Krdarnath Dham

Region:

Uttarakhand

Base camp:

Rishikesh

Days:

altitude:

11,700

grade:

Hard

Best season:

May – June Sep-Oct

Overview

Kedarnath Dham – A Divine Journey to Lord Shiva’s

Kedarnath Dham, one of the holiest Jyotirlingas, is nestled in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,583 meters in Uttarakhand. This sacred pilgrimage site holds immense spiritual significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. Every year, lakhs of yatris embark on this divine journey to seek blessings at the Kedarnath Temple, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the pristine Mandakini River.

Itinerary

Guptkashi to Rishikesh/Haridwar (200 km | 7-8 hrs)
After breakfast, start your return journey.
Visit Rudraprayag Sangam, where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet.
Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by evening, marking the end of your spiritual journey.

Start your day early with a 45 km drive to Janki Chatti, the starting point for the Yamunotri trek. Walk 6 km through beautiful trails to reach the sacred Yamunotri Temple. Take a refreshing dip in the Surya Kund hot spring and offer prayers. After darshan, trek back to Janki Chatti and return to Barkot for the night.

Start early with a 20 km drive to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek. Begin the 16 km uphill trek through scenic trails, passing waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes. Reach the sacred Kedarnath Temple and seek blessings. Spend the evening soaking in the spiritual ambiance of this divine place. Stay overnight in Kedarnath, preparing for the return journey the next day.

Start your day early, taking in the serene beauty of Kedarnath. After offering prayers at the temple, begin your 16 km trek down to Gaurikund, passing through scenic mountain trails. Upon reaching Gaurikund, drive 20 km back to Sitapur. Spend the evening unwinding and reflecting on your spiritual journey. Rest well overnight to recharge for the next day’s travel.

Begin your journey from Sitapur to Pipalkoti, covering 155 km in 6-7 hours. Enjoy scenic mountain roads, lush valleys, and charming villages along the way. Take short breaks to relax and admire the views. Arrive in Pipalkoti by evening, unwind after the long drive, and stay overnight for a restful night.

Price Inclusion & Exclusion

Stay Arrangements – Comfortable hotels, dharamshalas, or GMVN guesthouses as per the itinerary.
Meals – Delicious vegetarian breakfast and dinner provided daily.
Travel Facility – Private vehicle (Tempo Traveller/Innova/Bus) from Haridwar/Rishikesh for a smooth journey.
Trek Assistance – Help with ponies, palkis, or helicopters (on request) for those who prefer not to trek.
Yatra Registration & Permits – Hassle-free assistance with all necessary paperwork.
Temple Visits & Sightseeing – Stopovers at Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi, and other holy sites.
First Aid Kit – Basic medical aid available with the tour guide for emergencies.

Helicopter/Palki/Pony Charges – You’ll need to book these separately if required for the Kedarnath trek.
Lunch & Snacks – Midday meals and snacks are not covered in the package.
Personal Expenses – Expenses like tips, donations, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
Special Darshan Charges – Any VIP darshan or temple rituals beyond the standard visit will be extra.
Travel Insurance – Insurance is not provided, so it’s advisable to arrange your own.
Unforeseen Costs – Extra costs due to landslides, roadblocks, or natural calamities are not covered.
Looking for a customized Kedarnath Yatra package? Let us plan your spiritual journey hassle-free!

Packing List: Essential Things

45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS

1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
Tiffin Box

2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
Sun Cap
Woollen Cap
4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
1 Pair Of Woollen Socks

1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
1 Pair Of Floaters

How To Reach

Rishikesh is well connected by National Highway 58 (NH 58). Direct buses from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun run frequently. You can take a Volvo, AC bus, or state transport bus from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate, which takes around 5-6 hours. If you prefer a more comfortable journey, you can hire a private cab or self-drive.

The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, around 20 km from Rishikesh. There are regular flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Once you land, you can hire a taxi to Rishikesh, which takes around 30-40 minutes.

Other Information

May – June (Summer) 🌞

This is the best time for the Kedarnath Yatra, as the temple opens in April/May (on Akshaya Tritiya).
The weather is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C – 20°C.
Most of the snow has melted, and the trek is relatively easy.

✔️ September – October (Post-Monsoon) 🍂

The crowd is less compared to peak summer months, ensuring a peaceful darshan.

A great time to visit as the monsoon ends, and the surroundings are lush green.

Cool weather (5°C – 15°C) makes trekking comfortable.

The Kedarnath trek is a challenging yet rewarding journey. It covers 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and usually takes 6-8 hours. The route is steep, with rocky paths and unpredictable weather, making it moderate to difficult based on your fitness level. The trek reaches an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), so it can be tiring, especially for first-time trekkers or senior pilgrims.

Common Challenges:

❄️ Cold & High Altitude: Oxygen levels drop as you go higher.
💨 Weather Changes: Sudden rain or snowfall can make the trek tough.
🥾 Steep Terrain: Continuous uphill walk requires stamina and endurance.

If trekking feels tough, you can hire a pony, palki, or take a helicopter from Phata. Tip: Start preparing a month before with daily walks and breathing exercises for a smooth yatra!.

The Kedarnath Temple opens in April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes in October/November (Bhai Dooj) due to heavy snowfall. During winter, the idol is shifted to Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath, where prayers continue.

The 16 km trek from Gaurikund takes about 6-8 hours, depending on fitness level. If trekking feels tough, you can hire ponies, palkis, or take a helicopter from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi.

✔️ Best Time to Visit: May-June & September-October (pleasant weather).
❌ Avoid Monsoon (July-August) due to landslides and heavy rainfall.

Things to Carry:

✔️ Warm clothes, raincoat, trekking shoes, and a walking stick.
✔️ Medicines for altitude sickness, energy bars, and a water bottle.

📌 Yatra registration is mandatory. Do it online or at government centers.

For emergencies, contact Uttarakhand Tourism Helpline (0135-1364). Tip: Start walking daily a month before the trip for better endurance!

Gallery

FAQs

Registration is mandatory and can be done online on the Uttarakhand Tourism website or at registration counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh, and other locations.

The yatra usually starts in April/May and ends in October/November. Exact dates depend on temple openings, which are announced yearly.

The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes on Bhai Dooj (October/November) due to heavy snowfall. During winter, prayers continue at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.

Yes, helicopter services are available for Kedarnath and Badrinath from Dehradun, Phata, and Guptkashi. Advance booking is recommended.

Network coverage is limited in some high-altitude areas. Carry enough cash as ATMs may not be available everywhere.

Yes, but consult a doctor before traveling, especially for senior citizens, children, or those with health issues. Helicopter services can be a better option for Kedarnath.

Basic medical facilities and first aid centers are available at major stops, but it’s advisable to carry personal medicines.