Pune is a major city in Maharashtra known for its cultural heritage and educational institutions. Kedarnath is a famous pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand, nestled in the Himalayas, attracting thousands of devotees every year.

This route from Pune to Kedarnath is popular among pilgrims and adventure travelers. This guide will help you understand the best travel options, step-by-step plans, and practical tips to reach Kedarnath comfortably and safely.

Getting from Pune to Kedarnath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a convenient way to cover most of the distance from Pune to Uttarakhand, especially to nearby railway stations. It is popular for budget travelers and those who prefer overnight journeys.

• You can take a train from Pune Junction to Haridwar or Rishikesh, the nearest major railway stations to Kedarnath, covering around 1700 to 1800 km in approximately 30 to 36 hours depending on the train service.

• Popular trains include the Pune Haridwar Express and Pune Dehradun Express, which run a few times a week, so booking in advance on IRCTC is essential, especially during pilgrimage seasons.

• Train fares range from INR 700 for sleeper class to INR 2500 for AC 3-tier, offering a balance between comfort and affordability for long-distance travel.

• Haridwar and Rishikesh stations have good connectivity with local buses and taxis to reach the base towns like Gaurikund, from where the trek to Kedarnath begins.

• During peak pilgrimage months, trains can be crowded, so booking early and arriving at the station well before departure is advised to avoid last-minute hassles.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and economical way to travel from Pune to Uttarakhand, though they require multiple changes and longer travel times. They are preferred by budget travelers and those comfortable with road journeys.

• MSRTC buses run from Pune to Delhi or Haridwar, but direct buses to Kedarnath are not available; you will need to change buses at Haridwar or Rishikesh to reach local bus stands like Dehradun or Gaurikund.

• The total bus journey can take 40 to 48 hours depending on connections, road conditions, and traffic, covering over 1800 km via NH48 and NH7 highways.

• Bus fares vary widely, from INR 1000 for non-AC sleeper buses to INR 2500 for Volvo AC buses, with night buses offering some comfort for long-distance travel.

• Local Uttarakhand Transport buses operate from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Gaurikund, the last motorable point before the Kedarnath trek, with frequent departures during the pilgrimage season.

• Road travel can be affected by monsoon landslides or winter snow, so check weather updates and bus schedules before planning your trip.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Kedarnath offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. It suits travelers who enjoy road trips and want to manage their own schedule.

• The distance by road is approximately 1800 km, taking around 35 to 40 hours of driving via NH48, NH44, and NH7, passing through cities like Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Delhi, and Dehradun.

• Highways are mostly well-maintained, but mountain roads near Kedarnath are narrow and winding, requiring careful driving, especially during monsoon and winter.

• Toll plazas are frequent on the national highways, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges can total around INR 1500 to 2000 for the entire route.

• There are many rest stops and dhabas along the way offering local food, but plan overnight stays in cities like Udaipur or Delhi to avoid fatigue.

• Parking is limited near Gaurikund; you must park your vehicle there and proceed on foot, pony, or helicopter for the final ascent to Kedarnath.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Pune to Uttarakhand, combined with road travel for the final leg. It is ideal for travelers with limited time.

• Pune Airport offers regular flights to Delhi and Dehradun, the nearest airports to Kedarnath, with flight durations around 2 to 3 hours.

• From Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach Gaurikund, which is about 220 km away and takes 7 to 9 hours by road.

• Flight fares vary from INR 3000 to INR 7000 depending on the season and airline, with early booking recommended during pilgrimage months.

• Delhi Airport connects well with Pune and also offers train and bus options to Haridwar and Rishikesh for onward travel to Kedarnath.

• Helicopter services operate from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath during the pilgrimage season, offering a quick but costly option for the final ascent.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune 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, avoiding last-minute price hikes and unavailability.

• Reach Pune station or airport at least 2 hours before departure to manage security checks and boarding comfortably, especially if traveling with luggage.

• Upon arrival at Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, arrange local transport such as state buses or prepaid taxis to reach Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek.

• At Gaurikund, prepare for the trek by checking weather conditions, hiring porters or ponies if needed, and carrying essentials like water and snacks for the 16 km uphill journey.

• Consider booking accommodation in advance at Kedarnath or nearby towns during peak season, as lodges fill up quickly due to high demand.

• Plan your return journey similarly, allowing extra time for road delays or weather disruptions common in the Himalayan region.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medicines, as medical facilities near Kedarnath are limited and trekking can be physically demanding.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during the journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in Indian hill stations and roadside eateries.

• Book train and bus tickets well in advance on official portals like IRCTC and MSRTC to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats during festivals and peak seasons.

• Use app-based cabs like Ola or Uber in cities like Haridwar and Dehradun for safer and more reliable local transport compared to unmetered taxis.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and sturdy walking shoes to handle sudden weather changes and rough trekking paths.

• Avoid traveling during heavy monsoon months (July-August) due to landslides and slippery roads, which can cause delays and safety risks.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Pune to Kedarnath is during the summer and early autumn months when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winter months bring heavy snowfall, closing the trek route.

Monsoon season can cause landslides and roadblocks, making travel risky and uncomfortable. Planning your trip outside these periods ensures a safer and smoother journey.

• Avoid peak festival periods like Char Dham Yatra opening and closing days, when roads and accommodations are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Summer months from May to June offer clear weather but can be crowded; early morning departures help avoid traffic jams on mountain roads.

• September and October provide good weather with fewer crowds, ideal for a peaceful pilgrimage experience.

• Winter months from November to April see heavy snowfall, with the Kedarnath shrine closed, so plan accordingly to avoid wasted travel.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

After completing the trek or helicopter ride, you will arrive at Kedarnath, a small town centered around the famous temple. The area is pedestrian-only, so expect to walk or use ponies for local travel.

Accommodation options range from basic guesthouses to government-run dharamshalas. It is best to book in advance during the pilgrimage season. Local eateries serve simple vegetarian meals, and potable water is available at designated points.

For onward travel, return to Gaurikund by foot or pony, then use shared taxis or buses to reach Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at these towns for further travel.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Kedarnath involves a combination of train or flight and road travel, with the final leg being a trek or helicopter ride. The train to Haridwar or Rishikesh followed by a bus or taxi to Gaurikund is the most economical and commonly used route.

Planning ahead, booking tickets early, and preparing for mountain weather will make your pilgrimage smooth and enjoyable. With this guide, you can confidently organize your journey to Kedarnath and experience the spiritual and natural beauty of this sacred destination.