Route to Kedarnath at a glance
The drive from Haridwar to Sonprayag takes a full day; most people break the journey at Guptkashi or Sitapur.
Kedarnath trek from Gaurikund
The paved trail climbs about 16 km along the Mandakini through Jungle Chatti, Bhimbali and Linchauli to the base camp and the temple. The first half is gentler; the second half is steep. Ponies, palkis and pithus can be hired at Gaurikund at fixed rates.
- Start before sunrise and plan to sleep at Kedarnath or come down before dark.
Kedarnath by helicopter
Shuttle helicopters fly to Kedarnath from helipads at Guptkashi, Phata and Sersi during the yatra season. Tickets are sold only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra website and need your yatra registration number.
- Flights stop in bad weather; keep a spare day. Do not buy tickets from agents or social media pages.
Kedarnath by bus or taxi
State and private buses run from Haridwar and Rishikesh towards Sonprayag and Sitapur in the season. Shared taxis and private cabs are faster.
- Leave early; night driving on hill roads is restricted on some stretches during the yatra.
Kedarnath by train or air
The nearest big stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. From all three, continue by road to Sonprayag.
- Haridwar has the most trains from Delhi.
