Planning your Kedarnath trip but confused about how to reach Kedarnath? You are not alone. Thousands of pilgrims search this exact question every day and the answer is simpler than most travel websites make it seem.
Here is the complete, honest guide to reaching Kedarnath in 2026 every route, every cost, and every important detail you need before you go.
How to Reach Kedarnath: The Quick Answer
No road reaches Kedarnath temple directly. Every pilgrim must complete a 16 km trek from Gaurikund to the temple, no matter how they travel. The last point private vehicles can reach is Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, a shuttle jeep covers 5 km to Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, you walk, ride a pony, or take a helicopter.
That is the core of how to reach Kedarnath. Everything else is just how you get to Sonprayag.
How to visit Kedarnath?
1. By Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (235 to 238 km from Gaurikund).
Fly into Dehradun from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or most major Indian cities. Regular flights operate throughout the Kedarnath season from May to October. From the airport, hire a taxi or board a bus directly to Sonprayag. A local shuttle jeep then covers the final 5 km stretch to Gaurikund.
Route: Delhi → Fly to Dehradun → Taxi or bus to Sonprayag → Shuttle to Gaurikund → Trek 16 km to Kedarnath
Best for: Pilgrims short on time who want to skip the long road journey and reach the mountain quickly.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Stations: Rishikesh (Yog Nagri), Haridwar, and Dehradun.
All three stations connect regularly to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other major cities. From the station, take a UTC bus or hire a taxi toward Sonprayag. The most popular strategy among families is the overnight train to Haridwar or Rishikesh sleep on the train, wake up ready to travel, and save an entire day of daylight for the road journey.
Route: Delhi → Overnight train to Haridwar or Rishikesh → UTC bus or taxi to Sonprayag → Shuttle to Gaurikund → Trek 16 km to Kedarnath
Best for: Budget travelers and families who want a comfortable, affordable start to the pilgrimage.
3. By Road
Last Motorable Point: Sonprayag (private vehicles stop here). Shuttle jeeps cover Sonprayag to Gaurikund.
You can book UTC buses through the official Uttarakhand Transport Corporation portal. Buses run directly to Sonprayag from Haridwar and Rishikesh during peak season. Schedules change by date always check the portal for your exact travel day before booking.
If you drive your own car, park it at Sonprayag. Private vehicles are strictly not allowed beyond this point during the pilgrimage season. Local administration runs organized shuttle jeeps and buses from Sonprayag to Gaurikund to keep the route safe and crowd free.
Most common highway route:
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Phata → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Trek to Kedarnath
The road is scenic but gets narrow in sections near the higher reaches. Allow extra travel time during peak season when traffic builds on the mountain highway.
Best for: Groups traveling together who want full flexibility and control over their own route and timing.
By Helicopter
The fastest way to reach Kedarnath is by helicopter. Helicopters depart from three helipads Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi and land at Rudra Point, about 3 km from the temple. The flight from Phata takes just 8 minutes.
Important: Kedarnath helicopter shuttle tickets sell exclusively through the IRCTC HeliYatra official portal. Never buy from agents or third party websites.
Helicopter fares, operators, and daily seat caps can change without notice due to weather or government orders. Always check the official advisory before travel day. Seats sell out weeks in advance during May and June, book early.
Best for: Elderly pilgrims, people with health conditions, and anyone who wants to skip the 16 km trek.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi (the two simple ways)
This is the most common starting point for pilgrims across north India. Two straightforward options:
Option A: Fastest Route (Flight + Road)
Delhi → Fly to Dehradun → Taxi or bus to Sonprayag → Shuttle to Gaurikund → Trek 16 km
This is the quickest way to reach Kedarnath from Delhi when time matters most. The entire journey from Delhi to Gaurikund takes roughly 6 to 8 hours including the flight.
Option B: Most Economical Route (Train + Road)
Delhi → Overnight train to Haridwar or Rishikesh → UTC bus or taxi to Sonprayag → Shuttle to Gaurikund → Trek 16 km
Most families who want to know how to go to Kedarnath from Delhi on a budget choose this combination. It costs a fraction of the flight option and the overnight train saves both time and hotel costs.
Kedarnath approach: Quick Planner Table
| Mode | Nearest Hub(s) | Next Step(s) | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air | Dehradun (DED) | Taxi/Bus → Sonprayag → Shuttle to Gaurikund → Trek | Airport to temple belt ≈ 235–238 km; frequent taxis during peak season. |
| Train | Rishikesh / Haridwar / Dehradun | UTC Bus or Taxi → Sonprayag → Shuttle → Trek | Overnight trains are convenient for families. |
| Bus (UTC) | Haridwar / Rishikesh (Hill Route) | Book via UTC portal → Sonprayag → Shuttle → Trek | Schedules vary daily; check the official portal before travel. |
| Helicopter | Phata / Sersi / Guptkashi Sectors | Book Kedarnath Shuttle via IRCTC HeliYatra | Weather-dependent; follow official slot and baggage/weight guidelines. |
Time: Most pilgrims take 6 to 8 hours on foot. Start by 5:00 AM from Gaurikund to reach the temple comfortably before the afternoon break.
- Pony: Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 4,000 one way. Book at the official counter in Gaurikund.
- Palki (palanquin): Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 9,000 one way, carried by four porters.
- Porter (for your bag): Rs. 500 to Rs. 800 per trip.
Important Routes
You can choose to go Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Phata → Sonprayag → Gaurikund, then your trek to Kedarnath will start. This is the most common Char Dham highway route that everyone uses when they search “how to go Kedarnath” or “how to visit Kedarnath.” Roads here are scenic but can get narrow in some parts.
Sonprayag to Gaurikund Shuttle: Local administration runs and controls these transfers (small buses/jeeps). It keeps the last stretch organized and safer. Expect crowd management during peak dates.
Season watch: Heavy rain can trigger temporary closures or landslide holds near Munkatiya/Gaurikund. Check district/yatra updates before starting.
From Delhi, what’s the simplest “door-to-door”?
Fastest overall: Delhi → flight to Dehradun → road to Sonprayag → shuttle to Gaurikund → trek. This is many travelers’ answer to how to reach Kedarnath from Delhi when time matters.
Most economical: Delhi → train to Haridwar/Rishikesh → UTC bus/taxi onward. If you are searching how to go to Kedarnath from Delhi, this is usually the best value.
Trek and Last Mile Tips (easy and true)
- Trek length: 16 km from Gaurikund. Most take 6 to 8 hours on foot. Ponies/palkis are available. Start early, carry water, and walk slow.
- Registration: Char Dham/Kedarnath registration is mandatory on the state TouristCare (TSMS) system. Keep the QR/SMS with you. It will be checked.
- Heli seats: Only via IRCTC HeliYatra. Do not buy from agents. Follow weight, reporting time, and weather instructions.
- Monsoon caution: July to August bring frequent weather blocks. Keep buffer days. Roads can close for short periods.
FAQ – How to Reach Kedarnath?
Q. Can I reach Kedarnath in one day from Delhi?
Yes. Fly early morning to Dehradun, drive to Sonprayag, take the shuttle to Gaurikund, and trek 16 km. Most pilgrims choose to stay overnight at Kedarnath after arriving rather than attempt a same-day return.
Q. Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Sonprayag?
Seasonal buses operate directly from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi to Sonprayag during the pilgrimage season. Check the UTC portal and ISBT schedule for your exact travel date since availability changes throughout the season.
Q. Can I drive my own car to Gaurikund?
No. Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag. Local shuttle jeeps cover the final 5 km to Gaurikund. This rule applies throughout the pilgrimage season to manage road safety and congestion.
Q. Is helicopter service reliable?
Helicopter service is weather dependent and can be cancelled or delayed without much notice due to fog, rain, or wind. Always build a buffer day into your schedule when booking helicopter slots.
Q. What is the nearest railway station to Kedarnath?
Rishikesh (Yog Nagri Rishikesh) is the closest railhead, approximately 216 km from Kedarnath. Haridwar and Dehradun are the other practical options, both well connected to major Indian cities.
Q. What is the nearest airport to Kedarnath?
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Kedarnath, approximately 235 to 238 km from Gaurikund base camp.
Takeaway
For how to reach Kedarnath, fly or take a train to Dehradun, Haridwar, or Rishikesh. Travel by road to Sonprayag. Take a shuttle jeep to Gaurikund. Walk 16 km to the temple.
