How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi: By Train, Road, and Air

Kedarnath, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India. Known for its spiritual significance as part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath is also a marvel of nature, surrounded by majestic snow-clad peaks and lush valleys. While reaching Kedarnath is a journey of devotion and perseverance, it is equally rewarding.

This comprehensive guide will take you through all the updated travel options—by road, train, and air—so you can plan your Delhi to Kedarnath journey with ease. Whether you’re a pilgrim or a nature enthusiast, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your travel plans.

In This Blog

1. By Road: The Scenic and Spiritual Route to Kedarnath

Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath by road is a popular and picturesque option, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Garhwal region. The journey is divided into two segments: Delhi to Gaurikund (by car or bus) and Gaurikund to Kedarnath (by trek, pony, or helicopter). Kumbh Mela Travel Guide

Delhi to Gaurikund (450 km) Kedarnath

Duration: Approximately 10–12 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Gaurikund.
Road Condition: The roads are well-maintained up to Gaurikund, with winding routes offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

Travel Options by Road

1. Self-Drive or Taxi

Convenience: Driving your own car or hiring a taxi offers the flexibility to stop at scenic locations and pilgrimage spots like Haridwar and Rishikesh.
Cost:
- Self-drive: Fuel costs range between ₹3,000–₹4,000 (depending on your vehicle).
- Private taxi: Fares start from ₹6,000 for one-way journeys or ₹9,000 for round trips.

2. State and Private Buses

Buses to Haridwar or Rishikesh: You can take Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) or private Volvo buses from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
- Fare: ₹300–₹1,000, depending on the bus type.
- Travel Time: 5–7 hours.
Buses to Gaurikund: From Haridwar or Rishikesh, local buses or shared jeeps take you to Gaurikund.
- Fare: ₹400–₹600.
- Travel Time: 8–9 hours.

Pro Tip: For a hassle-free journey, break your trip into two parts by spending a night in Rishikesh or Guptkashi.

Suggested Itineraries for Uttarakhand:

Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km)

Once you reach Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath begins. You can cover the 16-km trek on foot or opt for the following alternatives:

Pony or Mule Rides: Starting at ₹2,500–₹3,500, these rides are great for elderly or tired pilgrims.
Palanquins (Dolis): Charges start from ₹5,000–₹6,000 for a round trip.
Helicopter Services: Helicopter rides are available from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi. Fares range from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 one way, depending on the location.

2. By Train: Combining Rail and Road for Kedarnath

Though Kedarnath doesn’t have its own railway station, Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest major railhead, located approximately 240 km from Gaurikund. Here’s how to plan your journey by train:

Step 1: Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh by Train

Train Options: Several trains connect Delhi with Haridwar and Rishikesh.
- Shatabdi Express: Known for its speed and comfort.
- Jan Shatabdi Express: A budget-friendly option.
- Mussoorie Express: An overnight train.
Duration: 4–7 hours, depending on the train.
Fare: ₹250–₹1,200, depending on the class.

Step 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund by Road

From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can continue the journey to Gaurikund by bus, taxi, or shared jeep, as mentioned in the road travel section.

Pro Tip:

Book your train tickets in advance, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season (May–June and September–November), as trains tend to fill up quickly.

3. By Air: The Fastest Way to Reach Kedarnath

Traveling by air is the quickest way to get closer to Kedarnath, especially for those short on time. While Kedarnath doesn’t have an airport, the nearest one is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 238 km from Gaurikund.

Step 1: Delhi to Dehradun by Air

Duration: A direct flight from Delhi to Dehradun takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Airlines: Indigo, Air India, and SpiceJet operate multiple daily flights.
Cost: Fares range from ₹2,000–₹6,000, depending on the booking time.

Step 2: Dehradun to Gaurikund by Road

From Dehradun, hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund. The drive takes about 8–9 hours.

Helicopter Services from Dehradun to Kedarnath

If you wish to avoid the long road journey from Dehradun to Gaurikund, you can opt for helicopter services:

Route: Helicopters operate from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun to Kedarnath, with a stop at Phata or Sersi.
Duration: 30 minutes (to Phata) + 10 minutes (Phata to Kedarnath).
Cost: Helicopter fares range from ₹7,000–₹10,000 for a round trip.

Pro Tip: Book helicopter tickets early through authorized portals, as availability is limited during the pilgrimage season.

4. Additional Tips for a Smooth Journey to Kedarnath

Plan Your Trip During the Right Season
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to November are ideal for the Kedarnath Yatra. Avoid monsoon months (July and August) due to landslides and heavy rains.
- Winter: The temple is closed during winter (November–April) and the idol is moved to Ukhimath.
Stay Options Along the Route
- Guptkashi, Phata, and Gaurikund offer various accommodations, ranging from budget lodges to luxury hotels.
- Book accommodations in advance during peak pilgrimage months.
What to Pack
- Warm clothing, as Kedarnath experiences cold weather even in summer.
- Comfortable trekking shoes, raincoat, and sunscreen.
Health Precautions
- The trek to Kedarnath is demanding, so pace yourself and stay hydrated.
- Consult a doctor if you have respiratory or cardiac issues before undertaking the trek.
Yatra Registration
- Pilgrims must complete the mandatory Char Dham Yatra registration, which can be done online or at registration counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Guptkashi.

5. Conclusion: Choosing the Best Route for Your Journey

Reaching Kedarnath from Delhi is an incredible journey that combines spirituality, adventure, and scenic beauty. Whether you prefer the flexibility of driving, the budget-friendly rail and road option, or the speed of air travel, there’s a route to suit every traveler’s needs.

For first-time visitors, planning your trip carefully by considering factors like weather, travel time, and trekking ability will ensure a memorable and smooth pilgrimage experience. With Kedarnath’s towering Himalayan peaks, peaceful environment, and divine aura awaiting you, this journey will surely be one of the most cherished trips of your life.

Ready to embark on your spiritual adventure? Pack your bags and start your journey to the sacred Kedarnath temple! Jai Baba Kedarnath!

Let me know if you’d like more tips or assistance in planning your Kedarnath Yatra!

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