Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, attracting thousands of devotees every year. Delhi, the national capital, serves as a major starting point for travelers heading to Kedarnath.

This route is popular among pilgrims and adventure seekers alike. This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath, covering trains, buses, cars, and helicopter options, along with practical travel tips for a safe and comfortable journey.

Getting from Delhi to Kedarnath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and economical way to cover most of the distance from Delhi towards Uttarakhand. However, Kedarnath itself does not have a railway station, so you will need to combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar, about 220 km away, well connected to Delhi by frequent trains like Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi, taking around 4.5 to 6 hours with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1500 depending on class.

• Another option is Rishikesh station, about 250 km from Kedarnath, accessible via Delhi with several daily trains, though fewer than Haridwar, with travel times around 5 to 7 hours.

• Trains can get crowded during the Char Dham season (May to October), so booking tickets early on IRCTC is essential to avoid last-minute hassles and waitlists.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will need to take a bus or taxi to reach the base towns like Gaurikund or Sonprayag, which are the starting points for the trek to Kedarnath.

Bus

Buses are a popular choice for budget travelers and pilgrims. State-run and private buses connect Delhi to Uttarakhand’s base towns, but the journey involves multiple changes and can be long.

• Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) runs direct and connecting buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh and Haridwar, with fares between ₹300 and ₹600, taking 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can catch local buses or shared taxis to Gaurikund or Sonprayag, the last motorable points before the Kedarnath trek; these trips take 6 to 8 hours and cost ₹200 to ₹400.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses operate on the Delhi-Haridwar route, offering more comfort and air conditioning, but they are limited beyond Haridwar.

• During peak pilgrimage season, buses can be overcrowded and tickets sell out quickly, so booking a few days in advance is advisable.

• Road conditions on the mountain stretch can be narrow and winding, so bus travel beyond Haridwar requires patience and caution, especially during monsoon.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Kedarnath offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic views. The route covers plains and mountainous terrain, so prepare for varied road conditions.

• The distance from Delhi to Gaurikund (the base for Kedarnath trek) is approximately 500 km, taking around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions, mainly via NH 334 and NH 7.

• The route passes through major towns like Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, and Rudraprayag, with several toll plazas and rest stops offering food and refreshments.

• From Gaurikund, private vehicles are not allowed beyond certain points; you must park and continue by foot or pony for the last 14 km trek to Kedarnath.

• Driving in the mountains requires caution, especially during monsoon when landslides and roadblocks are common; avoid night driving in hilly areas.

• Fuel stations are available in major towns but sparse in mountain stretches, so fill up before entering remote areas.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kedarnath due to its remote location. However, helicopter services offer a quick and convenient option during the pilgrimage season.

• Helicopter services operate from Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport to Kedarnath helipad, reducing travel time from 12+ hours by road to about 45 minutes by air.

• Flights to Dehradun are frequent from Delhi’s IGI Airport, with many airlines offering daily services; the flight takes about 1 hour.

• Helicopter tickets can be booked online or at the helipad, with fares ranging from ₹4000 to ₹7000 one way, depending on demand and season.

• Helicopter services run mainly from April to November, weather permitting; cancellations are common during heavy rain or fog.

• Booking early is essential during peak pilgrimage times to secure seats and avoid last-minute disappointments.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Kedarnath, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets from Delhi to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun well in advance, especially during the pilgrimage season, to ensure confirmed seats and avoid last-minute rush.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, arrange for a bus or taxi to Gaurikund or Sonprayag, the base points for the Kedarnath trek; shared taxis can be economical but book early to secure a seat.

• Prepare for the trek or pony ride from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which is about 14 km uphill; carry light luggage and wear comfortable trekking shoes for safety and comfort.

• If using helicopter services, book your tickets online or at the helipad in Dehradun, and confirm timings a day before your flight to avoid cancellations due to weather.

• Carry essential permits and ID proofs as required by local authorities for the pilgrimage; these are checked at various checkpoints along the route.

• Plan your accommodation in advance at Gaurikund, Kedarnath, or nearby towns, as lodgings fill up quickly during peak season, and prices can rise sharply.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient bottled water and snacks during the trek, as food options on the mountain are limited and prices are higher than in the plains.

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

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

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash; ATMs are scarce in mountain areas, so withdraw enough cash beforehand.

• Dress in layers and carry rain gear during monsoon season, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains causing cold and wet conditions.

• Respect local customs and environmental guidelines, especially in the sensitive Himalayan region, to preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath is during the Char Dham Yatra season, from late April to early November. Outside this period, heavy snowfall and road closures make travel difficult.

Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rains and landslides, which can delay travel and increase risks on mountain roads. Winter months see snow blocking access to Kedarnath.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi in Delhi, as train and bus services are crowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Uttarakhand towns by afternoon, allowing rest before the mountain journey.

• Fog in winter months can cause flight delays and road accidents, so plan accordingly if traveling outside the main season.

• Peak pilgrimage season from May to June and September to October sees heavy crowding on roads and at Kedarnath; book transport and accommodation well in advance.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kedarnath, you will find a small town at high altitude with basic facilities catering mostly to pilgrims. The town is pedestrian-only, so you will walk or use ponies and palanquins for local transport.

Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to dharamshalas, mostly simple and budget-friendly. Food options are limited but sufficient, with local eateries serving vegetarian meals. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available in Kedarnath, so plan your return transport carefully.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kedarnath from Delhi depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. Taking a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh followed by a bus or taxi to Gaurikund, then trekking or using a pony, is the economical and popular route. Helicopter services offer a faster but costlier alternative.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during the pilgrimage season, to secure tickets and accommodation. Carry essential gear for mountain travel and stay updated on weather conditions. With proper preparation, you can enjoy a safe and memorable pilgrimage from Delhi to Kedarnath.