Kedarnath, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, can be reached via train, road, air, or trekking. The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (216 km) and Haridwar (240 km), with taxis and buses available to Gaurikund, the last motorable point. From there, a 16 km trek leads to the temple, with options for ponies, palkis, or helicopters. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km), with taxis available to Gaurikund. Helicopter services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi, making travel faster. Plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, for a smooth yatra.
Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra and is famous for the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Due to its high-altitude location at 3,583 meters (11,755 ft), reaching Kedarnath requires a combination of train, bus, air, and trekking. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Kedarnath from major cities.
1. Reaching Kedarnath by Train (Nearest Railway Stations)
The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH), but Haridwar and Dehradun stations offer better connectivity.
Major Railway Stations for Kedarnath
| Station Name | Distance from Kedarnath | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) | 216 km | Nearest station |
| Haridwar Railway Station (HW) | 240 km | Better train connectivity |
| Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) | 275 km | Major station for flights & trains |
Popular Trains to Haridwar & Rishikesh
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express – Delhi to Haridwar
- Mussoorie Express – Delhi to Dehradun/Rishikesh
- Kota-Dehradun Express – Jaipur/Kota to Haridwar
- Utkal Express – Puri to Haridwar
From Railway Station to Kedarnath
- Take a bus or taxi to Gaurikund, the last motorable point.
- Trek 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath or hire a pony/palki/helicopter.
🚖 Taxi Fare from Railway Stations:
- Haridwar to Gaurikund – ₹4,000 – ₹6,000
- Rishikesh to Gaurikund – ₹3,500 – ₹5,000
2. Reaching Kedarnath by Road (Bus or Taxi from Nearby Cities)
Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road; the last motorable point is Gaurikund. From there, visitors must trek 16 km to reach the temple.
Bus Services to Gaurikund
Regular Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses and private buses operate to Sonprayag/Gaurikund from:
- Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate
- Haridwar Bus Stand
- Rishikesh Bus Stand
- Dehradun Bus Stand
Popular Road Routes to Kedarnath
| Route | Distance | Travel Time | Taxi Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Gaurikund | 450 km | 12-14 hours | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Haridwar to Gaurikund | 240 km | 8-10 hours | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 |
| Rishikesh to Gaurikund | 216 km | 7-9 hours | ₹4,500 – ₹6,500 |
| Dehradun to Gaurikund | 275 km | 9-11 hours | ₹6,000 – ₹8,500 |
🚖 How to Reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund:
- Trek: 16 km (takes 6-8 hours)
- Pony/Palki: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500
- Helicopter: ₹2,500 – ₹7,000 (One way)
3. Reaching Kedarnath by Air (Nearest Airports & Helicopter Services)
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED).
Nearest Airports to Kedarnath
| Airport | Distance from Kedarnath | Travel Time | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun | 250 km | 7-9 hours | Nearest Airport |
| Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi | 450 km | 12-14 hours | Best for International travelers |
From Airport to Kedarnath
🚖 From Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)
- Take a taxi to Sonprayag/Gaurikund (₹6,000 – ₹8,500).
- Trek or take a helicopter from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi.
🚖 From Delhi Airport
- Take a train to Haridwar/Rishikesh, then a taxi to Gaurikund.
- Flight to Dehradun + Taxi to Gaurikund is the fastest route.
4. Helicopter Services to Kedarnath
For those unable to trek, helicopter services are available from various helipads near Kedarnath.
Helicopter Booking Options
| Helipad Location | Distance from Kedarnath | Price (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Phata | 10 km | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 |
| Guptkashi | 15 km | ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Sersi | 12 km | ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 |
How to Book Kedarnath Helicopter Services?
- Online Booking: https://heliservices.uk.gov.in/
- On-Site Booking: Available at the respective helipads (subject to availability).
- Round-Trip Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000 per person.
🚁 Flight Time: 8-10 minutes from the helipad to Kedarnath.
5. Trekking to Kedarnath from Gaurikund
The 16 km trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund is a moderate to difficult trek.
Kedarnath Trek Route & Distance
| Point | Distance from Gaurikund |
|---|---|
| Gaurikund | 0 km |
| Jungle Chatti | 4 km |
| Bheembali | 7 km |
| Linchauli | 11 km |
| Kedarnath Temple | 16 km |
Trekking Tips:
- Start early morning for best weather conditions.
- Carry water, snacks, raincoat, and warm clothes.
- Ponies, palkis, and dolis are available for rent.
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarnath involves a combination of travel modes, including train, taxi, helicopter, and trekking. The best route depends on your starting point, budget, and physical fitness.
🚆 Best Route for Budget Travelers:
- Train to Haridwar/Rishikesh → Bus to Gaurikund → Trek to Kedarnath.
🚖 Best Route for Comfort:
- Flight to Dehradun → Taxi to Gaurikund → Helicopter to Kedarnath.
🚁 Fastest Route:
- Helicopter from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi to Kedarnath.
📢 Pro Tip: Book helicopter tickets & hotel stays in advance during peak pilgrimage season (May–June & September–October).
🌿 Plan your Kedarnath Yatra today and experience the divine beauty of the Himalayas! 🙏
