Kedarnath, hidden in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage place. The journey to Kedarnath is more than just getting to the destination; it is an experience of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. There are various transportation choices available to travellers travelling from Delhi for this wonderful journey. Let’s explore how to reach Kedarnath from Delhi efficiently and safely.
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Distance Between Delhi and Kedarnath
The distance between Delhi and Kedarnath by road is approximately 450 kilometers. The journey typically takes around 11 hours without any breaks. Here is a breakdown of the route from Delhi to Kedarnath:
- Delhi to Haridwar: 206 km
- Haridwar to Rishikesh: 24 km
- Rishikesh to Devprayag: 74 km
- Devprayag to Srinagar: 34 km
- Srinagar to Rudraprayag: 33 km
- Rudraprayag to Gaurikund: 44 km
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: 18 km trek
The motorable roads end at Gaurikund, where you need to take an 18-kilometer trek to reach Kedarnath. The roads are well-maintained with proper signboards along the way. Travelers can choose between various modes of transportation such as buses, cars, bikes, or even helicopter services for a more comfortable journey.
| Mode of Transport | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| By Road | 450 km | 11 hrs |
| By Train | 450 km | 11 hrs |
| By Bus | 450 km | 11 hrs |
| By Flight | 296 km | 1 hr |
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi, there are some transportation options available:
| Mode of Transport | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road | Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Phata – Sonmarg – Gaurikund | 13 hours (approx.) | Rs 6000 (approx.) |
| Train | Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund | 13 hours (approx.) | Train ticket price varies |
| Bus | Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund | 13 hours (approx.) | Rs 1000 (approx.) |
| Flight | Delhi – Dehradun – Gaurikund | 1 hour (approx.) | Flight ticket price varies |
| Helicopter | Delhi – Phata Helipad, Guptkashi Helipad, or Sirsi Helipad | 10 minutes (approx.) | Rs 59760 for one person, Rs 39600 per person for 2-3 people, Rs 30600 per person for 4 or more people |
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi By Train
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi by train, you can follow these steps:
● Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath, located approximately 220 kilometers away. It is well connected to India’s major cities and towns.
● Travel to Gaurikund: From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Gaurikund, which is the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath.
● Train Options: There are several trains from Delhi to Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are the closest railway stations to Kedarnath. Some of the trains include:
- New Delhi Dehradun Ac Express (Train No. 12205)
- Dehradun Janshtbdi (Train No. 12055)
- Dehradun Shatabdi (Train No. 12017)
- Uttaranchal Express (Train No. 19565)
● Train Timings: The train journey from Delhi to Rishikesh or Haridwar takes approximately 5 to 8 hours, depending on the train and route chosen.
● Ticket Prices: The ticket prices for a train journey from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh range from approximately INR 200 to INR 1500, depending on factors such as the class of travel and train type.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi By Bus
To get to Kedarnath from Delhi via bus, follow these procedures.
● State-Run Buses: The most affordable alternative options is to take a state-run bus from Delhi to Kedarnath. Follow these steps:
- Take a bus from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi to Rudraprayag.
- From Rudraprayag, board another bus to Gaurikund, the starting point for the Kedarnath hike.
● Private Volvo Buses: For a more enjoyable ride, consider taking a private Volvo bus from Delhi to places near Kedarnath, such as Rudraprayag or Guptkashi. From there, you can continue to Gaurikund and ultimately Kedarnath.
● Bus Ticket Price: The bus Ticket price from Delhi to Kedarnath is around Rs 1000. The bus travel from Delhi to Kedarnath normally takes 12-13 hours.
● Bus Route: There are no direct buses from Delhi to Kedarnath. The nearest place from which you may go to Kedarnath without difficulty is Gaurikund, which is roughly 452 kilometres away. You can also take the bus from Delhi to Rishikesh and then rent a taxi to get to Kedarnath.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi By Car
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi by car, follow these steps:
● Start Point: Begin your journey from Delhi and head towards Haridwar on the first day. Check-in at Haridwar for some rest and relaxation.
● Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before embarking on the trip. Some key points to consider:
- The car should have good ground clearance for rough roads.
- Carry spare parts like spark fuses, jack, spanner, spare tire, coolant, engine oil, etc.
- Know basic vehicle repair in case of breakdowns.
● Road Route: The distance from Delhi to Kedarnath by road is approximately 450 kilometers. There are two main routes you can take:
- Route 1: Delhi – Ghaziabad – Khatauli – Muzaffarnagar – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Phata
- Route 2: Delhi – Ghaziabad – Khatauli – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund
● Road Conditions: The roads are well-constructed with proper signboards. While the route from Delhi to Rishikesh is smooth, the hilly areas may have some patches but are generally manageable.
● Accommodation: Consider breaking your journey with an overnight stay to acclimatize to the weather. Options for stays are available in Haridwar and Rishikesh.
● Final Leg: The motorable roads end at Gaurikund, where you will need to trek 18 kilometers to reach Kedarnath. You can hire a cab or shared jeep from Sonprayag for this last stretch.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi By Flight
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi by flight, follow these steps:
● Book a Flight: Book a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) to Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath.
● Reach Dehradun: Upon landing at Jolly Grant Airport, hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach the main bus stand in Dehradun.
● Continue the Journey: From the bus stand, you can opt for a state-run bus or hire a taxi to cover the distance to Kedarnath.
● Trek to Kedarnath: The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers and can be covered on foot or by hiring a pony or horse.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi By Helicopter
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi by helicopter, you can follow these steps:
● Book Helicopter Service: Book a helicopter service from Delhi to Kedarnath through various operators like Heritage Aviation, SAR Aviation, Transbharat Aviation, and Thumby Aviation. The flight may originate from locations like Dehradun, Sahastradhara, Guptkashi, or Sersi.
● Flight Duration: The helicopter journey from the nearest helipad to Kedarnath takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the starting point.
● Ticket Prices: The cost of helicopter tickets for Kedarnath starts at around Rs 2340 for a one-way ticket and varies based on the operator and type of helicopter chosen. It is best to buy tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
● Benefits of Helicopter Travel: By opting for a helicopter ride to Kedarnath, you can enjoy a quicker journey with an aerial view of the scenic locations, reducing travel time significantly compared to road or trekking options.
● Darshan Time: If you book a return ticket, you may get around 2 hours for darshan at Kedarnath temple, but the actual time may vary based on the aviation company and other factors.
● Distance to Temple: The distance between Kedarnath Helipad and the temple is approximately 500 meters or a 15-minute walk. For those unable to trek, pithhus/palkis can be booked for assistance.
How To Reach Kedarnath From Delhi By Bike
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi by bike, you can take on a 4 Nights / 5 Days trip that typically includes the following itinerary:
- Day 1: Depart from Delhi to Rishikesh, enjoy the serene town and Ganga Aarti, and stay overnight in Rishikesh.
- Day 2: Travel to Guptkashi.
- Day 3: Proceed to Kedarnath.
- Day 4: Return to Guptkashi.
- Day 5: Ride back to Delhi.
There are two main road routes from Delhi to Kedarnath:
- Delhi-Ghaziabad-Khatauli-Muzaffarnagar-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Guptkashi-Phata-Sonmarg-Gaurikund.
- Delhi-Ghaziabad-Khatauli-Najibabad-Kotdwar-Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Guptkashi-Sonprayag-Gaurikund.
Key tips for the journey include:
- Biometric registration for Char Dham Yatra.
- Booking accommodation in advance.
- Carrying warm clothing, comfortable shoes, medications, and a first-aid kit.
- Checking bike essentials like tires, electronics, and brakes before the trip.
It is advisable to start early in the morning, ride cautiously in the mountains, and plan stops strategically. Renting a bike in Rishikesh is recommended, with Royal Enfield 350cc bikes being a popular choice for this journey.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
| Season | Best Time to Visit | Weather | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (April – June) | April to June is recommended as the best time to visit Kedarnath. | Pleasant weather with temperatures between 15-30 degrees Celsius. | Ideal for exploring the temple, Panch Kedar, and Chota Char Dham. |
| Monsoon (July – September) | Not advisable for Yatra due to heavy downpours and landslides. | Unpredictable weather with heavy rainfall. | Landslides are common, and road blockages can occur. |
| Autumn (October – November) | September and October are suitable for a quieter pilgrimage experience. | Clear skies with daytime temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius. | Considered ideal for a contemplative visit after the monsoon season. |
| Winter (December – March) | Harsh winters with snowfall, best visited in September and October before heavy snowfall begins. | Temperature ranges from -18°C to 5°C in winter months. | The temple closes in November due to heavy snowfall and reopens in April or May. |
Key Points:
- Summer: Ideal for comfortable exploration.
- Monsoon: Not recommended due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
- Autumn: Offers a quieter pilgrimage experience.
- Winter: Harsh conditions with heavy snowfall.
Conclusion
Kedarnath can be reached from Delhi by a variety of routes, each with its own set of experiences. Whether by air, train, or road, the journey to this holy place is packed with spiritual pleasure and stunning landscape. Plan your vacation carefully, then go on an unforgettable pilgrimage to Kedarnath to seek divine blessings and immerse yourself in the peace of the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
The road journey from Delhi to Kedarnath takes approximately 12-14 hours, depending on the mode of transport and road conditions.
Travelers can reach Kedarnath Dham via private car and then start a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedanath Dham. Alternatively, one can take a bus to Rishikesh and cover the 216 km distance to Kedarnath by private vehicle or local transportation.
Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 11,755 ft near the source of the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.
The temple remains open from 4 am to 9 pm daily during the opening season, allowing devotees to visit from April 25 to November 14, 2024.
Due to its high altitude, snowfall, and harsh weather conditions, the temple remains closed from the end of November to April next year.
Travel options include private cars followed by trekking, buses to Rishikesh then private vehicles, or local transportation covering the distance to Kedarnath. Also, there are helicopter services available from Rishikesh and Kedarnath for a quicker journey.
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