Kedarnath distance from Delhi is around 450 km (13-15 Hours) by road till Gaurikund, and then it’s a 16 km trek to the temple. This section gives a clear idea of how long the trip takes, which routes are best, and where to stop on the way. It’s useful if you’re figuring out the travel plan for your Kedarnath yatra from Delhi.
Quick Summary:
- Distance: 450 km by road (Delhi to Gaurikund) + 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple
- Total Travel Time: 15–17 hours by road + 6–8 hours trek
- Best Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
Delhi to Kedarnath Distance & Route Breakdown
Delhi to Kedarnath distance is covered in two parts—about 435 km by road to Gaurikund and a 16 km trek to the temple. This section breaks down the full route step by step, including major stops like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag. It helps you understand how the journey flows and where you might want to rest or stay overnight.
Delhi to Kedarnath involves two legs: a road journey till Gaurikund and a 16 km trek to the temple. Here’s the route broken down with estimated travel time:
- Delhi to Haridwar: 230 km | 5–6 hrs by road/train
- Haridwar to Rudraprayag: 160 km | 4–5 hrs
- Rudraprayag to Guptkashi: 70 km | 2–3 hrs
- Guptkashi to Sonprayag: 30 km | 1–1.5 hrs
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: 5 km | 30 mins by shared taxi
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: 16 km | 6–8 hrs trek (can vary based on pace or if using pony/palki)
Kedarnath Distance from Delhi by Road
Kedarnath distance from Delhi by road is around 435 to 450 km, ending at Gaurikund. From there, the 16 km trek to the temple begins. This section explains the road conditions, travel time, and why it’s better to split the journey with halts in places like Haridwar or Rudraprayag. It’s useful if you’re planning to drive or hire a private taxi.
The total driving distance from Delhi to Gaurikund is about 435–450 km. The road journey can take 14–17 hours, depending on traffic, breaks, and weather.
- Roads are smooth till Haridwar via NH334.
- After Rishikesh, hill driving begins. Roads are narrower with sharp curves and some rough patches.
- Post Guptkashi, the road gets steeper and slower till Sonprayag.
Kedarnath Distance from Delhi by Train
There’s no direct train to Kedarnath, but this section shows how to combine train travel with taxis or buses. Useful if you prefer comfortable train rides till Haridwar or Rishikesh before switching to road transport.
There is no direct train to Kedarnath. You can take a train from Delhi to either Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Popular Trains:
| Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie Express (14041) | 22:25 | 07:10 | ~9 hrs |
| Dehradun Shatabdi (12017) | 06:45 | 11:25 | ~5 hrs |
| Jan Shatabdi (12055) | 15:20 | 19:33 | ~4 hrs |
From Haridwar/Rishikesh, continue by taxi or bus to Sonprayag and then Gaurikund.
Kedarnath Distance from Delhi by Bus
Kedarnath distance from Delhi by bus is covered in parts—Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh by regular bus, then local buses or shared jeeps to Sonprayag and Gaurikund. Total travel time is around 14–16 hours. Bus fare from Delhi to Haridwar is ₹300–500, and Haridwar to Sonprayag costs around ₹400–600. It’s a slow journey but budget-friendly for yatris.
There is no direct Delhi to Kedarnath bus. You need to follow this route:
- Delhi to Haridwar: Regular buses from Delhi ISBT (6–7 hrs)
- Haridwar to Sonprayag: Local buses start early morning (~8–10 hrs)
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: 30 mins shared jeep
- Trek from Gaurikund: 16 km (6–8 hrs walk or pony/palki)
Bus Fare Price Range:
- Delhi to Haridwar: ₹300–500
- Haridwar to Sonprayag: ₹400–600
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: ₹30–50
Helicopter Services to Kedarnath
Helicopter services to Kedarnath are available from Dehradun, Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi. The ride takes around 8–10 minutes and drops you close to the temple. One-way fares range from ₹5,500 to ₹7,500 per person. Services operate from May to October and depend on weather. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak Char Dham Yatra season.
Helicopter is the fastest way to reach Kedarnath from Delhi, though expensive and weather-dependent.
- Take a flight/train from Delhi to Dehradun.
- Book helicopter from Sahastradhara (Dehradun) to Kedarnath.
- One-way ride takes ~10 minutes.
Other helipads: Guptkashi, Phata, Sirsi
Average Price: ₹5500–7500 per person (one-way)
Booking: Advance booking needed (via IRCTC or private operators)
Best Time to Travel to Kedarnath from Delhi
The best time to travel to Kedarnath from Delhi is between May to June and September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, clearer roads, and stable trekking conditions. Avoid the July–August monsoon due to frequent landslides. Winter (November to April) is not suitable as the temple is closed and the route is covered in snow. Always check weather and road updates before planning.
- May–June: Peak yatra season with good weather and clear roads.
- July–August: Monsoon months. Avoid due to landslide risk.
- September–October: Post-monsoon, pleasant climate, less crowd.
- November–April: Temple is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Road Conditions From Delhi to Kedarnath
Road conditions from Delhi to Kedarnath are good till Haridwar, with smooth highways. After Rishikesh, you enter hilly terrain with narrower roads and some sharp curves. The drive is scenic but a bit slower in parts, especially after Rudraprayag. The final stretch to Sonprayag is manageable with careful driving. It’s best to check for any route updates during the rainy season.
- Delhi to Haridwar (NH334): 4-lane smooth highway. Easy drive.
- Haridwar to Rishikesh: Busy but decent.
- Rishikesh to Rudraprayag: Narrow hill roads with curves. Drive slow.
- Guptkashi to Sonprayag: Steep inclines and occasional traffic blocks.
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: Last 5 km stretch via local taxi only.
Important Stops Along the Route
Important stops on the Delhi to Kedarnath route include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag. These places are good for taking breaks, fuel, food, and overnight stays. Haridwar and Rishikesh are ideal for the first night halt. Rudraprayag and Guptkashi are common mid-point stays. Sonprayag is the last motorable stop before the trek to Kedarnath begins.
| Stop | Good for | Eateries / Restaurants |
| Haridwar | Stay, meals, fuel, registration | Hoshiyar Puri, Chotiwala |
| Rishikesh | Food, stay, sightseeing | Madras Café, Chotiwala |
| Devprayag | Scenic halt, short tea break | Small local dhabas |
| Rudraprayag | Fuel, food, mid-point stay | Bhairavnath Restaurant |
| Guptkashi | Stay, fuel, chopper base | GMVN Guest House kitchen |
| Sonprayag | Parking, food, shared taxi to trek | Local dhabas, canteen |
Fuel, Mobile Network & Permits
Fuel is easily available till Rudraprayag. After that, pumps are limited, so it’s better to top up early. For mobile network, Airtel and Jio work best in higher regions, though signal is weak or missing during the trek. This year, Uttarakhand govt has made Yatra registration mandatory for all visitors—either online or at counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Sonprayag. Carry ID and keep SMS confirmation.
- Fuel: Available in Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag. Limited beyond.
- Mobile Network: Airtel and Jio works best post-Rudraprayag. No signal during trek.
- Yatra Registration: Mandatory. Register online or at Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Kedarnath To Badrinath Distance
Stay Options Between Delhi and Kedarnath
Stay options between Delhi and Kedarnath are available at key halts like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and Sonprayag. You’ll find hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas in every town. Rooms start from ₹800 in Haridwar and go up to ₹3000+ near Kedarnath. At Kedarnath, basic dharamshalas and tent stays are available. For private room booking near the temple, contact Ravikant Upadhyay at +91-9990696688.
- Haridwar/Rishikesh: Hotels, guesthouses, ashrams
- Rudraprayag/Guptkashi: Lodges and mid-range hotels
- Sonprayag: Budget hotels, dharamshalas
- Kedarnath: Dharamshalas only. Private tents start ₹1000. Rooms from ₹2500–3000 per person. Call +91-9990696688 (Ravikant Upadhyay) for private room bookings near the temple.
About Travel Vaidya – Trusted Travel Experts of Uttarakhand
Travel Vaidya is a Dehradun-based travel company with deep roots across Uttarakhand. For over 9 years, we’ve helped families, senior citizens, and spiritual travelers explore places like Char Dham, Auli, Jim Corbett, Nainital, Kausani, Almora, and Ranikhet with confidence.
We’re not a call center or big-brand OTA—we’re a small team that builds practical, experience-based itineraries. Every plan is shaped by local knowledge, seasonal awareness, and what actually works on-ground.
From temple visits to hotel check-ins, we handle logistics, route planning, and day-wise support—especially for elders and family travelers. We share what we know from living here, not from reading about it.
This guide is part of our effort to make travel in Uttarakhand easier to understand and plan.
Frequently Asked Question’s
What is the total distance from Delhi to Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is roughly 450 km from Delhi by road till Gaurikund. From Gaurikund, the last motorable point, you need to trek 16 km uphill to reach the temple. The road and trek combined make this a two-part journey. You can do the trek on foot or choose ponies or palkis, depending on your fitness and comfort level.
How long does it take to reach Kedarnath from Delhi?
The road journey from Delhi to Gaurikund takes about 15–17 hours. Add another 6–8 hours for the 16 km uphill trek to Kedarnath. The total travel time can easily go up to 22–25 hours. Most travelers break the trip with a halt in Haridwar, Rudraprayag, or Guptkashi to rest and manage the long travel better.
What is the best route to Kedarnath from Delhi?
The preferred route is Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund. This route is commonly used for Char Dham Yatra and has good facilities for food, fuel, and accommodation. Roads are better maintained and safer compared to other alternate paths.
Can I drive from Delhi to Kedarnath directly?
You can only drive up to Gaurikund, which is the last point where vehicles are allowed. After Gaurikund, there’s a mandatory 16 km trek to reach Kedarnath temple. The trek can be done on foot or with the help of ponies, palkis, or helicopter (from nearby helipads). It’s not a direct road access to the temple.
Is there a direct train from Delhi to Kedarnath?
No direct train runs to Kedarnath. You can board a train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there, travel by road to Sonprayag, then take a shared taxi to Gaurikund, followed by a trek to the temple. Combining train and road is a popular and affordable travel plan for many pilgrims heading to Kedarnath.
What are the train options from Delhi to Haridwar?
You have multiple trains to choose from, like Mussoorie Express (overnight), Dehradun Shatabdi, and Jan Shatabdi. These trains take around 4–9 hours. After reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can hire a private cab or use local transport options to continue the journey toward Kedarnath through hill roads.
How much does a bus trip to Kedarnath cost from Delhi?
There’s no direct bus to Kedarnath. First, take a bus from Delhi to Haridwar (₹300–500), then switch to a local bus for Sonprayag (₹400–600). From Sonprayag, a shared jeep will take you to Gaurikund (₹30–50), where the 16 km trek starts. Total cost is under ₹1,000, making this the cheapest way to reach.
Can I reach Kedarnath by helicopter from Delhi?
No direct heli service runs from Delhi. You need to reach Dehradun first, then take a helicopter to Kedarnath from Sahastradhara or other helipads like Phata, Sirsi, or Guptkashi. The ride takes around 10 minutes. It’s quick but expensive and weather-dependent, so advance booking is strongly recommended.
What’s the cost of a Kedarnath helicopter ticket?
A two-way helicopter ticket to Kedarnath costs between ₹5,500 and ₹7,500 depending on the starting helipad. Popular options are Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi. Tickets can be booked online via IRCTC only. Book early during yatra season as seats sell out quickly.
What are the road conditions like from Delhi to Kedarnath?
The highway till Haridwar is smooth. After Rishikesh, roads become hilly and narrow. From Rudraprayag to Sonprayag, expect slow driving with curves, climbs, and traffic. Drive carefully and avoid night travel, especially in monsoon. Last 5 km from Sonprayag to Gaurikund is via shared local taxi.
Is mobile network available during the trip?
Yes, till Guptkashi most networks work. Beyond that, Airtel and Jio are more reliable but still patchy. There’s usually no signal during the 16 km trek to the temple. It’s best to inform family before you begin the trek and carry a power bank, offline maps, and travel in groups if possible.
Do I need to register for the Kedarnath Yatra?
Yes, registration is compulsory for all pilgrims. You can register online or at counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Sonprayag. Carry a valid ID and keep the confirmation message handy. You may be denied permission to proceed further if you haven’t registered, especially during peak yatra season.
Where can I stop overnight on the way to Kedarnath?
Haridwar and Rishikesh are good for your first night halt. Rudraprayag and Guptkashi are ideal mid-point stopovers. Sonprayag is the last motorable spot. All these towns have budget hotels, lodges, or dharamshalas. Guptkashi also has helipad access if you’re taking a chopper to Kedarnath.
When is the best time to travel to Kedarnath?
May to June and September to October are the best months to travel. The weather is clear, and roads are safer. Avoid July and August as monsoon causes landslides. The temple is closed from November to April due to snowfall. Always check the weather and road updates before planning your travel.
What stays are available near Kedarnath temple?
Kedarnath has limited options like dharamshalas, tents, and GMVN rest houses. Private rooms start from ₹2,500–₹3,000 per person if available. Booking in advance is highly advised. You can also contact local operators for tent stays near the temple area. During peak season, rooms fill up fast.
