Complete Guide: Kedarnath Temple Uttarakhand, How To Visit in 2024

The Kedarnath Temple, located in the Himalayas, is one of India’s most famous pilgrimage sites. This beautiful temple in Uttarakhand is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. The popularity of this trek is undeniable. However, numerous individuals do not know how to visit Kedarnath.

If you are also planning to visit the Kedarnath Temple but do not know how to visit, this blog is a must read for you. It will introduce you to everything you need to know about. This guide will introduce you to everything from the best place to visit in Kedarnath to things to keep with you. 

How to Go Kedarnath by Road?

Located in Uttarakhand, Kedarnath Temple is a remote pilgrimage site in India. The temple is not directly connected by road. You can reach Gaurikund by road, the last motorable point, 16 kilometres away from the temple. Below are the best ways to visit Kedarnath. 

1. By Bus

One of the first ways for Kedarnath Temple visit is by bus. You can find buses for this route from major cities in Uttarakhand, like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. All these buses will take you to Gaurikund. You can also find private buses from Delhi to Gaurikund. After reaching Gaurikund by bus, you will have to trek for 16 kilometres to reach the temple. 

2. By Taxi

You can also hire a private taxi to reach Kedarnath. Private taxi operators run their taxis from major cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Gaurikund. It is a challenging and long drive. Tourists are recommended to avoid this route during the monsoon season as the road conditions are not good. A taxi will drop you off at Gaurikund, and from there, you will have to trek about 16 kilometres to reach Kedarnath Temple. 

3. By Helicopter

Another best way to visit Kedarnath Temple is by Helicopter. To avoid the long trek, you can take a helicopter from Guptkashi, Sirsi or Phata to Kedarnath. You can find the helicopter services from May to October here. However, you must make sure to book your tickets in advance.

4. By Self-Drive

If interested, you can always drive to Gaurikund on your own from cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar. But, never forget that the road conditions along this route can be challenging, and only opt for self-driving when you are confident and experienced enough to drive on narrow and steep roads.

If you wish to start your route to Kedarnath from Delhi, the next section will help you. So, start reading. 

How to Visit Kedarnath from Delhi?

If you live in Delhi or Delhi is more near to your city, you can definitely start your Kedarnath Temple trip from the capital. Following are the ways for the same. 

1. By Air

One of the first ways to start your trip is by air. The nearest airport to the Kedarnath Temple is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. So, you can take a flight from Delhi to this airport. It is around 238 kilometres away from the temple. After reaching this airport, you can hire a private taxi to reach Gaurikund and trek to the temple from there. 

2. By Train

You can also take a train from Delhi to Rishikesh or find a train from your hometown to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath, about 216 kilometres away. After reaching Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you must trek about 16 kilometres to visit the temple. 

3. By Bus

Buses from Delhi are also available. You can take a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Haridwar. From here, you will again have to take a bus to Gaurikund and trek 16 kilometres to reach the temple. 

4. By Self-Drive

If you are an experienced driver, you can also drive from Delhi to Gaurikund. The distance between the two places is around 443 kilometres. The route passes through Haridwar, Rudraprayag, and Rishikesh. The roads on this route are steep and narrow, so driving is quite challenging. Plan your self-driving journey only if you are experienced in driving on such roads.

Kedarnath Temple Trekking

After reaching Gaurikund through any of the suitable ways, as mentioned in the earlier sections of this blog, you now have to trek to reach the Kedarnath Temple. Therefore, before planning your trip, you must know everything about this trek. Typically, the trekking route for the Kedarnath Temple trip starts from Gaurikund. It is a 16-kilometre trek with a moderate difficulty level. You will need around 6 to 8 hours of trekking to reach the temple. However, the trekking time will not seem long as you enjoy nature’s beauty throughout this route. It is filled with rivers, waterfalls, and forests. The beautiful Himalayan landscapes make the trek quite admirable. 

The Kedarnath Temple is at an altitude of around 3500 metres. Therefore, you must be physically fit to trek on this route. Also, keep things with you to avoid altitude sickness. Trekking will be a beautiful and rewarding experience if you prepare well. Carry all the essential things with you and follow the guidelines. 

Facilities Available Along the Kedarnath Trek

Kedarnath trek takes an extended period. Therefore, you might be curious to know whether facilities are available along the route. Your curiosity is understandable. Also, you have nothing to worry about, as you will get every facility along the route that you might need to reach your destination. Some of these essential facilities are explained below. 

1. Accommodation

One of the first and most important facilities that might come to your mind is accommodation. Thankfully, you can find several options along the route for this. Numerous guesthouses and lodges are available in Kedarnath and Gaurikund for accommodation. These lodges and guesthouses offer the perfect and most comfortable accommodation. 

2. Food and Water

You also have several options for refreshment along the route. So, whether you wish to take a short break for a refreshing drink or have lunch, you can find various restaurants along the trekking route serving local and other food options. You can also find shops with packaged food and bottled water to keep you hydrated and charged. 

3. Medical Facilities

The Kedarnath trek is quite long. Therefore, you might need medical attention in some instances. Medical facilities are easily found along the trek. 

4. Pony and Mules Services

You can hire the pony and mule services if you do not wish to trek or cannot trek due to medical or age issues. Gaurikund can conveniently hire these services. It is one of the best options for older adults for Kedarnath Temple visit. These services are also beneficial for pilgrims with physical disabilities. 

5. Mobile Network Coverage

With technological advancements, mobile network coverage has improved considerably along the Kedarnath trek. However, it might still be weak or non-existent in some areas. 

Kedarnath Temple Trip Itinerary

For every trip, there is never a uniform itinerary. You can always customise and build one for yourself from scratch. However, below is a sample three-day itinerary for this trip. 

1. Day one: Start the Tranquil Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 kilometres)

Kickstart the journey with the very first light from Gaurikund, nestled at an elevation of 1,982 metres, and ascend towards the sacred location of Kedarnath, situated at an awe-inspiring 3,583 metres. Traverse by way of a picturesque tapestry of Himalayan landscapes adorned with verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and glistening rivers provides a breathtaking backdrop to the expedition. On the route, indulge in rejuvenating pit stops at different rest points and quaint shops offering a range of refreshments, revitalising your spirit for the onward trek. As dusk descends, get to the peaceful haven of Kedarnath and settle into the convenience of a guest house or lodge.

2. Immerse in Spiritual Bliss on Day Two: Discovering Kedarnath

Awaken amidst the peaceful area of Kedarnath and delve into one day of religious exploration. Commence the day with a divine rendezvous in the revered Kedarnath temple, participating in the sacred darshan and soaking in the ethereal aura of the early morning aarti. Venture more into the spiritual realm with a trip to the Bhairavnath temple and a brief trek from Kedarnath, which provides yet another facet of heavenly tranquillity. Amidst the scenic vistas, indulge in moments of peace through yoga or meditation, basking in the unified heart of the environment. As night falls, retire to the solace of the accommodation, enveloped by the mystical ambience of Kedarnath.

3. Day three: Homeward Bound from Kedarnath to Gaurikund (16 kilometres Trek)

Commence the last leg of the expedition together with the dawn’s embrace, retracing your steps from Kedarnath to Gaurikund. Venture on the descent, browsing through the winding trails which lead you to the foothills, a journey that could span 4-6 hours, determined by your reverence and pace for the scenic splendour. Upon arriving at Gaurikund, surrender to the relaxing embrace of the warm water springs, which provide respite to the weary muscles and a short time of peaceful reflection. Conclude the pilgrimage with a serene ride by bus or taxi from Gaurikund, transporting the heart of Kedarnath’s spiritual sanctity with you on your onward journey.

Kedarnath Temple Timings & Best Time to Visit

The Kedarnath Temple timings are from 4 AM to 9 PM every day. The perfect seasons for starting on the Kedarnath trek are from May to September and June to October/November, extending until the festive event of Diwali.

In May and June, nature awakens to a symphony of pleasant weather and melting snow, rendering the trekking trail even more traversable. Temperature variations from 10°C to 20°C produce a comfy atmosphere for exploration, complemented by sun-kissed days that illuminate the course. These conditions are ideal for an enriching trekking experience.

Transitioning into September through November and October until the sparkling festival of Diwali, nature extends its invitation for an unforgettable trip. With the monsoon season bidding farewell, a rejuvenating coolness blankets the surface, providing temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Beneath clear skies, panoramic vistas await, beckoning adventurers to immerse in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas.

Nevertheless, tread cautiously during the monsoon months of July to August, as heavy rainfall can turn the trail into a slippery route, best avoided for security reasons. Likewise, winter’s icy grip covers the area from December to February, rendering the trekking path impassable beneath layers of sub-zero temperatures and snow.

Read Also – Complete Guide: Akshardham Temple Delhi, Ticket Price, Laser Show Timing

Summing Up

Reading the above blog must have empowered you to plan your Kedarnath Temple trip, so do not think anymore and start packing. This trip will be your best time to experience fun, spirituality and nature’s beauty simultaneously.