yatra trek. Many pilgrims believe that their Kedarnath Yatra is completed as they reach the temple and consider coming back as an important part of their pilgrimage.
Dehradun to Kedarnath Distance
The only way to travel to Kedarnath from Dehradun is via road, as there is no facility for direct flight as there isn’t any airport in Kedarnath. By car, you’ll have to cover approximately a 254 km journey in about 3 hours. During the drive you can relish the scenic beauty of the natural vistas.
Delhi to Kedarnath Distance
Kedarnath is easily accessible from Delhi by road. During the road journey, you will cover approximately 452 km distance in around 9 hours. The aerial distance between Delhi and Kedarnath is 296 km, but you will have to book a flight to Dehradun and then you will be transferred to Kedarnath via helicopter.
Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance
The Haridwar to Kedarnath distance is approximately 239 km. The aerial distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath is approximately 123 km. From Haridwar, there isn’t direct connectivity via air transport. You are advised to utilize road transport to reach Kedarnath from Haridwar. It takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes to reach Kedarnath Dham from Haridwar by road.
Mumbai to Kedarnath Distance
Mumbai to Kedarnath distance by road is approximately 1912 kilometers. However, there isn’t any direct road connectivity between Kedarnath and Mumbai. You can take a flight to Dehradun and then board a taxi or cab from Dehradun to reach Kedarnath. Alternatively, you can take a train to Haridwar from Mumbai and then take a taxi or bus from there to reach Kedarnath.
Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance
You can travel from Rishikesh to Kedarnath via road in approximately 5 hours. By road, Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance is around 216 km and the total aerial distance is approximately 105 km. For aerial travel, there is no direct route so road travel is the only option left.
Best Time for Kedarnath Yatra
The best time for the Kedarnath Yatra is during the summer months when the weather is comfortable and the average temperature ranges around 17 degrees Celsius. May, June, October, and September mark the summer season in Kedarnath. These months are ideal for sightseeing, temple visits, and trekking. However, you should avoid visiting Kedarnath during the monsoon in August and July due to cold winds, heavy rainfall, and increased risk of landslides. Towards the end of October, the Kedarnath temple closes. Winters, from early April to November are very chilly with temperatures going below freezing. During the winters there is heavy snowfall due to which the temple gets closed and roads become impassable. During winter you should not undertake the Kedarnath Yatra due to extreme weather conditions.
How To Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a small town perched in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag District. Till Gaurikund it can be accessed conveniently. From Gaurikund you will have to trek or take Palkies, ponies, or porters to reach Kedarnath. You can also reach Kedarnath by opting for helicopter services from Phata.
By Air: The nearest airport to Kedarnath is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. Dehradun is around 16 km away from Rishikesh and 239 km away from Kedarnath. From Dehradun, you can hire a cab or bus to reach Gaurikund. From here, you’ll have to trek to reach Kedarnath. From New Delhi, you’ll get a direct flight to Dehradun.
By Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath situated at a distance of around 214 km from Kedarnath. Rishikesh station has good connectivity with the major Indian destinations. So Rishikesh is accessible by train from most of the parts of the country. From Rishikesh, you will have to take a cab or bus to Gaurikund.
By Road: The road to Kedarnath ends at Gaurikund. From here you will have to trek for around 16 km to reach Kedarnath. Gaurikund can be accessed easily by both the cabs and the bus. You will get a direct bus from nearby destinations like Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, etc. You can also hire a private taxi to reach Gaurikund. Gaurikund has a good connectivity with Chandigarh and Delhi.
Tips for Kedarnath Yatra
- Kedarnath experiences a cold climate throughout the year. So, you must carry warm woolen clothes including thermals, windcheaters, sweaters, jackets, winter caps, gloves, and proper winter footwear.
- Get yourself checked by your doctor and if you’re healthy then only undertake the Kedarnath Yatra.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the tour as you’ll have to walk a lot and you need to be energized and active.
- If you want to undertake the trek by palki/poni you should inform your trek leader in advance so that booking can be made in advance at Sonprayag/ Gaurikund booking counters.
- Carry proper medicines for AMS and other complications (as medical facilities and hospitals are very few).
- Start preparing for the journey at least one month before. Light Jogging, breathing exercises, and brisk walking should be done daily.
- Keep your identification cards and other important documents in a plastic pouch within your pocket or bag for easy access. You can produce them whenever needed.
- Dress modestly, following the traditions of the temple, and within the temple premises maintain a contemplative silence.
- Before embarking on the Kedarnath trip obtain the required yatra permission or permit.
Kedarnath Trek Difficulty
The total length of the Kedarnath trek is approximately 16 kilometers with a moderate gradient. This trek can be undertaken by varying fitness levels individuals. However, due to the potential oxygen deficiency and high altitude, medical fitness is important. Various assistance options like Palkies, Kandi, mules, and ponies are available for those who can’t walk.