Rishikesh to Kedarnath - Route, Distance & Accommodation

Path to Kedarnath is a special spiritual journey, and it often starts in Rishikesh, a town full of peace and adventure. Kedarnath is a holy place for Hindus, located in the beautiful Himalayan Mountains.

You’ll find everything you need in this article to plan your journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath. This article will provide all the information — how to reach, how much time it takes, ways to travel and good places to stay to make your trip comfortable and well-planned. No matter if you’re going for the first time or have been before, this guide will make sure your trip is smooth and memorable.

Quick Information

Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance- 216 kms
Best time to visit- May to June and September to October
Travel time- 13 to 15 hours
Transport options- Bus, taxi, shared jeep, and helicopter (from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi)

How to Reach

You can reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh in many ways, with different travel options –

By Road

You can easily reach Rishikesh by road from many major cities. After that, pilgrims take a bus or book a private car to reach Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek.

By Bus

From Rishikesh, you can find government buses like GMOU and UPSRTC, as well as private buses, that go to Gaurikund.

Private Car/Taxi- Many travellers go for a taxi as it’s more relaxing and gives them the freedom to stop whenever they want.

By Train

The closest railway station to Kedarnath is in Rishikesh. Trains from many big cities in India come here, so it’s a good place to start your trip. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or hire a car to reach Gaurikund.

By Flight

Nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 21 to 25 km from Rishikesh. From there you can take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh and then continue your journey to Gaurikund.

By Helicopter

To reach Kedarnath quickly and enjoy amazing views you can take a helicopter. Flights start from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi and take about 10 to 15 minutes. Helicopter rides are also available from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara helipad to Phata, which is close to Kedarnath.

Complete Travel Route with Main Stops

The journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath passes through many beautiful towns and important religious places. Below is a simple guide to the full route-

Rishikesh to Devprayag

Distance- 75 km
Highlights- Devprayag is a special place where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the holy Ganga River. This town is one of the five holy river meeting places. There is an old Raghunathji Temple and a small place to see stars called Nakshatra Vedh Shala.

Devprayag to Srinagar

Distance- 9 km
Highlights- Srinagar is located near the Alaknanda River and was once the capital of the Garhwal Kingdom. The town has lots of temples and good places to stay.

Srinagar to Rudraprayag

Distance- 32.3 km
Highlights- Rudraprayag is another important town where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. Nearby, you can visit Tungnath Temple, Kartik Swamy Temple, and Basukedar.

Rudraprayag to Phata

Distance- 57 km
Highlights- If you’re taking a helicopter to Kedarnath, Phata is a main stop. You can also visit temples like Vishwanath and Ardhnarishwar in Guptkashi, nearby.

Phata to Sonprayag

Distance- 16 km
Highlights- At Sonprayag, pilgrims can park their vehicles and take a shared ride to Gaurikund. The meeting of the Basuki and Mandakini rivers here makes the place very spiritual.

Sonprayag to Gaurikund

Distance- 2 km
Highlights- Gaurikund is the starting point of the Kedarnath trek and is well-known for its hot springs and the Gauri Temple of Goddess Parvati.

Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple

Distance– 16 km (trek)

Trek Route Stops-

Jungle Chatti- 4 km from Gaurikund.
Bhimbali- 3 km from Jungle Chatti.
Lincholi– 4 km from Bhimbali.
Kedarnath Base Camp- 4 km from Lincholi.
Kedarnath Temple- 1 km from the base camp.

Check out: Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek

Accommodation Option

Here’s a helpful list of stay options from Rishikesh to Kedarnath for all types of budgets-

Here’s a guide to accommodation options along the Rishikesh to Kedarnath route, catering to various budgets and preferences:

In Rishikesh

Rishikesh has all types of places to stay, like luxury hotels, budget guesthouses, and peaceful ashrams. There’s something for every traveler.

On the Route

Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi

These towns have good places to stay for both pilgrims and tourists. You can find clean guesthouses, budget hotels and a few homestays. Since Guptkashi is a popular stop before Gaurikund, it’s smart to book your room in advance during the busy season.

Sonprayag and Gaurikund

Basic accommodations are available. It is advisable to book early as these areas can get crowded during the Yatra season.

Trek Route Stops (Jungle Chatti, Bhimbali, Lincholi)

These places have GMVN tents with simple facilities like medical help, toilets, and food.

Kedarnath Base Camp and Temple Area

GMVN Camps- GMVN provides tents and dorm rooms at the base camp and near the temple. It’s best to book these early.
Private Lodges- If you like more comfort, there are a few private hotels close to the temple.

Things to Carry

Here’s a basic list of things you should carry to make your Kedarnath Yatra safe and easy.

Documents: Carry important documents like your ID, Aadhaar, passport and trek permits. These are needed for a safe and smooth journey.
Power Bank: Since charging points are limited it’s good idea to bring a power bank to keep your phone and camera charged.
Trekking Pole: Many people forget, but a trekking pole helps during the long uphill walk. It gives you support while walking.
Medical Kit: Carry your medicines and some basic items like bandages, painkillers and antiseptic cream. This will help you handle small health issues during trek.

Important Tips for Journey

Keep these simple tips in mind to make your Kedarnath Yatra safe and comfortable-

Advance Booking – Whether you need transport, a place to stay, or a helicopter ride, it is important to book early, especially in busy pilgrimage season.
Physical Preparation – The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is tough and needs good physical fitness. Make sure you are healthy and try some exercise before trip.
Weather Check- Weather in the Himalayas can change very fast. Always check weather report before you begin your trip and be prepared if it suddenly changes.
Hydration – Make sure you have enough water and small snacks to drink and eat during trek so you don’t get tired while trekking.

Kedarnath’s Peaceful Vibes and Stunning Views

The Kedarnath trek isn’t just about walking, it’s a peaceful journey where you see lovely mountains, flowing rivers, forests, and waterfalls all around.
As you travel the natural views make journey enjoyable and memorable for many people.
At the end of the journey, you’ll see the beautiful Kedarnath Temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple is filled with ancient stories and spiritual importance.

Conclusion

Going from Rishikesh to Kedarnath isn’t just a trip, it’s a journey filled with peace and a deep connection to nature. With proper planning, the right route, and timely bookings, your trip can be smooth and memorable. Whether you’re trekking or flying by helicopter, each part of the journey gives a good experience. From helpful travel tips to stay options and what to carry, this guide gives you everything you need for a well-prepared visit to the holy Kedarnath Temple.

How to Reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh