How To Reach Kedarnath, you can embark on a picturesque trek, starting from Gaurikund, and winding through stunning Himalayan landscapes. Alternatively, there are helicopter services available for a quicker and more convenient journey. Kedarnath, a sacred Hindu shrine, offers a spiritual and natural retreat amidst the mountains.
How To Reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath, in Uttarakhand, is a revered pilgrimage site associated with Lord Shiva. Part of Chota Char Dham yatra, the temple stands at 3,583 meters in the Himalayas. Legend says the Pandavas built it during the Mahabharata. The route is famous for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine streams, lush forests, and snow-covered mountains.
By Air:
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 239 kilometers from Kedarnath, is the nearest airport. You can reach Dehradun from Delhi by a one-hour flight. From Dehradun, you can reach Kedarnath by bus or taxi, with a travel time of 8 to 10 hours, depending on your choice of transportation.
By Train:
Rishikesh railway station, approximately 216 kilometers away, is the nearest rail station to Kedarnath. You can reach Rishikesh from Delhi by train in about 6-7 hours.
By Bus:
Several buses from Delhi to Rishikesh and Haridwar are common starting points for the Kedarnath Trek. The journey, typically taking 6 to 7 hours, varies based on traffic volume.
By Car:
When driving from Delhi to Kedarnath, you’ll take the NH 334 to reach Rishikesh, approximately 230 miles away. From Rishikesh, follow road 109 to reach Rudraprayag, located about 140 miles away.
To get to Kedarnath, which is approximately 74 miles from Rudraprayag, take the NH 107 route.
By Helicopter:
For a quicker option, you can take a helicopter from Phata, which is around 210 km from Rishikesh, to Kedarnath. This 30-minute helicopter ride provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Once in Kedarnath, you have the option to hire a pony or a palanquin for the 1.5 km journey to the temple.
Here are some Trekking Tips That’ll Keep You in Good Stead.
- To ensure a smooth journey, having your documents in place is essential.Register for a trek to Kedarnath at Sonprayag and obtain your Yatra E-pass in hard copy.This document may be requested at various checkpoints along the way.
- You must carry a raincoat because the weather in the valley can be unpredictable.
- There, mornings and evenings are cooler, while the afternoon can be overly sunny.If you’re going on a trek in the middle of the day, bring a hat and sunglasses.
- For a smooth journey, be sure to carry a hard copy of your entire vaccine certificate.You can also call their support center to ensure you have all the necessary documents with you.
- The trek is open for only limited hours i.e. from morning 4 am to 1.30 pm in the afternoon. Plan your hike to fit within the time frame as you won’t be able to trek after that.
- Wear a good pair of hiking shoes is essential because they provide a good grip on the ground as you walk.
- Keep your bag as light as possible for a comfortable journey because food, water, and consumables will be available along the way
Best Time to Visit
When you get the chance to experience the spirituality and attractiveness of this lovely town, you should travel to Kedarnath, a spiritual location. Because of their milder climate, May through mid-September should be the best months to visit weather-wise.
A Kedarnath temple package offers the most comprehensive and profound spiritual experience of this ethereal location, making it the trip of a lifetime.
A lovely pilgrimage destination, Kedarnath draws thousands of followers each year. The breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan ranges and the serene surroundings make the trip to Kedarnath, despite its challenging nature, an incredibly memorable one.