Kedarnath travel feels like heaven. This place is ever-cool, mainly because the temple is accessible only during the half-year term. A significant number of pilgrims go to Kedarnath annually for worship. Assuming that you travel to Kedarnath, you need to wear warm clothes. Also, bear in mind that you can journey to Kedarnath by walking, riding on a horse, or by helicopter. If you choose to travel by helicopter, the cost may be a bit high, but you will get there faster. When you go on your Kedarnath Temple journey, you will have an opportunity to see various mountains. You will also get a chance to see the lush green mountains, and besides the temple, there are snow-covered peaks near the temple.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Between April/May and October/November, entry at Kedarnath Temple becomes available because winter snow blocks access for the remaining months. May, June, September, and October stand as the most suitable months for travel since the weather is nice and the trek conditions are favorable. Heavy monsoon rainfall from July to August should be avoided because it creates dangerous road obstacles and landslides in the region.

How to Reach Kedarnath

Visitors cannot reach Kedarnath through both railroad and road access. Visitors need to get to Gaurikund, serving as the base camp for further access to either a helicopter ride or the physical trek journey.

1. By Air

Travelers visiting Kedarnath can reach the destination through Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), which lies 250 kilometers away. Gaurikund can be reached by taxi or bus, which departs from the airport.

• Regular air routes connect Dehradun to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, as well as other big metropolitan areas in India.

• Travelers can reach Kedarnath by taking a mode of transportation from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh and then to Rudraprayag before visiting Guptkashi and arriving at Sonprayag, which leads to Gaurikund.

2. By Train

The closest station to Kedarnath for rail travel is Rishikesh Railway

Station (216 km). There are other stations nearby.

• Haridwar Junction (240 km)—A well-connected railway station where trains come from the different cities of India.

• Non-residents coming from northern regions can choose the Dehradun Railway Station located 250 kilometers away.

From the station of the railway, you can get a taxi or a bus to the nearest Sonprayag or Gaurikund.

3. By Road

Journeying by road is the most popular way of getting to Kedarnath. The route of the journey comes with picturesque sceneries and religious sites all the way.

• From Delhi: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
  
• From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Direct buses and taxis are available to Sonprayag/Gaurikund.
  
• From Gaurikund to Kedarnath: A 16 km trek is required to reach Kedarnath Temple.
  

Trekking Route to Kedarnath

Travelers need 6 to 8 hours to complete the 16-kilometer journey between Gaurikund and Kedarnath. Traveling to Kedarnath requires walking along Jungle Chatti, Bheem Bali, and Linchauli during a trek that is evaluated as moderate to difficult.

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Trekking Tips:

• Avoid feeling fatigued by starting in the early hours of the day.

• Make sure to pack sweaters, waterproof clothes, and must-have items such as a walking stick.

• Do not forget to obtain enough fluids and go at a regular speed.

• For healthcare, you can utilize various spots reachable along the journey. 

Helicopter Services to Kedarnath

Visitors who cannot walk to the temple can get to Bhairavnath Temple through helicopter transportation service from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.

• Phata to Kedarnath: A 10-minute drive from Phata through the town of Kedarnath may cost one way from INR 3,000 to INR 5,000.

• Online Booking: Pre-booking through the official portal of the Uttarakhand government is highly preferable.

Accommodation in Kedarnath

Kedarnath certainly has a choice of stays ranging from pocket-friendly hotels to GMVN guesthouses.

• Budget Options: Another option would be to save money, and this can be done by choosing to stay in the Dharamshalas and ashrams.

• Mid-range Hotels: Two of the options are GMVN Guest Houses in Kedarnath and Guptkashi.

• Luxury Stays: Hotels and resorts in Guptkashi and Rudraprayag are comfortable to live in for a nice rest before or after a walk.

Important Things to Know Before Traveling to Kedarnath

• Make sure you bring identification for both registration and accommodation purposes.

• Attendants are required to register for the yatra through the internet or at the checkpoints due to a regulation.

• Mobile network connectivity is restricted from Kedarnath. BSNL and Jio offer the most excellent range.

• There is a lack of ATM equipment; you should get cash before you reach Sonprayag or Gaurikund.

• Dhabas and langars offer basic food items with the option of vegetarian meals.

Major Attractions in and Around Kedarnath

1. Kedarnath Temple: one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a holy Hindu pilgrimage.

2. Bhairavnath Temple: Bhairavnath Temple provides visitors with both panoramic scenic beauty and sacred religious importance near Kedarnath.

3. Vasuki Tal: a high-altitude glacial lake famous for its magnificent picturesque lake and trek route.

4. Triyuginarayan Temple: The place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were supposed to be married.

5. Gandhi Sarovar: a beautiful lake famous for its spellbinding scenery.

6. Sonprayag: The point where Mandakini and Basuki rivers converge to reassure devotees of their sacredness

7. Gaurikund: the place from where the trek starts, with geysers and religious importance.

Also Read: The Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in 2025

Conclusion

People visit Kedarnath for more than religious purposes because the site combines sacred needs with religious devotion and adventurous experiences. Visitors can either embark on the pilgrimage through hiking or use helicopter transportation to reach this sacred temple, which delivers an everlasting memory. Wise planning combined with necessary travel advice will create an ultimate religious expedition to India’s highly regarded spiritual hub.

The presented guide will help you have a pleasant journey to Kedarnath. Happy journey and Har Har Mahadev!

FAQs About How to Go Kedarnath