Kedarnath, nestled in the Himalayas, is a sacred spot that draws many yearly. At 3,583 meters, it’s home to an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. This temple is vital to the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, India.
The place isn’t just spiritually important; it’s also stunningly beautiful, with its rugged landscapes and snowy peaks. Even though it’s not easy to get to, the pilgrims’ faith and determination keep them coming back. This makes Kedarnath a special place where spirituality meets natural beauty.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | Route: From major cities to Gaurikund (the base for Kedarnath). Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a 16 km trek. |
| By Train | Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (216 km from Kedarnath). From Rishikesh, take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund. |
| By Air | Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km from Kedarnath). Helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. |
How to Reach Kedarnath by Road
Road Route from Delhi
The road trip from Delhi to Kedarnath is about 452 kilometers long. You start in the busy city of Delhi and head through beautiful places like Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and finally Gaurikund. The roads are good because they’re part of the national highway system. It’s a beautiful drive that feels adventurous and spiritual.
You can take a bus, hire a taxi, or drive yourself. It usually takes between 10 to 12 hours, but that can change with traffic and the weather. As you drive, you’ll see the scenery shift from cityscapes to peaceful hills and places where rivers meet. It’s like the journey itself gets you ready for the spiritual visit to Kedarnath.
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Road Route from Haridwar
Haridwar is a crucial starting point for those heading to Kedarnath. The trip covers about 239 kilometers. You’ll travel through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and end at Gaurikund. That’s where you’ll leave the car or bus. You can find many buses and taxis in Haridwar. They come in different price ranges, so you can pick what fits your budget.
The drive takes you through the mountains. The views are stunning, and the journey lets you soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the Garhwal Himalayas. Make sure to plan some breaks along the way. Stretching, grabbing a snack, or just enjoying the scenery is important. Keep an eye on the weather. It can really change how long the trip takes. Usually, you’ll spend about 8 to 9 hours on the road from Haridwar to Gaurikund.
Road Route from Dehradun
After checking out the route from Haridwar, let’s look at how to get to Kedarnath from Dehradun by road. The trip covers about 254 kilometers. It’s a beautiful yet demanding drive. You’ll start on NH7, drive through Rishikesh, and keep going to Rudraprayag. That’s where you’ll turn off toward Gaurikund. Gaurikund is as far as you can go by car.
| City | Distance to Kedarnath (by road) |
|---|---|
| Haridwar | 239 km |
| Rishikesh | 216 km |
| Dehradun | 254 km |
| Delhi | 450 km |
| Rudraprayag | 76 km |
| Guptkashi | 30 km |
| Gaurikund | 16 km trek to Kedarnath from here |
To reach the Kedarnath Temple, you need to hike 16 km from there. The drive from Dehradun to Gaurikund usually takes 8 to 9 hours, depending on traffic and weather.
How to Reach Kedarnath by Train
Nearest Railway Stations
The closest train station to Kedarnath is in Rishikesh, about 210 kilometers from Gaurikund, where you park your car and start hiking. Rishikesh is a crucial stop for people going to Kedarnath. It has trains coming in from big cities all over India.
Once in Rishikesh, you can take a bus or a taxi to Gaurikund. This part of the trip usually takes 7 to 8 hours, depending on the traffic and roads. Since you have a long drive and a hike ahead, it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to rest and get used to the altitude in Rishikesh or somewhere along the way.
Train Route from Delhi
Starting your trip to Kedarnath from Delhi? Taking the train is an innovative and enjoyable choice. You can hop on a train to Rishikesh, the closest train station to Kedarnath, about 210 kilometers from Gaurikund. The train ride from Delhi covers around 238 kilometers and usually takes 5 to 6 hours. It’s a comfortable way to see the beautiful landscapes of Northern India.
Once you get to Rishikesh, you can catch a local bus or a taxi to Gaurikund. From there, you’ll trek up to the Kedarnath Temple. This part of the journey really brings you into the spiritual and natural beauty of the area. It’s quite an experience!
How to Reach Kedarnath by Air
Nearest Airports
To get to Kedarnath, fly into Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It’s the nearest airport, about 250 kilometers away. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have regular flights to this airport, making it easier for pilgrims and tourists to start their journey.
Once you land in Dehradun, you can take a taxi or a bus to Gaurikund, where the trek to Kedarnath starts. The drive from the airport to Gaurikund has beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayas, making the trip more worthwhile. This is the best way to reach Kedarnath by air.
Helicopter Services
Helicopter services provide a quick and beautiful way to get to Kedarnath, skipping the challenging hike from Gaurikund. These flights mainly take off from Dehradun and go to either Gaurikund or straight to Kedarnath, making the trip much easier and faster.
The flights help people who can’t do the trek for health reasons or want to save time. The Uttarakhand Government sets the prices and schedules every year, keeping them fair and regulated. Each flight lasts about 8 to 10 minutes and gives you a stunning view of the Himalayas. It’s a unique way to add to your spiritual trip.
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Conclusion
There are several ways to visit Kedarnath, each offering unique experiences and challenges, suited for different preferences and fitness levels. You can drive through the beautiful mountains, take a train to the closest station, or hop on a quick helicopter ride. The journey to Kedarnath is just as rewarding as the destination itself.
Plan based on the weather and your physical health, considering the high altitude and the hike involved. Also, respect the local traditions and the sacred nature of the site. Visiting Kedarnath is more than just a trip; it’s a spiritual experience that sticks with you long after you return home.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.