Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism. Every year, lakhs of devotees set foot on this holy land to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. If you’re planning to reach the sacred Dham from Kolkata, then this guide would prove absolutely useful for you. With this thorough blog, you’ll learn how to reach Kedarnath from Kolkata easily. We’ll show you simple ways to travel by plane, train, and road, making your trip to this divine Hindu destination hassle-free.
To learn more about reaching Kedarnath from Kolkata, read this blog till the end.
Best Ways to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata
Here is the list of the three top ways to reach Kedarnath from Kolkata. Let’s discuss in detail to make your journey more comfortable.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata by Flight?
Going by plane? Well, it offers a lot more advantages over other modes of travel. It saves time, plus a comfortable journey is guaranteed. Here’s how you can get there:
- Book your flight ticket from Kolkata’s prime airport – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Fly to the nearest airport to Kedarnath, that is, Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
- Upon arrival in Dehradun, simply hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sonprayag. From here, take a shared jeep to get to Gaurikund, which is the base point for the trek to Kedarnath.
- Begin your trekking journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, and revel in the lovely landscapes and serene environment on the way. You can also take a pony/palki ride to reach the shrine.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata by Train?
The train is another suitable option to reach Lord Shiva’s Dham. It’s affordable and doesn’t compromise too much on comfort. Here’s how you can get there:
- Take a train from Kolkata to any of the two: Haridwar or Rishikesh. These are the nearest predominant railway stations to Kedarnath and offer a variety of transport options to reach the sacred Dham.
- Upon arrival, hire a taxi or take a bus to get to Sonprayag first.
- From there, take a shared jeep to get to Gaurikund, which are available in plenty there.
- Start your 16 km trek from here to reach the holy temple of Kedarnath.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Kolkata by Road?
The road trip has its own perks! You get to soak in the natural scenery while the cool, breeze nudges your face. It’s an experience like no other! Just follow these simple steps to reach your sacred destination:
- First of all, take a bus from Kolkata to either Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are the nearest major cities to Kedarnath. These two also serve as the gateway to the Char Dhams.
- From Haridwar/Rishikesh, head towards Sonprayag. You can again take a bus or hire a cab.
- Once you get to Sonprayag, you’ll have to reach Gaurikund via shared jeeps, as any other vehicle is not permitted beyond Sonprayag. However, it’s a mere 5 km distance. Once you reach Gaurikund, commence your trek to Kedarnath, taking in the scenic backdrops on the way!
Helicopter Services to Kedarnath
If you want to avoid the strenuous trekking, then a helicopter ride will definitely come across as a delightful option. Not only does it provide a pure luxurious journey, it offers you panoramic views of the Himalayan valley, like no other. Just under ten minutes, you can reach the shrine from the helipads of Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi. The prices of the helicopter tickets are as follows:
- One Way: INR 5,000– INR 7,000
- Round Trip: INR 9,000– INR 10,000
Which Is the Easier Way To Reach Kedarnath From Kolkata?
The easiest way to reach Kedarnath from Kolkata is to take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From Dehradun, travellers can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Sonprayag without any hassle. This air journey reduces travel time and inconvenience in contrast to other modes of transport, such as train or road route. Additionally, flying makes for a less strenuous journey, basically for those who are short on time or choose convenience. Thus, flying from Kolkata to Dehradun and then proceeding for Kedarnath proves to be the most direct and easiest route.
Kolkata to Kedarnath Route Map
From Kolkata, head north on NH19 towards Bardhaman. Continue on NH19 through Durgapur, Asansol, and Dhanbad. Take NH18 towards Varanasi, then merge onto NH19 towards Allahabad. From Allahabad, take NH19 towards Haridwar, then continue on NH34 to reach Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, take NH7 towards Rudraprayag, then follow the road to Sonprayag or Gaurikund. Finally, trek from Sonprayag or Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
Kolkata → Bardhaman → Durgapur → Asansol → Dhanbad → Varanasi → Allahabad → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Sonprayag → Gaurikund→ Kedarnath
- Check Out: Kedarnath Yatra Route Map
Road Conditions
Going from Kolkata to Kedarnath, you’ll come across a variety of roads – from easy to tricky (especially when you reach the hilly areas). But with some care and precaution, you can deal with most of the road conditions with ease.
Talking about the route from Kolkata up to Varanasi, you’ll be taking either NH2 or NH19. The road conditions here are excellent, with occasional traffic jams at Dhanbad.
The way to Allahabad is also mostly smooth and gives little to no trouble. The roads to Rudraprayag become narrow, though. Also, watch out for rockfall zones in the area.
Going from Rudraprayag to Guptkashi, the roads are well-maintained. However, be cautious around the hairpin bends.
Travelling from Guptkashi to Sonprayag offers a fair share of challenges. The roads here are narrow and are also prone to landslides. You’ll also find traffic jams to be common during the peak season.
Kolkata to Kedarnath air Ticket Price
The air ticket cost for a flight from Kolkata to Dehradun, the nearest airport to Kedarnath, typically ranges from INR 4,000 to INR 10,000, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of seats.
Kolkata to Kedarnath Train Price
Train charges for journeys from Kolkata to Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath, vary depending on the train class and availability. Generally, fares range from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000 for sleeper class and Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 for AC coach.
Kolkata to Kedarnath Distance
The distance from Kolkata to Kedarnath is about 1,550 kilometres. Through this journey, you get to soak in the most breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.
Best Hotels in Kedarnath near The Temple
For pilgrims in search of lodges close to Kedarnath Temple, Chardham Hotels presents a range of comfortable hotels.
Among them, Hotel Himalaya Kedar and GMVN Tourist Rest House are considered for their proximity to the temple and blissful facilities. Additionally, Shivalik Valley Resort provides serene surroundings amidst nature.
Being close to the temple, these lodges offer early entry to the temple. With Chardham Hotels, pilgrims can effortlessly discover appropriate lodging selections close to the Kedarnath shrine and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Travel Tips for Your Journey
Here are some quick facts that would come in handy for your trip:
- If you’re travelling in the peak season, book your transport and accommodation in advance – at least 2-3 months.
- The best time to go to the Dham is during May–June and September–October, as the weather is pleasant and the cold is still somewhat manageable.
- To deal with the cold, pack warm clothes like woollen sweaters. Also, carry trekking shoes with a good grip.
- Kedarnath is located at a very high altitude. To avoid altitude sickness, acclimatize at lower-altitude places like Guptkashi or Sonprayag.
- It’s mandatory to register for the Kedarnath trip. You can do so at uk.gov.in.
Conclusion
Traveling from Kolkata to Kedarnath offers various alternatives to pilgrims. The easiest way is to take a flight from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kedarnath via Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Alternatively, pilgrims can opt for a train ride up to Haridwar or Rishikesh and then proceed via road. For those in search of adventure, trekking routes are available from places like Gaurikund.
Regardless of the chosen mode of transport, the ride guarantees adventure amidst the serene Himalayan landscapes.
FAQs about Kedarnath Yatra from Kolkata
Q1. What is the cost of a Kedarnath trip from Kolkata?
The cost of a Kedarnath trip from Kolkata varies depending on factors like mode of transportation, accommodation, and duration, typically ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 30,000.
Q2. Which railway station is closest to Kedarnath from Kolkata?
The closest railway station to Kedarnath from Kolkata is Haridwar, located approximately 234 kilometers away, serving as a gateway for the pilgrimage to Kedarnath.
Q3. Which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From there, travelers can proceed to reach Kedarnath by road and trekking, making it a convenient starting point for the pilgrimage.
Q4. Are there any direct trains from Kolkata to Kedarnath?
No, there are no direct trains to the Dham. However, you can take a train up to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Howrah or Sealdah run regularly on this route.
Q5. How much time does it take to reach Kedarnath from Kolkata?
It takes about two to four days, if you go by flight or train. It takes longer to reach by road though – around five days.
Q6. Can I get a helicopter service from Kolkata to Kedarnath?
No, you can only avail helicopter service from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi, which are located in Uttarakhand.
Q7. Is Kedarnath open throughout the year?
No, the Kedarnath Temple stays open only from May to October. In winter, the gates are closed due to heavy snowfall.
Q8. Is Kedarnath trek difficult?
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is considered moderately difficult. The route is about 16 km long and takes about 6–8 hours. However, you can also avail services like pony/Palki, in addition to, helicopter to reach there.
Q9. Is it safe for senior citizens?
Yes, it is. However, the elderly pilgrims should consult a doctor before embarking on this high-altitude trip. They’re also advised to opt for a helicopter journey once they are in Uttarakhand.
Q10. Are there any direct buses from Kolkata to Kedarnath?
No, direct buses from Kolkata to all the way to Kedarnath are not available. You need to reach Haridwar/Rishikesh first, and from there take a direct bus up to Sonprayag.
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