Kedarnath is a sacred town located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Varanasi, a spiritual city in Uttar Pradesh, is a common starting point for pilgrims heading to Kedarnath. This route is popular among devotees who want to combine the spiritual vibes of both places.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Varanasi to Kedarnath using trains, buses, cars, and helicopters. You will get detailed travel options, step-by-step plans, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Varanasi to Kedarnath – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Varanasi is a popular and economical way to start your journey toward Kedarnath. Trains connect Varanasi to nearby railway stations that serve as gateways to Uttarakhand.

• You can take a train from Varanasi Junction (BSB) to Haridwar Junction (HW), which is about 800 km away and takes roughly 14 to 16 hours. Trains like the Varanasi Haridwar Express run daily with sleeper and AC coaches.

• From Haridwar, you can board a train or bus to Rishikesh, which is about 20 km away and takes 30 to 45 minutes. Rishikesh is the last major railhead before heading into the mountains.

• Train fares from Varanasi to Haridwar range from ₹400 for sleeper class to ₹1200 for AC 3-tier, making it affordable for most travelers. Booking through IRCTC is recommended to secure seats during peak seasons.

• Trains can be crowded during festivals like Maha Shivratri and Char Dham Yatra season, so book tickets well in advance. Night trains offer the comfort of sleeping through the journey.

• From Rishikesh, onward travel to Kedarnath requires road transport as there is no direct train connectivity beyond this point.

Bus

Buses are a common and budget-friendly option to travel from Varanasi to Kedarnath, especially for pilgrims who prefer direct road travel.

• State-run buses by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operate routes from Varanasi to Rishikesh or Haridwar, taking around 14 to 16 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can catch direct buses to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the base points for the Kedarnath trek. These buses run frequently during the pilgrimage season from April to November.

• Private Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort on the long journey but cost more, typically between ₹800 to ₹1500 from Varanasi to Rishikesh or Haridwar.

• Road conditions can be challenging during monsoon months (July to September) due to landslides and heavy rains, causing delays or cancellations. Winter months see fewer buses as the route closes for snow.

• Bus stops in Varanasi include the Varanasi City Bus Stand and Cantt Bus Stand, both well connected by local transport. Booking tickets in advance during peak pilgrimage months is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Varanasi to Kedarnath offers flexibility and comfort, allowing you to explore stops along the way at your own pace.

• The distance from Varanasi to Gaurikund (the last motorable point before Kedarnath) is about 800 km and takes approximately 16 to 18 hours by car via NH19 and NH334. The route passes through cities like Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.

• Driving through the plains is smooth, but mountain roads near Gaurikund are narrow and winding. It is best to drive during daylight hours for safety and better visibility.

• Toll plazas on NH19 and NH334 require cash or FASTag payments; expect to pay around ₹500 to ₹700 in tolls one way. Fuel stops and dhabas are available along the highway for refreshments and breaks.

• Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Varanasi with fares ranging from ₹7000 to ₹12000 one way, depending on vehicle type and driver availability. Pre-booking is recommended during pilgrimage season.

• Parking is limited at Gaurikund, so plan to leave your vehicle there before starting the trek or taking a helicopter onward.

Flight

While there is no direct flight from Varanasi to Kedarnath, flying to nearby airports can save travel time before continuing by road or helicopter.

• The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 240 km from Gaurikund. Flights from Varanasi to Dehradun are not direct but can be booked with a stopover in Delhi, taking 5 to 7 hours including layovers.

• From Dehradun, you can hire taxis or take buses to Rishikesh and then proceed to Gaurikund by road. The road journey from Dehradun to Gaurikund takes around 7 to 8 hours.

• Helicopter services operate from Phata near Rishikesh or Dehradun to Kedarnath during the pilgrimage season, reducing trek time significantly. Booking helicopter tickets early is essential due to limited seats and high demand.

• Flight fares vary widely based on booking time and season, typically ranging from ₹4000 to ₹9000 one way between Varanasi and Dehradun with connecting flights.

• Flying is ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want to avoid long road journeys and trekking.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train ticket from Varanasi Junction to Haridwar or Rishikesh well in advance on IRCTC, especially during pilgrimage season. This ensures confirmed seats and better travel comfort.

• Upon arrival at Haridwar or Rishikesh, arrange onward road transport to Gaurikund or Sonprayag. Use official bus services or pre-book taxis to avoid last-minute hassles and inflated fares.

• At Gaurikund, prepare for the trek to Kedarnath or book a helicopter ride if available. Carry light luggage and check weather conditions before starting the trek to ensure safety.

• Carry sufficient water, snacks, and warm clothing for the trek, as facilities are limited on the route. Local shops offer basic supplies but at higher prices.

• Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy, including local police and medical centers. Mobile network coverage can be patchy in mountainous areas.

• Plan your return journey similarly, allowing extra days for delays due to weather or road conditions. Inform family or friends about your itinerary for safety.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and pilgrimage permits if required, as authorities may check at checkpoints during the Kedarnath Yatra season. Keep photocopies separate from originals.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid stomach infections common in mountain regions. Avoid street food unless you are sure of its hygiene.

• Book train and bus tickets online through IRCTC and official transport websites to avoid scams and last-minute unavailability. Use trusted travel agents if needed.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh to avoid overcharging by local drivers. Negotiate fares clearly if using private taxis.

• Pack light but include rain gear and warm clothes, as weather in the Himalayas can change suddenly. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications.

• Travel during daylight hours on mountain roads to reduce risks of accidents and to enjoy scenic views. Avoid traveling at night due to poor lighting and narrow roads.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Varanasi to Kedarnath is during the pilgrimage season from late April to early November. Weather and road conditions are favorable, and most services operate normally.

Winter months from December to March see heavy snowfall closing the Kedarnath route. Monsoon months (July to September) bring landslides and roadblocks, so travel can be risky and delayed.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi in Varanasi, as trains and buses are overcrowded and prices surge.

• Early morning departures from Varanasi help avoid city traffic and reach mountain towns before dark, improving safety.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides on NH334 near Rudraprayag, so check weather and road updates before starting the journey.

• Plan your trek to Kedarnath in the morning to avoid afternoon rains and fatigue, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

After reaching Gaurikund, you will begin the 16 km trek to Kedarnath. The trek is moderate to difficult and takes 6 to 8 hours depending on your pace. Helicopter services are available from Gaurikund or nearby helipads for a quicker ascent.

At Kedarnath, local transport options are limited to walking and pony rides. Accommodation ranges from basic guesthouses to dharamshalas near the temple. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available up to Rishikesh or Haridwar for your return journey.

Plan your stay in Kedarnath according to weather and temple timings. Carry cash as ATMs are scarce, and mobile network coverage is limited but improving.

Conclusion

Traveling from Varanasi to Kedarnath is a fulfilling spiritual journey that combines plains and mountains. The most efficient option is to take a train from Varanasi to Haridwar or Rishikesh, followed by road transport to Gaurikund and then trekking or helicopter to Kedarnath. This route balances comfort, cost, and convenience.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and packing appropriately will help you avoid common challenges. With the right preparation, you can confidently undertake this pilgrimage and enjoy the sacred experience of Kedarnath.