Kedarnath Temple, one of the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Because of its remote location, many travelers search for how to reach Kedarnath in the simplest way possible.
Table of Contents
Where is Kedarnath Located?
District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Altitude: 3,583 meters above sea level
River: Near the Mandakini River
How to Reach Kedarnath by Train
There is no direct train to Kedarnath. The nearest railway stations are:
- Rishikesh Railway Station (210 km from Gaurikund)
- Haridwar Railway Station (240 km from Gaurikund)
- Dehradun Railway Station (250 km from Gaurikund)
From these stations, you must continue by road to Gaurikund, the base point for the Kedarnath trek.
How to Reach Kedarnath by Air
The nearest airport is:
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (238 km from Kedarnath)
you can hire a taxi service Haridwar to Sonprayag.
- Helicopter Services
If you cannot trek, helicopter services are available from:
- Phata
- Guptkashi
- Sersi
- Sitapur
These helicopters land at Kedarnath helipad, just 500 meters from the temple.
How to Reach Kedarnath by Road
Road travel is the most common way to reach Kedarnath.
You can drive or take a bus up to Gaurikund, the last motorable point.
From Gaurikund, you must trek 16 km to Kedarnath Temple.
Popular Road Routes:
- Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Trekking Route to Kedarnath
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 km.
Route: Gaurikund → Rambara → Kedarnath
Trek difficulty: Moderate to tough
Facilities: Pony rides, palki (palanquin), and mules are available
Accommodation Options
Gaurikund: Budget hotels, lodges, and guest houses
Kedarnath: GMVN guest houses, dharamshalas, and camps
Advance booking is recommended during peak season
Travel Tips for Kedarnath
- Carry warm clothes, raincoat, and trekking shoes
- Keep medicines and first-aid handy
- Start trek early morning for safety
- Book helicopter or cab services in advance
- Respect temple traditions
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath Dham
May to June: Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking
September to October: Clear skies, fewer crowds
Avoid monsoon (July-August) due to landslides and heavy rain
Why Choose Taxi or Cab for Kedarnath?
- Flexible timing
- Comfortable seating
- Safe for families and elderly pilgrims
- Door-to-door service from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun
FAQs on How to Reach Kedarnath
Q: How to reach Kedarnath easily?
Ans. Take a train or flight to Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun, then book a cab to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, trek or take a helicopter.
Q: How do I go to Kedarnath from Haridwar?
Ans. From Haridwar, travel by road to Gaurikund (about 240 km). You can book a taxi for a direct ride.
Q: What is the best way to reach the Kedarnath Temple?
Ans. The best way is by road till Gaurikund, then trek 16 km or use helicopter services.
Q: How long is the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
Ans. The trek is 16 km and takes 6-8 hours depending on Your fitness and Weather Condition.
Q: What is the best for families to travel?
Ans. Families should book a cab service for comfort and flexibility, then choose trek, pony, or helicopter.
Q: Are ponies and palkis available for the trek?
Ans. Yes. Ponies, mules, and palkis can be hired at Gaurikund for those who cannot walk.
Q: What is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
Ans. Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), about 238 km from Gaurikund.
Q: Can I reach Kedarnath directly by car?
Ans. No. Cars go only till Gaurikund. From there, you must trek or take a helicopter.
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarnath is a spiritual journey full of adventure. Whether you travel by train, air, road, or helicopter, the final trek makes the experience unforgettable. For maximum comfort, book a cab to Kedarnath from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
Sachin Kumar is a travel content writer at SRG Holidays Pvt. Ltd., known for clear and easy‑to‑read guides on tourism and pilgrimage tours. He focuses on practical tips and simple language to make travel planning effortless for readers.
