Kedarnath, surrounded by the Himalayas, is not just a travel spot but also a holy pilgrimage site important for many devotees. If you are planning a trip understanding the Delhi to Kedarnath route is essential.
There are multiple ways to reach there, including flights, trains, and road travel. Visitors need proper planning before visiting this sacred place. Here is a guide to help you complete your journey smoothly. So pack your bags and get ready!
How to Reach Kedarnath
You can reach the Lord Shiva’s Dham via multiple ways – air, train, and road. Here’s a detailed account:
By Train
These are the steps to travel by train-
- Delhi to Rishikesh- Board a train from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) to reach Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH). The whole journey takes about 5 to 6 hours.
- Rishikesh to Sonprayag-Upon arrival in Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or a bus to get to Sonprayag. The distance is about 212 km and takes around 8 to 9 hours.
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund- Gaurikund is only 5 kilometres away from Sonprayag. You can reach there by shared jeeps.
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath– Start your 16 kilometre trek to reach Kedarnath.
By Road
Choosing a bus is an affordable way to reach the destination. Many government and private buses run along this route:
- Delhi to Rishikesh/Haridwar- ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi has regular buses to Rishikesh as well as Haridwar. The trip usually takes around 6 to 8 hours.
- Rishikesh/Haridwar to Sonprayag- From Rishikesh or Haridwar, buses and shared taxis are available to Sonprayag, which takes around 8 to 10 hours.
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund-Take a short ride to Gaurikund, then start your trek to Kedarnath.
By Flight
The fastest way to travel is by flight. While you can’t fly directly to Kedarnath, you can reach the nearest airport and complete the rest of the journey by road.
- Delhi to Dehradun-Take a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun. The journey takes about 1 hour.
- Dehradun to Sonprayag- Travel from Dehradun to Sonprayag by taxi or bus. The distance is about 250 km, and the trip takes between 8 to 10 hours.
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund- Take a taxi to Gaurikund, then start your trek to Kedarnath.
Delhi to Kedarnath Route Map
Here’s the route guide:
Delhi to Haridwar/ Rishikesh- Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Tilwara – Augustmuni – Kund – Guptkashi – Phata -Rampur – Sonprayag -Gaurikund – Rambara – Garuda Chatti – Kedarnath.
Road Conditions
Here’s a quick overview of the road condition on your pilgrimage:
| Route Segment | Distance (Approx.) | Road Condition |
| Delhi → Rishikesh | 230 km | Driving on NH 334, you get good, flat roads. Overall, you get a smooth drive, but expect some traffic near Meerut and Haridwar. |
| Rishikesh → Devprayag | 70 km | It’s a hilly area, but roads are still well-maintained. Watch out for the curvy mountain road, though. |
| Devprayag → Srinagar | 35 km | Roads are mostly smooth, with some narrow sections here and there. Also, look out for occasional construction zones. |
| Srinagar → Rudraprayag | 35 km | It’s drivable but has a few rough patches. You get moderate traffic on this route. |
| Rudraprayag → Guptkashi | 50 km | This mountainous terrain has narrow roads at places. Drive cautiously as there are steep bends. |
| Guptkashi → Sonprayag | 30 km | Roads are in fair condition here, but be cautious around narrow and winding roads. |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund | 5 km | Roads are steep, rough, and narrow here. Only local jeeps are allowed on this path. |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek) | 16 km | This is the trekking path. A steep, stone-paved route is ahead. |
Distance Between Delhi and Kedarnath
The total distance from Delhi to Kedarnath is approximately 450–500 km. Additional distance of 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is covered by trekking. The road route up to Gaurikund takes about 14-16 hours, with additional 6-8 hours are used up in trekking.
Brief Itinerary
A typical schedule for your Kedarnath visit from Delhi would look something like this:
- Day 1: Delhi → Haridwar
- Day 2: Haridwar → Guptkashi/Sonprayag
- Day 3: Reach Gaurikund → Trek to Kedarnath → Darshan
- Day 4: Return trek to Gaurikund → Drive to Rudraprayag
- Day 5: Rudraprayag → Haridwar → Delhi
How to Reach Kedarnath: Trekking Vs Helicopter
There are ultimately two ways to reach Kedarnath:
Trekking
This option is for those who are adventurous and can trek in the cold mountainous regions. needless to say, one needs to be fit to cover this trail. Depending on your pace, the journey can take you anywhere from six to eight hours to cover the arduous journey. Stretched over 16-18 km, the whole travel provides the pilgrims with a picturesque scenery to enjoy.
The route can be challenging with steep terrains. Moreover, the weather is also unpredictable and always cold. For those who want to ease their journey, they can opt for ponies/Palkis. Depending on the weather and your weight, they can charge anywhere between INR 2,000– INR 4,500.
In addition, you’ll also find along the trek route rest sheds, medical posts, and tea stalls
Helicopter Option
If you’re short on time or feel the trek to be too strenuous, then there’s another option for you: helicopter travel. It also makes for a suitable option for senior citizens. To opt for a heli service, you can take a flight from any of the following helipads:
- Phata
- Guptkashi
- Sersi
Rest assured, you’ll reach the Kedarnath helipad in under 10 minutes! And it’s just 500 metres away from the Kedarnath shrine. The one way ticket costs around INR 2,500 to INR 3,500 per person.
To book the tickets, visit the official portal at https://heliservices.uk.gov.in.
Accommodation Options along the Way
You can get the following kinds of options for staying in the hills:
| Location | Stay Type | Notes |
| Haridwar | Budget Hotels/ Dharamshalas/ Resorts/ GMVN Guest House | Loads of variety here: You can get anything here from budget to premium resorts |
| Guptkashi | Budget Hotels/ Camps/ Mid-Range Hotels | These are ideal for an overnight stay before the trek |
| Sonprayag | Budget lodges/ Swiss tents | Expect lodges with basic facilities |
| Kedarnath | GMVN Huts/Dormitories/ Dharamshalas / Ashrams/ Camps | Booking early is advised as there’s very limited availability |
Cost of Travel
The cost depends largely on your mode of transport. For a budget travel via road or train, you can expect your travel expenses to be in the range of INR 2,000 – INR 5,000. And for premium trips like flight and helicopter travel, you can expect anything from INR 5,000 to INR 8,000.
Places to Stop
There are many places along the way where you can take a break or experience nearby attractions. These stops make your trip more rich and enjoyable.
- Delhi- The journey starts in the capital city, famous for its history, wonderful markets, and delicious street food.
- Meerut, Uttar Pradesh – This place is known for its beautiful temples and old-style architecture, perfect for a quick trip!
- Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh-The area is famous for ancient temples and markets where visitors can experience the local traditions.
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand-It’s a spiritual place, popular for its holy Ghats and the beautiful Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand-This holy place is popular for yoga, meditation, and exciting river rafting adventures.
- Devprayag, Uttarakhand- This is the site where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga.
- Srinagar, Uttarakhand-It’s a scenic town surrounded by natural beauty and a relaxing vibe.
- Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand- Enjoy this peaceful spot where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers join.
- Sonprayag, Uttarakhand- This serene site falls on the way to Gaurikund, and is surrounded by beautiful mountains.
- Gaurikund, Uttarakhand – This is the starting point for the Kedarnath trek, and is famous for hot springs and spiritual importance.
Important Tips
- Book in advance-Kedarnath gets busy in the peak season, so book your train, bus, hotel, and helicopter tickets early.
- Keep Warm clothes- The weather in Kedarnath stays cool even in summer, so carry warm clothes.
- Start Trek Early Morning-Morning is the perfect time to trek for a smooth and safe journey.
- Bring Essential Items- Carry rain gear, energy bars, important medicines, and a power bank.
- Stay hydrated and Take breaks –The high altitude trek can be tiring, so drink water and rest when needed.
Frequently Asked Question
Q-1: What is Delhi to Kedarnath distance?
Ans: The distance between Delhi to Kedarnath is around 450 km.
Q-2: Is there a helicopter service from Delhi to Kedarnath?
Ans: No, but you can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun and then take a helicopter from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi.
Q-3: Are government buses available from Delhi to Kedarnath?
Ans: Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs a direct bus from Delhi to Sonprayag. From there, you can get shared jeeps up to Gaurikund. And afterwards, trek to the temple!
Q-4: What is the easiest and quickest route from Delhi to Kedarnath?
Ans: To reach there smoothly and quickly, you can travel through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund.
Conclusion
Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath is a memorable experience filled with adventure and spirituality. No matter if you choose train, road, or flight, proper planning is important. Going by train or bus is affordable, while flights are expensive but the fastest option.
On the way, you will pass through wonderful places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag that make your journey even more special. Since it gets crowded during pilgrimage season, booking transport and accommodation early will help you avoid any last-minute issues.
Visiting Kedarnath is not just about getting there – it’s also about experiencing the holy atmosphere of the mountains. Good preparation will make your journey comfortable and memorable. Have a safe trip, enjoy nature’s beauty, and feel the spiritual energy of Kedarnath!
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