Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is famous for the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major IT hub in southern India. Many pilgrims and travelers journey from Bangalore to Kedarnath every year to seek blessings and enjoy the spiritual ambiance.

This guide will help you understand the main travel options from Bangalore to Kedarnath. You will learn about trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical tips to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Bangalore to Kedarnath – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for the long journey from Bangalore to Uttarakhand. However, Kedarnath does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kedarnath are Haridwar and Rishikesh, both well connected to Bangalore by trains such as the Bangalore Haridwar Express and other long-distance trains, taking around 36 to 42 hours.

• Train fares range from INR 800 to INR 2500 depending on the class (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC), and tickets can be booked via IRCTC, which opens bookings 120 days in advance.

• Trains from Bangalore depart mainly from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) and Yeshvantpur Junction (YPR), with frequent trains to Delhi and Haridwar, but direct trains to Haridwar are limited, so you may need to change trains at Delhi or other junctions.

• During peak pilgrimage seasons like summer and winter holidays, trains are crowded, so booking early is essential. Monsoon season may cause delays due to landslides in the northern regions.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek, which is about 220 km and takes 7 to 9 hours by road.

Bus

Buses are a direct and budget-friendly way to reach Uttarakhand from Bangalore, but there is no direct bus to Kedarnath. You will need to use multiple buses and local transport.

• State transport buses like Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operate from Bangalore to Delhi or Haridwar, taking approximately 40 to 45 hours with fares between INR 1200 and INR 2000 for sleeper or semi-sleeper coaches.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs regular buses to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the last motorable points before the Kedarnath trek, with fares around INR 300 to INR 500 and journey time of 7 to 9 hours.

• Buses from Bangalore depart from major bus stations like Kempegowda Bus Station (Majestic), which is well connected by metro and local transport, making it easy to reach.

• During the pilgrimage season (May to October), buses are crowded and often fully booked, so booking tickets online or at the bus station well in advance is advisable.

• Road conditions on NH44 and NH7 are generally good, but the mountainous roads near Kedarnath can be narrow and winding, especially during monsoon, causing delays and requiring cautious driving.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Kedarnath offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. However, it is a long journey requiring careful planning and experience with mountain roads.

• The distance from Bangalore to Kedarnath is about 2400 km by road, taking approximately 40 to 45 hours of driving time via NH44 and NH7, passing through cities like Nagpur, Jabalpur, and Dehradun.

• Major toll plazas on the route include those near Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Dehradun, so keep cash or FASTag ready to avoid delays.

• Rest stops with food and fuel are available in major cities and towns along NH44 and NH7, but options become limited in hilly areas near Kedarnath, so plan accordingly.

• Mountain roads from Rishikesh to Gaurikund are narrow and steep, requiring careful driving, especially during monsoon or winter when landslides and snow can occur.

• Self-drive allows you to carry more luggage and stop at places like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Devprayag, enriching your pilgrimage experience.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Bangalore to Uttarakhand. However, Kedarnath does not have an airport, so you will combine flights with road travel.

• The nearest airports to Kedarnath are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 240 km away) and Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi (about 350 km away), both well connected to Bangalore by direct flights.

• Direct flights from Bangalore Kempegowda International Airport to Dehradun take around 3 hours, with fares ranging from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Dehradun or Delhi airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, which takes 7 to 10 hours by road, depending on traffic and weather.

• Flights are frequent and convenient, but prices rise during peak pilgrimage seasons and festivals like Maha Shivaratri and summer holidays.

• Booking flights at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance is recommended to get better fares and seat availability, especially during the pilgrimage season.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Kedarnath. It covers key actions to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

• Book your train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats during peak seasons and avoid last-minute hassles.

• Plan your arrival in Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, as these are the main transit points to Kedarnath; arrange local transport or taxis in advance for the onward journey.

• Pack light but include essential trekking gear, warm clothes, and rain protection, as the weather in Kedarnath can change rapidly, especially in the mountains.

• Reserve accommodation in Gaurikund or Sonprayag before arrival, as these places fill up quickly during pilgrimage season; use trusted booking platforms or contact local guesthouses directly.

• Start the trek to Kedarnath early in the morning to avoid afternoon rains and crowds; hire a local guide or porter if needed for safety and support.

• Carry sufficient water and snacks for the trek, but also try local food at rest stops; stay hydrated and take breaks to acclimatize to the altitude.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Haridwar and Dehradun to avoid overcharging and ensure safety.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during your journey to prevent stomach issues; avoid street food unless it is freshly cooked and from clean vendors.

• Book train and bus tickets through official portals like IRCTC and state transport websites to avoid scams and fake tickets.

• Carry a small first aid kit with medicines for altitude sickness, motion sickness, and minor injuries, as medical facilities near Kedarnath are limited.

• Travel light but include waterproof bags for your luggage, as sudden rains are common in the mountains and can damage belongings.

• Check weather forecasts regularly during monsoon and winter seasons; avoid traveling during heavy rains or snowfall to prevent accidents and delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Bangalore to Kedarnath is during the summer months from May to June and post-monsoon from September to October. These months offer pleasant weather and safer road conditions.

Winter months from November to April see heavy snowfall in Kedarnath, leading to temple closure and difficult travel conditions. Monsoon season from July to August brings heavy rains and landslides, making travel risky.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help avoid city traffic and allow better connections with onward transport.

• Fog and low visibility are common in the Himalayan region during winter mornings, so plan road travel during daylight hours.

• During monsoon, check for road closures or landslide warnings on NH7 and mountain roads near Kedarnath before starting your journey.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

Upon reaching Kedarnath, you will experience a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The town is small, with limited motorable roads, so most visitors arrive on foot or by pony or helicopter.

Local transport options include shared taxis and pony rides from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, as vehicles are not allowed beyond certain points. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to dharamshalas near the temple.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available up to Rishikesh and Sonprayag, but not beyond. It is best to plan your last-mile travel in advance and carry cash, as digital payments may not work in remote areas.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Kedarnath involves a combination of long-distance and mountain travel. The most efficient way is to fly from Bangalore to Dehradun or Delhi, then take road transport to the base of the Kedarnath trek. This saves time and reduces fatigue.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, preparing for mountain weather, and arranging local transport will make your pilgrimage comfortable and safe. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey to Kedarnath and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of this sacred destination.