How to Reach Kedarnath from Dehradun

Kedarnath, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a key site in the Chota Char Dham Yatra.

If you’re planning a trip from Dehradun to Kedarnath, this detailed guide will provide you with all possible travel routes, transport options, trekking details, road conditions, best travel tips, and safety guidelines to ensure a smooth journey.

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How to Travel from Dehradun to Kedarnath

Distance: Approximately 250 km (by road) to Gaurikund + 16 km trek to Kedarnath.

Travel Time:

By Road: 8-10 hours to Gaurikund.

By Helicopter: 30-40 minutes from Dehradun to Kedarnath.

By Train: No direct train, but train to Rishikesh + road journey.

Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October (temple remains closed in winter).

Weather Conditions: Cold and unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to -10°C in peak season.

Now, let’s explore all the ways to reach Kedarnath from Dehradun.

1. How to Reach Kedarnath from Dehradun by Road

Route Map:

Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)

Step-by-Step Road Journey

Dehradun to Rishikesh (45 km, 1.5 hours)
- The journey starts from Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital, towards Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas.
- You can take NH 7, which is well-maintained and scenic.
- Travel Options: Private taxi, bus, or shared cab.
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (140 km, 4-5 hours)
- From Rishikesh, follow the route via Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the Ganges River.
- Continue towards Srinagar (Garhwal) and Rudraprayag, another holy confluence where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers meet.
Rudraprayag to Guptkashi (45 km, 2 hours)
- The road winds through beautiful valleys and dense forests.
- Guptkashi is an important stop with lodging options and medical facilities.
Guptkashi to Sonprayag (30 km, 1 hour)
- Sonprayag is the last motorable point for private vehicles.
- From here, you need to take a shared taxi to Gaurikund (5 km).
Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km Trek, 6-8 hours)
- Gaurikund is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek.
- Pilgrims can trek, hire ponies, palkis (palanquins), or take doli services.
- The route passes through Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli, and Base Camp, offering stunning views.

Also read: Best Ways to Book Train Tickets in India Easily

2. How to Reach Kedarnath from Dehradun by Helicopter

For a fast and comfortable journey, a helicopter ride is the best option. Helicopter services operate from Dehradun, Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.

Helicopter Route:

Dehradun → Phata/Guptkashi/Sirsi → Kedarnath

Helicopter Booking & Details

Duration: 30-40 minutes (one way)
Ticket Price: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 per person (one way)
Major Operators:
- Pawan Hans
- Heritage Aviation
- Himalayan Heli Services
- UTair India

How to Book a Helicopter to Kedarnath?

Book tickets through IRCTC, Uttarakhand Tourism websites, or private operators.
Arrive at Sahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun) at least 1 hour before departure.
Weight limit applies (around 80-90 kg per passenger).

Helicopter services are weather-dependent, so delays are common.

3. How to Reach Kedarnath from Dehradun by Train

There is no direct train to Kedarnath. The nearest railway stations are:

Rishikesh Railway Station (45 km from Dehradun)
Haridwar Railway Station (52 km from Dehradun)

Train Route:

Dehradun → Rishikesh/Haridwar → Rudraprayag (By Road) → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek)

Best Trains to Rishikesh/Haridwar from Dehradun:

Dehradun Express
Mussoorie Express
Jan Shatabdi Express

From Rishikesh/Haridwar, take a bus or taxi to Sonprayag and follow the trekking route.

4. How to Reach Kedarnath from Dehradun by Bus

Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operates government and private buses from Dehradun to Kedarnath.
Buses to Kedarnath run from Dehradun ISBT and stop at Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
From Sonprayag, take a shared taxi to Gaurikund and start the trek to Kedarnath.

Bus Timings & Fare

First Bus: 4:00 AM
Last Bus: 8:00 AM
Fare: ₹500 – ₹800 per person
Duration: 10-12 hours

Best Time to Travel to Kedarnath

The Kedarnath Temple is open from late April to early November.

Summer (May-June): Best for clear weather and smooth trekking.
Monsoon (July-August): Risky due to heavy rains and landslides.
Autumn (September-October): Ideal weather with fewer crowds.
Winter (November-April): Temple closes, and the idol is moved to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.

Essential Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra

Carry Valid ID Proof: Required for temple entry and helicopter rides.
Wear Layered Clothing: Temperatures drop at night; thermal wear is recommended.
Book Accommodations in Advance: Stay options available at Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund.
Physical Fitness Matters: The 16 km trek requires stamina—prepare with daily walking or hiking exercises.
Carry Rain Gear & Ponchos: Weather can change unexpectedly.
Start Trek Early Morning: Gates open at 4:00 AM—best to begin trekking before sunrise.
Check Weather Forecast: Heavy snowfall and landslides may cause delays.

Conclusion

Reaching Kedarnath from Dehradun is an adventurous and spiritual journey, offering multiple routes via road, helicopter, train, and bus. Whether you choose the scenic trek from Gaurikund or the quick helicopter ride, each journey provides a soulful experience amidst the Himalayas.

Plan wisely, follow safety precautions, and embrace the divine aura of Kedarnath Temple for a memorable pilgrimage.

Jai Baba Kedarnath!

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