Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is famous for the ancient Kedarnath Temple, a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is a common starting point for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath due to its good connectivity and transport options.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Lucknow to Kedarnath. You will learn about trains, buses, car journeys, and helicopter services, along with practical tips to make your trip comfortable and safe.

Getting from Lucknow to Kedarnath – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular choice for those who want a comfortable and economical journey from Lucknow to the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath. However, Kedarnath itself has no direct rail link, so you will combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway stations to Kedarnath are Rishikesh and Haridwar, both well connected to Lucknow via direct trains. The journey takes around 8 to 10 hours depending on the train service chosen, with fares ranging from ₹300 to ₹1200 in sleeper and AC classes.

• Lucknow Junction (LKO) offers daily trains like the Lucknow Rishikesh Express and Lucknow Haridwar Express, which are reliable and moderately comfortable for overnight travel, allowing you to save daytime for road travel.

• From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gaurikund, the last motorable point before Kedarnath, which is about 220 km away and takes 6 to 8 hours by road.

• Train travel is less affected by monsoon delays but check IRCTC for seat availability during peak pilgrimage seasons, especially around the Char Dham Yatra period from May to October.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly and widely used option for traveling from Lucknow to Kedarnath. Multiple government and private operators run services connecting these points, though the journey involves transfers and can be long.

• Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) runs buses from Lucknow to Haridwar and Rishikesh, with journey times of 10 to 12 hours and fares between ₹400 and ₹700 depending on the bus type.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) operates regular buses to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek, taking 6 to 8 hours and costing around ₹200 to ₹400.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses are available on the Lucknow to Haridwar route, offering more comfort and fewer stops, but they can be crowded during peak pilgrimage seasons and festival times.

• Bus travel can be affected by monsoon landslides and fog in winter, so plan accordingly and check for weather updates before departure.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Lucknow to Kedarnath offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you prefer to travel at your own pace and stop at scenic or religious spots along the way.

• The distance from Lucknow to Gaurikund is approximately 520 km via NH9 and NH34, taking around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through major towns like Moradabad, Rampur, and Rudrapur, with many dhabas and rest stops for food and refreshments, making it suitable for breaks during the long drive.

• Roads are generally good but narrow and winding in the mountainous section near Gaurikund, so drive carefully, especially during monsoon and winter when landslides and fog are common.

• Toll plazas are present on the national highways, and fuel stations are available in towns en route, but carry extra water and snacks for the mountain stretch where facilities are limited.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be booked from Lucknow, with fares ranging from ₹6000 to ₹9000 one way, depending on vehicle type and season.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kedarnath, but flying to nearby airports can save time before continuing by road or helicopter. This option suits travelers looking for a faster journey.

• The nearest airports to Kedarnath are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (about 240 km away) and Pantnagar Airport (about 180 km away), both connected to Lucknow by daily flights operated by multiple airlines.

• Flight duration from Lucknow to Dehradun or Pantnagar is around 1 to 1.5 hours, with fares typically between ₹1500 and ₹4000 depending on booking time and airline.

• From these airports, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gaurikund, which takes 6 to 8 hours by road through hilly terrain.

• Helicopter services operate from Phata (near Guptkashi) to Kedarnath during the pilgrimage season, offering a quick 20-30 minute ride, but bookings must be made in advance due to limited seats and weather dependency.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Lucknow to Kedarnath, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats during the busy pilgrimage season, as availability can be limited.

• Travel from Lucknow to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun by train or flight, depending on your preference for comfort and time.

• Arrange road transport from your arrival point to Gaurikund by booking a taxi or checking bus schedules with Uttarakhand Transport Corporation; pre-booking taxis is recommended during peak times.

• Prepare for the final trek or helicopter ride from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, carrying light luggage and necessary trekking gear; helicopter tickets can be booked online or at Phata.

• Carry valid ID and pilgrimage permits if required, and check weather forecasts to avoid delays caused by monsoon or winter fog.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a bottle of purified water and snacks during road and trekking segments, as clean drinking water and food options are limited on the mountain route.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during road travel.

• Book train and helicopter tickets well in advance, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season from May to October, to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Pack light but include warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable trekking shoes, as weather can change rapidly in the mountains.

• Be cautious with street food in transit towns; prefer cooked meals from reputable dhabas to avoid stomach issues.

• During monsoon, check for road closures or landslide warnings on NH9 and NH34, and consider postponing travel if heavy rain is forecast.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Lucknow to Kedarnath is during the pilgrimage season from late April to early November. Weather conditions are generally favorable, and most transport services operate regularly.

Winter months from December to March see heavy snowfall and road closures, making travel difficult and unsafe. Monsoon season from July to September can cause landslides and delays, so extra caution is needed.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Navratri when trains and roads are crowded, leading to higher fares and limited availability.

• Early morning departures are ideal to avoid traffic congestion near Lucknow and to reach mountain roads before dusk.

• Summer months (May to June) offer pleasant weather but expect higher demand for transport and accommodation.

• Monsoon rains can cause slippery roads and landslides, so check weather updates and road conditions before starting your journey.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Gaurikund, you will find limited local transport options, as the road ends here. From Gaurikund, you must trek approximately 16 km to reach Kedarnath or take a helicopter ride if pre-booked.

Local options include pony rides, palanquins, and porter services for those who need assistance during the trek. The trek is steep and can be challenging, so plan accordingly.

Accommodation in Kedarnath is basic and primarily focused on pilgrims, with guesthouses and dharamshalas available. It is advisable to book lodging in advance during peak season.

For local commute in Kedarnath town, walking is the only option due to narrow paths and restricted vehicle access. Carry essentials with you as shops are limited and prices can be higher.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at Lucknow and major transit points but not beyond Gaurikund. Always use official services to avoid scams.

Exiting Kedarnath requires retracing the trek or helicopter ride back to Gaurikund, so plan your return transport accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Lucknow to Kedarnath involves a combination of train or flight, road transport, and trekking or helicopter rides. The most efficient way is to take a train or flight to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun, followed by a taxi or bus to Gaurikund, and then proceed to Kedarnath by foot or helicopter.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during pilgrimage seasons, and keep an eye on weather conditions to avoid delays. With proper preparation and awareness of transport options, you can enjoy a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage from Lucknow to the holy town of Kedarnath.