How to Reach Kedarnath
Plan your arrival through Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun, then arrange the road journey and final ascent around your chosen accommodation.
Kedarnath Travel Guide
The final approach to Kedarnath brings the stone temple into view beneath a wall of mountains. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this shrine is one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas and part of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham pilgrimage. Getting here takes planning: the road journey, onward trek or helicopter service, and overnight stays all need to fit together. Leave room for rest and changing weather so the visit can centre on darshan, rather than a race to your next stop.
Explore Kedarnath
Kedarnath at a Glance
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Choose dates within the temple season, comparing summer crowds and colder autumn days while allowing flexibility for rain and delays.
Things to Do in Kedarnath
Keep darshan at the centre of your visit, allowing time for the temple surroundings, mountain views and rest after arrival.
Uttarakhand Travel Guide
Combine Kedarnath with a wider Uttarakhand journey, leaving enough days for mountain roads, overnight stops and recovery between travel days.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Best overall windowMay to June and September to October, during the temple season
Pleasant weather
easier sightseeing
easier sightseeing
BestMay–June and September–OctoberPlan the pilgrimage within confirmed opening dates. Book stays ahead, prepare for cold weather and leave time for the ascent and return.
RainyJuly–AugustRain can affect hill roads, the walking route and helicopter services. Follow local updates and keep travel arrangements flexible rather than relying on tight connections.
Closed seasonAfter autumn closure until spring reopeningThe main temple closes for winter. Worship continues at Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath; this is a separate winter pilgrimage.
How to Reach Kedarnath
Main gatewayHaridwar–Rishikesh rail corridor and Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun
Air + rail arrival
road onward
road onward
By airFly to Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun, then continue by road. Helicopter services for Kedarnath require separate booking and depend on availability, operating conditions and weather.
By railArrive at Haridwar or the Rishikesh area and continue by road towards your overnight base. Plan the pickup around your train’s arrival, with time for breaks on the hill journey.
By roadTravel towards Sonprayag and follow current local arrangements for reaching Gaurikund. Continue on the trekking route or use pre-arranged assistance where available; the temple has no direct road access.
Your trip, your pace
Build Your Stay Around the Kedarnath You Want to See
Tell us your travel dates, starting city and how you intend to reach the shrine. We can help plan the road transfers, base stay and time around darshan, whether Kedarnath is your main destination or part of a longer pilgrimage. Keep a little flexibility in the schedule for weather and changes along the route.
Kedarnath Tour Packages
Explore Kedarnath Your Way
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
Dehradun – Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Dehradun
₹2,19,999 View itinerary
Char Dham Yatra by Road from Haridwar
Haridwar/Dehradun – Mussoorie – Barkot – Yamunotri – Uttarkashi – Gangotri – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Joshimath – Rudraprayag – Devprayag – Rishikesh
₹35,000 View itinerary
Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter
Dehradun – Sahastradhara Helidrome – Sersi – Triyuginarayan Temple – Kedarnath – Badrinath – Mana Village
₹1,48,500 View itinerary
Badrinath Kedarnath Tour
Dehradun/Haridwar – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Kedarnath – Joshimath – Badrinath – Rudraprayag/Kirtinagar – Rishikesh
₹30,000 View itinerary
Why IndianHoliday
What Sets Us Apart
A Kedarnath trip needs more than a hotel reservation. IndianHoliday can help connect your arrival, road transfers, overnight stops and temple visit into a workable plan. Share your group’s preferred pace and access needs early so the arrangements reflect the journey you can comfortably manage, with room for changes when mountain weather interrupts travel.
Experience that improves the route
Indian Holiday has planned journeys since 1990, giving our team the experience to build routes around real travel times—not just points on a map.
A trip shaped around your pace
Tell us your dates, interests and preferred pace. Our travel experts shape the itinerary around them instead of forcing you into a fixed template.
Recognized by the Ministry of Tourism
Indian Holiday is recognized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Two-time National Tourism Award winner
Indian Holiday has received the National Tourism Award twice, adding an independent trust signal to its long operating history.
FAQs
Can I reach Kedarnath Temple by car?
No. Cars do not reach Kedarnath Temple. The road journey takes you towards Sonprayag, with onward local arrangements for Gaurikund, where the trekking route begins. A helicopter is a separate option when services operate, but availability and weather can affect the journey.
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
The route from Gaurikund is commonly described as about 16 km one way, though the distance can vary with the operational route and your accommodation. It is a sustained uphill journey, not a short sightseeing walk. Allow a full day for the ascent and plan rest, darshan and the descent separately.
How many days should I plan for Kedarnath?
For a road-and-trek visit from Haridwar or Rishikesh, allow roughly four to five days, including transfers, the ascent, darshan and return. Keep additional flexibility for weather rather than placing an essential flight or train immediately after the descent.
Which months are best for visiting Kedarnath?
May and June, followed by September and October, are common choices within the temple’s open season. Summer is busy, while autumn can be considerably colder. Check the announced opening and closing dates for your travel year, then plan around current conditions rather than assuming every day in these months is suitable.
Can I visit Kedarnath in winter?
The main Kedarnath Temple closes for winter, so regular darshan is not available there during that period. Worship moves to Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. If winter is your preferred travel season, plan an Ukhimath visit instead and check local access and accommodation before booking.
Does a helicopter booking guarantee a Kedarnath visit?
No. Helicopter operations depend on weather, visibility and operational clearance, even with a confirmed booking. Check rescheduling terms and leave spare time. There is still some movement on foot after landing, so discuss access needs rather than assuming a completely walk-free visit.
Give Kedarnath Time in Your Uttarakhand Plans
Plan Kedarnath around the journey your group can manage. Give the road days, ascent and darshan enough time, with suitable overnight stops and flexibility for the conditions you meet along the way.