Overview
Kedarnath located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the important Panch Kedar. At Kedarnath, the Hump of Lord Shiva is worshipped and other parts of Lord Shiva are worshipped in the other Panch Kedars.
Kedarnath holds religious and historical significance dating back thousands of years. It’s believed that Adi Guru Shankaracharya rediscovered the Kedarnath temple after it was buried under snow for centuries.
The journey to Kedarnath starts from Rishikesh. A typical itinerary is 3 nights and 4 days long which takes you to places such as Rishikesh, Guptakashi, Gaurikund, and Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Temple is scheduled to open on May 12, 2024, this year. The best time to do this trek is May, June, September, and October. Prior to your yatra, you will need to register yourself on the Char Dhaam portal.
The overall trek distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is around 16 km so the total distance is approximately 32 km. You may feel the trek distance to be more than 16 km. This is due to the altitude gain of 5,072 feet, requiring greater endurance.
Itinerary
Day 1: Rishikesh to Guptkashi
Drive Distance: 180 km
Drive Time: 7-8 hrs
Altitude: 4,539 ft
Highlights: Scenic drive through Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Agastmuni
Our journey will start from Rishikesh early morning. The overall driving distance is 180 km and usually takes around 7-8 hours to complete, but it can take more time due to traffic in the peak season.
During our journey, we will follow along the river Ganga until Devprayag, then continue alongside the Alaknanda River, and finally drive alongside the Mandakini River in the last stretch.
Along the way, we will visit Dhari Devi Temple and the confluence points known as prayags, including Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Agastmuni, and Guptkashi.
Overnight stay will be in Guptkashi.
Drive Distance & Time: 30 km, 1-2 hours
Altitude: 9,875 ft
Next morning drive from Guptkashi to Sonprayag. Driving distance is 30 km and will take 1-2 hours to complete. Once we reach Sonprayag, we will take a local taxi to Gaurikund, which is around 8 km away.
From Gaurikund the trek will start. The overall distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is around 17 km. Yatra path is well paved with stones and railing. Altitude gain is 5,072 feet which can lead to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Make sure to ascend slowly, keep enough water with you and snacks.
Along the trail, you will walk with other pilgrims and sadhus. There will be constant movement of mules on the trail. Make sure to give them the side and keep your distance.
By evening we will reach Kedarnath. Check into your accommodation, rest a bit and get ready to join the evening Arti.
Trek Distance: 17 km, 5-6 hours
Altitude Loss: 11,150 ft
Wake up early in the morning and get in the line to have Darshan. During peak season it can take hours before you get a chance for Darshan. After darshan, explore places like Kaal Bhairav Temple, Mandakni Ghat, Bhim Shilla, and Adi Shankaracharya Statue.
Kedarnath Valley is surrounded by beautiful peaks, flora and fauna. Just behind Kedarnath, you will see Kedar Dome, Kedarnath Main, Chorabari Glacier, and Kedarnath Glacier. Near Kaal Bhairav Temple you will find meadows filled with wild flowers, particularly Bhringraj.
Soak in all the peace and spiritual aura of the valley. After your wonderful time, get ready to descend down. Make sure to keep enough water and snacks with you.
By evening we will be back to Gaurikund. Via local taxi, we will go to Sonprayag from Gaurikund and from there to Guptkashi. The night stay will be in Guptkashi.
Drive distance & Time: 180 km, 6 hrs
Today, it’s time to return to Rishikesh. Our journey will take us back from the same route we came. By evening we will be back to Rishikesh and from there you can continue your journey and return home.
Kedarnath Yatra Trek Package
Price Inclusion
Stay: Accommodation for 3 nights on a triple/quad-sharing basis (2 nights in a hotel + 1 night in a camp at Kedarnath)
Transport: Transportation from Rishikesh and back.
Permits: Chardham Registration & Required Permits included
Trek Staff: A qualified, professional team, including a mountaineering-certified trek leader, guide, cook, and support staff, will accompany you.
Emergency Kit: First aid medical kits, oxygen cylinders, and stretchers are provided for safety.
Price Exclusion
Meals during transportation.
5% GST (not included in the package price)
Any items not mentioned in the inclusions
Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek
Personal expenses (mules, ponies, helicopters, or Kandi are not included)
Check the booking procedure here, including details on booking deposits, payment terms, refund and the cancellation policy.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time for Kedarnath Yatra is in months of May, June, September, and October. During May and June, the weather is favorable with less rain and not-so-cold temperatures. But it’s also this time when you will find lot of crowd and rush.
If you prefer less crowded and peaceful times then the months of September and October are much suited. But also keep cold temperatures in mind in these months. If you are found with cold temperatures then you can consider Autumn months.
Off Season: Off season in Kedarnath is considered months of monsoon, i.e. End week of June to the First week of September. But these months are also dangerous due to heavy rain, landslides, cloud bursts, and flash floods.
Difficulty Level of Kedarnath
Kedarnath Yatra is in the moderate category. Trek distance and altitude gain make it a bit difficult. The overall trek distance is 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath with an altitude gain of 5,072 feet. Sudden altitude gain of this elevation poses a risk of AMS and Fatigue. Make sure you drink plenty of water, have enough snacks, and are in the best shape.
Physical fitness and endurance are much needed on this Yatra. Before planning your Yatra, train your body in the gym or via running and jogging.
It’s even better if you have done some high-altitude trek before.
Trek Essentials [What to Pack]
- 45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
- Hot and Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil and Milton
- Energy Bar, Dry Fruits, and ORS
- Personal Medical Kit
- 1 Pair of Sunglasses (UV Protected)
- 1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
- Tiffin Box
- 2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
- 1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
- 1 Fleece Jacket (Woolen or Sweater)
- 1 Down Feather/ Hollofil Jacket
- 1 Waterproof Jacket/ Poncho
- 1 Pair of Thermal Inners (Upper and Lower)
- 2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts and Denim Pants)
- 1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
- 1 Pair of Woolen Gloves
- Sun Cap
- Woolen Cap
- 4 Pairs of Cotton Socks
- 1 Pair of Woollen Socks
- 1 Waterproof and High Ankle Trekking Shoes
- 1 Pair of Floaters
- Hand Sanitizer and Sunscreen Lotion
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste
- Toilet Paper
- Quick Dry Towel
- Lip Balm and Antibacterial Powder
- Moisturizer
- Aadhaar Card
- Yatra Registration
- Medical Certificate
- Self-Declaration Form
- Sleeping Bag
- Common Tent
- Mattress
- Dining Tent
- Camping Stool
- Walkie Talkie (For Team)
- Utensils
How To Reach Kedarnath
Flight is the quickest and easiest means to reach Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Booking a flight to this destination is not a hard job, you can get a flight from most metro cities in India.
The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport which is located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Several flight operators like Air India, Akasa Air, Vistara, and others operate flights to Jolly Grant Airport, which makes your transportation easy and comfortable.
It is recommended to book a flight at least a month before traveling since the last moment flight booking is comparatively higher than the standard price. If Dehardun flight charges are high then we recommend you take flights to Delhi. From there, you can take UTC, HRTC, buses, railway or hire a taxi to reach Rishikesh.
Rishikesh is one of the major cities in Uttarakhand and it is well-connected to other cities by train. So traveling here via train is another easiest way.
Your train transportation is served by the Yog Nagri Railway Station. You also can opt for Haridwar Railway Station and from there you can reach Rishikesh via bus or taxi.
A road trip is one of the most exciting journeys to reach Sonprayag. It should not be a challenging matter since the town is well-connected with Haridwar and Rishikesh.
It might be time-consuming, but bus travel is affordable compared to other modes of transport.
Kedarnath is well connected with the road to Sonprayag. During peak seasons you will find multiple private buses from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Guptkashi or Sonprayag. Bus tickets range from INR 500-600. These are small buses and don’t have much leg space. Pack your bag in a way that you can sit comfortably.
Taxis are also available from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. The cost will depend on total number of seats sold.
Kedarnath Yatra Route Map
Peak Visible from Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Weather and Temperature
More Info Regarding Kedarnath
Read more info regarding Kedarnath below
After the events of the Mahabharata, Pandavas were in remorse. Their participation in the war led to the deaths of their kin, teachers, and countless others. Their sins hindered their path to Moksha.
Pandavas actions during the Mahabharata, including the use of deceitful tactics on the battlefield did not find favor with Lord Shiva, who is the protector of righteousness. Hence they were in pursuit of Lord Shiva to guide them and free them from their sins.
During their Yatra in the Himalayas, they reached a beautiful valley where they felt the presence of Shiva. Among the heard, Lord Shiva was in the form of a Bull. Bhim tried to approach the Bull but as soon as they touched, Lord Shiva disappeared into the earth.
Later parts of the Bull appeared in different parts of the Himalayas and became known as Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath Valley is blessed with natural resources. As soon as you start your trek you get to see hundreds of wildflowers, water springs, and natural beauty.
You will come across flowers like Himalayan Balsam, Brahma Kamal, Juniper, Cyananthus Lobatus, Anaphalis Margaritacea, and The Himalayan Bistort.
Kedarnath Valley and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is home to Black bear, Ibex, Monal, and Leopard. The constant movement of humans in and around the valley makes it hard for these animals to show themselves.
- Chopta
- Tungnath
- Ukimath
- Kalimath
- Vasuki Tal
- Triyuginarayan Temple
SCI, Foreign Permit & Vehicle
HDT is registered with the IMF, and we can cater to the needs of SCL for Government Employees. According to the rule, the government of India provides its employees with a prospect where they’re allowed to apply for a 30-day special casual leave in a calendar year to do trekking, hiking, or whatever adventure pleases them.
Mail us at info@himalayandreamtreks.in or call us at +91 80896 93825, if you want to avail SCL.
For foreign nationals, permit charges are different, and hence the overall package price is different for foreign trekkers. Connect with us before booking your trek.
- For 4-6 people Ertiga/Bolero or equivalent vehicle.
- For 7 or more people, Force Traveller.
FAQs on Kedarnath Yatra
Kedarnath temple was built by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya.
Kedarnath temple is said to be more than 1,200 years old.
The two peaks visible from the Kedarnath valley are Kedar Peak and Kedar Dome.
The sacred river that flows through Kedarnath is Mandakini.
You can register online for the Kedarnath Yatra. It’s free, mandatory, and should be done in advance.
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