kedarnath trip youtube

+91-8287828267

Kedarnath trek and yatra: how to plan a trip - a complete travel guide.

Kedarnath is not just a pilgrimage site but a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The Kedarnath Trek and Yatra offer a spiritual journey combined with breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from all walks of life. Get the best Kedarnath yatra packages and enjoy your time.

When to Start Your Kedarnath Trek and Yatra

The Kedarnath Trek and Yatra season typically starts in late April or early May, coinciding with the onset of summer in the region. This is when the snow starts to melt, opening up the routes for pilgrims and trekkers. The yatra usually continues until the onset of winter around October or November when heavy snowfall makes the region inaccessible.

For those planning a visit to Kedarnath, it's essential to check the weather conditions and the status of the trekking routes before embarking on the journey. The months of May to June and September to October are considered ideal for the pilgrimage, as the weather is relatively pleasant, and the routes are well-maintained.

How Long Does the Kedarnath Trek and Yatra Take?

The duration of the Kedarnath Trek and Yatra can vary depending on various factors such as the starting point of the trek, the pace of the trekker, and any additional stops along the way. On average, the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple takes around 2 to 3 days, covering a distance of approximately 16 kilometers.

For those opting for the traditional route, the trek begins at Gaurikund, which is accessible by road from major cities like Delhi. From Gaurikund, pilgrims trek to Kedarnath temple, stopping at designated campsites or guesthouses along the way for rest and refreshments. Let your weekend in Kedarnath by getting Kedarnath yatra packages.

Planning Your Kedarnath Yatra

Planning a successful Kedarnath Yatra requires careful consideration of various factors, including accommodation, transportation, and route options.

Choose the Right Time: As mentioned earlier, select a time between May to June or September to October for the Kedarnath Yatra when the weather is favorable, and the trekking routes are open.

Book Accommodation in Advance: Since Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage destination, it's advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season. Options range from guesthouses and campsites to dharamshalas near the temple.

Arrange Transportation: If you're traveling from Delhi or nearby cities, you can opt for a Kedarnath tour packages that includes transportation to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek. Alternatively, you can reach Gaurikund by public transport or hire a private vehicle.

Pack Wisely: Pack light but essential items such as warm clothing, trekking gear, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and basic medical supplies. It's also recommended to carry a valid ID proof and keep your valuables secure.

Stay Hydrated and Rested: The trek to Kedarnath temple involves ascending steep slopes at high altitudes, so it's crucial to stay hydrated and take regular breaks to rest and acclimatize.

Respect the Environment: Kedarnath is not just a sacred site but also an ecologically sensitive area. Respect the surroundings, avoid littering, and follow the guidelines set by the local authorities.

Enjoy Your Weekend Kedarnath Trip

For those with limited time, a weekend Kedarnath trip from Delhi can offer a rejuvenating break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Opt for a Helicopter Ride: To maximize your time, consider taking a helicopter ride from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath. This scenic journey offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and reduces travel time significantly.

Visit Nearby Attractions: In addition to the Kedarnath temple, explore nearby attractions such as Bhairavnath temple, Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar), and Vasuki Tal. These serene locations provide ample opportunities for meditation and relaxation.

Experience Local Culture: By getting Kedarnath tour package from Delhi , immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the region by interacting with locals, attending evening aartis at the temple, and sampling delicious local cuisine.

Capture Memories: Don't forget to capture the beauty of Kedarnath through photographs and videos to cherish the memories of your Kedarnath trip for years to come.

Get the Best Kedarnath Tour Package from Delhi to Make Your Trip Amazing

For travelers seeking convenience and comfort, booking a Kedarnath tour packages from Delhi is an excellent option. These Kedarnath package typically include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided tours, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about logistics.

Enlive Trips , a reputable travel agency, offers a range of Kedarnath tour packages from Delhi designed to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for a luxury retreat or a budget-friendly adventure, Enlive Trips can customize a Kedarnath package to meet your needs.

Things to Do on Your Kedarnath Trip from Delhi

Apart from visiting the sacred Kedarnath temple, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your Kedarnath trip from Delhi :

Trek to Vasuki Tal: Embark on a trek to the stunning Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The trek offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan landscape and is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Explore Guptkashi: Take some time to explore the quaint town of Guptkashi, known for its ancient temples and natural beauty in this Kedarnath tour package from Delhi. Visit the famous Vishwanath temple and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Mandakini River.

Attend Evening Aarti: Witness the mesmerizing evening aarti at Kedarnath temple, where priests perform rituals accompanied by chanting and devotional songs. The spiritual ambiance is truly enchanting and offers a sense of peace and tranquility.

Indulge in Local Cuisine: Treat your taste buds to authentic Garhwali cuisine, including dishes like Garhwali dal, chainsoo, and mandua ki roti. Don't forget to try the local delicacy, Bal Mithai, a sweet made from khoya and sugar.

The Kedarnath Trek and Kedarnath Yatra offer a unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a memorable experience. Whether you're embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage or simply exploring the wonders of the Himalayas, Kedarnath promises to leave you awestruck with its majestic landscapes and serene ambiance.

With proper planning and preparation, you can make the most of your Kedarnath trip from Delhi and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, embark on this soul-stirring journey, and discover the magic of Kedarnath for yourself.

Our Reviews

• Get Call Back

Kedarnath Trek and Yatra – Where, What & How? All the information you need

Treks & hikes , Uttarakhand

Last Updated on: May 16, 2024  

About this Blog: Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most spiritual pilgrimages in India. Kedarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva attracts thousands of devotees within a span of 6 months when the shrine remains open. Kedarnath is a part of the sacred Char Dhams (4 pilgrimages) as well as a part of the Panch Kedars . This blog is about our experience of the Kedarnath Trek done in the month of October. Read on to know more about Kedarnath Yatra, how to reach and where to stay and other related information.

Kedarnath is not just a place of pilgrimage for me. The place has much more significance. It was the first place that I had ever travelled with my family. I do hear every now and then that I had been a very difficult 2-year-old during that time who gave a tough time to my parents. Well, what else to expect from a toddler! Now after almost three decades, I was again ready for Kedarnath Yatra again with Agni in tow. Only this time, we decided to go on foot from Gaurikund and I was quite excited about the Kedarnath trek.

This trip was going to be a special one, not for a singular reason. To be honest, I was way too excited to visit a place that has such nostalgic memories for me. The moment we told our families about this trip, my father started telling me stories about “that” Kedarnath Yatra that happened almost 30 years ago. By stories, he meant all the embarrassing episodes of a two and a half-year-old on a trip with the family. It seemed he divulged all my idiotic secrets to my husband, who of course, did not forget to tease me later.

My uncle was quite excited to know we were visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath. He recalled all the special places and even told me to take pictures in the same pose as we had done previously. So much for changes! Overall, going to Kedarnath was exciting not only for us, but also for my family.

For Agni and me, Kedarnath trek was important because we were again trekking the Himalayan trails after almost 2 years. All these years, we had done a few short treks in the Western Ghats and the David Scott Trail in Meghalaya. We thought Kedarnath trek might be the catalyst that would overcome the drought in our trekking trips. After all, it was after Amarnath Yatra that we had fallen for trekking! So enough of my ramblings, let us start with all the information you wanted to know about Kedarnath Yatra, Kedarnath Temple and of course our amazing experience there.

Table of Contents

Where is Kedarnath located?

Kedarnath Dham is a part of the Char Dhams Yatra (4 religious places) that also includes Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath temple is located in the Kedar valley below the Chorabari glacier, which is the source of the river Mandakini.

Kedarnath – History, Legend and Stories

It is usually an obsession with me to find out about the past of any place that we visit, especially if the place happens to be a historical and religious place. For temples in India have numerous stories hidden in them. I did the same for Kedarnath.

It is believed that the Kedarnath shrine was buried under the snow for almost 400 years!

Like others, Kedarnath also has its fair share of mythologies and legends. There are various versions on the origin of the Kedarnath Temple. While there are claims that the temple was resurrected and built by the great Hindu seer Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century while others claim that it was built by the Hindu King Raja Bhoj of Malwa in the 2nd century AD. Well, as I said before, there are numerous versions.

Kedarnath finds mention in the great Hindu epic Mahabharata and this is where the legend of Panch kedar comes in. Did I mention before that Kedarnath is also one of the five (Panch) Kedars, the five holy places of Lord Shiva.

In the epic battle of Kurukshetra where the brothers fought against each other, the Pandavas defeated and killed their cousin brothers Kauravas. The Pandavas killed their own in the battle and were inflicted by self-remorse and guilt. They decided to ask for forgiveness from Lord Shiva, the master of the Universe. With this thought in mind, the Pandavas decided to go to Kashi to ask for forgiveness from God. Lord Shiva, on the other hand, was not too keen on forgiving the Pandavas for their carnage. He left his abode at Kashi and hid as a bull at Guptkashi. Bhima, the strongest of the Pandavas, however, was able to find Lord Shiva in the form of a bull. The bull again escaped and later rematerialized at five places and these 5 places came to be known as the Panch (five) Kedars.

Different parts of the bull materialized at different locations – the hump at Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath , the navel and stomach at Madmaheshwar, the face at Rudranath and the hairs at Kalpeshwar. It is believed that the Pandavas had built temples at all the five locations and were freed of their sins. It is also believed that the front portion of the bull fell at Pashupatinath in Nepal. The Pandavas built temples at all five locations. It is believed that the Pandavas performed Yagna at Kedarnath before they left for Mahaprasthana (renouncing the world to attain salvation). Incidentally, the Mahaprasthana started from Mana village near Badrinath. That story is for some other time.

There is another story where Nara-Narayan, a Hindu deity worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He prayed to the Lord and asked him to stay at Kedarnath for the wellbeing of the human beings. Lord Shiva granted him his request and thus Kedarnath became the abode of Lord Shiva.

The Floods of 2013

Kedarnath is also now known for the devastating floods that occurred in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand in 2013. Surprisingly the Kedarnath Temple was one of the few structures that remained unscathed during the floods.

If the mythology is to be believed, then the temple was perhaps built almost 3000 years ago. However, there are inscriptions of the wall of the temple that dates towards a period in between 650 – 850 AD. How the temple withstood the ravages of the flood has been an area of interest for researchers.  The reason is apparently related to the glaciers of the region and the lichens grown there.

Ravinder Kumar Chaujar, a retired professor from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, studied lichens growing on the rocks of Chorabari’s moraines to determine the geological history of the place. Professor Chaujar found that the temple had remained submerged in ice or in the glacier for at least 400 years. This was perhaps one of the reasons for the resilience of the temple. It remained unharmed in the 2013 floods and will perhaps survive further such episodes of flooding.

Kedarnath Trek – Our Experience

As I have mentioned before that we decided to go on foot all the way to Kedarnath from the base point at Gaurikund. The journey started from Haridwar. Local buses from Haridwar to Guptkashi were very few because of the post-pandemic situation. So we rented a car for 5 days for a trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath.

We started early in the morning from Kedarnath and passed through the winding mountain roads. We had been to these parts a few times, but the scenery never failed to enchant me. The meeting of Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers at Rudraprayag still makes us wistful of the unadulterated beauty of the mountain rivers.

The Mandakini River was our constant companion throughout the road to Kedarnath. We reached Guptkashi at around 3 PM and then decided to travel to Sonprayag. There are a number of hotels at Guptkashi and is one of the places to stay for the night if you reach late.

We reached Sonprayag soon and found a hotel to stay for the night. We found a number of hotels at Sonprayag well but the majority of them were closed. It seemed this season the number of pilgrims were lesser than previous years, the reason being obvious.

Earlier, Sonprayag was the starting point of Kedarnath Yatra. But now, a motorable road upto Gaurikund has been built and the 5 km distance from Sonprayag to Gaurikund can be travelled by a shared jeep.

We started quite early in the morning. Once we were at Sonprayag, we headed towards the Yatra Registration Counter. To conduct the Chardham Yatra in a controlled manner after the flash floods of 2013, the number of Yatris (pilgrims) visiting the Kedarnath shrine is regulated. Yatra registration can be done online and you get an e-pass. You can do it yourself or ask your agent to do it for you. There is also a counter for getting the Yatra e-pass at Sonprayag. A man was sitting with a laptop and was making the Yatra e-pass for a fee of Rs.50/-.

We had our Yatra e-pass with us and went to the Registration Counter directly. They recorded the e-pass number, did thermal screening and we were given the permission to start our Yatra. Every year, the pilgrims get a physical pass as well. We did not get it this year, perhaps because of the lesser number of pilgrims.

Sonprayag – Gaurikund

As soon as we got ourselves registered for Kedarnath Yatra, we walked towards the jeeps standing for taking the yatris to Gaurikund. We got our seats in the jeep and were soon at Gaurikund.  The jeep fare was Rs30 per head.

The Kedarnath trek route starts from Gaurikund and concludes at Kedarnath covering a distance of 16km. The trekking route had changed and rebuilt after the flash floods of 2013. The old trekking route has now given way to a better and wider trekking trail.

Kedarnath Trek Starts

The trek starts at Gaurikund. “Kund” literally means a reservoir and Gaurikund has a hot water spring where the pilgrims usually have a bath before embarking on the Yatra. The hot spring no longer exists after the floods of 2013. Now, there is a huge enclosure where pilgrims can take a bath.

Gaurikund is also known for the Gauri Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Close to the Gauri Temple is the Uma Maheswar Temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a rock.

Gaurikund is congested and there are a number of shops catering to all the needs of the travellers. There are a number of accommodation facilities as well at Gaurikund.

We started from Gaurikund at around 8 AM. The Mandakini River was gushing down with beauty and spirit. As much as I wanted to stay there and admire the sprightly river, we had to start our trek towards Kedarnath Temple.

About half a kilometer from the starting gate, is a booking office for horses, mules and palkis and Pitthus . Pitthus are basically men carrying the pilgrims on their back. Usually very old and young pilgrims take the service of Pitthus . There is a fixed rate for mules and Pitthus . You can book them from here. However, you will find mules almost entirely through the trail.

After a kilometer of trekking comes the Horse Point (Ghoda Pul) or the place from where you can get on your horses or mules to carry your journey. The horses are allowed from this point only. Upto this place, the trail is quite crowded with horses, mules and their owners. And don’t you forget, they will constantly ask you to get a mule for the journey! I had been told at least 15 times that I should take a horse to Kedarnath.

We trekked along the well-made trail. As usual, very soon we were quite tired and panting. Our legs were screaming for respite.  Well, this is what happens if you are out of any fitness regime and had not trekked for almost a year! Nevertheless, we continued to trek. Though I must admit that there were a couple of moments when I felt that I should have hired a mule.

The next significant stop on the trail is the Bheembali. The trekking route bifurcates at Bheembali – one for the trekkers and the other specially designated for horses and mules. Both the trails finally meet after Rambara.

Rambara was once one of the biggest settlements in the Kedarnath trek route. The floods of 2013 had completely wiped off the settlement. What remains now is the debris of the old trekking route which was pointed to us by a local shopkeeper. It is also here that we see the Mandakini River flowing down with force through the gorges.

The older route to Kedarnath was through the left of Mandakini River and that route is now completely destroyed. The new route has now been constructed at the right side of the river. A few more minutes of trekking and we reached Chhoti Lincholi. It was almost 12.30 PM at that time and we decided to take a lunch break there. This place can be roughly said to be the midpoint of the trail.

We had a good lunch of alu paratha at Chhoti Lincholi and were quite ready for our next stretch of the trek. And it was then, something sort of a miracle happened. It started snowing!  Well, not exactly all the big snowfall, but we could see the snowflakes on the tents and on us.

To be honest, it was a bright and sunny day when we started. The snowfall made all the people quite happy and a group started singing a local song. We were told that it was the second snow of the season and all the locals were quite happy to see the snow. We enjoyed the snowfall for almost half an hour after which it stopped.

The snowfall might have had us gushing like diehard romantics, but it definitely made the trail a bit difficult for us. We were already late for more than an hour and the weather became chilly. It was a lazy start after lunch and snowfall and gradually we trekked our way towards Kedarnath.

Finally, we reached Lincholi. There are a few accommodation options at Lincholi. You can stay here for the night. Kedarnath is about 6 km from Lincholi. As much as we were tempted to stop at Lincholi, we decided to trek all the way to Kedarnath. After trekking for another hour, we reached Kedarnath Base Camp.

There is a GMVN Guest house and cottages at Kedarnath base Camp. Kedarnath shrine is another 500 m from here. There is also a check post here where they check the registration slips. They only ask for the e-pass numbers and really do not check any slips. We trekked towards the shrine and finally we reached there at around 4PM. Once we reached Kedarnath, we tried to look for a place to stay. There are a number of places to stay near the shrine, mostly dormitories. We finally chose to stay at Bikaner House just behind the Kedarnath Temple.

We were quite in time for the evening Aarti at the Kedarnath Temple. The Aarti starts at 5.30 PM. After watching the Aarti, we went to our guest house, had our dinner and simply snuggled into our sleeping bags.

Kedarnath Temple – the end of the trek

We awoke early the next morning and went to visit the Kedarnath Temple. This time we saw the temple in all its glory. The main temple of the Kedarnath remained unscathed in the floods of 2013.

The interior of the temple is a bit dark. There are statues of the five Pandava brothers and Draupadi, their consort. Inside the main hall, there is a conical shaped stone that is said to be the hump of the bull that Lord Shiva transformed into (remember the story I mentioned before). There are statues of Lord Shiva and a few other deities inside the main hall as well.

We offered our prayers in the temple and then roamed around the place for some time. I had a few old pictures when I had visited Kedarnath Temple almost 3 decades back. I tried to connect the places with that of those pictures. Obviously, the place had changed, but the temple had remained intact.

Outside the temple, there is a statue of Nandi, the bull facing the temple. The entire place looks quite beautiful with the snow-covered Kedarnath peak (6940 m or 22,769 ft), the Kedar Dome (6,831 m 22,411 ft) and other peaks surrounding the temple on three sides.

Just behind the temple is a huge rock known as the Shri Divya Bheem Shila. It is believed that this stone had protected the temple from the waters of the flood in 2013. When the waters of Gandhi Sarovar carried large chunks of moraines and stones, this huge stone boulder tumbled down and anchored just behind the temple. This rock then diverted the flow of water to the sides and the temple remained intact.

You will invariably feel calmness at this place. All around the temple, you will see many ash-smeared saints and sadhus sitting with a trident (Trishul). They seem to be in a world of their own. It is quite interesting to see these sadhus all around the temple, sometimes singing while at other times having a pot of marijuana.

After spending some time around the Kedarnath Temple, we started our return journey towards Gaurikund at around 8.30 AM. We descended to Gaurikund after taking occasional breaks and reached there by 2 PM. Our car had been waiting for us at Gaurikund. We continued our journey towards Guptkashi and decided to stop there for the night before continuing our journey towards Badrinath.  Our visit to Badrinath remains for the next story.

Kedarnath Temple Timings:

The temple remains open from 4 AM to 9 PM everyday.

All that you need to know about Kedarnath Trek and Yatra

How to Reach Kedarnath?

Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport and is located about 235 km from Kedarnath. Taxis are available from the airport to Sonprayag.

The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar or Rishikesh. From Haridwar and rishikesh, you will get direct buses to Guptkashi and Sonprayag. But these buses are few in number. You can check online bus sites to see the time of the buses. Buses to Guptkashi, Karnaprayag, Gopeshwar are now available from Delhi (ISBT) as well.

You can also hire a car to reach Guptkashi or Sonprayag. However, it is better to book a car for both Kedarnath and Badrinath or the entire Char Dham Package. The cars charge a lot more if you only ask them to drop at Sonprayag.

We had hired a car for 5 days to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath and it cost us about INR 11,000 for the 5 days (which I do consider to be cheap). We also stopped at Tungnath and Chopta on the way from Kedarnath to Badrinath.

If you are driving by your own car, you can follow the route:

Haridwar – Rishikesh – Pipalkoti – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Agastamuni – Guptkashi – Phata – Sonprayag

Sonprayag has a huge parking space where you can keep your car for the night. The Registration centre for the yatra is just a few metres ahead of the parking space.

The distance between Sonprayag and Gaurikund is about 5 km. You can start the trek from Sonprayag or else take the shared jeeps to Gaurikund. The jeep fare is INR 30 per head. The stretch of road from Sonprayag to Gaurikund is quite bumpy and rough.

Gaurikund serves as the base camp for the Kedarnath trek.

From Gaurikund, you can either trek or ride horses/mules to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath on foot (Kedarnath Trek)

The total trekking distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is about 16-17 km.

Kedarnath Trek Route

• Gaurikund – Jungle Chatti (4 km)
• Jungle Chatti – Bheembali (3 km)
• Bheembali – Lincholi (4 km)
• Lincholi – Kedarnath base camp (4 km)
• Kedarnath base camp – Kedarnath temple (1 km)

The entire trail can be covered in a single day on foot. There are a few accommodation facilities in the middle.

Kedarnath by Horses/ Mules and Pitthus

Horses, palkis , kandis and Pitthus are available from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. There is a booking office just before the starting point of the trek from where you can get them. There is a fixed rate for horses and mules. The rate for pitthus and kandis vary with weight. While you will get them easily at Gaurikund, you will also get them on the way.

Tip on riding horses/mules: Bend forward while climbing upward and bend backward while climbing down and hold the saddle tightly.

Kedarnath by Helicopter

These days many people travel to Kedarnath by helicopter as well. The helipad is at Phata located between Guptkashi and Sonprayag. We found a couple of different operators providing helicopter services to Kedarnath. While Phata is the main place from where you can get helicopter rides, other helipads are found at Sersi and Sitapur. The helicopter would take you to Kedarnath Base Camp, about 1 km from the Kedarnath Temple. This distance has to be covered by foot. Even horses are not allowed beyond a certain point.

Things to remember for Helicopter ride to Kedarnath

• The helipads are at Phata, Sersi and Sitapur.
• Only 2 kg of luggage is allowed per person.
• Additional charges are levied if you weigh more than 80 kg and above 120 kg, 2 seats need to be booked.
• The price of the tickets depends on the helipad you are flying from. Usually a round trip cost somewhere between INR 5000 to 7000.
• If you get the round trip ticket for the same day, then they usually allot 2 hours to visit the temple and come back to the helipad.
• It takes roughly around 10 minutes to fly to Kedarnath Base Helipad and from there it is an easy trek of 15-20 minutes to the Kedarnath Temple.
• Helicopter services might stop at any time due to bad weather conditions.

Where to stay at Kedarnath?

There are plenty of hotels and guest houses at Sonprayag as well as Gaurikund. GMVN Guest Houses are also available and you can book them online.

GMVN Guest House and cottages are also available at Kedarnath Base Camp. There are a number of guest houses and dormitories available near the temple as well. We stayed at Bikaner Bhawan just behind the temple.

Accommodation options are also available on the way to Kedarnath. GMVN Guest Houses are available at Jungle Chatti, Bheemabali and Lincholi. Online booking is available at these guest houses and I would recommend you to book them beforehand if you opt to stay in between.

We stayed at Bikaner Bhawan in a double-bed room which cost INR 2000. Hot water is also available and a bucket would cost you around INR 60 – 70.

The rates of the guesthouses and hotels near the Kedarnath temple can change randomly. We would recommend you to book your stay beforehand if you are visiting with family.

Medical facilities on Kedarnath Trek

Medical centres and facilities are available throughout the way. You can find them in between Jungle Chatti, Bheemabali and Lincholi.

Food, Drinks, Shops and Restaurants on Kedarnath Trek

Most of the hotels, guest houses and GMVN Guest Houses provide food at reasonable prices. The food available is vegetarian and quite tasty. There are many shops available all through the trek route selling Maggi, parathas, snacks and hot beverages. You will definitely not go hungry on your trek to Kedarnath.

Toilet Facilities on Kedarnath Trek

Make-shift toilet tents are available on the way at various places in the trekking route.

Is there Mobile and Internet Service at Kedarnath?

Mobile services are available at Gaurikund till Lincholi. However, it is a bit rough at Kedarnath. We found Jio and Airtel services at Kedarnath while there was no mobile service for Vodafone.

Free wifi is available at the main areas like Jungle Chatti, Bheemabali, Lincholi and Kedarnath. However, do not rely much on the free wifi services. We did not get any during our stay at Kedarnath.

When is the best time to visit Kedarnath Temple ?

Kedarnath is a part of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya (usually falls in April or May) and closes on the day of Bhai Dooj (falls in October or November). Kedarnath Dham can only be visited during this time.

Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3553 m and remains cold most of the time. The weather is quite unpredictable in the mountains. Usually May to June and October to November is a good time for Kedarnath Trek. July to September are the monsoon months and there are chances for landslides during this time.

Places around the Kedarnath Temple

Bhaironath Temple

This temple is located at a very short distance from the Kedarnath Temple. It is believed that Bhaironath guards the Kedarnath Temple by keeping the evil at bay.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

This is the resting place of Adi Shankaracharya and is located near the Kedarnath Temple.

Gandhi Sarovar

About 3 km from Kedarnath Temple lies the Gandhi Sarovar that is fed by the Chorabari Glacier. If you wish to trek there, start early in the morning. The weather can change quite abruptly.

Vasuki Tal is located about 8 km from Kedarnath Temple. The trekking trail is quite steep and should be done with the help of guides. The Vasuki Taal offers a great view of the Chaukhamba ranges.

Rudra Meditation Cave

This is an interesting place. Located about 1.5 km from the temple, there is an underground cave available for meditation and isolation. The caves have a window that provides a direct view of the Kedarnath Temple. You can book the cave for yourself for the purpose of meditation for a maximum of 3 days. Obviously, only one person can stay inside the cave. The cave has all living facilities like water, electricity, heater, attached toilet and a phone to call the authorities in case of emergency.

Some interesting Facts about the Kedarnath Temple

• It is believed that the Kedarnath Temple is eternally protected and cannot be harmed.
• Bhaironath Ji is the protector of the Kedarnath Temple and is known as the Kshetrapal.  He is the fiery avatar of Lord Shiva and is known for devastation and destruction.
• Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva. It is infact, the highest of all the Jyotirlings in India.
• After Bhai Dooj, when the temple is closed, the main deity is brought down to Ukhimath.
• The head priest of the Kedarnath Temple belongs to the Veerashaiva community of Karnataka and is known as Rawal. However, the head priest or Rawal does not conduct the ritual inside the temple. He only gives instructions to his assistants. The deity is transferred to Ukhimath during the winter. The puja is performed in Kannada language.
• The temple is said to have been buried under ice for almost 400 years.

Have you visited Kedarnath? Please let us know your thoughts on this famous pilgrimage. If you liked this post and found it helpful, please share it with your family, friends and neighbours!

Pin it for a later read!

Reproduction of the content, including the photographs without prior consent/permission of the writer and photographer, is not encouraged at all and a violation of the same will attract legal action. If you need anything, Contact Us .

Hey! we’re Agni & Amrita.

We have been travelling together since the last 15 years and writing independent and personal travel content since 2014. Travel is one of the best teachers and through this blog, we aim to share our experiences and travel tips. We encourage you to travel more and see the world through your eyes and not through filtered templates.

Find more about us.

RELATED POSTS

Ultimate Guide to the Offbeat Pikey Peak Trek in Nepal

Located near the classic jiri to Everest Base Camp, Pikey Peak Trek is a new trekking route in the Solukhumbu region with an off the beaten path experience. When you stand on top of Pikey Peak, you cannot agree more with Sir Edmund. He had said that it was the most...

Phugtal Monastery Trek – Guide to the Cave Monastery of Zanskar

About this Blog: There are some places that you simply want to visit. Phugtal Monastery was one such place. Also known as the cave monastery, Phugtal Monastery, also known as Phuktal Monastery and Phuktar Gompa is located in a remote part of Zanskar Valley in Ladakh...

DUMAIL TREK KASHMIR – An easy hike from Naranag

About this blog: Naranag is mainly known for the ancient Shiva Temple complex and the basecamp of a number of treks in Kashmir. Our experience at Naranag was much more. Not only did we experience the pristine beauty of the valley, but was also completely amazed by the...

Trip to Mana Village – the Last Village of India

About this blog: This blog is about our visit to Mana village, the last village of India. This small and picturesque village located near the India-China border is steeped with mythology. Mana is also known as the gateway to heaven as it is believed that the Pandavas...

Mawryngkhang Trek (Bamboo Trail) Meghalaya – Guide to The Scariest Trek

Have you ever walked on a bamboo skywalk with the cliff on one side and the gorge on the other? You look down and can see the endless abyss beneath. This is said to be one of the scariest treks in Meghalaya. Scariest or not, I do not know, but the experience of the...

Trekking in Nepal: 15 Best Treks and all that you want to know

There are only a few places in the world where you can trek for days through the incredible mountain scenery and rustic rural villages. We believe that Nepal is the Holy Grail for trekkers and mountaineers. The country is the home to eight of the world’s highest...

Tungnath Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek Itinerary and details (FAQs answered)

About this blog: We always wanted to visit the Panch Kedars and Tungnath was the first one we explored. Along with it, we also did Deoriatal Chandrashila trek. This blog will give you all the details about the trek, how to reach and other important tips and guides....

Overtrekking in Himalayas – Facts that you should know

Overtrekking in Himalayas - it has been told umpteenth time. Of late, rules and regulations are also in place. But are they really effective? Can they really help in preserving the already fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas from the impact of over-trekking? We love to...

56 Comments

Descriptive blog about Kedarnath, valuable info shared for first-time travelers. Trekking in Kedarnath is an exciting and adventurous journey where you can avail all the accommodation as well as camping facilities with an awestruck top view from hills. Worth visiting along the trails to experience the local life.

This is by far the most amazing blog I found on Kedarnath yatra. All the information is quite helpful. I almost felt that I am right there with you on the trek.Thanks for writing.

Thank you so much, for your kind words.

I never heard of the Kedarnath and after this in-depth description and experience, I would love to do a trek here. I love a hike with beautiful mountains and culture combined and this has it. The backdrop to the temple is truly amazing and I would just go to the temple just to see that. A lot of information here to consider as well, so I have bookmarked this page as I hope to do some hiking in India once Covid clears off. This part of the world has been on my list for a long time.

Thank you Danik! Kedarnath is one of the spiritual places in India and is absolutely gorgeous.

Wow just look at those mountains. I would love to do this hike and when I visit India I need a long time to see the beautiful places in this country. This looks like a great 2 day and worth it and the views must be amazing during the whole trek. I hope I get to visit one day as it looks amazing.

That I totally agree to. You will need a lot of time to explore India! Thank you for the lovely comment!

This is a great comprehensive guide! We have never heard of Kedarnath Yatra, but it looks like an interesting place to discover. Spiritual, historic and hiking all in one trip? That sounds like our kind of thing. We’ll definitely include this in our India itinerary when it’s safe to travel.

Thank you so much!

What a fantastic experience! You provided so much information about Kedarnath, I feel like I could go and have a good idea of what to expect. I think the Kedarnath Trek sounds fascinating, although it must have been tiring the cultural experience and natural views must have been worth it.

Thank you Chloe! Kedarnath trek is quite an experience.

So interesting to read about the Kedarnath Yatra pilgrimage. And great to return to a trek that brings back special family memories. I can certainly see why the scenery along the river way to the start of your trek intrigued you. It looks like an interesting trek up to the Kedarnath Temple. Even if there was snow along the way. I might want to visit by helicopter and see those amazing views from above.

Helicopter ride is a good way to reach the place for those who cannot hike. Thank you Linda for the lovely comment!

What a great travel story and also a guide for those who want to do this trek. The views are absolutely breathtaking! And I love all those hidden little stories you mentioned. This trip also get a very personal feeling as other family members told you all those stories. The temples are all beautiful.

Thank you so much, Paula!

Oh my God! I am bookmarking this post. Kedarnath has been on the top of my list. I want to hike and visit this amazing place, especially to hike. And also take my mother as she loves these kinds of religious places even though I would send her to the temple by other means and not by hiking. Thanks for this post, I will try to visit it as soon as the pandemic is over.

Thank you, Raksha! I am sure you will love Kedarnath.

I’m hoping to go on Kedarnath Yatra after a couple of years. Good to know that they trek is about 16-17km and can be done in a day and there are also some accommodations on the way. Hahaha, it is funny and awesome that you visited Kedarnath as a kid and now your dad managed to give all the embarassing details to Agni. Now that I travel with my toddler, I have quite a bit of such funny and embarassing moments. Hoping to pass it on to her partner in future… Am I evil? Hahaha..

I bet you are! Just imagine my embarrassment when my dad gave all my secrets to my hubby. And he teases me with those till date!

I felt as if I were doing the trek with you as I read this. Beautifully covered with useful tips within. I have been meaning to get here and now am even more tempted. Loved your pics of the Sonprayag and the various trekking spots. The history and legends around this place really make it special. I knew the bit about Mahabharat and Shankracharya but did not know about how it was discovered

Thank you so much, Ami!

Amazing Blog, Thank for sharing this wonderful website with us.

this is a great read, very engaging and informative. I have a quick question regarding the stay at Kedarnath, you mentioned your stay at Bikaner house, is there any way to pre-book it?

Thank you so much for the comment. I think the stay at Bikaner House can be pre-booked. Please try calling +91-8191900012.

Hi, How can we book hotels near the temple in Kedarnath? You mentioned that it’s better if done ahead of the travel?

Can it be done online?

There are a few websites from where you can find out the contact numbers of the hotels near Kedarnath Temple. But I doubt whether it can be done online. There are also a number of travel agents in Haridwar and Rishikesh from where you can get your stay. Thank you for stopping by our blog. Keep reading!

One of my biggest dreams is to go to Kedarnath and in this blog, I got all the information for my next trip. And all the images are extremely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with us.

Thank you so much Shivani! We are so glad you liked our blog.

Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting.

Amazing Blog… many things to learn. thanks for sharing.

It’s amazing blog and very informative about Kedarnath trek….. This blog will very helpfull for newbies.

Nice Blog…. This is really amazing. Great information about Kedarnath trek.

Woooow so nicely explain every minute details. This will help us a lot for sure for our planning.

Thank you for a very informative write up. One question, how long did it take you to trek back to Gaurikund? You mentioned you reached at 12.30, but not state the start time. Did you have time to look around in the morning before starting the trek back?

Hello Sharmila! Thank you for reading our blog! And thank you also for pointing out the time. We had reached Gaurikund by 2PM and not 12PM. It was typo error. Now we have corrected it. We had started around 8.30AM after attending the morning aarti and just roaming around the place.

Hi… felt like a movie … scenes passes thru my imaginative mind! Clear cut, lively explanation. I am visiting kedar, badri and tungnath this June. Plz help me with a trustable travel agency or travel agents number. We are from bangalore and will come thru flight. Thanks a lot I. Advance. I am inspired to write a page later.. ( in my son’s notebook.. not here 😉 ) ha ha. Will be waiting for the reply

Wonderfully done article..Pretty complete. I am planning to do the Kedar trek with kids 7&12 and planning to rent a car.

You have mentioned you rented a car for 5 days. Does it come with a driver or you drive on your own. Any preferred rental companies for Car?

We had rented a car with driver. We got the car from a rental service at Haridwar. It was near Haridwar Railway Station. Have a wonderful trip to Kedarnath.

Thankyou for the amazing informative content on kedarnath yatra. Everybody needs this informative content keep sharing.

thank you for such a nice, elaborate and interesting blog!! while we have been aspiring to visit Kedarnath and badrinath much in recent times, i was actually looking for a visitor’s experience and just came across yours… thank you once again.

Thank you poorna for the kind words.

Hi. Its very interesting to hear from you. Congratulation for the trek. Now I booked at gourikund . Can you provide any information the proceedings before start trek from Gourikund. Thanks again.

Thank you so much for your comment. Have a great trip and let us know how it went.

A captivating tale of the Kedarnath trek! The personal experiences you share make it feel like we’re trekking right alongside you. The spiritual and natural beauty of the region shines through your words. Thanks for taking us on this unforgettable adventure through your storytelling – it’s both inspiring and informative

Thank you so much for your kind words.

Very comprehensive and informative! I think these tips and advice are much helpful. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

Hi, beautiful article, wish had come across your article before, just couple of days back we trekked to kedarnath, myself 55 yrs old and my husband 58 yrs. It was dream come true for me at this age, can you with your rich experience share how to treat aching legs after trek. We use coconut oil, is there any other thing which can be of help. Thankyou. God bless both of you

Hello Ma’am! We are so glad to hear that you had trekked to Kedarnath. Time and again it os proved that age is just a number! As for treating aching legs, we recommend to apply ice pack on the aching area. It will help a lot. Also keep your legs elevated for few minutes every day. Hope this helps!

Beautiful content and very informative 🙂 Har har mahadev 🙏🏼

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Wildcraft App

Easy Checkout & Free Shipping in App

• CORPORATE GIFTING

Use code APP10 during checkout for additional 10% OFF (Applicable only for app transactions). Use code SAVE10 for additional 10% OFF on min cart of 1500 (Applicable only for the first-time purchaser on mobile site and desktop transactions)

TOP SEARCHES

• RAIN CHEATER
• HIKING SHOES
• TRAVELCASES
• Jackets & Cheaters
• Sweatshirts & Pullovers
• Joggers & Trackpants
• Pants & Cargos
• Shorts & Cargo Shorts
• Shirts & Tshirts
• Rain Jackets
• Rain Suits & Ponchos
• Thermal Tops
• Thermal Bottoms
• Caps & Hats
• Mufflers & Gaiters
• Travel Cases
• Soft Trolleys
• Hard Trolleys
• Hybrid Trolleys
• Travel Gear
• Duffle Bags
• Duffle Trolleys
• Belts & Wallets
• Travel Accessories
• Technical Gear
• Sleeping Bags & Tents
• Laptop Backpacks
• Messengers & Portfolios
• Trousers & Trackpants
• Capris & Leggings
• WiKi Essentials
• WiKi Rainwear
• Campus Backpacks
• WiKi Boy Backpacks
• WiKi Girl Backpacks
• WiKi Junior Backpacks
• WiKi Slings & Messengers
• Wiki Disney Collection
• WiKi Accessories
• WiKi Lunch Bags
• WiKi Pencil Pouches
• WiKi String Bags
• Wiki Disney Accessories

• Luggage Sizes
• Check-in Bags
• Teen's Packs
• Teen's Accessories
• Men's Clothing
• Men's Jackets & Cheaters
• Men's Sweatshirts & Pullovers
• Men's Tracksuits
• Men's Joggers & Trackpants
• Men's Pants & Cargos
• Men's Shorts & Cargo Shorts
• Men's Shirts & Tshirts
• Men's Rain Jackets
• Men's Raincoats
• Men's Rain Pants
• Men's Rain Suits & Ponchos
• Men's Essentials
• Men's Briefs
• Men's Trunks
• Men's Vests
• Men's Socks
• Men's Caps & Hats
• Men's Mufflers & Gaiters
• Men's Gloves
• Men's Thermal Tops
• Men's Thermal Bottoms
• Men's Supermasks
• Women's Clothing
• Women's Jackets & Cheaters
• Women's Sweatshirts & Pullover
• Women's Shirts & Tshirts
• Women's Trousers & Trackpants
• Women's Capris & Leggings
• Women's Rain Jackets
• Women's Raincoats
• Women's Rain Pants
• Women's Rain suits & Ponchos
• Women's Essentials
• Women's Socks
• Women's Caps & Hats
• Women's Mufflers & Gaiters
• Women's Gloves
• Women's Supermasks
• Teen's Clothing
• Teen's Essentials
• Men's Shoes
• Hiking & Trekking
• Even Terrain Running
• Travel Sandals
• Women's Shoes

Kedarnath Trek - A Complete Travel Guide & Tips

Introduction

The best time to visit, the trek itinerary, highlights of the journey, things to keep in mind, things to carry, frequently asked questions (faqs), what is required for kedarnath trekking.

The Kedarnath trek is of moderate difficulty and would require you to carry: A 20-30L capacity rucksack, warm clothes ( jackets , windcheater, and thermal wear), accessories like head gear, gloves, and muffler, personal medical kit and rain cover.

How difficult is the Kedarnath trek?

It is quite easy to cover the Kedarnath Trek, especially since there are multiple transport options available there to make it smoother.

How long is Kedarnath trek?

The Kedarnath Trek covers a distance of 16km and takes almost 6 hours to complete.  

Which month is best for Kedarnath?

April-June is the best month to undertake the Kedarnath Trek as the days are quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15 and 25°C with cool breezes.

Passing Ports

Planning a trip to Kedarnath? Here’s everything you need to know

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit all of us, we travelled in the third week of October 2020, a trip to Kedarnath via Rishikesh. Corona was posing a huge threat and we were fully aware of it. However, we did quite a bit of reading and understood that Uttarakhand was one of those safe states to travel to. We also learnt that Rishikesh and Kedarnath were less crowded than usual.

Before you read any further, if the pandemic situation is still the same as October 2020, kindly read this to know how we planned our entire trip to Rishikesh and Kedarnath and stayed careful.

Best time to plan a trip to Kedarnath

Every year, on the day of Shivratri, the priests will announce the date of opening and closing the temple. While the temple opens sometime in April, it closes on the day of Bhai Dooj. The remaining six months, Kedarnath faces heavy snow fall during the winter, making it impossible for people to visit.

Locals told us that beginning of September or just before closing is the right time to visit Kedarnath as the crowd will be lesser. We, however, would suggest October second or third week as the weather is just perfect.

Minimum number of days for a trip to Kedarnath

A trip to Kedarnath requires a minimum of 5 days from either Dehradun or Rishikesh. That’s because the Jolly Grant Airport, the nearest airport to Kedarnath is almost in between Dehradun and Rishikesh, thus serving as a good starting point for a trip to Kedarnath.

Day One: Dehradun Airport to Rishikesh

From Jolly Grant Airport (keeping COVID-19 in mind), we did not want to take public transport after exiting. On a regular day, this would have been the cheapest way to reach Rishikesh. The pre-paid taxis from the Airport could cost anywhere around Rs. 900 – 1200, depending on the location of the hotel/hostel. We walked a few metres away from the airport and saw a few taxi guys who were offering lesser rates to get to Rishikesh. We negotiated and took a taxi for Rs. 700 to Blue Jay Hostels (hostel review coming up soon!).

It takes about 40 minutes to cover approximately 20 km to reach Rishikesh.

Mostly the first day will depend on when you reach, check-in etc. However, walking to Laxman Jhula and dinner at one of the famous cafes/restaurants could be a great way to start soaking oneself in this small holy yet hippie town.

Day Two: Rishikesh to Sonprayag

Start at 9 AM from Rishikesh so there is ample time to reach Sonprayag. The usual route to Sonprayag will be via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni/Augustmuni and Phata.

This route is about 215 km long and takes 9-11 hours to reach the destination. The construction along the route and the narrow roads leads to traffic jam in each and every corner. Sometimes, because of blasting and road construction, the Devprayag route may be closed. This detour of 30-40 km will add another 2-3 hours of journey time (via Tehri Garhwal).

Interesting things about Devbhoomi

• Devprayag is a confluence of two rivers – Bhagirathi and Alaknanda. River Saraswathi which originates underground also joins the other two rivers. This confluence forms the river Ganga or Ganges.

• Dhari Devi Temple between Srinagar and Rudraprayag. This temple is located on the banks of Alaknanda. The people believe that Dhari Devi is the guardian of the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. The authorities tried to remove the idol of Dhari Devi idol from the original place twice, once in the 1800s and once in 2013. The locals say that this has only resulted in natural calamities. The 2013 flood in Kedarnath washed away many villages and people. The country witnessed one of the worst natural disasters and some of the wounds are still fresh.

Other than traffic, lunch and tea, we never really stopped. We reached Sonprayag at around 7 pm, covering a distance of approximately 210 km in 10 hours. Yes, the roads were that bad. We checked in to GMVN Sonprayag and luckily got the entire dorm for ourselves.

Day Three: Sonprayag – Phata – Kedarnath

Start at 9 am to Triyugi Narayan Temple. It’s a 10 km drive with stunning views. This temple has a fascinating history and there’s an amazing vibe about the whole place.

Goes without saying, do not miss this temple during your Kedarnath trip 🙂

Kedarnath by Walk / Mules / Helicopters

Kedarnath by walk: The walk to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund. Private vehicles and taxies are stopped at a check-point in Sonprayag post which there are SUVs which take us to Gaurikund. The walking distance between Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 18 km (although it is mentioned as 16.5 km). The time to cover the distance is anywhere between 6 and 12 hours depending on one’s fitness level. So starting early in the morning will help in reaching Kedarnath before the night sets in.

Walking down took us exactly 5 hours. We started at 10 AM and reached Gaurikund at 3 PM. We booked a full taxi for ourselves for Rs. 300. Else you will have to share the drive with 8-10 other people which was a big no for us at these times.

Kedarnath on mules: You can go up in mules from multiple points. Costs differ from time to time, and also from the point you wish to take. Food, water and restrooms are all available along the way.

Kedarnath via helicopter: You can book helicopters in advance. We booked the 12 to 3 pm slot on Pawan Hans and took off from Phata. The helicopter took us from Phata to Kedarnath in exactly takes 9 minutes. You can also book the Prasad at the helicopter base.

Visiting the Kedarnath Temple

Once we landed in Kedarnath, we walked a bit and checked-in at Swargrohini Cottages. We reached on time to see the afternoon aarti before they shut the temple. Police ensured no one roams without a mask. If you have time to spare, you can also visit the Bhairavnath Temple, which is on the eastern direction.

If you are a single traveller, you can also stay in the Rudra Cave which is on the western side. Enjoy the evening aarti which starts at 6 pm and takes place for about an hour. The next morning, at around 5:30 am (please check sunrise time), catch the first rays of the sun hitting the mountains behind the temple. Such sights are magnificent.

You will see long queues to enter the temple. We, however, suggest that you enter the temple after 8 am when the crowds are much lesser. Lesser time in the queue and also more time inside the temple. Win-win, no? 🙂

The stone behind the temple is something you shouldn’t miss. During the 2013 floods, the stone diverted the gushing water to the sides of the temple, saving those who went inside to take refuge. The flood also destroyed the Samadhi of Adi Shankara. You can ask the pandits there to see the idol (we weren’t able to).

Important things to note when planning your trip to Kedarnath

• E-Pass: Please ensure you have taken two e-passes, 1. Uttarakhand on Smart Dehradun Portal and 2. Individual E Pass for the Char Dham, in this case, for Kedarnath.
• Commute : We didn’t see any public transport from Rishikesh to Sonprayag. This could be because of the COVID-19 restrictions. It would be best to hire a taxi or go by your own transport (bike/car).
• Food : There are many small roadside shops and few big tea shops, restaurants that you find on the highways. In Rishikesh, there are many nice Ganga facing cafes/restaurants such as Little Buddha Cafe, Freedom Cafe, VJ’s Pizza and many more. In Kedarnath, you have a lot of options closer to the temple. We recommend Tiwari Hotel & Restaurant.
• ATM’s : Withdraw cash in advance as ATM’s are few in number. Please note, mostly or only cash accepted. Very few places accept Digital payments.
• Water : Mostly, natural water, wherever available can be refilled. Less plastic, remember? 🙂
• Helicopter: There are multiple services. Book your helicopter to Kedarnath .
• Weather : November to March is heavy snow season, April to June is summer, July to August is usually the rainy season and winter sets in from September.

We had a wonderful darshan and once we came back, we self quarantined ourselves at home and we suggest you do that too. We are glad our trip was safe from the Coronavirus.

We can now safely say, “thank god we took this trip”, and if you are going, stay safe and travel safer!

1 thought on “Planning a trip to Kedarnath? Here’s everything you need to know”

• Pingback: BSR Farms Review - Best place to stay in Pauri Garhwal | Passing Ports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Kedarnath Tour Packages

Compare kedarnath tours & packages from top travel agents.

Popular Kedarnath Packages

Price Range (per person)

Combined With

Starting From

Holidify connects you with top travel agents

Compare Custom Quotes and get the best package deal

1 .Trusted Network Of 3000+ Agents. 2 .Book everything together, including stay & transport. 3 .Compare agent profiles & verified reviews

How It Works?

Compare Custom Quotes from Top Travel Agents

1 .Tell us about your trip . 2 .Get Custom quotes from top agents. 3 .Choose the package you like

Choose any duration

Create your own customised package

Plan your trip to Kedarnath with the help of local experts

Choose hotel-type

Sightseeing & activities

All Transport Options

Meals & other inclusions

From Top Travel Agents

28 Kedarnath Tour Packages Found

Filter by duration

*Final price will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements

Kedarnath Yatra Tour from Delhi by Cab

4 Nights / 5 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Guptakashi(2N) → Haridwar(1N)

₹ 15,500* per adult

₹ 15,500*

per adult on twin sharing

Badrinath Kedarnath Tour Package from Haridwar

5 Nights / 6 Days

Haridwar(0N) → Guptakashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 38,160* per adult

₹ 38,160*

Spiritual Tour of Uttarakhand

7 Nights / 8 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Guptakashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Joshimath(1N) → Rishikesh(1N)

₹ 23,340* per adult

₹ 23,340*

Divine Char Dhaam Yatra by Road

9 Nights / 10 Days

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamountri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptakashi(2N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 52,000* per adult

₹ 52,000*

Not sure which package to pick for Kedarnath?

Talk to our trip experts now to get the best deal

Your Email ID

Mobile Number

3 Days Tour Package in India: Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter

2 Nights / 3 Days

Dehradun(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Harsil(1N)

₹ 165,000* per adult

₹ 165,000*

Holy Badrinath Kedarnath Tour Package

1 Nights / 2 Days

Badrinath(0N) → Kedarnath(1N)

₹ 10,500* per adult

₹ 10,500*

Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath Yatra from Delhi

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Joshimath(1N) → Rishikesh(1N)

₹ 60,140* per adult

₹ 60,140*

Char Dham Darshan Tour Package

10 Nights / 11 Days

Haridwar(0N) → Barkot(2N) → Gangotri(2N) → Kedarnath(2N) → Pipalcotti(2N) → Rishikesh(2N)

₹ 40,670* per adult

₹ 40,670*

Uttarakhand Religious Tour Package

Mumbai(0N) → Haridwar(1N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Badrinath(2N) → Devprayag(1N)

₹ 61,250* per adult

₹ 61,250*

Kedarnath and Badrinath Darshan via Helicopter

Dehradun(0N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Joshimath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 45,000* per adult

₹ 45,000*

Char Dham Yatra

Delhi(0N) → Haridwar(2N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Sitapur(2N) → Pipalkoti(2N)

₹ 64,999* per adult

₹ 64,999*

Religious Package - Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Joshimath and Kedarnath

6 Nights / 7 Days

Rishikesh(2N) → Rudraprayag (1N) → Joshimath(1N) → Kedarnath (2N)

₹ 17,498* per adult

₹ 17,498*

Chardham Yatra Special Tour Package

11 Nights / 12 Days

Haridwar(1N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Govindghat(2N) → Badrinath(0N) → Haridwar(1N)

₹ 74,500* per adult

₹ 74,500*

Badrinath-Kedarnath Yatra Tour Package

Haridwar(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Govindghat(1N)

₹ 20,500* per adult

₹ 20,500*

Senior Friendly Char Dham Yatra Package

Haridwar(1N) → Badkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Govindghat(1N)

₹ 61,000* per adult

₹ 61,000*

Haridwar Do Dham Tour Package

Haridwar(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Govindghat(2N) → Haridwar(1N)

₹ 22,500* per adult

₹ 22,500*

Kedarkantha Trek Package

Dehradun(0N) → Sankri(5N)

₹ 16,450* per adult

₹ 16,450*

Chardham Yatra by Helicopter 5 Nights 6 Days

Dehradun(1N) → Yamunotri(1N) → Gangotri(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N)

₹ 194,000* per adult

₹ 194,000*

Chardham Yatra Tour Package by Helicopter (5 Nights & 6 Days)

Dehradun(1N) → Yamunotri(1N) → Harsil(1N) → Gangotri(0N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N)

₹ 180,000* per adult

₹ 180,000*

Char Dham Yatra Tour Package 9 Nights 10 Days from Bangalore

Bangalore(0N) → Barkot(2N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 34,555* per adult

₹ 34,555*

Char Dham Yatra Package by Helicopter - Ex Haridwar

Haridwar(0N) → Yamunotri(1N) → Gangotri(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Haridwar(1N)

Divine Char Dham Tour Package from Delhi by Road

Haridwar(2N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(2N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rudraprayag(1N)

₹ 72,000* per adult

₹ 72,000*

Char Dham Yatra Package from Rishikesh

3 Nights / 4 Days

Rishikesh(0N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N) → Rishikesh(1N)

₹ 18,000* per adult

₹ 18,000*

Badrinath & Kedarnath by Helicopter Package from Dehradun

Dehradun(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(0N) → Gangotri(0N) → Yamunotri(0N)

₹ 125,000* per adult

₹ 125,000*

Expert Choice

7 Nights 8 Days Char Dham Yatra Package

Dehradun(0N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N)

₹ 42,000* per adult

₹ 42,000*

Trending Now

Char Dham Yatra: Yamunotri to Badrinath for 6 Nights

Delhi(0N) → Barkot(2N) → Yamunotri(0N) → Uttarkashi(2N) → Gangotri(0N) → Guptkashi(1N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Guptkashi(1N)

₹ 43,800* per adult

₹ 43,800*

Chardham Yatra Ex-Haridwar - 9 Days Package

8 Nights / 9 Days

₹ 27,000* per adult

₹ 27,000*

Yamunotri(2N) → Gangotri(2N) → Phata(2N) → Kedarnath(1N) → Badrinath(1N)

Latest Reviews for Kedarnath

Insight trips feedback.

Sanskar's Trip to Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Char Dham

(Written on 09 Aug, 2024)

Mohan Nanaji's Trip to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Char Dham

(Written on 20 Jul, 2024)

Chaar Dhaam travel

Sandeep's Trip to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Char Dham

(Written on 22 Jun, 2024)

Jagadananda's Trip to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Char Dham

(Written on 16 Jun, 2024)

Rohini's Trip to Kedarnath, Badrinath

(Written on 14 Dec, 2023)

Would like to recommend SafeHands Travels to everyone

Asha's Trip to Guptkashi, Kedarnath

(Written on 09 Nov, 2023)

Explore Related Destinations

Char Dham packages

Yamunotri packages

Gangotri packages

Badrinath packages

Packages with Kedarnath

Uttarakhand Packages

India Packages

Other Packages You Might Like

Delhi Packages

Rishikesh Packages

Haridwar Packages

Dehradun Packages

Badrinath Packages

Yamunotri Packages

Tour packages for nearby states

Himachal Pradesh Packages

Haryana Packages

Punjab Packages

Uttar Pradesh Packages

Jammu and Kashmir Packages

Rajasthan Packages

Tour packages for similar destinations

Mcleodganj Packages

Nainital Packages

Leh Ladakh Packages

Gangtok Packages

Valley of Flowers Packages

Spiti Valley Packages

Dharamshala Packages

Coorg Packages

Madhyamaheshwar Packages

Tour packages for nearby destinations

Auli Packages

Gangotri Packages

Mussoorie Packages

Guptakashi Packages

Tehri Garhwal Packages

FAQs on Kedarnath Tour Packages

Which destinations are usually travelled together with kedarnath, is there snow in kedarnath in may, in which month does kedarnath opens, what are the best places to visit in kedarnath, how much will a kedarnath & badrinath package cost, get the best offers on travel packages.

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

Filter/Sort

Kedarnath Travel Guide – Unforgettable trip to the land of Shiva

Kedarnath itinerary.

Kedarnath is one of the most revered and geographically stunning Shiva temples in India. The temple flanked by the massive Kedarnath and Kedar Dome peaks instantly takes your breath away. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, it is one of the four major Hindu pilgrimage sites that form the Char Dham Yatra. Every year thousands of pilgrims embark on this journey of faith, devotion and self discovery. Though we did a lot of online research before the trip, we felt there were several things it didn’t prepare us for. For that reason I thought I’d pen a detailed Kedarnath travel guide to make your trip planning easier. So let’s unravel the myths, legends and reality of this mystical land.

Table of Contents

Kedarnath Travel Guide

Brief history and mythology.

The origins of the Kedarnath Temple is intertwined with the epic tale of the Mahabharata. After the great Kurukshetra war, the Pandava brothers sought redemption for their sins and wanted to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

However, Lord Shiva, in his divine form, decided to elude them and took refuge in Kedarnath by disguising himself as a bull. The Pandavas, determined to find Lord Shiva, followed him to the Himalayas. Later, Arjuna recognised the bull as Lord Shiva and pleaded for forgiveness. Lord Shiva was impressed by Arjuna’s devotion and determination and granted a boon. He proclaimed that he would remain in the form of a jyotirlinga (a manifestation of Lord Shiva) at Kedarnath for eternity, blessing devotees and providing them with liberation.

Over the centuries, the Kedarnath Temple has undergone several renovations and reconstructions. It’s thought to have been initially constructed by the Pandavas, but the current building, dating to the 8th century, was reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and spiritual leader.

Kedarnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India by the Mandakini river in the high Himalayas. Furthermore, the temple stands at an elevation of approximately 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), nestled amidst majestic snow-capped peaks and breathtaking natural beauty.

How to reach Kedarnath?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 239 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi / shared cab / bus to reach Sonprayag. Taxi’s and private vehicles are not allowed beyond Sonprayag. Nevertheless, shared jeeps ply between Sonprayag and Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek.

Rishikesh is the nearest rail station which is well-connected to various cities in India. Subsequently from Rishikesh, you can travel to Sonprayag by road.

We hired a private taxi with a driver for the entirety of our trip. Since it was just the two of us, it wasn’t the most cost effective option. Nonetheless if you are travelling in a group this would not only be economical but also convenient.

Lastly, you can also take the helicopter to Kedarnath from Guptkashi, Phata etc but we don’t recommend this.

Kedarnath Travel Guide and Itinerary

Many people tend to visit Kedarnath as a part of the Char Dham Yatra which begins from Yamunotri to Gangotri followed by Kedarnath and Badrinath. However our’s is just a week long itinerary to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath Travel Guide – DAY 1

Himachal – dehradun.

We took an overnight Volvo bus from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh to Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It took us around 10 hours and we reached next morning at 6:30 am.

Kedarnath Travel Guide – DAY 2

Dehradun to guptkashi.

Our taxi picked us up from Dehradun bus stand and thereafter we started our long drive to Guptkashi. Enroute we took a brief pit stop at Devprayag to check out the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river. Devprayag is the last prayag (confluence) of Alaknanda River and from this point the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi River is known as Ganga.

Later we crossed Rudraprayag and Augustmuni. Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag of Alaknanda River, the point of confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini. There are several ancient temples in this area but we didn’t visit any this time. Having previously undertaken the Char Dham Yatra, this trip solely focused on Kedarnath due to time constraints. Guptkashi (secret Kashi) has the ancient Vishwanath and Ardhnareshwar temples and Manikarnik Kund. If you have the time it’s definitely worth visiting these marvels of Devbhoomi.

It took us around 9 hours to reach our hotel near Guptkashi due to traffic jams on the way. It should have taken around 7 hours along with the pit stops otherwise. Some patches of the roads were under construction as well.

Where to stay in Guptkashi?

Char Machan Resorts – In this remote region, accommodation options are scarce, with only a handful of resorts available. Among these, Char Machan Resort stands out as a luxurious choice. It’s important to note that ‘luxury’ here refers to a well-maintained property with essential amenities such as hot showers and comfortable beds.

After a taxing journey with minimal rest and the prospect of a challenging trek to Kedarnath ahead, finding a quality hotel for rest and recuperation was our top priority. Char Machan proved to be the ideal choice, offering a serene atmosphere, stunning mountain vistas, and a delectable buffet dinner to complete the experience

In case you’re on a budget, there are several guesthouses and homestays around to cut costs.

Cost per night for 2 – INR 7500 with breakfast and dinner.

While our stay at Char Machan was delightful, in hindsight, we realized that opting for accommodation in Sonprayag would have been a more convenient choice, even though the options there are limited to basic hotels and guesthouses.

Our visit to Kedarnath coincided with the bustling Dussehra holidays, and the sheer volume of visitors was enormous. It took us nearly three hours by car to traverse a mere 25 kilometers, reaching Sonprayag from Char Machan Resort the following morning

Kedarnath Travel Guide – DAY 3

Guptkashi to kedarnath, 1) guptkashi to sonprayag.

We had a light breakfast and departed from our resort at the crack of dawn, around 5:30 am. The distance between Char Machan resort and Sonprayag parking is 24 km. In the past, it was permissible to drive vehicles up to Gaurikund, but after the horrific floods of 2013, the last point for vehicles is now Sonprayag. There is a huge parking area at Sonprayag and thereafter you can transfer to a shared jeep towards Gaurikund.

Due to the overwhelming influx of tourists and the immense traffic congestion, our journey to Sonprayag was extended to a frustrating three hours. Ideally, the duration should have been a mere hour.

Time taken: 05:30 am to 08:30 am (3 hours)

2) Sonprayag to Gaurikund

Our driver dropped us in close proximity to the parking area, and thereafter, we proceeded towards the designated shared jeep section. To our astonishment, we were greeted with a long and winding line of individuals eagerly awaiting their turn to board the jeeps, with thousands of people hoping to reach Gaurikund. I must admit, the crowds were disorderly and the authorities seemed unable to maintain control. Reflecting upon my previous visit to Kedarnath two decades ago, I recall it as a serene sanctuary, a haven of tranquility. Unfortunately, the present circumstances starkly contrasted with my previous experience.

We were on the verge of abandoning the queue and seeking an alternative location due to the looming possibility of a stampede. However, we opted to persevere and evaluate the situation as time progressed. Regrettably, we found ourselves waiting for a duration of over 2 hours in line for the shared jeep. The distance between Sonprayag and Gaurikund is a mere 5 km. Despite the proximity, commencing the trek from Sonprayag itself was prohibited by the authorities.

Finally, the shared jeep dropped us off at Gaurikund but it was already 11 am. The jeep fare was INR 40 per head.

Time taken: 08:30 am to 10:30 am (2 hours in queue)

3) Gaurikund to Kedarnath

At long last, we embarked on the much awaited trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The new trekking route spans a distance of approximately 19 kilometers. The previous route, which was 14 kilometers, succumbed to the force of nature in 2013. The route is steep throughout and you climb from Gaurikund (elevation 1,982 m) to Kedarnath (elevation 3,583 m). As for the registration, we had done it online beforehand; however, no one conducted any checks.

The current route is well marked, and many establishments serve food and refreshments. There are several public toilets along the route as well. Horses or palanquins can be hired from the booking counters at Sonprayag and Gaurikund, but we urge you to refrain from doing so. Witnessing the cruelty and abuse inflicted upon these animals was a deeply distressing and disheartening experience.

New trek route

• Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti(6km) through the Rambara Bridge
• Jungle Chatti to Bheembali (4km)
• Bheembali to Linchauli (3km)
• Linchauli to Kedarnath Base Camp (4km)
• Kedarnath Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple (1km)

Owing to the unavoidable circumstances mentioned earlier, our trek commenced around 11 am, exposing us to the intense afternoon sun. Though fatigued and dehydrated, our spirits were revitalised at the sight of the Kedar dome peak, and we arrived at Kedarnath just in time to witness a magnificent sunset.

Time taken: 11 am to 6 pm (7 hours)

4) Kedarnath

We checked into our hotel (New Himachal House), left our bags and headed for the evening aarti around 7 pm. Afterwards we walked around and had some tea and jalebis at Tiwari hotel . Lastly we had dinner at our hotel and called it a night.

Kedarnath Travel Guide – DAY 4

Since out hotel was located in close proximity to the Kedarnath Temple, we couldn’t sleep much, courtesy of the bustling ambiance. Our day commenced with a visit to the temple for darshan, followed by a simple breakfast back at our accommodation. While our initial intention was to trek to Vasuki Tal, but a recent avalanche in the vicinity led us to revise our plans.

Amidst the Dushera holiday hustle, the temple environs were teeming with crowds. Seeking solace, we embarked on a hike to find a serene corner where we could absorb the energy of this vibrant space. While wandering, fate led us to encounter a monk who graciously invited us to his ashram. Without a set agenda, we decided to follow his lead. After a 4-kilometer hike, we arrived at the tranquil Shri Swami Ramanand Sant Ashram, nestled in solitude and centered around an ancient cave. The quietude was a treasure we had been longing for, and the cave proved to be an idyllic spot for meditation.

Following this, we visited all the famous spots around. You can check the list below – Things to do in Kedarnath .

Kedarnath Travel Guide – Day 5

Kedarnath -sonprayag -rishikesh.

Casting one last glance upon the mystical Kedarnath Temple and the towering peaks, we commenced our trek toward Gaurikund. The descent was notably smoother and considerably swifter. We started our descent earlier than planned, a strategic move to avoid the scorching sun and crowds. This ensured a delightfully pleasant journey back.

Time taken – 6:30 am to 10:30 am

Sonprayag to Rishikesh

From Gaurikund, we shared a jeep ride to Sonprayag before reuniting with our driver at the parking area, commencing the drive back to Rishikesh. The distance is around 205 kms but there were closures and jams on the way which delayed us. We settled into our hotel, enjoyed dinner, and concluded the day.

Time taken – 11 am to 8 pm (9 hours)

Where to stay in Rishikesh?

We stayed at Hotel The Great Ganga – it was 100 metres from Ram Jhula and the ghats. We had a good view from the room and food was lovely too.

Kedarnath Travel Guide – Day 6

With only a day at hand, we opted to explore Rishikesh on foot, visiting notable sites like Ram and Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, and some temples.

Kedarnath Travel Guide – Day 7

We took the bus from Rishikesh to Himachal and finally back home.

Kedarnath Travel Guide FAQ’s

Things to do in Kedarnath

• Kedarnath Temple – Serving as the primary attraction and one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Shiva.
• Bhairavnath Temple – Situated around 1 km uphill from Kedarnath, this temple is dedicated to Bhairavnath, the protector deity of the region. Moreover, it’s a great spot to enjoy a peaceful sunset too.
• Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi – Being a distinguished Indian philosopher and theologian, Adi Shankaracharya is credited with founding four prominent monastic centers, known as mathas, in various parts of India. Consequently, this newly erected samadhi stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and teachings.
• Vasuki Tal – This remote high glacial lake derives its name from its resemblance to the snake Vasuki, curled up around Lord Shiva’s neck. It’s an 8 km trek (one way) from Kedarnath and therefore not recommended for inexperienced trekkers.
• Chorabari Lake / Gandhi Sarovar – A brief 3-kilometer hike from Kedarnath leads to Kanti Sarovar, now known as Gandhi Sarovar. Though regarded as spiritually significant, this lake was destroyed by the 2013 floods and has since dried up.
• Meditation caves – For a meditative experience akin to ancient yogis, consider a visit to Hanuman Gufa and Dhyana Gufa, where solitude and reflection await.

Where to stay in Kedarnath?

Numerous guesthouses, lodges, and camps offer accommodation options in Kedarnath. Among these, we recommend considering GMVN’s Swargarohini Cottages . The cottages looked clean and had superb views,  however, due to their popularity, reservations fill up well in advance—booking at least 6 months prior to your trip is advisable. You can book directly via GMVN’s website . Since we planned Kedarnath just a few weeks in advance, we couldn’t secure accommodation here.

We stayed at New Himachal House which was a lodge right next to the temple. Though we had an ensuite room, it was rather dirty and we wouldn’t recommend it. You can book this via phone Pandit Girish Shukla – 7060753419 .

Pro-tip : Book your accommodation well in advance particularly if your travel coincides with festivals or holidays. We visited during Dussehra and the overwhelming crowds left numerous pilgrims without lodging options, not even shared tents.

What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?

Kedarnath stays open from May through October , sometimes extending until November, coinciding with the festival of Diwali. Our visit in early October provided us with ideal weather conditions. The skies were brilliantly clear, devoid of any rain, creating a picturesque backdrop. Daytime temperatures were pleasantly mild, ensuring comfortable exploration. However, the nights were quite chilly, with temperatures dropping to around zero degrees. The ideal months for a visit to Kedarnath are May and the latter part of September onwards. It’s advisable to steer clear of July and August due to the heightened monsoon activity, which brings a considerable risk of flash floods and landslides.

Pro-tip: Check the weather forecast before your trip and keep an eye out for any advisory issued by the Uttarakhand Government.

How to register for Kedarnath Yatra?

You need to To ensure a smooth registration process for your Kedarnath Yatra, follow these steps:

• Online Registration: Register online beforehand on the Tourist Care Uttarakhand Website .
• Account Creation: Begin by creating an account on the website.
• Form Completion: After account creation, fill out the registration form with essential information. Include details like your planned travel dates, the destinations you intend to visit, your address, and emergency contact numbers. You will need upload a recent photograph.
• Submission: Once you’ve filled out the form, submit it through the website.
• Letter Printing: After successful submission, you’ll have the option to print a copy of your registration letter. Carry this letter with you. This will save your time during your trip.

How many days are required for Kedarnath?

Considering that most journeys to Kedarnath commence from Delhi or Dehradun, it’s advisable to allocate a minimum of 5-6 days for your trip. The weather in these regions can be quite unpredictable, making it wise to include a few buffer days in your itinerary for added flexibility and convenience.

What to pack for Kedarnath?

• Backpack – A comfortable, durable backpack with padded straps is ideal for the trek.
• Clothing – When it comes to clothing, pack trekking pants and a couple of tops. The key here is effective layering, as afternoons can become quite warm, especially during the trek, while mornings and evenings tend to be chilly. A combination of a base layer, a cozy fleece, and a reliable jacket to stay comfortable in varying conditions. Pack a waterproof / raincoat, woollen socks and gloves.
• Sturdy trekking shoes for the trek
• Sleeping bags – While we opted not to carry sleeping bags, having a few bedsheets on hand proved to be quite practical. This came in handy when we encountered less-than-clean bedding at our accommodations.
• Printed copy of your registration letter for the Kedarnath Yatra.
• Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Cash – There is an ATM at Kedarnath but best to withdraw cash beforehand.
• Snacks – Energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick snacking.

Kedarnath Budget 

The budget for a Kedarnath trip can vary widely depending on your travel preferences, the mode of transportation, the type of accommodation, and the duration of your stay. Here’s a rough estimate of our trip. It will be significantly cheaper if you take public transport and stay at dorms.

We booked our accommodation and taxi via a travel agent (details in the next section)

Do you need a travel agent for Kedarnath?

Traveling to Kedarnath doesn’t necessarily require a travel agent. Our Kedarnath travel guide aims to simplify the planning process for independent travellers. In our case, we decided on our Kedarnath journey just about two weeks ahead of time, making it challenging to secure accommodation in Kedarnath through online bookings. Additionally, we needed reliable transportation for the trip.

Our initial contact with GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) Yatra office revealed that only dormitory accommodations were available in Kedarnath as the ensuite cottages were fully booked. GMVN accommodations strictly required online booking. Since we preferred a more private lodging option, we explored alternatives.

After reaching out to several tour agents, we ultimately chose Three Sixty Holidays for their hotels and transportation package. We found them to be highly professional, offering a variety of quality hotel choices. Notably, they guaranteed an ensuite room in Kedarnath, the only ones to do so.

The package cost us ₹48,000 in total for a couple.

• 4 nights in premium hotels (breakfast + dinner)
• Sedan taxi transfer (Dehradun to Dehradun)

How to choose a travel agent for Kedarnath?

If you’re planning your Yatra well in advance and prefer to do it on your own, our travel guide provides all the details to facilitate your journey. However, if you favour a hassle-free experience with a tour agent, we wholeheartedly recommend Three Sixty Holidays. They ensured a smooth process and were forthright about the basic conditions of Kedarnath hotels in advance. We’re grateful we chose them, considering that we saw many pilgrims facing challenges finding accommodation during our visit. Even shared tents were fully booked, and while our hotel may not have been ideal, having an ensuite room provided a significant comfort advantage.

You can contact Three Sixty Holidays via email – [email protected] or phone – +91 9258 360 360

Is there mobile network in Kedarnath?

Yes, Jio pretty much worked all over.

Kedarnath Travel Guide – Trekking tips and what not to do

• Register online beforehand to avoid queues and delays.
• Save time by staying near Gaurikund or Sonprayag before starting your trek as the roads and traffic to Sonprayag is terrible. As shown above, we wasted a lot of time stuck and got delayed to start our trek.
• Start your trek by 5 am to avoid the harsh afternoon sun. 
• Trek Distance and Duration  – 19 kms each way. Trek Duration can vary from individual to individual, but to offer you a reference point, our ascent took approximately 7-8 hours, while the descent required about 4 hours. It’s worth noting that we carried our own bags, each weighing 12 kilograms.
• Pack light – We underestimated the climb and carried our laptops, DSLR’s etc and our bags were heavy. Best to pack light to make the climb easier.
• Book accommodation in advance (at least 6 months in advance to ensure you get a good place like GMVN cottages)
• Carry warm clothing  as temperatures fall after sunset irrespective of the month you visit. In October it was -2 in the evenings.
• Ensure you pack a raincoat and a reusable water bottle . Afternoons often bring rain showers, so having a raincoat on hand is a smart choice. Additionally, there are water refill stations available along the route, so carrying your own bottle and avoid purchasing plastic bottles.
• Trekking without using horses is a responsible choice to minimize your environmental impact. Witnessing the overworked horses and the unfortunate sight of many of them succumbing to exhaustion along the way was truly heart-wrenching.
• Prior to your journey, consult the weather forecast diligently and attentively heed any warnings or advisories.
• Public Toilets are available on the way at various places on the trekking route.
• Don’t litter and please carry your waste back with you.

Read my honest unfiltered thoughts on how I felt about Kedarnath on instagram below:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Su and Titu | Travel Bloggers (@fernwehstories)

We trust that this comprehensive Kedarnath travel guide serves as a valuable resource for planning your pilgrimage to the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions; we’d be glad to answer your queries. Do share this post with anyone interested to visit Kedarnath.

Do check out our other posts of our adventures in Asia too.

Su and Titu

Maldives itinerary: the ultimate guide to local islands and resort islands, you may also like, maldives itinerary: the ultimate guide to local islands..., ultimate guide to the best restaurants in goa, top 10 offbeat destinations to beat the crowds.

Thank you for this comprehensive Kedarnath travel guide! Your detailed insights and practical tips make it an invaluable resource for anyone planning a pilgrimage to this sacred destination. I appreciate your effort in sharing this valuable information.

Ah thank you so much! Appreciate your kind comment :)

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Hiking with huskies in Svalbard
• Northern Lights
• Ultimate Guide to the best restaurants in Goa
• Work with us

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience here. Accept

Kedarnath Trek – A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

Where is Kedarnath?

Kedarnath (3,553 metres, approximately) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It lies just below the base of the mighty Kedarnath peak (6,940 metres), and is the First Kedar to be visited in case you are staying true to the sequence of the Panch Kedar circuit. The other four being Madhmaheshwar , Tungnath , Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar .

I want to drive there myself. What is the motorable route?

Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Kund – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund

Distance from Haridwar to Gaurikund: 237 km

The motorable road ends at Gaurikund, but you’ll need to park your vehicle at Sonprayag. No private vehicles or even taxis from outside are allowed to go beyond Sonprayag . The only option is to board one of the shared taxis that specifically run from Sonprayag to Gaurikund. This more than sorts it out in case you are driving here yourself.

The road is more or less well-maintained except for a few patches that fall under the landslide zone. Road from Guptkashi to Sonprayag is patchy at best.

I want to opt for public transport.

• Take a bus or shared taxi (Max) from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag
• Take a shared taxi (Max) from Sonprayag to Gaurikund

Buses, both local and of Uttarakhand State Transport, and shared taxis start plying from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag as early as 4 am.

That being said, you should know that all the local buses take their own sweet time and multiple halts. All the buses and taxis will drop you at Sonprayag. After this, there is no other choice but to board another shared taxi to Gaurikund.

It should cost one person 1000-1200 bucks, Haridwar to Haridwar.

How long is the trek? How is the trek route like? Do I need a guide? Is there any Medical Aid available?

Gaurikund – Rambara Bridge – Jungle Chatti – Lancholi – Base Camp – Kedarnath (16 km)

It is a well laid out trek all the way through, paved and pretty straight forward.

From Gaurikund to Rambara Bridge (about 7 km) it is gradual yet easy ascent.

It is a steep, gradual ascent after crossing the bridge at Rambara, all the way to the base camp, where it flattens. The last 1 km or so is an easy walk to the temple.

You do not need a guide. Horses, Mules, Palanquins, and Porters are available at Gaurikund. It’s better to book them at Gaurikund itself; you will find many at several points on trek too but they will ask for a price higher than the altitude you will be standing at.

Medical and First Aid facilities are available at several places including Lancholi and Base Camp. There even is a small government hospital just 200 metres from the temple. And police check posts on several points.

Where to stay, eat, and how much will it cost?

There are many Lodges, Ashrams, Guest Houses, and Camps running from Gaurikund to Base Camp that provide cheap accommodation, both private and government run, including GMVN Lodges at Lancholi and Base Camp . The prices can vary from INR 500 per room to INR 2000 , depending on the rush of pilgrims. While the rates shoot up in May-June (peak season), they also go drastically low in the months of September-October (the best time to do this trek).

However, don’t expect anything in terms of luxury; expect basic rooms, warm quilts, simple but good food. There are plenty of tea/coffee shops on the way that also offer food. Expect to pay around INR 100 for a hearty meal for one person .

Is it possible to do Gaurikund-Kedarnath-Gaurikund in one day?

Yes. It depends on your fitness. We had set out at around 2 am and were back by 5 pm the same day, from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and back. Approximately 35 kilometres in 15 hours, which includes 4 hours of wait in the queue outside the temple (it was May). I’ve been told time and again this is a small feat. I am not proud of it. We were behind schedule and had to make up for it. I don’t like to test my speed against distance. Time to me is mostly irrelevant. I like to walk easy. Sit in silence. Maybe lie down. Take a gander at the grandeur. Look into the soul of these mountains. Feel a beat or two. Click a few pictures. Start again. Repeat again. Must we tie self-made accomplishments to places such as these?

This is the gist of it. If you have any further queries, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me through Facebook or Instagram . I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Stay safe, travel responsibly!

Type your email…

Photographer by day. Travel Writer by night. And a Copywriter in between.

You may also like

The pahadi organic – a true-blue pahadi experience, kalpeshwar trek – a complete guide, tungnath trek – a complete guide, char dham yatra – finding devotion in destruction, pindari glacier trek – ringing in the new..., deoria tal – of epics, myths, and the..., deoria tal trek – a complete guide, chandrashila – why this should be your first..., binsar – romancing old-world wilderness and the himalaya, madhmaheshwar trek – a complete guide, leave a reply cancel reply, 22 comments.

Very crisp and adequately informative.

Thanks, Papia. 🙂

Hey Bro, Thanks for this description..!!

Thanks for reading, bro.

Hi Mohit..Beautifully written! To the point! I was planning this trek in September this year..Had a couple of doubts…If I start at say 5 in morning from Sonprayag..Take a shared taxi to Gaurikund. how long does the shared taxi take from Sonprayag to Gaurikund? If I start at 5 from Sonprayag, what time can I expect to start the trek from Gaurikund? I plan to reach the temple by say afternoon and stay overnight..Is there any place I can book on the spot to stay overnight and begin my descent the next day? I’ll be traveling solo! Thanks!

Hi Jatin. Thank you for reading! 🙂

• The distance from Sonprayag to Gaurikund is approximately 4 km. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes to reach Gaurikund. However, this will be a shared taxi and it will not start until it can accommodate all the passengers it has the capacity to. So, I’d say add another few minutes. That being said, September is not the peak season; there shouldn’t be any hassles.

You can start the trek from Gaurikund the moment you reach there.

There are plenty of Lodges, Dharamshalas, and Guest Houses around the temple. Finding a room, on the spot, will be no trouble at all.

All the best! 🙂

Hi Mohit. This is an apt description for anyone who wants to go to Kedarnath. I’m planning to go in early October. Just had a couple of queries. Is it better to take a shared taxi from Rishikesh to Sonprayag? Rather than a bus which might halt at every place and as you said will take own sweet time to reach. Don’t mind paying a little extra for taxis if required. Also, apart from the registration for the yatra which can be done online is there any other registration or fitness certificate required before starting the trek? Thanks!

Hi, Rakesh. Thank you for reading. Shared taxis are relatively faster but almost always cramped. Buses are more breathable. Personally, I prefer buses. No fitness certificate is required.

A very detailed guide to Kedarnath trek, Mohit! I read your blog very carefully to understand your experience and other important things about Kedarnath like how will it cost. Thank you for sharing this article I will visit this place with my friends and family.

Thank you for reading, Manoj. 🙂

Very succinct and a treat to read. I loved the combination of pictures clubbed with crisp text for an amazing experience. Great work brother. Can I have a few of these pictures for one of my videos.

Thank you for appreciating. 🙂

The colour tone is just just just awesome.

Thank you for appreciating.

Hi mohit We r planning to go in d month of may .. I ve one clarification.. 1.Can we start trek around 12 pm? Bec we ll reach gowrikunda @11am. 2. Can we stay middle of d trek. Is any accommodation on d middle?

• You can start anytime.
• Please refer to ‘Where to Stay, Eat, and how much will it cost’ section on the post. All the best.

Hello Mohit , For an ordinary people is easy trek or very diffcult?

Hi. The trek itself is not difficult. It might seem a little long and tiring. But should be manageable as long as you take it easy. All the best.

Dear Mohit – All guides are so well written – Every thing at one place – I have saved all these for my preparations when I go

Thank you! Glad I could be of help. All the best.

Hi Mohith, Thank for the blog. Any good suggestion for stay at Gaurikund and at Kedarnath top? Rakesh

Hi. Thank you for reading it. It’s been 6 years since I wrote this. New properties will have come up by now. Even if you don’t have booking, you’ll be able to find one to your liking on the spot. Thank you!

Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2024

Kedarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrimages of Lord Shiva situated in Rudraprayag district of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham in Uttarakhand and the most important dham among Panch kedar. Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3586 mts, in the lap of the majestic mountain peaks and near the head of river Mandakini, Kedarnath range stands one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Kedar meaning powerful is another name of Lord Shiva the protector and the destroyer. The beautiful ambiance around the temple looks like quite peace on heaven causes a beautiful place to do meditation.The main attractions here is the Shiva Temple, which is a popular Hindu shrine and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from all over the world. The travel and tourism scope here is strengthened by factors like natural beauty and religious zest.

Shiva is considered the embodiment of all passions - love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism which are expressed through his various forms. There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the area itself, the most important one is Kedarnath.

About Kedarnath Dham in Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Dham, situated in Uttarakhand, is a revered pilgrimage site and one of the Char Dham destinations. Renowned for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, it provides spiritual enrichment amid the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Discover its history, significance, best visiting times, and tips for pilgrims.

• About Kedarnath
• Kedarnath History
• Kedarnath Route

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is the most revered shrine of Hindu deity Lord Shiva. The Mandir was built in 8th century A.D. by Adi Shankaracharya. It is adjacent to the site of an earlier temple built by the Pandavas. Kedarnath is one of India’s most famous temples (more than 1000 years old temple) dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath Temple complex is being rehabilitated after 2013 Kedarnath floods. New facilities include helipads, helipad and new guest houses. Online facilities for Kedarnath booking are also there. Kedarnath Puja can be book online and no physical presence of devotees needed. Some pujas could be book on the internet or in person. The daily pooja rituals at the Kedarnath temple start early morning, around 4.00 am with Maha Abhishek and end at around 7.00 pm with the Shyam aarti. The Kedarnath temple opens for darshan for the general public around 6 am.

Visitors can touch idle and perform Abhishek with Ghee before 3 p.m. After 5 p.m., no one can approach Idle, but they can get Darshan from a distance. The temple at Kedarnath opens only six months of the year when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and Scorpio is in full-blown eclipse.

Kedarnath Dham History

Legend goes that, “Nara and Narayana performed severe penance in front of a Shivalingam fashioned out of earth”. Kedarnath is a well-known shrine for Lord Shiva devotees and Kedarnath temple history is almost more than 1000 years-old. Legend says they requested Shiva to take up a permanent abode as Jyotirlingam. Kedareshwar is a place where the Pandavas sought Shiva’s blessings.

According to another legend, Goddess Parvati worshipped Kedaeshwar to unite with Shiva as Ardhanareeswarar. Bhairon is a temple dedicated to Bhaironathji who is ceremoniously worshipped at the opening & closing of Kedarnath Temple. The belief is that Bhairavnathji protects this land from evil during the time when the temple is closed. Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or the cosmic light.

The temple is over a thousand years old and is located in the Rudra Himalayas, northern India. It is home to the world's highest Jyotirlinga the Kedarnath lingam.

Kedarnath Dham Route

Kedarnath dham yatra travel circuit.

The Kedarnath Trek is a 16km medium to steep trek which requires a good level of physical fitness. Before going for the trek every pilgrim has to get themselves checked that whether they are capable of trekking or not. The Kedarnath Trek facilities include the services of Palki/Dandi, Kandi & Mule/Ponies. Anyone can book these services from the booking counter at Gaurikund/Sonprayag.

Kedarnath Popular Route : Delhi → Haridwar (206 kms) → Rishikesh (24 kms) → Devaprayag (70 kms) → Srinagar (35 kms) → Rudraprayag (34 kms) → Tilwara (9kms) → Agastamuni (10 kms) → Kund (15 kms) → Guptkashi (5 kms) → Phata (11 kms) → Rampur (9 kms) → SonPrayag (3 kms) → Gaurikund (5 kms) → Kedarnath (16 Kms).

Kedarnath Trek Route Map Start from Gaurikund : Gaurikund (6 kms) → Rambara Bridge (4 kms) → Jungle Chatti (3 kms) → Bheembali (4 kms) → Linchauli (4 kms) → Kedarnath Base Camp (1 kms) → Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath New Route

Following the terrible flood in the Kedarnath region in 2013, the original road was totally washed away, with little scope for repairs or reconstruction. NIM team members built and maintain the new route to Kedarnath Temple. Various teams are attempting to keep the best path to Kedarnath in good condition.

A major route to Kedarnath trek is the new route via Rambara and Linchauli. Rambara was fully submerged in the 2013 floods. Rambara is now only accessible via a freshly built bridge. This route will take you from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, a distance of about 15-16 kilometres. The NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) has recommended this route because the route between Rambara and Kedarnath has been entirely wiped away.

Things to Remember Before Going on the Kedarnath Trek

Essential items for your Kedarnath Dham Yatra: Stay prepared with the right gear, clothing, and essentials to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching journey in 2024.

Do get a health check up before going on the trek to Kedarnath.

People with Respiratory disorders and High Blood Pressure should not trek to Kedarnath.

If you want to travel through Kandi, Ponies and Palki make sure that the prior booking is done at Gaurikund/Sonprayag booking counter.

Trek between 04:00AM to 01:30PM as this is the only time when pilgrims are allowed to trek to Kedarnath.

In case you won’t be able to cover the trek till late evening you can take Palki or Ponies to reach to your destination.

You can also stay in the camps which are set up in between the trek at Jungle Chatti, Bheem Bali and Lincholi for a night and start journey next morning.

Important Note : Registration is compulsory for Char Dham Yatra.

Kedarnath Opening & Closing Dates

Kedarnath Temple Opening date depends on auspicious day of ‘Akshay Tritya’ and ‘Maha Shiva Ratri’, according to the calculations by Omkareshwar priests.

Kedarnath temple will open on 10 May 2024 at 6:20 AM in the morning with special Pooja in the temple.

In addition, the opening date of Kedarnath Dham has been declared on Mahashivratri. Kedarnath’s closing date has been set, and on the day of Bhai Dooj (the day after Diwali in November), the temple will be closed after Pooja archana in the morning. The opening of Kedarnath Kapaat is an auspicious occasion for numerous pilgrims visiting Kedarath from all over the country and the world. Pilgrims could only have darshan once priests had opened Puja at Kedartath Temple. Likewise, to the opening ceremony, closing ceremony is also grand. Garhwal Bands take Baba Kedar Doli to Winter Abode of Kedarnath i.e Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.

Kedarnath Opening & Closing Date 2024

Online puja booking in kedarnath.

Devotees can now book advance online booking of Puja/ Bhog/ Paath/ Aarti at a fair price. There are several types of services available at these Chardham Temples in the region including Puja Paath and Bhog. It is fairly simple to book online and schedule Puja archanas in Kedarnath and Badrinath temples online. Pilgrims must submit an online payment for the puja/ paath/ aarti/ bhog that will be conducted on their behalf. The process if fairly simple and easy. First, register at the Badri-Kedar website, log in to the website, then choose Pooja/Bhog/Paath/Aarti. Enter your information and make an online payment. While sitting at home and with these simple steps, one may get the benefit of online booking.

Kedarnath Weather

For the most portion of the year, the weather in Kedarnath is cold. But Summer has a mild and pleasant environment, making it ideal for relaxing and visiting the Kedarath temple. During summers, the average temperature is around 17°C (°F).

The temple doors are opened to pilgrims for a holy pilgrimage in May. In June, the Lord Kedarath Palki reopens.

Kedarnath Dham Location

Kedarnath is a hindu religious place located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag District. The holy town and one of the Char Dham are located in the Kedarnath Valley at an elevation of 3584 metres. It is accessible by Trek, Dandi, Kandi, or Helicopter. Kedarnath is well connected by road, air and rail. You can travel directly to Kedarnath from Haridwar, but it is also possible to spend at least one day there. The majority of the 240-kilometer ride is on a ghat road, with various mountains in the background and the Ganges River following you all the way. If your group is more than 5-6 people, you should consider renting a jeep. If you choose to drive your own vehicle/car, be sure it has adequate ground clearance because the path is littered with pebbles.

The Gaurikund is only 5 kilometres from Sonprayag, the Gaurika entrance. There is a fatak (gate) to ensure that pilgrims are dropped off at Sonprayag by buses and autos. There are shared taxis available, ensuring that traffic jams are kept to a minimum. Kedarnath is the highest mountain in the world, yet it is only accessible by a hard 18-kilometer hike through a paved trail from Gaurikund to Kumaon in Uttarakhand.

Tourist Places Near Kedarnath

Kedarnath is a tourist place itself but near Kedarnath Dham, there are numerous other pilgrimage and tourist attractions, including high altitude lakes and trekking excursions. Places like Triyuginarayan, Guptkashi, Chopta, Deoria Tal, Panch Kedar, Chandrashila, Kalimath and Agastyamuni can also be visited during the Kedarnath trip. Triyuginarayan is the fabled spot where Lord Shiva and Parvati were married, and it is worth visiting to experience the vibe of this area.Chopta and Deoria Talare considered one of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region. It offers a spectacular perspective of the Himalayan hills and gives you the feel of heaven.

Temples like Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpeshwer are the must visit five most important temples of Lord Shiva in garhwal Himalayas. They are known as Panch Kedar to local people. Panch Kedar has a lot of significance in Uttarakhand.Besides the sacred feel, if someone have keen interest in architecture, they should go to Agasteshwar Mahadev temple which is dedicated to sage Agastya and is also of an archaeological significance, figures of Gods and Goddesses have been carved out on stones. Also, for more amazing and breath-taking views visit The Kedar Massif. It is an outstanding massif formed by the three major mountains Kedar dome, Bharatekunthaand Kedarnath. Kalimath.

• Kedarnath Packages

2 Nights Kedarnath Package From Haridwar

4 nights kedarnath tour package from delhi, char dham yatra package from delhi by innova, price on request, do dham kedarnath badrinath yatra package from delhi by innova, 4 nights kedarnath badrinath do dham package from haridwar, exclusive kedarnath tour package from delhi, kedarnath hotels, gmvn camps/ tents in kedarnath.

Behl Ashram

Gmvn kedar dome cottages, kedarnath, gmvn nandi complex pre fabricated huts, kedarnath, gmvn rudra meditation cave, kedarnath, gmvn gaurikund tourist rest house, tourist attractions in kedarnath dham, tourist places to visit during kedarnath dham yatra.

There are various tourist places, famous temples & treks in and near Kedarnath Dham. Pilgrims can visit those places during their Kedarnath or Char Dham Yatra.

• Gandhi Sarovar
• Shankaracharaya Samadhi
• Bhairavnath Temple
• Trekking Near Kedarnath

Hir a Cab/Taxi

Car Rental Service for Char Dham Yatra with best rates and services.

Tempo Traveller

9 To 26 Seater Tempo Traveller Hire on Rent for Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand

Bus Rental Service for Char Dham Yatra with best rates and services

Hire Taxi for Kedarnath

Car rental services for kedarnath dham yatra.

Looking for car rental service for Kedarnath or Char Dham Yatra, then you came to the right place.

Hire Cabs/ Taxi Rental Services from your city for Kedarnath tour or 4 Dham Yatra with us at a discounted price. We have some of the best car rental, tempo traveler, and bus rental service providers that offer the best quality with local knowledge & efficient car hire services for char dham tours in Uttarakhand, India.

Kedarnath FAQs

Have any questions related to visit Kedarnath Temple ? Get clear your every doubts about Kedarnath Yatra and trek from these Frequently Asked Questions. Kedarnath FAQs are prepared to answer all major queries from a pilgrims point of view.

What is the History of Kedarnath Dham?

As per legends, when Pandavas came in search of Lord Shiva to please him by doing penance for the killing of their own brothers Kauravs in Mahabharath. Lord Shiva unwilling to give them forgiveness take a bull form to become unrecognizable but Pandavas recognize him. Then Lord Shiva tries to sink into the ground but Bhima grabs the hemp of the bull and Lord Shiva forgive them. Pandavas built the Kedarnath temple at the same location where the bull hemp is shown up. Other parts of the bull apears at four different location known as Panchkedar along with Kedarnath.

Who is the Diety of Kedarnath Dham?

Lord Shiva is the diety of Kedarnath Dham. Lord Shiva is worshiped in Kedarnath in his Sadashiv form and it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

How Can I Visit Kedarnath Easily?

Kedarnath Dham can be visited by taking bus to Sonprayag/ Guptkashi from Haridwar/ Delhi. From Sonprayag, shared taxi available till Gaurikund. Kedarnath Dham could be reach after 18 kms trek from Gaurikund. Helicopter service to Kedarnath Dham are also available from Sersi, Pahata & Guptkashi. Kedarnath Helicopter Packages

What is the Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Dham?

The best time to visit Kedarnath Dham is from April-June & Sept-Nov.

How Many Days are Needed to Visit Kedarnath Dham?

Minimum 4 days are needed to visit Kedarnath Dham from Haridwar bu bus/ taxi and 3 days for Helicopter tour to Kedarnath.

What is the Road Condition from Haridwar to Kedarnath Dham?

Although, Kedarnath road route is completely on hilly terrain, but Chardham road project makes it simple with wide roads. Apart from monsoon, Kedarnath road conditions are good. Latest Chardham Road Status

How to Book Accommodation Before Kedarnath Dham Visit?

Kedarnath Dham has accommodation facilities of 4000-5000 pilgrims at a time. GMVN provides huts and camp facilities along with few Dharamshalas & Hotels in Kedarnath. Pilgrims can book accommodations from number of GMVN, Chardham Yatra websites or through travel agents. Best Kedarnath Yatra Packages

What is Needed to Visit Kedarnath?

Kedarnath is located at high altitude, so sports shoes and warm clothes are always essential to visit Kedarnath Dham. Check Kedarnath Yatra Tips

How Much Time Required for Kedarnath Darshan?

For particularly the darshan at Kedarnath Temple depends on the rush. It takes around 2-4 hours to take complete darshan and puja at Kedarnath Temple. Check Puja Rates in Kedarnath

How Long is Kedarnath Trek?

Kedarnath trek is 18 kms long. Check Kedarnath Trek Guide

Is Kedarnath Trek is Easy or Difficult?

The 18 km long Kedarnath trek starts from Gaurikund. It is neither easy for everyone and not tough for someone. The pathways is well built to walk and has gradual inclination towards Kedarnath Dham. One who want to do the Kedarnath trek must prepare self by doing regular exercise and walk/ run before a month.

Is Kedarnath Temple Open Now?

Kedarnath Temple opening date decided on Mahashivratri every year and closed on Bhai Dooj. Generally Kedarnath Temple open in April-May and closed till Oct-Nov. Check Kedarnath Opening & Closing Dates

Is Kedarnath Dham is One of 4 Dhams of India?

Kedarnath Dham is one of the Chardham in Uttarakhand, also called as Chota Chardham. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, but not one of the Char Dham in India .

Latest News & Blogs

Char Dham Temple Rituals & Customs

The Significance of Each Char Dham Temple And The Rituals and Customs Associated With Them In...

Chardham Articles

Kedarnath trek reconstruction, registration for second phase started, gaurikund kedarnath trek path will be improved with rs 21 crores, landslide zone will be repaired, irctc starts booking for special train from mumbai for kartik swami, badrinath, kedarnath yatra, looking for char dham package.

Explore the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage with our exclusive package. Reserve your spot now! Fill out the booking form to start your spiritual journey today.

Destinations

Char dham yatra packages.

• Char Dham Packages
• Chardham Helicopter Packages
• Do Dham Packages
• Teen Dham Tours
• Badrinath Packages
• Gangotri Packages
• Yamunotri Packages
• Chardham Leisure Hotels
• Fixed Departure Tours
• Winter Chardham Packages
• Hemkund Tours

Char Dham Hotels

• Chardham Hotels
• Hotels in Badrinath
• Hotels in Kedarnath
• Hotels in Gangotri
• Hotels in Yamunotri
• Hotels in Barkot
• Hotels in Joshimath
• Hotels in Auli
• Hotels in Srinagar
• Hotels in Devprayag
• Hotels in Guptkashi
• Hotels in Harsil
• Hotels in Ukhimath
• Hotels in Uttarkashi
• Hanumanchatti
• Rudraprayag
• Sayanachatti
• Srinagar Garhwal
• Karanprayag
• Jankichatti

Get Tour Details

• Chardham by Helicopter
• Chardham by Road
• Chardham Temples
• About Chardham
• Opening/ Closing Dates
• Chardham Registration
• 4 Dhams Weather
• News/Update

Kedarnath Dham Yatra Trek Guide

Sitting amongst the mighty and majestic Garhwal Himalayan ranges of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Dham Yatra is one of the most picturesque as well as perilous journey anyone can undertake. There have been several instances of the pilgrimage going wrong all due to bad planning and execution. One needs to plan ahead of time in order to avoid unpredictable inaccuracies which may prove to be fatal. This travel guide for the Kedarnath trek will definitely come in handy while planning your divine journey.

How to Reach Kedarnath Dham:

By Road – If you are planning on visiting Kedarnath Dham by road by hiring a cab or taxi then one can hail it from Delhi to Dehradun. Upon reaching Dehradun you will be transferred to Haridwar – which usually serves as the base for the Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. Here is a brief representation of the map which you will be following:

Haridwar – Rishikesh (24 km) – Devprayag (74 km) – Srinagar (34 km) – Rudraprayag (33 km) – Gaurikund via Tilwara, Agastyamuni, Chandrapuri – Kund – Guptkashi – Phata (in case you are opting for Kedarnath Dham Yatra by helicopter ) – Sitapur – Sonprayag (74 km)

In case you are planning on trekking then you will be covering a distance of 14 to 16 kms which takes 5 – 6 hours to complete. On a side note, be sure to wake up extremely early in the morning in order to make it back to your accommodation site on time.

By Air – you have the option of booking a helicopter ride to all the char dham yatras. You also have the option of choosing from 2 different sites in case you want to go for a Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.

From Dehradun – you will be boarding a helicopter from the Sahastradhara helipad. The helicopter which takes off from here will drop you off at your destination within 40 minutes.

From Haridwar / Rishikesh – if your plans are of travelling to Kedarnath from Rishikesh or Haridwar then from here you will be transferred to Phata which is the helipad created for the service of receiving helicopter for Kedarnath Dham Yatra.

By Trekking – once you reach Sonprayag you will have the option of travelling in a shared cab. The per person charge for travelling in this cab is rupees 20/- and this cab will drop you off till Gaurikund. You will be trekking further from Gaurikund to Kedarnath which is an uphill trek of 14 – 16 kms and takes 6 – 7 hours to cover. A new Kedarnath Dham trekking route has been constructed after the 2013 Kedarnath cloudburst flooding disaster.

Kedarnath Trek Route Map

Prior to the flooding disaster of Kedarnath Dham the trekking route included Rambara which was well fenced, well developed and was a designated trekking route. A brand new trekking route has been developed by the government post the devastating flood disaster of 2013. Given below is the newly developed trekking route:

• Arrival at Gaurikund via shared cab/taxi from Sonprayag which is situated at a distance of 6 km.
• Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti via Rambara Bridge which is situated at a distance of 4 km.
• From Jungle Chatti you will make your way to Bheembali.
• From Bheembali you will head on to Linchauli
• Kedarnath base camp will be your next destination which is situated at a distance of 4 kms.
• The main Kedarnath Dham Mandir is located at a mere distance of 1 km from the Kedarnath base camp.

Weather Guide:

• The best time for you to choose trekking to Kedarnath will be during the summer months when the weather is clear, predictable and it’s the peak season for pilgrimage. May to early July is the best time to go trekking and maybe even beyond the temple for adventurous expeditions.
• The months of monsoon should best be avoided due to the sudden and unpredictable weather conditions. July to September are the time when trekking to Kedarnath is at an all time low.
• Winter months marks the shut down of the entire trekking route due to a heavy snow cover. The visit here impossible and even the idol of the presiding deity is shifted to its winter abode in Ukhimath for the winter char dham yatra circuit.

Kedarnath Trek Features

The overall trekking route for Kedarnath Dham pans over a distance of 16 kms and covering this requires the person to be extremely fit and maintain a good physical fitness level. It is advised for the pilgrims to get themselves medically checked at least 1 or 2 months prior to the commencement of the trek. It is important for the Yatris to know their level of physical fitness and stamina before going on this perilous trekking journey. The timings for the Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund kick starts from 4 am early in the morning and lasts till 1:30 pm in the afternoon. These timings are rigid and never changes since the trekking route goes through the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary and these timings are decided keeping in mind the sanctuary’s timings. No visitor is given permission to leave after the said specific timings. These high altitude treks are not recommended for people suffering from respiratory or breathing problems.

Facilities Available at Kedarnath Trek

There are several alternative methods of covering the pilgrimage distance like mules and dolis / palkis. People have the option of booking these services from the booking counter which is set up at Gaurikund or Sonprayag. The rates are set as per the distance you will be covering. The entire length of the trek is dotted with numerous tented accommodations, small shops, eateries and drinking water services. The helicopter service for Kedarnath Dham commences from Phata.

Kedarnath Trek Essentials to Carry:

• A bottle of water which you can carry anywhere and fill up once you are finished. Remember to keep yourself hydrated throughout the trek.
• A bottle of sunscreen is a must since you will be subjected to high altitude sun conditions which may damage your skin or at the most cause a tan. A good SPF quality of sunscreen lotion should be kept with you at all times.
• A must-have is a raincoat. Since Kedarnath is situated at a very high altitude the weather conditions here are extremely unpredictable and random. Sometimes during the trek, you may even experience heavy rain showers which may prove to be a huge hinderance during your trekking.
• Mobile connectivity in Kedar valley is weak and may be lost in some places. You can carry BSNL sim card if you want to stay in touch with your family and friends. Before going to kedarnath remember to inform all your family members to ensure safety.
• In case of food, you must carry snacks and other such eatables which are high in glucose and will give you a surge of energy when you are starting to get lethargic. Food items like energy bars, chocolates, sweets etc is advised.
• The wind is persistent in these regions even if you go there during the most favourable time. The nights here get very cold and chilly. One must carry a wind cheater jacket or an extra shawl to deal with the situation. This will definitely be a very good decision from your end.

Things to Keep in Mind Prior to the Kedarnath trek

• Make sure you get a full body checkup done before going on this Kedarnath trek.
• People suffering from respiratory disorders and high blood pressures are advised not to stress themselves out by going on this trek.
• In case you opt for travelling through Kandi, ponies or Palki ensure that your bookings have been completed at the booking counter available at Gaurikund / Sonprayag.
• The trekking timings are extremely strict which is of 4 am to 1:30 pm.
• In case you are unable to complete the entire trek in the given time then you have the option of staying in camps which are available at Jungle Chatti, Bheembali and Linchauli.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the terrain of Kedarnath trek?

The trekking for Kedarnath will take you through a very varied hilly landscape here which comprises of steep ascents, plains and gradual descents. However being situated on a high altitude the travel here is very difficult and challenging which should be taken seriously and one should definitely prepare well before going there.

Is the Trekking Journey Safe?

After the disaster in Kedarnath the trekking routes have been newly set up which are safer than the last routes. People still hold a lot of apprehension regarding the journey which should not be the case since all the new development plans have worked towards making trekking journey to the temple capable and better through the government’s sustainable solutions.

Can I stay anywhere en route the Kedarnath trek?

There are Kedarnath camps available at a distance of around 5 minutes from the temple entrance. It is the perfect option for people who either get late for getting back to Sonprayag or wish to seek darshan early in the morning. The tented accommodation here can accommodate a number of people if you do your booking beforehand and it will be easier for you as well.

Can people with blood pressure and heart problems walk up to the temple?

This is a high-altitude trek and the air here is low on oxygen content. People suffering from heart and blood pressure-related issues are advised not to do this trek. If you really want to then consult your doctor beforehand for some expert advice. Be sure not to tire yourself out even if you get to go for the trekking. The moment you feel like you are gasping then give yourself a break for 5 minutes and get your breath back before continuing the journey.

What is the food availability through the trek?

There are several Dhabas offering Chinese food, tea and snacks here which are located all along the trek route. This is also a good option for you to stop and get something to eat before heading on for the trek.

We hope that this comprehensive guide for Kedarnath Dham Yatra will be of some use and help you in planning your holy journey accordingly.

Suggested Tour:

• Chardham Yatra from Delhi
• Chardham Yatra Package
• Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
• Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter
• Badrinath Yatra by Helicopter

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Plan Your Trip Our expert will get in touch with you shortly

Mobile No *

We never share your Information.

• Panch Kedar
• Helicopter Services
• Weather in Kedarnath
• Kedarnath Temple
• Badrinath Temple
• Gangotri Temple
• Yamunotri Temple
• Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath Trek – 16 Km (Travel Guide)

The Kedarnath trek is one of the most challenging and difficult treks in India. But it got easier when pilgrims chant the name of Kedar Baba (Lord Shiva). Here in this article, we have shared a complete travel guide for the trekking tour at Kedarnath Temple.

About Kedarnath Trek

Kedarnath Trek is a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The trek leads to the Kedarnath temple, one of the four major shrines in Hinduism, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level.

The trek to Kedarnath starts from a place called Gaurikund, which is located at a distance of 16 km from Kedar Nath Temple. The trek takes you through some beautiful and scenic landscapes, including lush green forests, waterfalls, and streams.

The route is steep and challenging in some places, but the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks make it all worth it.

Best Time To Visit Kedarnath Trek

The best time to undertake the Kedarnath trek is from May to June and from September to November, as the weather during these months is mild and pleasant.

During the monsoon season, which is from July to August, the trek can be risky due to the possibility of landslides and flooding.

The Kedarnath trek is considered a holy pilgrimage by Hindus, and thousands of devotees undertake this trek every year to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

However, it is also a popular trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas up close.

Best Time for Char Dham Visit

• Best Time To Visit Kedarnath
• Best Time To Visit Badrinath
• Best Time To Visit Gangotri
• Best Time To Visit Yamunotri

Kedarnath Trek Distance and Time

• The distance of the Kedarnath Trek is around 16 km (one way) from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple.
• The trek can be completed in a minimum of 2 days, with a one-night halt at Kedarnath, or it can be completed in a single day by experienced trekkers.
• The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath takes around 6-7 hours to complete, depending on the fitness level of the trekker.

On the first day, trekkers usually cover a distance of around 7-8 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The trek route passes through scenic locations like Jangal Chatti, Bheembali, Rambara, Lincholi, and Chhani Camp which are popular camping sites, and there is a hot water spring also.

On the second day, trekkers can explore the Kedarnath temple and surrounding areas and start the return journey to Gaurikund. The return journey takes around 5-6 hours to complete and covers a distance of around 9 km.

Can I Complete Kedarnath Trekking Non-stop?

Yes, Most of the young people complete the Kedarnath trek in one go. and Stay at Kedarnath Temple at the night and then return the next day.

• A young person with a good fitness level can complete this 16km trek in 6-7 hours (non-stop) while going upside to the temple. (Upward direction)
• Returning time for the same distance will be around 5 hours . (Down direction)

Up-Down Daily Timings by the Temple Authority

• Last Timing  for Upcoming Visitors – 5 Pm (Evening)
• Last Timing for Downgoing Visitors – 6:30 PM (Evening)

It is important to note that the duration of the trek may vary depending on the fitness level of the trekker and the weather conditions.

It is always advisable to undertake the trek under the guidance of an experienced trekking guide and to carry essential gear and supplies for the trek.

Don’t forget to check out this Best-selling TREKKING Bag on Amazon

Kedarnath Trek Route Map (New)

There are mainly 10 Checkpoints in the route of the Kedarnath Trek. These checkpoints are shown below in the order they come during the 16km trekking.

• Gaurikund (गौरीकुंड)
• Jangal Chatti (जंगल चट्टी)
• Bheembali (भीमबली)
• Rambara (रामबाड़ा)
• Chhota Lincholi (छोटी लिंचोली)
• Lincholi (लिंचोली)
• Chhani Camp (छानी कैंप)
• Rudra Point (रूद्र पॉइंट)
• Base Camp (बेस कैंप)
• Kedarnath Temple (केदारनाथ मंदिर)

Kedarnath Trek Route Length

• Gaurikund To Jangle Chatti/Bhairon Chatti distance is 4 km.
• Jangle/Bhairon Chatti To Bheembali distance is 3 km.
• Bheembali To Linchauli  distance is 4 km.
• Linchauli To K. Base Camp distance is 4 km.
• K. Base Camp To Kedarnath Temple distance is 1 km.

Char Dham Distance from Delhi

• Delhi to Kedarnath (466 km)
• Delhi to Badrinath (555 km)
• Delhi to Gangotri (530 km)
• Delhi to Yamunotri (485 km)

Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek

Gaurikund is a Hindu pilgrimage site and base camp for trek to Kedarnath Temple. It is situated at an altitude of 6502 feet above mean sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.

There are various options available at the starting point (Gaurikund) of the Kedarnath Trek. To complete the trek route, you have three options there.

• by Walking (Trekking)

Read More: Gaurikund to Kedarnath Guide

Explore Kedarnath

• History of Kedarnath
• Weather i n Kedarnath
• Hotels  i n Kedarnath
• Meditation Cave i n Kedarnath
• 21 Facts About Kedarnath
• Kedarnath Yatra 2023 Guide

Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions about Kedarnath Trek.

How long is Kedarnath Trek?

The length of the Kedarnath Trekking route is around 16-18 kilometers from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple.

How much time does it take for Kedarnath Trek?

The Kedarnath Trekking usually takes 2 days to complete (If stops midway for rest). And for a young fit person, it takes 6-7 hours to reach the Kedarnath temple. (nonstop)

From Where Does Kedarnath Trek Start?

The Kedarnath Trekking route starts from Gaurikund.

How difficult is Kedarnath Trek?

The Kedarnath Trekking is considered a moderate to difficult level.

How many km is Trek to Kedarnath?

The trekking route to Kedarnath is around 16 kilometers one way.

How to prepare for Kedarnath Trek?

To prepare for the Trek, one should focus on physical fitness, pack appropriate clothing and gear, carry essential items like water and food, and acclimatize to the high altitude.

What to wear in Kedarnath Trek?

For Trekking at Kedarnath, it is recommended to wear comfortable trekking shoes, quick-drying pants and t-shirts, a warm jacket, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It is also important to carry rain gear and warm clothes for the night as the temperature can drop significantly.

Which trek is more difficult Kedarnath or Amarnath?

Kedarnath and Amarnath’s treks are both considered challenging, but the Kedarnath trekking is comparatively easier than the Amarnath. (due to the difference in the distance)

How steep is Kedarnath Trek?

The Kedarnath Trek is considered a moderate to difficult level, with several steep ascents and descents along the route.

The trekking route involves walking uphill for a significant portion of the journey, with an altitude gain of around 3,550 feet (1,082 meters) from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.

The terrain can be rocky and uneven at times, and there are several sections of the trail that require careful footing and a good level of fitness. The steepness of the trek can vary depending on the specific route taken and the individual’s level of physical fitness.

Overall, the Kedar Trek is a challenging but rewarding experience, with stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range and opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is important to prepare properly and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

Things to carry for Kedarnath Trek?

Some of the essential things to carry for the Kedarnath Trekking are comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothes, rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a first aid kit, sufficient water and snacks, and a backpack to carry all the gear. It is also recommended to carry a trekking pole and a camera to capture the beautiful views.

Here is a list of things to carry for the Kedarnath Trekking:

• Clothing: Carry warm clothing such as thermals, fleece jackets, and windcheaters. It can get chilly at night, so bring a warm hat and gloves as well. Wear quick-dry, breathable clothes that are comfortable to trek in. Also, carry an extra set of clothes for emergencies.
• Footwear: As discussed earlier, wear comfortable and sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip and ankle support.
• Backpack: A good quality backpack with a capacity of around 40-50 liters is recommended to carry your essentials. It should have padded straps and a waist belt for better support.
• Sleeping Bag: Carry a good quality sleeping bag that is rated for the appropriate temperature range.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles help provide extra support and balance on uneven terrain. They are particularly useful when ascending or descending steep slopes.
• Water Bottles : Carry at least 2-3 liters of water, and ensure drink enough water throughout the trek.
• First Aid Kit : Carry a well-equipped first aid kit with essential medicines, band-aids, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medication you may require.
• Sunscreen, Sunglasses, and Hat : Protect yourself from the harsh sun by carrying sunscreen with SPF 50+, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat.
• Personal Toiletries : Carry a small towel, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, and any personal toiletries you may require.
• Power bank and Extra Batteries : Carry a good quality flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries for use during early morning starts, late evening walks, or in case of power outages.

Remember to pack light and carry only essentials for the trek. Avoid carrying unnecessary items that add weight to your backpack.

Kedarnath Trek Itinerary?

Here’s a brief itinerary for the Kedarnath Trek:

• Day 1: Reach Gaurikund and hike to Kedarnath (16-18 km)
• Day 2: Explore Kedarnath and acclimatize to the high altitude
• Day 3: Trek back to Gaurikund (16-18 km)

Note : The duration of the trek can be extended depending on the fitness level of the trekker and weather conditions.

Best shoes for Kedarnath Trek?

The best shoes for Kedarnath Trekking are comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes with good grip, ankle support, and waterproofing to tackle the steep and rocky terrain.

Some good options for shoes for the Kedarnath Trek include hiking boots or shoes from well-known brands such as Salomon, Merrell, or The North Face. It is important to break in your shoes before the trek and wear them around for a few weeks to ensure that they are comfortable and fit well.

Trekking to Kedarnath at the night is generally not recommended as it can be quite risky and dangerous. The trek is quite challenging, and even during the day, it requires a good level of fitness and stamina.

Trekking at night can be more challenging due to low visibility and increased chances of slipping, tripping, or losing the trail.

Moreover, the trail to Kedarnath is located in a remote mountainous region with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. It can be risky to trek in the dark without proper lighting, equipment, and a guide. There have been cases of trekkers getting lost or injured during night treks to Kedarnath.

Therefore, it is advisable to trek to Kedarnath during the daytime when the weather and visibility are better, and there is more help available in case of emergencies.

If you do plan to trek at night, it is essential to prepare adequately, carry appropriate gear, and seek the advice of experienced guides or local authorities.

• Privacy Policy

A Complete Guide for Kedarnath Trek

Are you planning on taking the Kedarnath Yatra? If yes then make sure that you are equipped with the right knowledge about your destination which will take you through one of the most spiritual and holy pilgrimages of 16 kms to this holy temple. This guide will allow you to enjoy the Yatra journey in complete comfort and allow you to have a tranquil experience. Here is a detailed guide to a journey of a lifetime that will make your Yatra even more easy and joyous.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Road (up till Sonprayag):

In case you are planning to reach Kedarnath via a road journey then you will be required to book a taxi or bus service that are run privately by the GMOU ltd. In order to reach Kedarnath Dham from Delhi you will be required to first reach till Dehradun either by road, train or by air. From Dehradun you will be making your way to Haridwar and from this holy city you will be taking the route heading for the path leading to the Kedarnath trek.

Here is a brief route map that you will be taking on your journey to Kedarnath from Delhi:

New Delhi – Haridwar (206 km) – Rishikesh (24 km) – Devprayag (74 km) – Srinagar (34 km) – Rudraprayag (33 km) – Gaurikund (via Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Phata  – Sitapur – Sonprayag 74 km) – Kedarnath by trek (16 km)

You can also make your way to Kedarnath Dham by taking a direct bus from the bus stand at Kashmiri Gate in Delhi that will drop you to Gaurikund. These services are run on a regular basis by the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation. Once you reach Gaurikund you will be completing the journey on foot via trekking up to the main temple of Kedarnath.

How to Reach Kedarnath by Air:

In case you decide on taking up the Kedarnath Dham yatra journey by air then you have the option of availing the Kedarnath helicopter yatra service. This service can be undertaken from Dehradun, Haridwar as well as Rishikesh.

From Dehradun – You will be traveling till Sahastradhara helipad at Dehradun from where the chopper service will drop you till your final destination within 40 minutes.

From Haridwar / Rishikesh – I case you decide on traveling to Kedarnath from the holy cities of Rishikesh / Haridwar via a helicopter journey then you will be traveling from Haridwar / Rishikesh to Phata via a taxi service which will be covering a distance of almost 200 kms.

How to Reach Kedarnath via Trekking:

Once you make your way till Sonprayag you will be required to travel in a shared cab that charges Rs. 20/- per person and is one of the cheapest ways of traveling. This shared cab will take you to Gaurikund and once you debark at Gaurikund your trekking journey to Kedarnath will commence and given below are the detailed directions for Kedarnath trek.

Trekking Distance for Kedarnath:

The trekking journey to Kedarnath is an overall distance of 16 kms that starts from Gaurikund and concludes at Kedarnath Dham. The trekking routes had changed and rebuilt ever since the sudden and devastating flash flood disaster had hit this region in 2013.

Here is a Detailed Route Map of the Trekking Journey to Kedarnath:

The 16 kms of the trekking journey to Kedarnath Dham commences from Gauri Kund. Earlier, prior to the disastrous flood, the trekking route had made its way through Rambara which was well developed with strong fencing and properly facilitated routes. However, now the government has made changes in this route leading up to Kedarnath Dham by creating a new trekking trail and now the old trekking route is now completely erased.

Given Below is the New Trekking Route for Kedarnath Dham:

• Reach Gaurikund via taxi from Sonprayag (approx. 6 kms)
• Gaurikund – Jungle Chatti via Rambara bridge (4 km)
• Jungle Chatti – Bheembali (3 km)
• Bheembali – Linchauli (4 km)
• Linchauli – Kedarnath base camp (4 km)
• Kedarnath base camp – Kedarnath temple (1 km)

Important Features of Kedarnath Trek:

The 16 kms of trekking distance that leads up to Kedarnath temple requires the pilgrim to be tough and a good level of physical fitness, therefore, prior to commencing the trekking journey each pilgrim should get themselves properly checked up and get to know if you are eligible to complete this trekking journey or not. The Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund starts at 4 am early in the morning and goes on till 1:30 pm in the afternoon and these timings are fixed since Kedarnath Dham is located inside the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary and this is the reason why pilgrims are not allowed to trek any time after this. After the said time no pilgrims are allowed to leave. Since this trekking journey is high altitude and it is advised to the pilgrims who are suffering from respiratory problem should consult the doctor prior to taking up the trekking journey.

Facilities at Kedarnath Trek:

The Kedarnath trek is equipped with a number of facilities and services like Palki or Doli, Kandi, and mules or ponies that serve as alternate methods of travelling to main Kedarnath Dham. People can book these services at various booking counters at Gaurikund or Sonprayag. The cost for the services differ with distance covered for example – a Palki service from Gaurikund to Kedarnath will cost around Rs.4,450/-, a kandi service will cost you around Rs.3,350/- and a pony journey will cost you around Rs. 4,100/-. Amidst this entire trekking journey there are various proper services available in the form of tented accommodation, clean drinking water as well as small shops, restaurants and Dhabas. Helicopter services are also available from the helipad at Kedarnath to the helipad at Phata and others.

Things to Remember Prior to Going on Your Trek to Kedarnath:

• Prior to going on Kedarnath trek you should get a complete medical checkup done.
• People suffering from respiratory disorders and high BP problems should not go on this trekking journey to Kedarnath Dham.
• In case you decide on travelling to the Dham via a Kandi, pony or a palki then make sure that all your bookings are done way before hand at the booking counter present in Gaurikund or Sonprayag.
• The pilgrims are permitted to trek only between 4 am and 1:30 pm as per the government rules.
• In case you have some time constraints and you won’t be able to cover the entire trekking route then you can take the services of palki or ponies to get to your destination. You also have the option of staying in camps or tented accommodation that are present along the trekking routes of Jungle Chatti, Bheembali and Linchauli for the night and you can start your journey, early in the morning next day.

Trekking Tips and Guide

• Gaurikund is the place from where you can hire a palanquin or a pony service to kedarnath which can be availed by paying a fixed rate to the porters directly which will cut down on your walking journey. If you hire some alternative travel options form someone other than the government approved ones then make sure that they are registered with a government number.
• Per pony only up to 10 kgs of travel luggage is permitted and in the same way only 5 kgs of luggage is allowed in Helicopter services in kedarnath. This is done to regulate the weight distribution and make the journey eventually a comfortable experience for you.
• Remember that the temple is situated at a height of 11,000-12,000 feet above sea level and it is not a good idea for people suffering from respiratory or heart diseases to make the journey due to low oxygen levels in the air there. You can choose to make yourself fit for the journey by practicing pranayama, breathing exercises, yoga or other forms of physical activity to prepare yourself for these difficult conditions.
• At all costs avoid wearing sarees for the journey since it will definitely cause a hindrance to your holy journey. You can choose to wear salwar kameez along with a good pair of sneakers and spots shoes which will make your walking comfortable and you will be able to cover larger distances this way.
• Remember while trekking to Kedarnath not to tire you out or exert yourself too much. Do not lose your breath while walking and halt if you think that you are experiencing shortness of breath. To deal with this you should practice the famous breathing of Anulom Vilom on a daily basis till the commencement of the journey.
• You will definitely get hungry on your way which can be dealt with if you are carrying some packaged food items or dry fruits along with you. The routes are also lined with food stalls and eateries from where you can acquire drinking bottled water.

Overall Experience

Honestly speaking, the trekking journey will be extremely testing if you are not physically prepared for the journey. You should work out every half n hour at least 3 to 4 months before the commencement of the journey. But if you are in shape and love nature then your Kedarnath yatra experience will be extremely rejuvenating. For me, the journey was fairly difficult and it in fact reminded me to work out a little bit every day. The facilities here were helpful for the pilgrims and the routes were also well built that ensured I was kept safe and secure throughout the journey.

This trekking guide lets you analyze the entire trekking to Kedarnath situation and make your journey even more enjoyable and comfortable.

Suggested Tour

• Kedarnath Yatra Package from Haridwar
• Kedarnath Yatra Package from Delhi
• Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter
• Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra Package
• Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter

Plan Your Trip Our expert will get in touch with you shortly

Mobile No *

We never share your Information.

Recent Posts

• BEST Places to Visit in Pathanamthitta
• Places to visit in Madhya Pradesh
• Popular Temples in South India
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra by Helicopter Essential Guide
• Odisha Uncovered: 7 Days to Experience India’s Hidden Gem
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Andhra Pradesh
• Arunachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh
• Ajanta Ellora Caves
• Valley of Flowers
• West Bengal
• United States of America
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
• Eco Tourism
• Hill Stations
• Travel Ideas
• Travel News

Importance of Char Dham Yatra

The Chardham Yatra, a pilgrimage to the four sacred sites nestled in the Himalayas, holds profound significance in Hindu spirituality. Every year, thousands of devout Hindus undertake this arduous journey, drawn by the call of the divine and the opportunity for spiritual elevation. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the myriad reasons why every Hindu should consider undertaking the t...

How to Plan Chardham Yatra from Ahmedabad

The Char Dham Yatra is not just a journey; it's a sacred pilgrimage deeply embedded in the hearts of millions of devout Hindus. From the bustling city of Ahmedabad, this spiritual odyssey unfolds, promising moments of introspection, devotion, and divine connection....

Planning a Badrinath Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi

Embarking on a journey to the sacred shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath from Delhi is a profound pilgrimage experience cherished by millions of devotees. Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, these two revered sites hold immense significance in Hindu mythology and...

How to Plan Your Chardham Yatra Package

Embarking on a spiritual journey is a deeply enriching experience, and one such pilgrimage that holds great significance for Hindus is the Chardham Yatra. Located in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand in India, Chardham refers to the four sacred sites of Yamunotr...

• Group Tours Calendar
• Planning, Sightseeing & Routes
• Preparing for Ladakh Trip
• Stay, Eat, Permits & Others
• Taxis, Self-Drives & Bike Rentals
• Public Transport & Budget Travel
• Preparing for Spiti Valley Trip

Kedarkantha Trek – A Comprehensive Backpacking Guide for Trekkers

Kedarkantha trek is in one of the most significant religious areas, especially in the Hindu Mythology. The Temple of Lord Kedarkantha (Shivji), which sits at the base of the summit, has stood the test of time and is revered amongst spiritual believers. Millions of pilgrims move mountains to offer their prayers and seek blessings of the Hindu Deity each year.

The temple itself lies at the base of the Kedarnath Peak, facing the Kedar Parvat. A beginner level trek , Kedarkantha is especially beautiful in the winter months. One of the most remarkable crests in the Himalayan region, both nature lovers and ardent trekkers tend to enjoy the experience.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

History of Kedarkantha

In general, Uttarakhand is splattered with great religious sights . Lord Shiv’s Bull avatar wandered in the region. He attained the form to escape from the Pandavas and meditated in the valley in his disguise. But, once his peace was disturbed due to the locals, he fled from Kedarkantha to Kedarnath.

Also, local hearsay says that the Trishul of the Lord, erected in the valley, keeps the place safe from destruction. There was ample proof in their belief in 2013 when the valley suffered great losses due to the massive floods in the region, but the Kedarnath temple was not harmed .

About the Kedarkantha Trek

This is one of those treks where you can climb the summit in the harsh winters. It’s a four-day beginner trek in Uttarakhand , which takes you to the frozen Juda ka Talab and the snow-clad paths. The magical sunrise from the 12500 ft Kedarkantha summit seems like heaven. You can also get the views of various peaks like Pangarchulla and Har Ki Dun from the summit.

The need to connect with your greater purpose and the belief in faith is such a connecting factor that even if you’re not a Hindu, you can feel the faith all around you. It sets the mood for when you start your climb.

The forested floors of the massive mountain peaks, with meadows of Pine Trees and possible snow kissing the hills, makes for a stunning backdrop to your communal journey. Also, right after the base camp, you’ll start witnessing stunning panoramic views all round of famous mountain summits along with the river Tons, which is fed by glaciers.

Kedarkantha Height / Altitude

Kedarkantha is an altitude of 3800 meters in height and offers a 360-degree view of Pangarchulla, Har ki Doon and Swargarohini peaks of the high Himalayas.

Best time to visit Kedarkantha trek

Although Kedarknatha trek can be done at any time of the year, it’s preferred in the winters from January to March as the trek is covered in the blanket of snow and offer some stunning snow-packed views.

It is one of those treks in India where you can easily find snowfall near Delhi in winter . Also, the trek has the most gorgeous campsites. Hence, do not forget to take your own camping gear and camp in the wild on this trek.

In the summer months of April – June, the temperature varies from 3°C to 8°C in daytime and -5°C to -1°C at night. Post monsoon season of September to December witnesses’ temperature of -4°C to 6°C in daytime and -8°C to -15°C at night. For January till April, the weather is -6°C to 2°C in daytime and -10°C to -18°C at night

The Beginning Point – Sankri Village

You’ll have to first reach Dehradun from Delhi either by bus, train, flight, or personal transport. After that, you head to Sankri – from where the trek begins. The overall distance of the trek from Sankri to Kedarkantha peak is approximately 25 Kms, covered in a total of 4-5 days along with Juda Ka Talab.

Delhi to Sankri by road

Sankri is a small village 200 km away from Dehradun where trekking for Kedarkantha, Har Ki Dun Trek, and Rupin Pass starts. The route from Dehradun to Sankri is Dehradun – Purola – Mori – Naitwar – Sankri. The journey takes approximately 7 hours by road.

The drive is a very scenic route. Sankri village itself is steeped in natural beauty and a night stay here is a requisite. Enjoy the small hamlet!

By Public Transport

Of course, you might want to take public transport to begin your trek – for the same, there are multiple options to reach your starting point.

Dheeraj Sharma

Two buses run directly from Dehradun to Sankri, one at 5 AM and one at 8 AM from the Mussoorie Bus stands in Dehradun. Bus fare is around Rs 300/- and takes around 10 hours to reach Sankri from Dehradun. Buses run from the Mussoorie Bus Stand, which is 4 km away from ISBT and a half km away from the railway station. Dehradun is well connected with Delhi by buses anyways.

The Nearest airport is Dehradun from Sankri and then you can book a private cab or follow the bus options as mentioned in this article.

A cab costs around Rs 5500/- and can accommodate four to five people. You can book a cab from Dehradun.

You can take a direct train from Delhi to Dehradun in the night and then catch a bus to Sankri in the morning. The best option is to take Nanda Devi AC Express which leaves at 11:50 PM and reaches at 5:40 AM in Dehradun.

Suggested Itinerary for the Kedarkantha Trek

The best way to experience a trek is with a plan that has some room for movement. The Kedarkantha Trek ideally takes around 4-5 days and encompasses some of the greatest views and the most magnificent campsites along the way.

On most days you won’t be trekking longer than 4-5 hours, giving you ample time to relax and enjoy the beauty along with bonding with your friends. Of course, I would strongly recommend getting a guide for easing your planning requirement.

If you’re not traveling through a package tour – you might also need to carry your own camping gear . However, the Kedarkantha Trek is fairly doable, and beginner-friendly. So, dear trekkers, don’t fret and take one step forward!

DAY 0 – Starting off

Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Dehradun in the night and reach Dehradun as early as you can in the morning. You can choose to spend some time exploring Dehradun – but honestly, there is so much awaiting you that it is best to push for Sankri. Try reaching before sunrise (taking into consideration your pitstops and leisure time in between). A must is to have your lunch/snack break in Mussourie . The views are insanely green and purely perfect.

DAY 1 – Reaching Sankri

Take the first bus/ drive over to Sankri, which will take around ten hours to reach. If you miss the first bus, then you can take a bus to Purola or Mori whichever is available and then take shared cabs to reach Sankri. There is a forest permit that is needed before you enter Sankri. You’ll have to fill up the details and have a photocopy of your ID. After reaching Sankri, get a room or find a whole package for the trek as per your choice.

You should also check the Trek to Gaumukh – A Step by Step Guide

Day 2 – Sankri to Juda ka Talab

The first campsite is Juda ka Talab which is around 4 Km from Sankri. The starting point of the trek is local Sankri road, through an extension called Sor and then entering into the local trails. This path is the road leading up towards Kedarkantha. Initially, the climb will test you by making you climb multiple bridges through a densely forested area.

From the sharp contrast of your city life, this view will be guaranteed to have you mesmerized. The trail is a little steep at certain points before ultimately entering into the dense forests of Himalayas. A common sight, especially in the remote villages along the way, is of local folks carrying wood & dry leaves on cattle for domestic usage.

Juda ka Talab is based at an altitude of 9100 ft, and the total time it would take you to achieve this milestone is ~4 hours. Around here, you will also sport Langoors swinging about in the trees. They often like to keep to themselves and might vanish before you register their presence. While winter will have a deeply majestic brown & snow around the region, summer months will witness lush greenery and hilly flowers unique to the region.

There are two tea shops between the trek where you can have breakfast. Juda ka Talab campsite is frozen in the winters and gives some astounding views. It takes around 3 hours for a fit person to complete this part of the trek.

Day 3 – Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha Base camp

Kedarkantha base camp is also four km away from Juda ka Talab and takes roughly around 3-5 hours to trek, depending upon your fitness and skill. The trek starts from pine and oak trees and then enters into the open mountains. The trail is wide and visible, making for great sightseeing and daydreaming (Can you daydream about what you’re currently experiencing?).

At some points, you will cross some deeply dense forests and steep ridges. With views of shepherd huts in stretched out meadows, and now becoming a common fixture of the views, you make your way towards the base camp. Views include Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini , Kala Nag, and Ranglana – be prepared to be mesmerized.

Kedarkantha peak is visible from the base camp. Kedarkantha base camp is at the height of 11,250 ft in open highlands. This campsite is the finest in the region and gives picturesque views of Dhaulandhar ranges. Since you’ve gained considerable elevation in your three days, it is important to rest and acclimatize yourself as the next day is the summit day.

You should also check the Tungnath – Chandrashilla Trek – A Step by Step Guide

Also, it is mandatory to stargaze – the sky to crystal, the night will enchant you no bounds. However, remain cozy and bundled up throughout and spend the night INSIDE your tents to ensure fully-swinging health.

Day 4 – Kedarkantha Base to Summit; back to Hargaon campsite

So, today’s the day – let’s conquer come mountain peaks, you all! You’ll be climbing from 11250 Ft to 12500 Ft today while reaching back to 8900 Ft at Hargaon Campsite. Since it’s a long day today, as you’ll have to make it to the summit and then back to the Hargaon campsite, you must start your day EARLY (some might argue it is not even the next day. But, oh well, such is the life of a traveler – next day begins when you wake up). Overall the journey is 6 km and should be covered in 7-8 hours.

The trek starts with the gradual ascent, which offers some magnificent views of the snow-covered mountains. You’ll have to cross three hillocks to reach to the peak, and the trek becomes around 75-80 steep at some points. This part of the journey is relatively easier in comparison to the previous days. However, near the end of your climb, you will find the trail becoming more challenging.

N ormally, in the winters sunrise takes place at 7 AM in the morning. Start early as can in the morning around 3 AM so that you can reach in time to witness the most beautiful sunrise of your life.

At the TOP of Kedarkantha!

Kedarkantha summit offers 360-degree arresting views of Himalayan ranges mixed with white and dark blue clouds. There is a small temple dedicated to Shivji and Goddess Parvati, with a small shrine for Lord Ganesh. Take your time, relax, and soak in the free views to your heart’s content – it is hard to describe in words the sights only your heart can capture.

You should also check the Trek to Deoriatal – A Step by Step Guide

After watching the sunrise and spending some time at the summit, get back to the Kedarkantha base camp and then trek down to the Hargaon campsite. It takes around 1:30 to 2 hours for a normal person to reach from base camp to Hargaon. The trek is further amplified thanks to the multiple clearings in the dense forests that lead you to breathtaking views all around.

I would suggest getting to your campsite at Hargaon and, if permissible, arrange for a bonfire to mark the end of your spectacular journey. Be a responsible traveler when making the bonfire and follow/respect the forest rules.

Day 5: Hargaon to Sankri

Sankri is 6 km from Hargaon campsite, but it does not take a lot of time as you’re mostly descending. The journey you can easily cover in 2-3 hours. This final leg will take you down from 8900 ft to 6400 ft. The trail is well marked paved route in between the beautiful nature.

In between the trek from Hargaon to Sankri, you get some splendid views of Har ki Dun valley. Your target should be to reach Sankri by midnight, And if you’ve booked a cab, then you can leave immediately for Dehradun. If you’d like the public transport option, then you can stay one more night and catch the bus in the morning for Dehradun. There are two direct buses from Sankri at 5 AM and 7 AM and take 10 hours.

Accommodation along Kedarkantha Trek

There are various cheap homestays which you can find easily on the trek. Most of the time homestays are easily available but there might be a problem in the peak season.

If you are taking any package, then that agency will provide you the stay itself, and if you are doing this on your own, it’s better to book it online. You can get rooms as low as INR 500s and high as INR 2000.

The trek is so beautiful because of the especially beautiful campsites that help you in rejuvenating. This beauty is a unique trait for the region. Walnut and pine trees surround the Akroti Thach campsite, and it is so alluring

Also, the Pukhrola campsite is literally in an open meadow with the summit in clear view – such an absolute delight. You’ll remember your sleepovers almost as much as your trek itself. Stargazing is a must in the meadow

Food options on Kedarkantha Trek

While there are various food options available in Sankri, on the trek, there are very few tea shops that provide basic food. There are two shops before the first campsite which provide tea and Maggi and one on the Kedarkantha base campsite.

If you are trekking on your own, carry food of your own. Also, ensure you carry your own water bottle (Let’s please note pollute the Himalayas- there are no cleaning crews climbing up our pristine hills – let’s vow to keep ‘em clean!) and fill it up when possible/available.

Other Important Tips

Of course, there are some other considerations for any travel we might be planning – some are as below:

ATM availability near Sankri

There are no ATM’s available in Sankri. The last place where you’ll find ATM is Purola. Hence, make sure you are carrying enough cash with you.

Mobile Network at Kedarkantha trek

There is only BSNL network available in Sankri, and as you move above on the trek, there are no networks available. Of course, I am a strong believer that this is how it should be – when you’re trying to connect with yourself/ nature and be more present – why do you need cellphones to distract you and unwarrantedly take your attention?

Other Things to keep in mind

• The availability of a guide is a must for the Kedarkantha trek unless you are a professional. Mountains can be harsh sometimes so, please take a guide with you.
• There are very few water sources on the Kedarkantha trek, and the chances are you might miss most of them. This reason is why the guide is most important on this trek.
• Do keep proper trekking gear for this trek. In the winters, temperature drops to -10 degrees C. Carry a lot of layers that can keep you warm in the high temperatures .
• Proper hiking trekking shoes are a must to do this trek. Forclaz 500 is one of the best shoes which I’ll suggest.
• Please take all your trash back with you to Sankri. Let’s keep these mountains clean for our future generations.
• Normally, travel agencies charge from INR 6000 to INR 9000 for four days of trekking for a roundtrip from Sankri, covering the Kedarkantha Trek and back to Sankri.
• You can get all the trekking equipment like tents, sleeping bags, trekking shoes also on rent from Sankri if you want. The shop is at the front when you enter Sankri.
• You’ll have to take your tent and food if you aren’t traveling with any travel agency.
• Crampons and Gaiters are must need for this trek in winters.

It is a magical experience, getting to complete the Kedarkantha Trek. I hope the above information will help you plan your trek to Kedarkantha. Be safe, and have an amazing trek. If you have any other questions about this trek, then you can ask them in the comments, and we’ll try to help you in every way possible.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

In case any of your friends or families are planning to undertake this trek, please feel free to share this article with them.

Happy Trekking!

Shefali spends most of her time day dreaming about her next big vacation. A happy-go-lucky personality, she is an amalgamation of all the places she’s lived in and experienced! She is always confused as to where to call home, having lived in Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Mumbai, Hyderabad in India and Vancouver, Abbotsford in Canada. Her love for travel is only challenged by her love for reading and eating delicious food! In order to sustain her dreams, she brought out her inner geek, got an MBA and has a job in the corporate world crunching numbers. Do follow @notravelplans on Instagram for updates on her next great adventure.

Related Posts

Offbeat ladakh: terido & teriphu – teri village travel guide 2024, sethan valley – the most complete guide, chindi & karsog – an offbeat place travel guide [himachal pradesh].

Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram . :)

You definitely should!

An amazing journey I wish I could go there

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Privacy Overview

Ad blocker enabled.