The Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest and most revered pilgrimage sites in India. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayan range in the state of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is part of the sacred Char Dham and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Each year, millions of Hindu devotees undertake the arduous journey from across India to offer prayers at the ancient Kedarnath temple, which is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
For most travelers, the journey to Kedarnath begins at Delhi, the capital of India that is well-connected to major transportation hubs in Uttarakhand. The Delhi to Kedarnath route passes through several important pilgrimage centers and tourist destinations along the way. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on how to plan your trip from Delhi to Kedarnath – including the best routes, transportation options, places to visit, tips for the journey, estimated costs and more.
Routes from Delhi to Kedarnath
There are two main routes that pilgrims take to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath by road.
Route 1: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath
This is the most popular route taken by devotees coming from Delhi and other parts of North India. The total road distance is approximately 450 kilometers and the route takes you through several major pilgrimage hubs like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag and Rudraprayag along the way.
The roads are well-maintained national highways (NH) for most part of the journey. From Delhi, you first join NH 334 via Ghaziabad to reach Haridwar. From Haridwar, the route continues on NH 58 to Rishikesh and then joins NH 7 via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to reach Sonprayag. The final 14 km trek to Kedarnath begins from Gaurikund.
Route 2: Delhi – Meerut – Kotdwar – Pauri – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Kedarnath
The second alternate route takes NH 334 from Delhi to Meerut and then traverses NH 119 via Najibabad and Kotdwar to join NH 7 at Srinagar via Pauri . This route meets the first route at Srinagar. The total delhi kedarnath distance is slightly higher at 500 kilometers. While the road conditions on this route are decent, some patches may be rough.
Both routes converge at Sonprayag, beyond which point all vehicles have to be parked at a designated area. From Sonprayag, there is an 18 km uphill trek to Gaurikund which is the starting point of the actual 14 km trek to Kedarnath Temple. No vehicular transport is allowed beyond Gaurikund.
Transportation Options from Delhi to Kedarnath
There are several transportation options available to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath.
- By Train – Take an overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there you can continue your onward journey via road.
- By Bus – Regular state-run and private buses ply from Delhi to Rishikesh/Haridwar daily. From there, smaller buses connect to Sonprayag.
- By Air – Take a flight from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which takes around 1 hour. From Dehradun, travel by road to Sonprayag.
- Self Drive – Hire a car and do a Delhi to Kedarnath self-drive road trip over 10-12 hours with overnight halts. Parking is available at Sonprayag.
- Charter Helicopter – Helicopters can be chartered directly from Phata or Agustmuni to Kedarnath, saving travel time. However, this is an expensive option.
For foreigners and travelers coming from outside North India, air travel to Dehradun and then proceeding by road is the most convenient option. Trains and buses take very long coming from other metros like Mumbai or Bangalore.
Major Places to Visit Along the Route
The Delhi to Kedarnath road journey takes you through some spectacular landscapes and several pilgrimage towns and tourist spots where you can halt for a break:
Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Evening Ganga Aarti
Rishikesh
- Lakshman Jhula
- Ram Jhula
- Triveni Ghat
- River rafting
Devprayag
- Confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers
- Raghunath Ji Temple
Rudraprayag
- Confluence of Mandakini and Alakananda rivers
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
Ukhimath
- Winter home of the Kedarnath deity
- Ukhimath Temple
Guptakashi
- Ancient Vishwanath & Ardhnareshwar Temples
Chopta
- Base for trekking to Tungnath Temple
Vasuki Tal
- High altitude glacial lake with stunning views
Sonprayag
- Confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers
- Last point accessible by road
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Due to extreme weather conditions, Kedarnath Temple remains open only between April to November. The ideal time is:
- April to June – Summers are pleasant with blue skies. However, risk of sudden rains and landslides persist.
- September to October – Post monsoon months see clear skies. Temperatures moderate and crowds thin.
The temple closes during winters from November to April due to heavy snowfall in the region. During this time, the Kedarnath deity is shifted to Ukhimath temple.
Avoid the monsoon months of July-August because of heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand which frequently causes landslides and road blockages.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Journey
- Arrange for proper cold weather clothing, jackets, woolens, gloves etc. Temperatures can dip below freezing at night.
- Keep medicines for headache, dehydration, motion sickness etc. Also carry light snacks.
- Start early morning to avoid traffic delays. Break your journey with halts.
- Get fitness check up done before undertaking the steep Kedarnath trek. Hire a pony or porter to carry luggage.
- Travel in a group or with a guide for safety. Inform family of your travel plans.
- Book accommodation at Gaurikund or Sonprayag in advance through Uttarakhand tourism website.
- Keep spare cash, chocolates, torch, fully charged mobile phone etc. Recharge at Sonprayag if required.
- Obtain required permits for Kedarnath Yatra and register at a center before starting. Carry ID proof.
- Hire experienced driver who knows the route well. Ensure vehicle is serviced before trip.
Approximate Trip Cost from Delhi
- Bus ticket: ₹1000 – ₹1500
- 2nd class train ticket: ₹500 – ₹2000
- Flight to Dehradun: ₹2500 – ₹5000
- Taxi (one way): ₹8000 – ₹12000
- Helicopter (one way): ₹9000 – ₹12000
Additional costs for accommodation, food, sightseeing etc. Budget ₹15000 – ₹20000 per person for a 5-7 day Delhi to Kedarnath trip.
How to Plan your Trip
Planning a Delhi to Kedarnath trip requires some research and preparation to ensure the journey is safe, comfortable and stress-free:
- Decide best month for visit based on weather, crowds etc.
- Book train or flight tickets in advance for cost savings.
- Arrange vehicle rental and accommodation bookings 1-2 months in advance for peak seasons.
- Register for Yatra permits and required health checks.
- Check if road conditions and weather are favourable closer to journey date. Delay if landslides, heavy rain etc.
- Pack adequate warm clothing, medicines, snacks and cash.
- Consider breaking journey into parts with overnight stays at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag etc.
- Hire reputed taxi agency and experienced driver familiar with the route.
- Keep copies of ID proof, permits, bookings etc. handy during travel.
- Carry torch, power bank, water bottles, rain protection during trek.
- Check helicopter services availability in case
Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath: A Complete 7 Day Itinerary
Here is a recommended 7 day itinerary to plan your Delhi to Kedarnath trip in a relaxed manner:
Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar
Begin your journey with an early morning arrival in Haridwar. Check into your hotel and freshen up. In the evening, visit Har Ki Pauri ghat and witness the illuminated evening aarti on the banks of the Ganga. Don’t miss out on sampling the famous street food near the ghats.
Day 2: Haridwar to Rishikesh
After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh which takes under an hour. Check into your hotel and then head out to explore Rishikesh. Visit attractions like Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat and various ashrams. You can also try river rafting or attend the evening Ganga aarti.
Day 3: Rishikesh to Rudraprayag
Today your road journey begins towards higher altitudes. Stop at Devprayag to view the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. Next is Rudraprayag where the Mandakini River joins the Alaknanda. Check into a hotel and relax for the night.
Day 4: Rudraprayag to Kedarnath
After an early breakfast, hit the road for Sonprayag, the last motorable point. Hire a jeep to cover the 18 km steep uphill trek to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, begin your 14 km trek to Kedarnath temple. Halt for the night at Kedarnath which will allow you to attend morning puja.
Day 5: Kedarnath Tour
Spend the full day at Kedarnath exploring areas around the main temple like the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya and Chorabari Tal lake. Attend evening aarti at the temple. Retire for the night at your lodge in Kedarnath.
Day 6: Return Trek to Gaurikund
Begin your downhill trek early in the morning. Stop at various dhabas on the way for refreshments. Reach Gaurikund by the afternoon and take a shared jeep back to Sonprayag where your taxi will be waiting. Drive back and overnight stay at Rudraprayag.
Day 7: Rudraprayag to Delhi
Today you begin the long yet scenic drive back to Delhi with sufficient breaks. The experiences and memories of Kedarnath will remain etched forever!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Delhi to Kedarnath Trip
Q. How difficult is the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
The uphill 14 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is moderately difficult. The trail is paved but steep at certain points. Taking ponies or porter assistance can ease the journey. Start early and take sufficient breaks.
Q. What is the road condition from Delhi to Kedarnath?
The routes are a mix of good paved highways like NH58 and some rough patches. Landslides may cause occasional blockage. Confirm conditions before travel.
Q. Is accommodation easily available on the route and in Kedarnath?
Basic accommodation options like lodges, tent camps and ashrams are available at Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Gaurikund and Kedarnath. Advance booking advised for peak seasons.
Q. What emergency items should I carry?
Carry any regular medications, first aid kit, torch, whistle, power bank, energy bars, emergency contact numbers etc. Also pack warm and waterproof clothing.
Q. Can we hire ponies/palkis for the uphill trek?
Yes, ponies and palkis are easily available on rent at Sonprayag and Gaurikund to cover the steep uphill trek. Fix charges before hiring them.
Q. What permits and registration is required?
You need to obtain a Yatra registration pass issued by the Uttarakhand Tourism board. Also mandatory biometric registration at an authorized center.
Q. Is photography allowed inside Kedarnath Temple?
Photography is allowed inside the temple but not of the main shrine area. Maintain distance from idols and avoid using flash.
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide gives you all the information you need to plan a safe and memorable Delhi to Kedarnath trip by haridwar rishikesh. Pay heed to the tips provided for a hassle-free journey reach kedarnath. Take time to soak in the stunning scenery, enjoy hot food at local dhabas and explore the rich history of the pilgrimage sites along the route. With careful preparation and advance planning, the rewarding trek to ancient Kedarnath temple will be an experience of a lifetime!
