From the city of Pune, Kedarnath is located at an approximate distance of 1,722 km. And hence, it sometimes becomes difficult for travelers to find the perfect way to reach this auspicious shrine of Kedarnath from Pune.
Considering all these facts, we have briefly curated this informative article to solve your queries regarding the modes and routes of the trip from Pune to the main entrance of the Kedarnath temple. Through this guide, we hope you will be able to create a perfect itinerary catering to your needs and preferences.
Quick Information
| Detail | Info |
| Pune to Kedarnath Distance | Approx. 1,722 km |
| Nearest Railway Station (to Kedarnath) | Haridwar or Rishikesh |
| Nearest Airport (to Kedarnath) | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
| Base Camp for Trek | Gaurikund |
| Trek Distance | 16 km (Gaurikund to Temple) |
| Best Time to Visit | May–June and September–October |
Transport Comparison — Pune to Kedarnath
| Mode | Approx. Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
| By Train | 24–28 hrs to Haridwar + road | Rs 500–Rs 3,500 (train) + road | Budget travelers |
| By Flight | ~2 hrs to Dehradun + road | Rs 4,000–10,000 (flight) + road | Time-savers |
| By Road | 2.5–3 days total | Fuel/toll: Rs 10,000–18,000 | Road trip enthusiasts |
| By Helicopter | Flight + heli | Rs 5,000 (flight) + Rs 7,000–9,000 (heli) | Comfortable option |
How to Reach Kedarnath from Pune
There are numerous modes of transportation available from Pune to Kedarnath via the major cities of India. However, it majorly depends on what time you are traveling, the type of experience you want, money you are spending, and the availability of your time.
Let us get them one by one:
By Rail?
If you are willing to travel via rail, start your journey from Pune and reach Haridwar or Rishikesh — the closest railway stations to Kedarnath shrine.
Upon arrival, hire a car or take a shared jeep to Sonprayag. Then, continue towards Gaurikund, the base camp of the trek. The final stretch includes a trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath which is approximately a 16 km journey.
By Air?
This is the fastest mode to travel to the temple. Board a flight from Pune to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. On reaching, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Sonprayag.
From Sonprayag, you can go to Gaurikund by road and then trek to the temple or take a pony ride.
By Road?
There are well-connected roads that link Pune to Uttarakhand, but it is a long distance to cover. Still, if you are someone seeking road adventures and scenic beauty, it is the best mode.
Major Stops:
- Ratlam
- Kota
- Delhi
- Meerut
- Haridwar / Rishikesh
- Rudraprayag
- Gaurikund
- Kedarnath
Route Map to Kedarnath from Pune
Kedarnath temple is nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is highly elevated at 3,583 m and does not have a direct road so devotees need to trek from Gaurikund.
Route map to the base camp from Pune:
Pune → Haridwar / Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Agastmuni → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath Temple
Intermediate Places to Stop
On your road journey from Pune to Kedarnath, you will come across these intermediate places which serve as halts for travelers:
Ratlam
A city in Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its traditional Ratlami Sev, gold ornaments, and ancient temples. It also specializes in cotton and silk industries.
Kota
This city in Rajasthan serves as a major coaching center for JEE and NEET. Additionally, it features great historical landmarks and several natural sightseeing spots.
Delhi
Delhi, the capital city, has a unique vibe, known for its diversity in every aspect — culture, religion, foods, and more. It has several iconic monuments, major landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Meerut
Meerut is called the sports city of India due to its thriving sports goods industry. It also produces brassware and musical instruments.
Haridwar
A cultural hub in Uttarakhand, famous for ancient temples, religious spots, natural beauty, and the Ganga Aarti.
Guptkashi
Guptkashi is a town highly revered by devotees visiting Kedarnath temple. It also has a temple similar to Kashi Vishwanath and holds great religious significance.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is located at the confluence of Mandakini and Alakananda rivers.
Gaurikund
It is the gateway to the Kedarnath trek and is famous for a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and natural hot springs.
Kedarnath
A prominent Hindu site devoted to Lord Shiva and linked with the Mahabharata period. In the inner sanctum of the shrine, Shiva has manifested in the form of a bull’s hump, highly worshipped by the Shaivites.
Kedarnath Yatra Registration — Mandatory
The Uttarakhand government requires mandatory online registration for Kedarnath Yatra. Register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before leaving Pune. Keep your registration slip — it is checked at Sonprayag before you can proceed to Gaurikund.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath from Pune
- May–June: Temple just opened, vibrant season. Book everything in advance.
- July–August: Monsoon. Landslide risk on mountain roads. Not recommended.
- September–October: Best weather, clear skies. Ideal time to travel.
- November: Temple closing month. Plan return early.
Travel Tips
- Pack enough warm clothes as weather in the mountains keeps fluctuating.
- Before the Yatra starts, make yourself perfectly fit by practicing regular exercises as the trek is very demanding.
- Pre-plan your itinerary and book accommodations and other required services in advance.
- Bring important documents such as Aadhaar, PAN card, Passport, voter ID, Yatra registration slip, and passport size photographs.
- Carry healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the trek.
- You must undergo a full medical checkup and make sure you do not have altitude sickness.
- Carry a first-aid kit including prescribed medicines, common ointments, balm, and altitude sickness tablets.
- Start your trek early in the morning to avoid overcrowding.
- Pack toiletries and hygiene essentials. Carry sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses to beat the strong mountain sun.
Conclusion
Every devotee desires to embark on this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Kedarnath Yatra from Pune is not an ordinary trek — it is full of divinity and faith. Through this article, we have guided you with each detail about transportation modes, route map, intermediate stops, and practical tips. To enjoy a seamless journey, incorporate these tips and carefully choose a solid itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1: Is Kedarnath Yatra registration mandatory for pilgrims from Pune?
Ans: Yes. All pilgrims regardless of origin must register on the Uttarakhand tourism portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) before visiting Kedarnath. Registration is free and mandatory.
Q-2: Can I take a helicopter from Pune to Kedarnath?
Ans: There is no direct helicopter from Pune to Kedarnath. The standard route is: flight from Pune to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), then road or helicopter from Phata/Guptkashi/Sirsi to Kedarnath. Helicopter rides to Kedarnath cost approximately Rs 4,500–9,000 per person one-way (prices vary by season).
Q-3: What is the cheapest way to reach Kedarnath from Pune?
Ans: The cheapest option is by train from Pune to Haridwar (Sleeper class: approximately Rs 500–700), followed by a shared jeep or bus to Gaurikund. This is also the most comfortable option for budget-conscious pilgrims.
Call
Enquiry