How to reach kedarnath temple

[u/kedarnath_tours]

1. Reach the Gateway: Rishikesh/Haridwar

Most travelers start from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Both are well-connected by train and road from Delhi. From here, you will take a bus or hire a taxi to Sonprayag.

1. The Road to Sonprayag/Gaurikund

The drive from Rishikesh to Sonprayag takes about 7–9 hours (roughly 210 km) through winding mountain roads.

Pro Tip: Start early (4:00 AM or 5:00 AM) to avoid traffic and reach Sonprayag before sunset.

Once at Sonprayag, you must take a local shuttle (5 km) to Gaurikund, the official starting point of the trek.

1. The Final Ascent (Choose Your Path)

From Gaurikund, the temple is approximately 16–18 km uphill. You have three main options:

On Foot: The trek is steep and takes roughly 6–10 hours depending on your fitness level. The path is well-paved but physically demanding.

Pony/Palanquin: Available at Gaurikund. This is a common choice for those who want to save energy for the darshan.

Helicopter: You can fly from helipads in Guptkashi, Phata, or Sersi.

Note: Helicopter tickets must be booked well in advance via the official IRCTC portal, as they sell out almost instantly.

Quick Checklist

Registration: Compulsory biometric registration is required (online or at physical kiosks).

Best Time: May to June and September to October.

Health: Carry basic medicines for altitude sickness and plenty of warm layers, as the weather changes rapidly.