The journey to Kedarnath is a spiritual one, a scenic one and an adventurous one. That is why you need to plan your route, accommodation and the best time to visit. Kedarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrim places in India located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also a part of the sacred Chardham Yatra that attracts millions of devotees every year. This guide will give you all the information for Delhi to Kedarnath trip whether it is travel options or places to visit near Kedarnath.
Significance of Kedarnath
Kedarnath is sacred for Hindus as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Located at 3,583 meters above sea level, the temple is situated in the Himalayas and the majestic view around it adds to its divine atmosphere. The temple was built by Pandavas in the Mahabharata era and later restored by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. People from all over the country come to Kedarnath not only to seek blessings but also to see the natural beauty as the trek to the temple passes through beautiful landscapes, dense forests and flowing rivers.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October, except July and August when landslides and heavy rain make the roads unsafe. The temple opens in May on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya and closes in November after Diwali. In winter the temple is closed due to heavy snow and the deity is shifted to Ukhimath for worship. Peak season is May to June and September to October when the weather is nice and good for trekking and outdoor activities. This is also when the other Char Dhams open for pilgrimage, making it the perfect time to explore them with a good Char Dham Tour Package from Delhi.
Kedarnath Temple Timings
If you are making a Delhi to Kedarnath tour primarily for religious purposes then having an understanding of temple timings is crucial. The temple opens in late April or early May and remains accessible until the onset of winter in November. Daily temple timings are from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Morning Aarti: 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM
- General Darshan: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
It is recommended to attend the morning or evening aarti for a more spiritual and immersive experience. Make sure to arrive early, especially during peak seasons, as there is often a long queue of devotees.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi
By Air: The quickest way to get to Kedarnath is by air. Flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun and the closest air terminal to Kedarnath. The overhead journey between Delhi and Dehradun has a distance of 207 kilometers taking approximately one hour for that trip.
From Dehradun you need to travel by road to Rishikesh (21 km) and then to Sonprayag (210 km) which takes about 7-8 hours. From Sonprayag local taxis will take you to Gaurikund, from where you start the trek. Alternatively you can take helicopter services from Phata and Guptkashi which will take you directly to Kedarnath but these need to be booked in advance. You can also extend your pilgrimage by covering the Delhi to Char Dham distance of 1,607 kilometers to visit all the sacred sites in one trip.
By Train: Delhi to Kedarnath distance is around 452 km, making it a long journey. In case you want to go by train the closest railway station towards Kedarnath is Yog Nagri Rishikesh which is 210 km away from Sonprayag. You can board a train easily from Delhi to Rishikesh which takes approximately between 5-6 hours.
After reaching Rishikesh, you will have to travel by road until Sonprayag which will take about another 7-8 hours. Taxis and buses are available at Rishikesh railway station for the onward journey. Another option is to take a train to Haridwar which is also well connected to Delhi and continue by road from there. For those who want to travel in comfort the Delhi to Kedarnath train is a good option especially if you like overnight journey.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from Delhi to Rishikesh and Haridwar operated by private and government transport agencies. The bus journey from Delhi to Rishikesh takes about 7-8 hours and the bus fare is between INR 550 to INR 800. From Rishikesh you can catch a bus or taxi to Sonprayag. The distance from Rishikesh to Sonprayag is 210 km and it takes about 7-8 hours to cover this distance by road. Although buses are the most economical option they may not be as comfortable as private taxis or trains.
By Car: If you are planning a Delhi to Kedarnath by car trip you can follow the NH-7 route which will take you through Haridwar, Rishikesh and Rudraprayag. The road journey from Delhi to Sonprayag is beautiful with lush green valleys and Ganges flowing. After parking your car at Sonprayag you can take a local taxi to Gaurikund and start the trek. Alternatively you can hire a Car on Rent in Delhi to Dehradun and drive directly to Sonprayag. This option gives you flexibility in terms of travel time and stopovers.
Delhi to Kedarnath Route
There are two main routes from Delhi to Kedarnath:
Route 1: By Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh
Delhi-Ghaziabad-Khatauli-Muzaffarnagar-Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Guptkashi-Phata-Sonmarg-Gaurikund
Route 2: By Delhi to Kotwar and Devprayag
Delhi-Ghaziabad-Khatauli-Najibabad-Kotdwar-Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Guptkashi-Sonprayag-Gaurikund
Also Read: Delhi to Haridwar Road Trip
Places to Visit Near Kedarnath
After you have completed your pilgrimage at Kedarnath Temple then you can explore some of the sacred, spiritually rich and mesmerizing destinations nearby by booking a 20 Seater Tempo Traveller with your family or group.
Vasuki Taal: 8 km from Kedarnath, this glacial lake is surrounded by snow capped mountains. The trek to the lake is tough so it’s best for experienced trekkers. The peaceful atmosphere and crystal clear water makes Vasuki Taal a must visit for nature lovers.
Chorabari Lake (Gandhi Sarovar): 3 km from Kedarnath Temple, Chorabari Lake is a high altitude lake formed by Chorabari Glacier. The lake has historical significance as Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed here so it’s called Gandhi Sarovar. The short trek to the lake offers great views of the surrounding mountains.
Bhairav Temple: This Temple is dedicated to Bhairavnath, the guardian deity of the region. It is believed that Bhairavnath protects Kedarnath during the winter months when the temple is closed and without darshan of Bhairav Temple the Kedarnath Dham Darshan is not considered to be completed. The temple offers great views of Kedarnath valley and is a peaceful place for meditation.
Gauri Kund: At the start of the trek to Kedarnath, Gauri Kund is a sacred place. It is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva’s heart. The natural hot springs at Gauri Kund are popular among pilgrims for its healing properties, a great place to take a dip before starting the trek to Kedarnath.
Shankaracharya Samadhi: It is located behind the Kedarnath Temple, the Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher who is known for the establishment of Char Dham Yatra. A must visit for devotees interested in Kedarnath’s spiritual history.
Things to Carry for Kedarnath Trek
When you start your trek of Kedarnath it is essential that you carrying things that will keep you safe and provide you a comfortable journey.
- Warm Clothing: Even during the summer months, temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
- Trekking Shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes with strong grip is essential for the rocky and steep terrain.
- Raincoat and Umbrella: Sudden rain showers are common in the mountains, so it is always good to be prepared.
- Medical Kit: Carry indispensable medications along with a basic first-aid kit, specifically for altitude illness, headache pain, and muscle discomfort.
- Water Bottle and Energy Snacks: It is critical to remain hydrated as well as filled with energy while climbing mountains. Pack snacks such as energy bars, dry fruits and glucose in order to achieve quick energy boosts.
- ID Proof and Permits: Always keep a government issued identity card since it may be asked at a number of places along your trip.
Where to Stay in Kedarnath
Kedarnath has various accommodation options from budget lodges to comfortable guesthouses. Most of the places to stay are in Gaurikund, Sonprayag and near the temple itself. GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouses and Dharmashalas are popular among pilgrims that offer basic facilities at affordable rates. Book your accommodation in advance especially during peak season as rooms get full very fast.
Conclusion
A journey to Kedarnath is not just about connecting spiritually but also about witnessing the natural beauty of Himalayas. By planning ahead and knowing the best routes, timings and all the details your Kedarnath package from Delhi can be a smooth and enjoyable trip. With proper gear, knowledge of the trek and respect for the place and its culture and spirituality. To make your journey more comfortable and smooth you can also rent a Tempo Traveller Hire in Delhi. After considering all these tips, your Kedarnath trip will be truly memorable.
