Kedarnath Yatra Route Map – By Helicopter, Road, Trek
Kedarnath Dham is the most difficult place to reach in Uttarakhand’s Chota Char Dham pilgrimage. Pilgrims need to be physically ready for the 16 km journey to the temple. But the road to the Kedarnath temple is well-connected to many cities, towns, and states. It is one of the most famous temples in India where people from all over the world visit for blessings and peace.
As you travel, you'll pass through stunning views, dense forests, and beautiful rivers that will make the journey both difficult and enjoyable. Whether you travel by road, train, or flight, each route has its own unique experience. Here's a complete guide to help you choose the best way to reach Kedarnath smoothly.
Here is a complete guide on how you can go on this soul-enriching journey to Kedarnath:
Travel Routes to Kedarnath
By Road
- Road Routes to Kedarnath- Kedarnath is connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
- Transport Options: You can take a bus or taxi from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to reach Sonprayag. Vehicles travel in groups from Sonprayag to Gaurikund, so there might be some delays.
- Trek to Kedarnath- From Gaurikund, you can either walk 16 km or choose a pony, Palki, or mule. A helicopter is also available.
By Air
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Kedarnath, located about 222 km away.
- Distance from Rishikesh- Rishikesh is only 16 km from the airport, and the journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes by road.
- Flight Connectivity- It is connected to many cities in India, which makes the journey simpler for pilgrims.
- Travel from South India- If you are traveling from Chennai, Bangalore, Kerala, or Karnataka, take a flight to Dehradun and then go by a taxi or cab to Gaurikund, the last place you can reach by vehicle before Kedarnath.
By Helicopter
- The easiest and fastest way to go to Kedarnath is by helicopter.
- Perfect for travelers who want to save time or avoid long road journeys.
- Helicopter services are available from Sersi, Phata, and Guptkashi for Kedarnath Dham.
- In just 8 to 10 minutes, a helicopter ride takes you smoothly and quickly to your destination.
- It is a comfortable choice for seniors and those who struggle with trekking. Since helicopter seats are limited and high in demand, it's best to book in advance, especially during the busy season.
By Train
- Rishikesh Railway Station: This is the closest railway station, around 216 km from Kedarnath, but has limited train connections to big cities.
- Haridwar Junction: Located 216 km from Kedarnath, this station offers better train connectivity to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Howrah.
- Dehradun Railway Station: Another travel option for pilgrims, located 254 km from Kedarnath.
Where to Park a Car?
There are two parking areas near Gaurikund, about 100 meters and 500 meters away. Finding a spot can be difficult, especially during peak times. However, if you talk politely to the attendants, they might help you find a place. Arriving early can also increase your chances of getting a parking space without any hassle.
Kedarnath New Route
The old route to Kedarnath had gotten washed away completely during the 2013 floods. However a new route is now constructed, developed and maintained by the team members of NIM. The new route makes its way from a newly constructed bridge in Lincholi which comes after Gaurikund.
Facilities Along the Kedarnath Trek Route
The administration has set up several essential services along trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, including-
- Medical Aid- First aid and emergency medical services are available at Bhimbali, Lincholi, and Kedarnath.
- Rest Stops- Multiple tea stalls, food joints, and resting sheds are provided throughout the route.
- Hospital Facility- A 10-bed hospital offers basic medical care for emergencies.
Kedarnath Route Maps
Haridwar to Kedarnath Temple Route Map
Total Distance: 246 km (drive) + 16 km (trek) | Total Time: 11-12 hours (drive) + 4-8 hours (trek Up hill)
| Segment | Distance | Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar → Rishikesh | 25 km | 40 min | Ganga Aarti, Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula. |
| Rishikesh → Devprayag | 70 km | 2 hours | Confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi rivers. |
| Devprayag → Srinagar | 36 km | 1 hour | Scenic Alaknanda River views. |
| Srinagar → Rudraprayag | 33 km | 1 hour | Sacred confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers. |
| Rudraprayag → Tilwara | 10 km | 20 min | Short drive through Himalayan foothills. |
| Tilwara → Guptkashi | 35 km | 2 hours | Ancient Vishwanath Temple. |
| Guptkashi → Phata | 15 km | 1 hour | Helicopter services to Kedarnath, different helipad locations. |
| Phata → Sonprayag | 16 km | 1 hour | Last motorable point before Gaurikund. |
| Sonprayag → Gaurikund | 6 km | 30 min | Shared jeeps only; start of the trek from here. |
| Gaurikund → Kedarnath | 16 km | 4-8 hours | Trek route Rambara, Bhimbali. Horse /palkis/Pittu available.Himalaya Jyotirlinga |
Key Highlights
- Prayag: Visit Devprayag (Alaknanda + Bhagirathi) and Rudraprayag (Alaknanda + Mandakini).
- Guptkashi: Ardhanarishwar Temple, a replica of Kedarnath.
- Kedarnath Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Trek Preparation:
- Wear Comfortable shoes and carry rainwear.
- Book Horse/Doli/palkis in advance at Gaurikund.
Kedarnath To Badrinath Route Map
Total Distance: 249 km (drive) + 16 km (trek) | Total Time: 10-12 hours (drive) + 4-6 hours (trek downhill)
| Segment | Distance | Time | Mode | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kedarnath → Gaurikund | 16 km | 4-6 hours | Trek | Downhill trek; ponies/palkis available. |
| Gaurikund → Sonprayag | 6 km | 30 minutes | Drive | Shared jeeps only. |
| Sonprayag → Phata | 16 km | 1 hour | Drive | Major hotel & helipad area |
| Sonprayag → Guptkashi | 15 kms | 1 hour | Drive | Ancient Vishwanath Temple. |
| Guptkashi → Tilwara | 35 km | 2 hours | Drive | Scenic hills, Bhagirathi River views. |
| Tilwara → Rudraprayag | 10 km | 20 minutes | Drive | Confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers. |
| Rudraprayag → Karanprayag | 30 km | 1 hour | Drive | Confluence of Alaknanda & Pindari rivers. |
| Karanprayag → Nandprayag | 12 km | 30 hour | Drive | Confluence of Alaknanda & Nandakani rivers. |
| Nandprayag Pipalkoti | 27 kms | 1 hour | Drive | Major hotel for night stay |
| Pipalkoti→ Joshimath | 35 km | 2 hours | Drive | Famous Narasimha Temple ;Mathas' established by AdiShankaracharya. Gateway to Auli. |
| Joshimath-Vishnuprayag | 10 km | 30 hours | Drive | confluence of river Dhauliganga and Alaknanda one the PanchPrayag |
| Vishnuprayag Govindghat | 12km | 30 hours | Drive | confluence of the Alaknanda and the Lakshman Ganga rivers and starting point of the trek to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers |
| Govindghat → Pandukeshwar | 2 km | 5 min | Drive | Yogadhyan Badri Temple and Lord Vasudev Temple, one of Panch Badri' or five Badri's. Famous Utsava-murti festival. In winters when Badrinath is closed Udav idol is kept & worshipped here. The temple was believed to be built by Pandavas |
| Pandukeshwar → Badrinath | 22 Kms | 50 hours | Drive | Badrinath temple, TaptKund, NaradKund, Brahma Kapal, Charan Paduka, |
| Badrinath – Mana Village | 3 Kms | 5 min | Drive | ManaVillage, BhimPul, Vyas Gufa (cave, Saraswati River, Ganesh gufa( cave), Indo mongolian Tribe |
From Delhi
Delhi to Haridwar (210 km) Rishikesh (25 km) – Devprayag (70 km)- Srinagar (36 km)- Rudraprayag (35 km)- Tilwara (10 km)- Agustumuni (11 km)- Kund (15 km)- Guptakashi (6 km)- Phata (12 km) -Rampur (10 km)- Sonprayag (4 km) -Gaurikund (6 km)- Rambara (8 km) – Garud Chatti (5 km) – Kedarnath (4 km).
From Rishikesh
Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Agastyamuni – Guptkashi – Phata – Rampur – Sonprayag – Gaurikund – Lincholi – Kedarnath
Distance from Major Cities of India
- Chennai to Kedarnath – 2,610 km
- Mysore to Kedarnath – 2,724 km
- Pune to Kedarnath – 1,963 km
- Visakhapatnam to Kedarnath – 2, 633 km
- Vijayawada to Kedarnath – 2,259 km
- Madurai to Kedarnath – 3,003 km
- Coimbatore to Kedarnath – 2,936 km
- Kochi to Kedarnath – 3,115 km
- Nashik to Kedarnath – 1,755 km
- Nagpur to Kedarnath – 1,486 km
- Bhubaneswar to Kedarnath – 2,192 km
- Nellore to Kedarnath – 2,436 km
Travel Tips
- Check your fitness – Journey to Kedarnath is tough due to its high altitude. A fitness checkup before the trip can help you prepare better.
- Download Offline Maps – In some areas network signals are weak, so having offline maps can be helpful.
- Carry cash- Carry enough cash with you because ATMs are hard to find in these areas.
- Eating options- Have a light breakfast before the trek to stay fresh and full of energy. You can also carry energy bars for an extra boost without feeling tired.
- Emergency contacts- Make sure to save the Disaster Management Control Room numbers: 1070 and 9557444486.
Kedarnath Travel Guide
Kedarnath Travel Packages
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