Among India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, Kedarnath is tucked away in Uttarakhand’s breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas. It is well-known for the Kedarnath Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and combines spiritual significance with stunning natural beauty.
Overview
Kedarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India, is nestled in the majestic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is renowned for the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and offers a blend of spiritual significance and breathtaking natural beauty. Here’s an overview of a Kedarnath trip.
Itinerary
Arrive in New Delhi and we will drive to Haridwar. On arrival at Haridwar, check in to your hotel. In the evening, proceed to Har Ki Pauri to enjoy Ganga Aarti on the banks of Ganges. Dinner and Overnight stay at Haridwar.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Guptkashi. On arrival check in at the hotel. Later get your medical checkup done for your next day’s trip to Kedarnath. Dinner and Overnight stay in Guptkashi hotel/Camps.
Very early morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Gaurikund. From where, you will start your 17 km trek to Kedarnath. You can hire a Doli or a horse, for your trek (Cost Not Included). Mandakini, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges originates at Kedarnath and flows through Gaurikund. Trudging with you are pilgrims chanting “Jai Bholenath.” Sometimes the mist would envelop the mountains and slowly lift away, revealing a shiny blinding-white peak that threatens to rupture the skies. On arrival check in at Govt. Camps/Lodges. Dinner and Overnight at Govt. Camps/Lodges.
Early in the morning you get up before dawn and after taking a bath you are at the temple by 4:45 am for the ‘Abhishek’ to Kedarnath Shiva. Everyone can go inside Garbha Griha and touch the idol. You can also prostate with your head touching the deity etc. After darshan and puja you come out of the temple and return to the Govt. Camps / Lodges. Later you’ll start the return trek of 17 km from Kedarnath to Gaurikund. The vehicles wait for you in Gaurikund Car parking and you’ll drive to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight at Guptkashi.
Early morning, after breakfast, you drive downhill to Rishikesh, a spiritual city and the Yoga capital of the world. On reaching Rishikesh you’ll do the Rishikesh sightseeing visit Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula. Evening drive to Haridwar and overnight stay.
Next day, in the morning after breakfast, I drove to Jodhpur. On arrival at Jodhpur check-in the hotel and we will visit attractive mandora gardens, mehrangarh fort and later back to hotel for Dinner & Overnight stay.
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop from the airport/railway/bus station.
- Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis.
- All breakfast included at hotels.
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle.
- Driver’s bata, toll, parking, road tax, fuel charges All applicable taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Service Tax – 5% GST Extra.
- Any train, bus, or air price any more meals not listed in the package's contents.
- Any other destination not mentioned in itinerary.
- Any personal costs like phone, minibar, room service, laundry, etc.
- Any fees for services or activities not covered by the included.
- Additional fees during high season, long weekends, or festival periods.
The ideal time is May to June and September to October. The temple remains open from late April/early May to November (dates vary annually). Avoid the monsoon season (July-August) due to landslides.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the nearest airport (238 km).
By Train: Rishikesh railway station is the closest (216 km).
By Road: Gaurikund is the last motorable point, accessible via buses and taxis.
Helicopter Services: Available from locations like Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi.
The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is 16 km. It takes approximately 6-8 hours depending on pace and weather conditions.
Yes, you can hire ponies, palkis (palanquins), or take a helicopter ride for convenience.
Yatra registration is mandatory. You can register online or at counters in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Sonprayag, or Gaurikund.