Kedarnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, is nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Char Dham destinations and a significant temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every year, thousands of devotees embark on a journey to seek blessings at the Kedarnath temple. If you are planning a trip from Delhi to Kedarnath, here’s everything you need to know about the distance, routes, and travel options.
Delhi to Kedarnath Distance:
The total distance from Delhi to Kedarnath is approximately 450-500 kilometers, depending on the route taken. However, it is important to note that there is no direct road connectivity to Kedarnath. Travelers must reach Gaurikund, the last motorable point, and then undertake a trek to the temple.
Distance Between Delhi to Kedarnath
| Distance between Delhi to Kedarnath by Road is | 452 Kms |
| Distance between Delhi to Kedarnath by Flight is | 296 Kms |
| Travel Time from Delhi to Kedarnath by Road is | 9:10 hrs |
| Nearest Airport in Delhi | Indira Gandhi (28.61, 77.21) |
| Nearest Airport in Kedarnath | Jolly Grant (30.73, 79.07) |
Delhi to Kedarnath Routes and Travel Options
There are multiple ways to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath, including by road, train, and air. Below are the details of different routes:
1. By Road (Delhi to Gaurikund)
The road journey is around 450 km from Delhi to Gaurikund. The common route taken by travelers is:
- Delhi → Meerut → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund
- From Gaurikund, a 16 km trek is required to reach Kedarnath.
Travelers can either take a bus, private car, or hire a taxi to reach Gaurikund. State transport buses and private operators run services from Delhi to major cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh, from where taxis can be hired for onward travel.
Sonprayag Bus Timings from Hardiwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun
The best thing about taking a bus to Sonprayag is that you don’t have to worry about navigating mountain roads yourself. It’s cost-effective and convenient. Let’s take a look at the detailed bus schedules:
| From | To | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haridwar | Sonprayag | 4:00 AM | 12:00 PM | ₹650 |
| Haridwar | Sonprayag | 5:15 AM | 2:00 PM | ₹650 |
| Haridwar | Sonprayag | 6:00 AM | 3:00 PM | ₹650 |
| Haridwar | Sonprayag | 8:00 AM | 7:00 PM | ₹650 |
| Haridwar | Sonprayag | 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM | ₹600 |
| Dehradun | Sonprayag | 7:00 AM | 4:00 PM | ₹650 |
| Rishikesh | Sonprayag | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM | ₹600 |
2. By Train (Delhi to Rishikesh/Haridwar to Gaurikund)
There is no direct train to Kedarnath, but you can take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are the nearest railway stations.
- The distance from Delhi to Haridwar is 230 km.
- The distance from Delhi to Rishikesh is 240 km.
- From Rishikesh or Haridwar, one must travel by road to Gaurikund.
3. By Air (Delhi to Dehradun to Kedarnath)
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is around 250 km from Gaurikund.
- You can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun (about 1 hour).
- From Dehradun, hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund.
- Alternatively, helicopter services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi to Kedarnath for those who prefer an easier journey.
Trekking from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
The final stretch of the journey is the 16 km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. It takes around 6-8 hours to complete the trek, depending on individual fitness levels. For those unable to trek, options like palkis (palanquins), ponies, and helicopter services are available.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, as the temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The monsoon season (July-August) is also risky due to landslides.
How to Reach Kedarnath From Delhi
Reaching Kedarnath from Delhi involves multiple travel modes since it is located in the Garhwal Himalayas and is not directly accessible by road beyond Gaurikund. Here’s how you can reach Kedarnath from Delhi:
1. Delhi to Kedarnath By Air (Fastest Way)
- Flight to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) – Take a flight from Delhi (DEL) to Dehradun (DED) (approx. 1 hour).
- From Dehradun:
- By Road: Take a taxi/bus to Gaurikund (approx. 8-10 hours, 250 km).
- By Helicopter: Book a helicopter ride from Dehradun, Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi to Kedarnath (10-15 min ride).
2. Delhi to Kedarnath By Train (Budget-Friendly)
- Take a train from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh (approx. 5-7 hours).
- From Haridwar/Rishikesh:
- Hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund (7-9 hours).
- Continue your journey as below.
3. Delhi to Kedarnath By Road (Scenic Route)
- Self-Drive/Taxi/Bus: Drive or take a bus from Delhi to Gaurikund via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi (approx. 16-18 hours, 450 km).
- From Gaurikund to Kedarnath:
- Trek (16 km, 6-8 hours)
- Pony/Doli
- Helicopter service from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi – Best Option Based on Budget & Time
| Mode | Time Taken | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Helicopter | 5-6 hours | High | Fastest & convenient |
| Train + Road + Trek | 2 days | Medium | Budget-friendly |
| Bus/Car + Trek | 2 days | Low | Adventurous & scenic |
Book Chardham Tour Package: +91-9555334268
Book Chardham Tour Package: +91-9555334268
Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath
