Dehradun to Kedarnath Distance: Road, Trek & Air Options

Dehradun to Kedarnath can be covered by road, trekking or air as per your comfort and time frame as Char Dham yatra begins from Dehradun as Kedarnath door and though Himalayas scenery in road tour and divine experience of trekking from Gaurikund, but most convenient and time-saving tour is Chardham Yatra by helicopter as it saves time, minimal physical exertion and offering heavenly trip for more convenience to family members, elderly members and schedule-bound people.

Best Route: Dehradun to Kedarnath by Road via Gaurikund

If you are going from Dehradun to Kedarnath then the most sought-after road route is via Gaurikund which is the motorable end point and from Dehradun you drive initially to Rishikesh and then proceed via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Guptkashi to reach Gaurikund as after that the 16 km trek starts that takes you straight to the temple of Kedarnath.

Total Dehradun to Kedarnath distance by road is approximately 250 km up to Gaurikund and thereafter you need to trek or avail options like pony, palki or even helicopter from local helipads tas his makes the journey not only picturesque but spiritually fulfilling as well because you get to traverse rivers, valleys and mountains.

Distance Breakdown (Dehradun to Gaurikund):

Dehradun to Kedarnath by Train and Road: Closest Railway Stations

Train cannot be boarded from Dehradun to Kedarnath directly as there is no railway station of Kedarnath itself and the nearest railway heads are Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun itself since all the three places are well connected from Indian major cities and one has to change by road from there to Gaurikund which is the motorable point closest to Kedarnath.

Nearest Railway Stations to Kedarnath

• Rishikesh Railway Station – approximately 210 km from Kedarnath

• Haridwar Railway Station – approximately 240 km from Kedarnath

• Dehradun Railway Station – approximately 260 km from Kedarnath

And then you have to reach here by bus, shared jeep, or jeep to Gaurikund since the divine trek of 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath starts from here.

Railway Station Comparison Tab

Road Journey After Train

• The road journey from Rishikesh/Haridhar/Dehradun goes through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi and Sonprayag, to Gaurikund at last.

• Dehradun to Kedarnath road journey is around 260 km to Gaurikund and then a 16 km.

• If you don’t have time on your hands, you can even book Dehradun Kedarnath helicopter services from helipads near you like Phata, Guptakashi or Sersi.

How to Reach Kedarnath via Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Nearest airport from Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is 239 km away and there are flights from cities of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore which operate connecting flights from this airport so the best way to come here is by flight.

You can’t directly fly from Jolly Grant Airport to Kedarnath. You have to go a little extra by road or helicopter.

By Road: Taxi or bus facility from Dehradun Airport covers Gaurikund, motorable point, and further. 8-9 hours road journey from Dehradun Airport goes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi. From Gaurikund to Kedarnath congested 16 km trekking path starts here.

By Airplane: You can reach by airplane from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi, all 30–40 km from Gaurikund. The helicopter landing is close to where Kedarnath temple is situated.

Therefore, if you are interested in having the shortest source of approach to start your Kedarnath Yatra, arriving by flight to Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the most appropriate one since it saves time and gives you different modes of travel in advance.

Dehradun to Kedarnath Helicopter Service – Time & Booking

The time- and energy-saving tourist facility is Dehradun Kedarnath helicopter service. Instead of driving the whole distance of 260 km from Dehradun to Kedarnath, you take direct flight from helipads near Jolly Grant Airport, nearest to Kedarnath.

Helicopter Travel Time

• Phata/Guptkashi/Sersi Helipads to Dehradun Airport: Approximately 5–6 hours of driving.
• Helicopter Travel from Helipads to Kedarnath: Just 10–15 minutes.
• Total travel duration can be cut down to 6–7 hours, while by road it is nearly 15–17 hours.
• Major Helicopter Routes to Kedarnath
• Phata to Kedarnath: Highly sought, around 10 minutes.
• Guptkashi to Kedarnath: Around 12–15 minutes.
• Sersi to Kedarnath: Around 10 minutes, and with shuttle facilities arranged on frequent intervals.
  

Booking Information

• Online Booking: Booking facility is provided through official Uttarakhand Government website or approved sites.
  
• Advance Booking: Highly recommended during peak season Chardham Yatra (May–June, Sept–Oct).
  
• Documents required: ID proof (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID), Yatra registration, and medical certificate as may be prescribed.
  
• Baggage Allowance: 2–5 kg per head as weight restriction only.

Road vs Helicopter Travel Time

Why Choose Helicopter Service?

• Saves time and energy, especially for elderly devotees.
  
• Safer option during unpredictable weather.
  
• Gives an amazing aerial view of the Himalayas.

Dehradun to Kedarnath by Air (Helicopter + Road)

The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and from here:

1. Drive to Phata, Guptkashi or Sersi helipads (5–6 hours).
   
2. Take a Dehradun Kedarnath helicopter ride which takes just 10–15 minutes.
   

Total Time by Helicopter + Road: Around 6–7 hours as this is the fastest way to cover the Dehradun airport to Kedarnath distance.

When to Visit Kedarnath: Best Time to Travel via Dehradun

The road distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath is approximately 260 km, and due to the poor climatic condition of the Himalayas, you cannot go to Kedarnath all year round. This temple is open for only six months, i.e., mid-April or early May to early November or October. If you are planning to go through Dehradun, which is near the airport, then it’s absolutely easy if you consider the proper season too.

Summer (May – June)

• Weather: Fine and clear weather.
  
• Travel Time: Road and helicopter travel are not affected.
  
• Best For: Elders, children, and seniors.
  Best due to the simple and safe hike.
  

Monsoon (July – September)

• Weather:  Landslides and slippy roads with heavy rainfall.
• Travel Time:  Road travel may take much longer; even flights are delayed.
• Best For: Far from best, particularly for children and elders.

It’s only for veterans who know the way or those with flexible schedules.

Autumn (September – October)

• Weather: Clear skies, mild cold, best views of the mountains.
  
• Travel Time: Comfort road journey and normal helicopter service from Dehradun to Kedarnath.
  
• Best For: Photo-fanatics, genuine pilgrims, and peaceful traveling.
  This is the second-best season after summer to book your Kedarnath Yatra.

Temple Closure (November – April)

• Kedarnath Temple closes down after Diwali due to snowfall.
  
• The idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Ukhimath during winters.
  No road point or helicopter point exists here between Kedarnath.

Quick Travel Season Guide

Dehradun to Kedarnath by Helicopter vs Road: Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts on Covering the Dehradun to Kedarnath Distance

Dehradun to Kedarnath will also feel exhausting but pre-planning makes it comfortable and memorable and devotees may go by road, train with road or helicopter facility according to time, convenience and economy.

For those who seek utter Himalayan magnificence road trip Rudraprayag, Rishikesh and Guptkashi is one experience of lifetime and in case time and efforts are of paramount importance then Dehradun Kedarnath helicopter is time and effort-saver and shortest mode because airport being in immediate neighbourhood of Kedarnath, Jolly Grant in Dehradun makes yatra accessible to tourists from all nooks and corners of India.

On earth and in the air too, each route is distinct and the key is an early morning start, to be ready to handle unpredictable weather and to embark on the sacred pilgrimage that is part of the Chardham Yatra.