How to Reach Kedarnath Dham in 2025?

Kedarnath is an emotion, it is the destination where even the strongest people break down in tears. Just imagining you are standing near snowy mountains with pure air feels like a blessing.

The story behind it is that the Pandav came here to take forgiveness from Lord Shiva, to avoid them, Shiva converted him into Bull. But when he was caught, he divided himself into different paths and left his hump at Kedarnath. But the story is not a myth, it is a journey where people used to visit there to seek forgiveness and find light after the war. This makes it worth visitng Chardham Yatra.

Kedarnath Highlights 

Kedarnath Location: 30°44′6.7″N 79°4′0.9″E
Kedarnath State: Uttarakhand
Kedarnath District: Rudraprayag
Kedarnath Height: 3,583 m (11,755 ft)
Kedarnath Temperature: 5.1°C
Kedarnath Weather: Extreme Cold
Kedarnath Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest Airport in Kedarnath: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath: May-June and September-November

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham by Road

If someone in your family has already visited Kedarnath and you have probably heard from them that “Travelling by Road requires patience and power both” and it is true. But once you travel from the Road and take a turn near mountains, you will feel like you are slowly climbing towards the Divine. 

Step-by-Step Guide to How to Reach Kedarnath Dham by Road

1. Start from Haridwar or Rishikesh, it is a starting point where you travel by Road. Both places are famous for their ghats, aarti and peaceful environment. You can easily reach here by train or by bus. 
2. From Rishikesh or Haridwar you will travel to Gaurikund. 

You will travel through the following towns:

• Devprayag – It is the point where Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Rivers meet to form the Ganga.
• Srinagar – A small town on the way.
• Rudraprayag – It is the point where both rivers meet as Mandakini joins Alaknanda.
• Guptkashi – People usually stop here for the Night.
• Sonprayag – The last point where public vehicles can go.
• Gaurikund – This is where the actual trek begins.

From Gaurikund the real trek begins. As no vehicles are allowed from this. You will see the Palkis, Ponies and porters all around. The trek is around 16 to 18 km. 

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham by Train 

There is no direct Train to Kedarnath Dham. You have probably heard from people that they are traveling by Train and then will go by Road or Trekking. Kedarnath is situated in the middle of the Himalayas but that doesn’t mean Trains aren’t useful. In fact, many people travel by Train only as it is most Convenient. 

Step 1: Book a Train to Haridwar or Rishikesh

Step 2: Reach Gaurikund by Road (From the Station)

From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you will continue by Road. The drive from Haridwar to Gaurikund takes around 9–10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. 

People often stop at:

• Guptkashi (a peaceful overnight stay point)
• Sonprayag (where public vehicles are no longer allowed)
• And then Gaurikund, the trek base.

If you’re coming with a group or family, it’s better to book a vehicle in advance — especially during peak yatra season.

Step 3: Start the Trek from Gaurikund

Once you’ve reached Gaurikund, the story is the same for everyone, the 16-18 km uphill trek to Kedarnath starts from here. You’ll walk, chant, rest, and connect deeply with the mountain spirit. Along the way, you’ll find food stalls, free medical camps, water points, and dhabas. You won’t feel alone, everyone around you is headed toward the same sacred place.

Pro Tips for Train Travelers

• Book your train tickets well in advance. During May-June and September-October, trains fill up super fast.
• Prefer Haridwar Jn if you want more train options and easy vehicle connectivity.
• If you’re coming from South India, East India, or Central India, break your journey in Delhi or Lucknow, then continue to Haridwar.
• Carry some snacks, water bottles, and winter clothes even on the train because temperatures change fast once you leave the plains.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham by Air 

So, when we were planning for Kedarnath, the first thing someone told us was “Just take a flight to Dehradun, that’s the closest you’ll get by air.” and they were right. There’s this airport called Jolly Grant, and it’s roughly 250 kilometers from the temple. Doesn’t sound close, but it’s the best option. Flights land there from all big cities. 

Once you reach, hire a cab and start a road journey towards Gaurikund. Long roads, winding hills, but beautiful views throughout. Some people stop at Sonprayag. From there, it’s either a trek or you book a pony or palki. 

Later, helicopters are available too. From places like Phata or Guptkashi. Quick ride, amazing views from above, and saves hours. If you want to go again with family, especially elders, take the chopper. No stress. Plus, flying over the Himalayas? That’s an experience on its own.

End of the day, how you reach doesn’t matter. Standing in front of Kedarnath makes every path worth it.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham from Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the spiritual places, which act as a main gateway to Kedarnath Dham. If you are starting your journey from Haridwar then you have three options.

• By Road till Gaurikund.
• By road till Helicopter boarding Point.
• Or a combination of Road and Travel Services.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you How to Reach Kedarnath Dham from Haridwar.

Step 1: Road Journey from Haridwar to Gaurikund

• The total Distance will be 240 km
• You will reach there in 8 to 10 hours
• You can go by Bus, self-drive car or private taxi

Start your journey from the Haridwar bus stand or railway station. 

Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund

Step 2: Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath

After reaching Gaurikund, Kedarnath is just 16 km away. Then the final part of the journey begins.

• Trek route is well-kept and has palki, and doli services for senior citizens and specially-abled.
• You’ll find medical camps, drinking points, and food stalls along the route.
• Trek can take 6 to 9 hours depending on capacity and how many times you stop.

Helicopter Ride – If you don’t want to trek then you can travel by Helicopter. The Helipad is 30 km away from Kedarnath and will take 9 to 11 minutes to reach Kedarnath Dham.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham from Delhi

Delhi, being the capital city, is a starting point for many pilgrims from across India. Here’s How to Reach Kedarnath Dham from Delhi step-by-step.

 Option 1: By Road (Delhi to Gaurikund + Trek)

• The total distance will be 450 km
• Travel Time: 14 to 16 hours by car or taxi

Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund

Option 2: By Train + Road

Just take a train from New Delhi Railway Station. Trains like Nanda Devi Express or Dehradun Express run daily. After reaching Haridwar/Rishikesh, you take a bus to reach Gaurikund

Option 3: By Air + Road/Helicopter

Flight from Delhi to Dehradun is 1 hour

Then, drive from Dehradun to Gaurikund which is 250 km, and takes 8–9 hours approx OR you can do Chardham Yatra by Helicopter. 

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham from Rishikesh

It is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is also a major access point for Char Dham pilgrims.

Rishikesh to Gaurikund by Road

• The total Distance will be 215 km
• You will reach there in 7 to 9 hours

Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Agastyamuni → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund

You can find shared taxis, private cabs, and even buses from Rishikesh Bus Station. You’ll pass through the scenic towns of Devprayag (where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet) and Rudraprayag.

• Roads are safe but narrow in some stretches.
• During the monsoon, landslides can delay your journey.

Once at Gaurikund, continue on the 16 km trek or helicopter ride from the nearby point.

Kedarnath Distance from Other Dhams and Cities

Kedarnath Yatra Popular Route 

When it comes to “How to reach Kedarnath Dham”, there are multiple routes that pilgrims follow. But out of all, there is one most popular and trusted route that thousands of yatris take every year.

This route is known as the

Rishikesh – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath Route.

Step-by-Step Route

Step 1 Rishikesh to Rudraprayag

• The total distance it will take is 140 km
• You will reach there in 4.5 to 5.5 hours
• Route: Via Devprayag and Srinagar
• Roads are smooth with spiritual views all around

Step 2 Rudraprayag to Guptkashi

• The total distance will be 45 km
• You will reach there in 1.5 to 2 hours
• The roads are narrower but surrounded by forests and streams

Step 3 Guptkashi to Sonprayag

• The total Distance will be 30 km
• You will reach there in 1.5 hours
• Shared jeeps and taxis are available

Step 4 Sonprayag to Gaurikund

• The total distance will be 5 km
• Pilgrims must switch to government-shared vehicles or walk
• Private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag

Step 5 Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek

• The total distance it will take is 16 km.
• You will reach there in 6–10 hours depending on your fitness
• Options: Walk, horse, pony, palki, or helicopter from a nearby point

What else to do near Kedarnath

After reaching Kedarnath Dham you can witness the soulful and spiritual activities. Many yatris like to spend an extra day exploring these famous places. 

1. Bhairavnath Temple – It is situated just behind Kedarnath Temple near mountains, just 500 meters uphill from it. It is dedicated to Bhairav Baba. Temple offers you a panoramic view of the Himalayas with a peaceful environment. 
2. Gaurikund – It is the starting point of the yatra which offers natural Hot Water, taking a dip to relax your body after or before trek. It is directly linked to Goddess Parvati (Gauri Mata)
3. Vasuki Tal Trek – It is just 8 km from Kedarnath with a Glacial Lake surrounded by Himalayan Peaks. The trekking path is moderate and ideal for travelers.
4. Triyuginarayan Temple – This temple holds the importance of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding held there. There is a kund where the fire is burning since the divine wedding still burns. Best for Couples and Newlyweds. It is just 25 km away from Sonprayag

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham: Travel Tips

Reaching Kedarnath is more than just a journey. It’s an emotional commitment. And to do it safely, especially in the mountains, you need to be aware of a few important travel tips and essentials.

Things to carry 

• Valid ID (Aadhaar/Driving License)
• Medical fitness certificate (mandatory)
• Warm clothes (even in summer)
• Raincoat or poncho
• Power bank, torch, and water bottle
• Dry fruits

Travel Tips 

• First, do the Chardham Yatra Registration on the official portal. You will get a Yatra pass that is checked at checkpoints like Sonprayag.
• Book early Kedarnath has limited hotels.
• Weather can change anytime near mountains. So start your trek early.
• Avoid Heavy meals before the trek, eat light, and carry dry fruits with you to eat during the trek.
• If you have mountain sickness like headache and breathlessness. Then take a rest. 
• Respect the environment, and do not throw plastic and litter here and there. Kedarnath is a sacred dham and natural zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What kind of Clothes do you wear during Kedarnath Yatra?

For the Kedarnath yatra, wear layers of wool or thermal clothes, a waterproof jacket, trekking pants, and sturdy shoes or boots. Also, bring rain gear and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Q. Is oxygen low in Kedarnath Temple?

Above 8,000 feet, people need more oxygen to breathe. Kedarnath needs 87% oxygen at that altitude.

Q. Does Mobile work in Kedarnath?

Reliance Jio is the first telecom company to offer mobile and internet services on the trekking path between Gaurikund and Kedarnath.

Q. What is the best way to reach Kedarnath?

The easiest and the fastest way to reach Kedarnath is by Helicopter.

Q. Which are the best and most trustworthy Travel Agents for the Chardham Yatra in India?

Chardham Yatra by Helicopters is the Best Travel Agency for the Chardham Yatra in India.

Other Chardham Yatra Travel Guide