How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi – Complete Travel Guide
Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, is a divine destination dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by the majestic snow-clad Himalayas, the temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year. If you are planning your journey, one of the most common questions is: How to reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
In this guide, we will cover all travel options from Delhi – by train, bus, road, and car – along with practical tips on distances, weather, temperature, and the best time to visit Kedarnath.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi by Train
There is no direct train to Kedarnath, as the temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is not directly connected by rail. The nearest railway stations are:
- Haridwar Railway Station (approx. 239 km from Kedarnath)
- Rishikesh Railway Station (approx. 221 km from Kedarnath)
- Dehradun Railway Station (approx. 257 km from Kedarnath)
From Delhi, you can board trains such as Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi, Vande Bharat Express or Mussoorie Express to Haridwar or Dehradun. Once you reach, you can continue your journey by bus, taxi, or shared jeep towards Sonprayag/Guptkashi, and then proceed to Gaurikund – the last motorable point. From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek takes you to Kedarnath temple.
Pro Tip: If you prefer less travel time, opt for Haridwar or Rishikesh stations, as they are closer to Kedarnath compared to Dehradun.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi by Bus
Several government and private buses operate from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh daily. You can choose from AC, Volvo, Sleeper, or Deluxe buses.
- Delhi to Haridwar Bus Distance: Around 220 km (6–7 hours)
- Delhi to Rishikesh Bus Distance: Around 240 km (7–8 hours)
From Haridwar/Rishikesh, you can board local buses or shared taxis towards Guptkashi or Sonprayag. The final stretch from Sonprayag to Gaurikund (5 km) is covered by shuttle service. From Gaurikund, the 16 km trek or pony/doli services lead you to Kedarnath.
Note: Direct buses from Delhi to Kedarnath are not available due to the mountain terrain.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi by Road
The road journey from Delhi to Kedarnath is long but incredibly scenic, passing through Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi.
- Delhi to Kedarnath Distance by Road: Approx. 450 km (till Gaurikund)
- Driving Time: Around 14–16 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions)
The route usually followed is:
Delhi → Haridwar (220 km) → Rishikesh (20 km) → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund, you begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath.
Pro Tip: Break your journey at Haridwar or Guptkashi to avoid travel fatigue.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi by Car
If you love road trips, driving to Kedarnath from Delhi can be a memorable experience. However, the journey requires careful planning.
- Delhi to Kedarnath Distance by Car: Around 450 km (till Gaurikund)
- Best Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
Parking facilities are available at Sonprayag. From there, you must use the government shuttle service to reach Gaurikund.
Important Tips for Driving:
- Start early from Delhi to avoid city traffic.
- Roads in the mountains are narrow and prone to landslides during monsoon.
- Always check weather updates before starting the journey.
Trekking and Alternative Options from Gaurikund
Once at Gaurikund, devotees have several options to cover the 16 km trek to Kedarnath:
- On Foot: Most common option (6–8 hours).
- Pony or Mule Services: Easily available at Gaurikund.
- Palanquin/Doli: Carried by porters for those unable to trek.
- Helicopter Services: Available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi (takes 5–10 minutes). Advance booking is recommended.
Key Distances You Should Know
- Haridwar to Kedarnath Distance: 239 km (till Gaurikund)
- Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance: 221 km (till Gaurikund)
- Dehradun to Kedarnath Distance: 257 km (till Gaurikund)
- Delhi to Kedarnath Distance: 450 km (till Gaurikund, plus 16 km trek)
Kedarnath Temperature and Weather
Before planning, knowing about Kedarnath weather and temperature is crucial:
- Summer (May–June): Pleasant with temperatures between 5°C to 17°C – best time for trekking.
- Monsoon (July–September): Heavy rainfall, landslides, and slippery roads make travel risky.
- Autumn (September–October): Clear skies, temperature between 0°C to 15°C, excellent for darshan.
- Winter (November–April): Extremely cold, with temperatures dropping to -15°C. The temple remains closed, and the idol is shifted to Ukhimath.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is May to June and September to October. During these months:
- The weather is stable and favorable for trekking.
- The temple remains open for pilgrims.
- You can enjoy scenic beauty without the risks of monsoon landslides.
Avoid visiting during the monsoon (July–August), as roads often get blocked due to heavy rain.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Kedarnath Journey
- Book in Advance: Train, bus, and helicopter bookings should be done early, especially in peak season.
- Register for Yatra: Online registration for Char Dham Yatra is mandatory.
- Health Check: The trek is challenging, so consult a doctor if you have breathing or heart conditions.
- Carry Essentials: Warm clothes, medicines, raincoat, torch, and comfortable trekking shoes.
- Stay Updated: Always check the latest Kedarnath weather forecast before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kedarnath
1. How can I reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
You can reach Kedarnath from Delhi by train (till Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun), by bus (till Haridwar/Rishikesh), or by car/road trip (till Gaurikund). From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek or helicopter ride takes you to Kedarnath temple.
2. Is there a direct train to Kedarnath?
No, there is no direct train to Kedarnath. The nearest railway stations are Haridwar (239 km), Rishikesh (221 km), and Dehradun (257 km).
3. What is the distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath?
The distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath (till Gaurikund) is approximately 239 km. After reaching Gaurikund, you need to trek 16 km to the temple.
4. What is the distance from Rishikesh to Kedarnath?
The distance from Rishikesh to Kedarnath (till Gaurikund) is approximately 221 km, followed by the trek to the shrine.
5. What is the distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath?
The distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath (till Gaurikund) is about 257 km by road, plus the 16 km trek.
6. What is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is May–June and September–October, when the weather is pleasant and the temple is open for darshan. Avoid monsoon months due to landslides.
7. What is the temperature in Kedarnath?
- Summer: 5°C to 17°C
- Autumn: 0°C to 15°C
- Winter: As low as -15°C (temple remains closed)
Always check the Kedarnath weather forecast before planning your trip.
8. How to reach Kedarnath by helicopter?
Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi. The flight takes 5–10 minutes. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
9. Is the Kedarnath trek difficult?
The Kedarnath trek is 16 km uphill from Gaurikund. It is moderately difficult and can take 6–8 hours on foot. Pony, mule, and palanquin services are available for those unable to trek.
10. Does Kedarnath remain open all year?
No, Kedarnath temple remains open only for six months (May to November). During winter, the idol is shifted to Ukhimath, where devotees can worship Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarnath from Delhi requires a combination of train, bus, or road journey followed by trekking or helicopter ride from Gaurikund. Whether you choose to travel by train to Haridwar, take a bus to Rishikesh, drive by car, or embark on a scenic road trip, the final stretch is always an adventure filled with divine energy and Himalayan beauty.
With this guide, you now know how to reach Kedarnath from Delhi by train, bus, road, and car, along with important details like distances, temperature, weather, and the best time to visit.
Kedarnath is not just a journey, but an experience of faith, nature, and inner peace. Prepare well, travel safe, and may Lord Shiva bless your Yatra.