Kedarnath is a dream destination for various Shiv bhakts. It is among the 12 Jyotirlingas, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also one of the most important Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. Standing tall in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this place draws the attention of thousands of devotees and travelers every year who come here to seek both spiritual peace and the breathtaking beauty of the mountains.
But one of the main questions that often comes to the mind of visitors is How to reach Kedarnath from Delhi? As there is no direct train or flight connectivity to Kedarnath, which means reaching the temple is a journey in itself. If you’re wondering about the best way to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath, this guide will take you through all the routes, options, and tips to make your trip to Kedarnath hassle-free.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi
The Kedarnath distance from Delhi is approximately 452 kilometres, and takes around 12-14 hours to reach the destination. There are various ways of your query How to visit Kedarnath from Delhi. Let’s know them in detail below-
By Air
Travelling by air is the fastest and most convenient mode of travel from Delhi to Kedarnath. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km away from Kedarnath. You can hire a taxi or take a shared cab/bus, or you can also take a helicopter service from places like Phata or Guptkashi, which takes you directly to Kedarnath in just a few minutes.
Nearest Airport to Kedarnath- Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport
By Train
If you prefer to reach Kedarnth via a more relaxing route, then take a train from Delhi to Kedarnath. However, there is no direct train, which runs between Delhi to Kedarnath. The closest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 216 km away. From there, you can continue the journey by road to reach Sonprayag or Gaurikund from where the trek starts.
Nearest Railway station to Kedarnath- Rishikesh Railway station
By Road
Driving from Delhi to Kedarnath is one of the most popular ways to reach the holy town, as the journey offers a chance to soak in the beautiful mountain views along the way. One can drive their own car or take a bus/taxi from Delhi to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, you’ll need to continue towards Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath.
Delhi to Kedarnath Route by Road
Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag -Rudraprayag - Guptkashi - Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Kedarnath.
Delhi → Haridwar – 220–230 km | 5–6 hours
Travelers can start travelling early in the morning when the roads are clear to reach timely.
Haridwar → Devprayag – 93.5 km | 3–4 hours
This stretch from Haridwar to Devprayag is one of the most scenic and spiritual parts of the Kedarnath Yatra. Travelers can witness the Ganga River flowing alongside the road and can also witness the Devprayag sangam, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet.
Devprayag → Rudraprayag – 65.4 km | 2–3 hours
Along the way from Devprayag to Rudraprayag, you can witness beautiful stretches of the Alaknanda River, and it is a great place to take a short tea break.
Rudraprayag → Guptkashi – 44.7 km | 2–3 hours
Travelers can see the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers on the way, which is also a sacred point for pilgrims.
Guptkashi → Sonprayag – 27.8 km | 1–1.5 hours
This offers a scenic drive along the Mandakini river and it is believed that a dip into the river washes away sins before starting the Kedarnath trek.
Sonprayag → Gaurikund – 4.7 km | 30 minutes
Travelers can visit the hot water spring in the Gaurikund temple, where pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip before starting the trek.
Gaurikund → Kedarnath (Trek) – 16 km | 6–8 hours
The trek to Kedarrnath starts from Gaurikund, you can witness lush green valleys, waterfalls, snow clad peaks and chirping birds during your trek.
Travel Tips for Delhi to Kedarnath Trip
If you’re planning a trip from Delhi to Kedarnath, here are a few simple tips to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:
Plan your route in advance as there is no direct train or flight connectivity to Kedarnath. Therefore, sort out your days and transport options before you leave.
Weather can be so uncertain on mountains so always keep 1-2 extra days in hand.
Pack Smartly with warm clothes, a raincoat, trekking shoes, backpack. But don't overpack as it will get tough for you to trek with a heavy backpack.
Keep a first aid kit with you in case needed.
Stay Hydrated, walk slowly and take breaks while trekking. If walking feels tough you can also take ponies and palkis to Kedarnath.
Carry enough cash with you as ATMs are limited and you must require it for food, transport, and small expenses.
Book choppers in advance as they get sold out quickly in peak season.
Know the best time to visit Kedarnath, that is from May to June and September to October. Avoid the heavy monsoon months (July–August) because of landslides and flooding risks.
The mobile network is patchy. Inform family beforehand, and don’t rely too much on the internet in higher regions.
Respect the Mountains and locals, don't litter and keep the surrounding clean.
Conclusion
Want to know how to go Kedarnath from Delhi? Then this blog is the answer. Reaching Kedarnath is more than just travelling, it offers a mix of devotion, adventure, and the raw charm of the Himalayas. The base point for the trek towards Kedarnath is Gaurikund. Whether you are traveling by train, flight or via road the trek from Delhi to Kedarnath will offer you an experience of a lifetime. With getting some proper travel guide to Kedarnath, your yatra will be smooth and memorable. At the end of the day, it’s not just about reaching the shrine, it’s about the peace, faith, and beauty you experience along the way.
