Kedarnath, one of the pilgrimage destinations in India, which is in Garhwal Himalayas. Mainly for the Hindu devotees going to this place is a dream to come true. The whole journey takes place with devotion, spiritual energy and the holy of Lord Shiva. If you are thinking of taking a trip to Kedarnath then this guide is for you. 

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the Delhi to Kedarnath distance, travel routes, timings, and essential tips to help you plan a smooth and stress-free journey. 

Distance & Travel Duration  

The kilometers from Delhi to Kedarnath is all over 452 kilometers. And from all this distance you can cover 436 kilometers from roads with your own vehicle. Either through bus, your own car or through train. Rest the remaining 18 kilometers is covered by trekking.  

The journey you cover by road will take you around 11 to 12 hours and the trekking distance would be depending upon how you cover it.  

Travel Time from Delhi to Kedarnath

• By Road (till Gaurikund): 12 to 15 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
• By Trek (Gaurikund to Kedarnath): 6 to 8 hours for average trekkers.

• By Helicopter (from Phata/Guptkashi): 30 minutes (one-way flying time)

Modes of Transport from Delhi to Kedarnath

1. By Road (Car/Bus/Taxi)

Driving from Delhi to Kedarnath by your own car or hiring a taxi is onw of the most convenient ways to travel.

• Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Gaurikund
• Road Condition: Good till Rudraprayag, moderate in hilly areas
• Parking: Available at Sonprayag and Gaurikund

2. By Train

There is no direct train to Kedarnath. However, you can take a train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then continue by road.

• Popular Trains: Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express
• Travel Time: 5–7 hours by train + 9–10 hours by road

3. By Air

The nearest airport to kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

• Delhi to Dehradun Flight Time: 1 hour
• Dehradun to Kedarnath by road: 9–10 hours
• Helicopter services available from Phata, Guptkashi, Sitapur to Kedarnath

Delhi to Kedarnath by Helicopter

Helicopter service is the fastest and most convenient option, especially for senior citizens or those with limited time.

• Base Locations: Phata, Guptkashi, Sersi
• Operator Names: Pawan Hans, Aryan Aviation, Himalayan Heli
• Travel Duration (One Way): 30 minutes
• Fare: ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 (approx) per person round trip
• Note: Advance booking is mandatory during peak season, and services are subject to weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath from Delhi

• Temple Opening: Late April or early May
• Best Months: May, June, and September to October
• Avoid: Monsoon season (July to August) due to landslides and heavy rainfall

Winter Season: From November to April, the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, and the idol is shifted to Ukhimath.

Weather Conditions in Kedarnath

• Summer (May-June): Pleasant weather, 15–20°C, ideal for trekking
• Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rainfall, frequent landslides
• Autumn (Sept-Oct): Cool and clear skies, best for darshan
• Winter (Nov-April): Extreme cold, heavy snow, temple closed

Note: Always carry warm clothes even in summer as the nights are cold.

Accommodation Options Near Kedarnath

1. Gaurikund & Sonprayag

• Budget guesthouses and dharamshalas available
• Ideal base for overnight stay before starting the trek

2. Kedarnath Temple Area

• GMVN camps, tented accommodations, and basic lodges
• Book early during the season due to high demand

3. Guptkashi & Phata

• Good range of hotels, mid-budget stays, and lodges
• Also used by pilgrims taking helicopter service

Trekking from Gaurikund to Kedarnath

• Distance: 16 km one way
• Trek Route: Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Linchauli → Kedarnath
• Trek Duration: 6–8 hours depending on fitness
• Facilities on Trek: Drinking water, first aid, rest points, pony and palki services

Note: Senior citizens or those with health issues are advised to consult a doctor before attempting the trek.

Important Travel Tips for Delhi to Kedarnath Journey

• Start Early: Roads in hills get crowded; leaving early avoids jams
• Carry Essentials: Power bank, water bottle, torch, glucose, medicines
• Register for Yatra: Mandatory biometric registration at Haridwar/Rishikesh or online
• Stay Hydrated: The high-altitude trek can cause fatigue and dizziness
• Travel Insurance: Recommended in case of helicopter or adventure-related travel

Delhi to Kedarnath Distance Chart (Quick Overview)

Things to keep in mind 

 ● As instructed by the Uttarakhand government, it is necessary for every traveler to do bio-metric registration. This is available online as well. Alternatively, you may also do the same at Sonprayag. 

● You can easily find mules & porters to accompany you on your journey. Do remember to check the prices officially posted so as to avoid paying a larger sum. 

● Also, if you are hiring porters or mule owner - remember to check their official IDs

● Photography is not allowed in the temple premises. Be mindful of the fact and abide by the rules of the temple authorities.

● It is always wise to avoid the hilly terrain in the monsoon season. Especially given the tragedy of 2013, and how badly Kedarnath was hit. If you are still heading there in the monsoon period – do check with officials and local authorities then decide. 

Conclusion  

The journey from Delhi to Kedarnath is a spiritual journey which will make you feel refreshed and calm from within. The beauty of Himalayas and the calmness in the place will surely get you connect with the divine aura of Kedarnath Temple. With proper planning and preparation your trip can go smoothly without any hassle.