The Kedarnath Yatra is a peaceful and spiritual journey through the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most important Char Dham pilgrimages and attracts thousands of devotees and travelers every year who wish to experience both faith and natural beauty.
The journey begins from Gaurikund, a small town that serves as the starting point for the trek. From there, you walk around 22 kilometers to reach the sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The trail takes you through green valleys, flowing rivers, and mountain views, making the walk beautiful and refreshing.
The main attraction is the Kedarnath Temple, located at a height of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, the temple offers a feeling of deep peace and spiritual power. It’s a place where nature and devotion come together.
The trek is moderately difficult, with steep sections and uneven paths, so you need to be in good health. The weather can change quickly, so it’s important to be prepared. Along the way, there are places to rest and stay, like Jungle Chatti, Bheem Bali, and Linchauli.
The best time to go is from May to June and September to October, when the weather is stable and the temple is open.
In short, the Kedarnath Yatra is more than just a trek. It’s a journey of faith, filled with beautiful landscapes, calm surroundings, and a deep connection to the Himalayan spirit.
Your Do Dham Yatra begins in Delhi, the capital city of India. After arriving at the designated meeting point, you will be greeted by the tour representatives and fellow travelers. You’ll receive a brief overview of the Do Dham Yatra and the schedule for the next few days. The journey, covering approximately 450 to 500 kilometers, takes about 10 to 12 hours depending on the route. Along the way, we will stop for breakfast in Rishikesh and then proceed toward the beautiful confluence town of Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers merge to form the holy Ganga. Upon reaching Guptkashi/Phata, you’ll check into a hotel for an overnight stay. This is the perfect opportunity to rest and acclimatize before your trek to Kedarnath.
Upon arrival at Guptkashi or Phata, you will settle into your hotel for the night. This will be your accommodation base before the trek to Kedarnath. These towns have a calm and spiritual feel, perfect to relax before the next day’s trek. The peaceful ambiance and gentle mountain breeze create the right setting for mental and physical preparation. You can visit the Guptkashi Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, or just enjoy the local vibe, interact with fellow pilgrims, or take a quiet stroll nearby. The fresh mountain air and quiet surroundings make it a great place to rest. Enjoy your dinner and get a good night’s sleep for the next day’s important trek.
Today marks the beginning of your spiritual and physical journey to the Kedarnath Temple. After an early breakfast, drive to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. The journey from Guptkashi to Gaurikund takes about 1–1.5 hours by car. Once at Gaurikund, you begin the 16-kilometre trek to Kedarnath, which is both physically challenging and spiritually fulfilling.
The trek is well-paved, but expect a steep ascent with moderate to high altitude gain as you make your way up the mountainside. The trail is dotted with small tea stalls and resting points where you can take breaks. The scenic beauty is spectacular, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, rivers, waterfalls, and dense forests. As you ascend, you’ll pass through picturesque villages, along with sounds of local chants, adding a spiritual element to the journey.
After reaching Kedarnath by evening, you’ll check into your accommodation near the Kedarnath Temple. Visit the temple to offer your prayers and attend the evening Aarti (ritual prayer ceremony). The experience of being at the temple at dusk, surrounded by the majestic mountains, is truly unforgettable. Overnight stay in Kedarnath, where you can soak in the serene and spiritual ambiance of the area.
Wake up early for a morning darshan (prayer offering) at the Kedarnath Temple. After your visit, enjoy a hearty breakfast before beginning your return trek to Gaurikund. The 16-kilometre descent is comparatively easier than the ascent, but it still requires care as the downhill path can be slippery and steep in certain areas.
As you make your way down, take in the breathtaking views of the valley and the majestic Kedarnath range that you may have missed during the ascent. The return journey gives you a fresh perspective of the terrain, with lush meadows, flowing rivers, and the distant sound of temple bells
Upon reaching Gaurikund, you’ll be transferred back to Guptkashi or Phata by vehicle for your overnight stay. After a day of descent and physical exertion, enjoy a relaxing evening, followed by a well-deserved dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Guptkashi or Phata.
Your return journey begins as you leave Guptkashi or Phata and head back to Delhi, bringing an end to your unforgettable Kedarnath Yatra. After days of spiritual connection, scenic beauty, and mountain adventure, it’s time to travel back with a heart full of memories and blessings.
The drive covers a distance of about 425 to 450 kilometers and takes around 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. As you descend from the hills, you’ll pass through familiar places like Rudraprayag, Devprayag, Rishikesh, and Haridwar — each offering one last glimpse of the divine landscapes of Uttarakhand.
Once we reach Rishikesh, we’ll take some time to explore the city if we have enough time. We’ll visit the peaceful banks of the Ganges River, where we can sit and enjoy the calm surroundings. If we have enough time, we can also walk around the local markets to pick up souvenirs or visit some of the ashrams in the area. However, if we’re running short on time, we’ll head directly to Delhi to stay on schedule for the rest of our journey.
On Day 5, we will continue our overnight journey to Delhi. While this will be mostly a travel night, we’ll aim to reach Delhi the following morning, completing the trek and reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve had. It will be a peaceful end to our adventure, with memories of the beautiful landscapes, spiritual moments, and camaraderie of the journey.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change. For the latest details and updates, please feel free to contact us through the form on our website.
To undertake the Kedarnath Yatra, one must reach the base location—Guptkashi, Phata, or Sonprayag in Uttarakhand. Here’s how to get there:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (approximately 239 km away). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh, and from there, you’ll need to take a combination of buses or taxis to Gaurikund, the starting point for the trek.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station (around 220 km from Kedarnath). You can take a taxi or bus from the station to Gaurikund.
By Road:
Kedarnath is well connected by road, with buses and taxis available from Haridwar (about 220 km away), Rishikesh (approximately 205 km), and Dehradun (about 240 km). From Gaurikund, a trek of about 16 km leads to Kedarnath Temple.
Note:
The roads leading to Gaurikund can be winding and narrow, so it’s advisable to travel with a reliable transport service, especially during the peak seasons.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is between May and June and then September to October. The temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, so the accessible period is mainly from summer to early autumn.
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple is approximately 22 km and takes around 6-8 hours to complete depending on your pace. Ponies and palanquins are available for hire if you prefer not to trek.
Yes, Kedarnath is generally safe to visit, but like any high-altitude trek, it’s important to be well-prepared. The 22 km trek to Kedarnath can be physically demanding, so proper acclimatization and fitness are essential. The route is well-maintained, and adequate facilities are available for trekkers. However, it’s advisable to check weather conditions before traveling, as the area can experience sudden changes in weather, especially during the monsoon months. Always follow the guidance of local authorities and trek with experienced guides to ensure a safe journey.
There are no strict age restrictions, but the trek to Kedarnath is physically demanding. It is advised that trekkers should be in good health and have a moderate level of fitness. People with medical conditions like heart problems or respiratory issues should consult a doctor before undertaking the trek.
No, the Kedarnath temple remains closed for winter and reopens during Akshay Tritiya and closes again for winter after Diwali.
Yes, you can visit both Kedarnath and Badrinath in one trip, and many pilgrims do so. They’re part of the Char Dham Yatra and are well-connected by road. Usually, people visit Kedarnath first, then head to Badrinath via Rudraprayag and Joshimath. The combined trip takes around 6 to 8 days, depending on your pace and travel mode.
Our Promise: Tailored, Trusted & Hassle-Free Treks
Discover New Adventures Awaiting You…
