In the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand lies one of India’s most sacred places. Kedarnath is a holy site dedicated to Lord Shiva and part of the Chardham Yatra. At 3,583 meters above sea level this ancient temple attracts millions of devotees every year seeking peace and solace in its serene surroundings. Built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya it is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Go on the Delhi to Kedarnath road trip to experience the best of the exciting adventure that combines both spiritual significance with natural beauty.
The natural beauty of Kedarnath surrounded by snow peaked mountains and breathtaking landscapes adds to the experience. Devotees undertake a tough trek or helicopter ride to see this spiritual wonder making it a journey of faith and adventure. Go through this guide to get all the essential details like the best routes, travel time, packing tips and many more.
The distance from Delhi to Kedarnath is 450 km. But this journey involves road and trek. The road distance from Delhi to Sonprayag, the last motorable point is 415 km. From Sonprayag you will have to take a local taxi to Gaurikund and then 16 km trek to the temple. The scenic route from Delhi takes you through Haridwar, Rishikesh and Rudraprayag and you will see majestic mountains, flowing rivers and green valleys. You can choose from various modes of transport, private cars, buses or Tempo Travellers as per your choice and group size.
It takes around 10 to 12 hours to reach Sonprayag from Delhi by road depending on traffic and road conditions. From Sonprayag, a local taxi takes another 30 to 45 minutes to reach Gaurikund. From there, you have to do the 16 km trek that takes around 6 to 8 hours if you are an average trekker otherwise depending on your physical fitness and weather.
If you opt for helicopter services from Phata or Guptkashi, the total travel time from Delhi to Kedarnath can be reduced. Do account for rest breaks especially if you are traveling with family or senior citizens. It is better to start early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and enjoy the scenic route.
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October except for July and August when landslides and heavy rainfall are there. The temple opens in late April or early May on Akshaya Tritiya and remains open till November and closes after Diwali. During this period weather is pleasant, May and June are best for trekking as the temperature is cool. September and October are also good with clear sky and peaceful atmosphere.
Winter is not recommended as the temple is closed and heavy snowfall makes the region inaccessible. If you want to avoid crowds then visit during the early or late part of the pilgrimage season.
Kedarnath Temple is open to devotees from April/May to November as per Chardham Yatra Dates. The temple opens at 4:00 AM for morning rituals including Maha Abhishek and closes at 9:00 PM after Shayan Aarti. Between 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM temple is closed for some time. You can attend evening aarti for a spiritual experience. In winter months idol of Lord Kedarnath is moved to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath where you can offer prayers. Please check the timings during your visit as it may vary slightly as per season and local traditions.
There are two ways to reach Kedarnath from Delhi and both are scenic as well as well connected.
Via Haridwar and Rishikesh
Route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Muzaffarnagar → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
Highlights: This route passes through famous pilgrimage towns, river confluences and green valleys.
Via Kotdwar and Devprayag
Route: Delhi → Ghaziabad → Najibabad → Kotdwar → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund.
Highlights: Quieter roads and hill stretches.
Both routes go up to Sonprayag, the last motorable point, then a taxi to Gaurikund and a trek to the temple. NH-7 highway is smooth for most of the journey.
You can choose from the options like car, bus or tempo traveller to reach the Kedarnath. So depending on your preference you can select one.
By Car: Driving to Kedarnath gives you the flexibility and comfort of travelling at your own pace. The 415 km drive to Sonprayag via NH-7 passes through Haridwar, Rishikesh and Rudraprayag. The drive is scenic with river and valley views. Once at Sonprayag, park your car and hire a local taxi to Gaurikund which is the starting point of the trek. Renting a car is a good option for groups or families.
By Tempo Traveller: For group travel renting a Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Kedarnath is the best option. It has ample space, comfortable seating and space for luggage. The drive from Delhi to Kedarnath by Tempo Traveller takes around 10-12 hours to Sonprayag and has scenic stops. This is cost effective and the group can travel together, enjoy the route and avoid multiple vehicle arrangements. From Sonprayag, taxis will take you to Gaurikund for the trek.
By Bus: It is the most budget-friendly way to reach Kedarnath. Buses run from Delhi to Rishikesh and Haridwar and take around 7 to 8 hours to cover the first leg of the journey. Fares range from INR 550 to INR 800 depending on the type of bus government or private.
From Rishikesh, you’ll need another bus or taxi to Sonprayag which takes another 7-8 hours over a distance of 210 km. Though buses are the most economical option, they may not provide the same comfort as private vehicles or Tempo Travellers. Still they are good for solo travellers or those on a tight budget.
Read More: Haridwar to Kedarnath Road Trip
After you complete your pilgrimage to Kedarnath then you can explore these places to get the best experience of your trip.
Vasuki Tal: It is a beautiful glacial lake at high altitude surrounded by snow clad mountains and is 8 km from Kedarnath. The trek to the lake is tough so suitable for experienced trekkers. This place is peaceful with crystal clear water that reflects the sky and mountains. Vasuki Tal is perfect for nature lovers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of pilgrim areas.
Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar): Located 3 km from Kedarnath, Chorabari Lake is a high altitude lake formed by Chorabari Glacier. This lake has historical significance as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here so it is called Gandhi Sarovar. The clear water and rugged landscape make it a favourite among trekkers and photographers.
Bhairav Temple: Bhairav Temple is located near Kedarnath Temple and is dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath who is believed to protect the region during winter when the temple is closed. The temple offers great views of Kedarnath Valley and surrounding mountains. Pilgrims usually include this temple in their visit as darshan at Bhairav Temple is considered essential to complete their pilgrimage.
Gauri Kund: Gauri Kund is a holy place for pilgrims at the base of the Kedarnath trek. It is believed that Goddess Parvati meditated here to win Lord Shiva’s heart. The natural hot springs here are a big attraction as it is believed to have healing properties. Many people take a dip in these warm waters before starting their trek.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: Behind the Kedarnath Temple is the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, a great Indian philosopher and saint who revived Hinduism and established the Char Dham Yatra. This place is a big attraction for pilgrims and history buffs. The location of the Samadhi surrounded by the Himalayas adds to its spiritual appeal. Visiting Shankaracharya Samadhi will give you an insight into the historical and cultural importance of Kedarnath.
Before you head out for the Kedarnath trek make sure you plan well for safety and comfort. Here’s a list of what to carry:
