Kedarnath Dham, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 3,584 meters (11,755 feet) in the Rudraprayag district, the temple is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and lies on the banks of the Mandakini River.
Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where Lord Shiva manifests as a fiery column of light. The temple, built in stone architecture, has stood the test of time, even surviving the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
If you are planning a pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham, this detailed travel guide will help you understand the route map, best travel options, distances, and must-visit places along the way.
How to Reach Kedarnath Dham?
Reaching Kedarnath requires a combination of road travel and trekking. The last motorable point is Gaurikund, from where you must undertake a 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
Modes of Travel to Kedarnath
- By Air – Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km)
- By Train – Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station (231 km)
- By Road – Buses, taxis, and private vehicles are available up to Gaurikund.
- By Helicopter – Direct helicopter services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.
Kedarnath Route Map & Distance Guide
The Delhi to Kedarnath route is approximately 450 km, with a final 16 km trek from Gaurikund. The journey takes 2-3 days, depending on weather and road conditions.
Also read: Best Ways to Book Train Tickets in India Easily
Detailed Route Map with Distance & Major Stops
| Destination | Distance (km) | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Rishikesh | 231 km | 6-7 hours |
| Rishikesh to Devprayag | 74 km | 3 hours |
| Devprayag to Srinagar | 34 km | 1.5 hours |
| Srinagar to Rudraprayag | 35 km | 1.5 hours |
| Rudraprayag to Tilwara | 9 km | 30 minutes |
| Tilwara to Agastamuni | 10 km | 30 minutes |
| Agastamuni to Kund | 15 km | 1 hour |
| Kund to Guptkashi | 5 km | 15 minutes |
| Guptkashi to Phata | 11 km | 30 minutes |
| Phata to Rampur | 9 km | 30 minutes |
| Rampur to SonPrayag | 3 km | 10 minutes |
| SonPrayag to Gaurikund | 5 km | 15 minutes |
| Total Distance (Delhi to Gaurikund) | 450 km | 15-18 hours (approx.) |
New Trekking Route to Kedarnath After 2013 Floods
Due to the 2013 flash floods, the traditional trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath was reconstructed with better safety measures.
| Trekking Route | Distance (km) | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti | 4 km | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Jungle Chatti to Bheembali | 3 km | 1 hour |
| Bheembali to Lincholi | 4 km | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Lincholi to Kedarnath Temple | 4 km | 2 hours |
| Total Trek Distance | 16 km | 6-8 hours |
Alternative Travel Options for Kedarnath Trek
- Pony/Mule Ride: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per person (one way).
- Doli/Palanquin: ₹4,500 – ₹7,000 per person (one way).
- Helicopter Services: Available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi (₹5,500 – ₹7,500 round trip).
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath
Along the way to Kedarnath, several spiritual and natural attractions make the journey even more fulfilling.
1. Gaurikund (Base of Kedarnath Trek)
- Named after Goddess Parvati (Gauri), who performed penance here.
- Famous for its hot water springs where pilgrims take a dip before starting the trek.
2. Triyuginarayan Temple (12 km from Sonprayag)
- Believed to be the wedding site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
- An eternal fire burns here, said to have been lit during their marriage.
3. Vasuki Tal (8 km trek from Kedarnath)
- A high-altitude glacial lake offering breathtaking views.
- According to mythology, Lord Vishnu bathed here before meeting Lord Shiva.
4. Gandhi Sarovar (2 km from Kedarnath)
- A serene lake, believed to be the place where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed.
5. Shankaracharya Samadhi (Near Kedarnath Temple)
- Final resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, who revived Hinduism and the Char Dham circuit.
6. Kalimath Temple (13 km from Ukhimath)
- One of the Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Kali is worshipped.
Read Also:
- Kedarnath Opening & Closing Dates: Complete Guide
- Plan Your Trip: Badrinath Temple Timings & Schedule
- Yamunotri Pilgrimage Guide: Key Dates & Travel Essentials
- Gangotri Temple Opening & Closing Dates Explained
- Char Dham Yatra: When Do the Temples Open and Close?
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple opens for six months (May to November) due to heavy snowfall in winter.
| Season | Best Months | Weather Condition | Pilgrimage Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | May – June | Pleasant (10-20°C) | Best time for darshan |
| Monsoon | July – September | Heavy rains, landslides possible | Risky travel conditions |
| Autumn | September – November | Cool and clear weather | Ideal for spiritual seekers |
| Winter | December – April | Temple closed due to snowfall | Not accessible |
Accommodation Near Kedarnath
Due to high-altitude location, accommodation in Kedarnath is limited to government-run guesthouses, dharamshalas, and budget hotels.
Best Places to Stay
| Hotel Name | Location | Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| GMVN Guest House | Kedarnath | ₹800 – ₹2,500 |
| Punjab Sindh Awas | Kedarnath | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Kedar Valley Resorts | Guptkashi | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Camp Nirvana | Guptkashi | ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 |
Essential Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra
- Book accommodations and helicopter tickets in advance during peak season.
- Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as nights are extremely cold.
- Avoid traveling during monsoons due to the risk of landslides.
- Start the trek early in the morning to reach Kedarnath before sunset.
- Carry basic medicines, energy bars, and water for the trek.
- Respect local customs and temple rules during your visit.
Conclusion
A journey to Kedarnath Dham is not just a pilgrimage but a spiritually and visually enriching experience. Whether you travel by train, road, or helicopter, the route to Kedarnath offers stunning landscapes, ancient temples, and a deep sense of devotion.
By following this updated travel guide, you can plan a safe and memorable Kedarnath Yatra, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings in the lap of the Himalayas.
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