Kedarnath Dham Route Map – Complete Travel Guide

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.

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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.

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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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Kedarnath Dham Route Map: Complete Travel Guide