Kedarnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees across India. Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a major metropolitan city in southern India, making this journey a long but spiritually rewarding one.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Kedarnath Temple. You will learn about different transport modes, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival. Whether you prefer trains, buses, driving, or flights, this guide covers all essential details for a smooth pilgrimage.

Getting from Bangalore to Kedarnath Temple – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and economical option for long-distance journeys from Bangalore to northern India. However, there is no direct train to Kedarnath, so you will combine train travel with road transport.

• Start your journey from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC) or Yesvantpur Junction (YPR) to Haridwar Junction (HW) or Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH), which are the nearest major railheads to Kedarnath. The train journey takes approximately 36 to 48 hours depending on the train chosen.

• Train fares range from INR 800 for sleeper class to INR 3000 for AC classes. Book tickets well in advance through IRCTC, especially during pilgrimage seasons to avoid last-minute unavailability.

• Trains like the Karnataka Sampark Kranti Express and other connecting trains run frequently but can be crowded during peak pilgrimage months (May to October). Carry water and snacks as pantry services may be limited.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will need to take a bus or taxi to reach Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek. This road journey is about 220 km and takes 7 to 9 hours depending on traffic and weather.

Bus

Buses are a common way to reach Kedarnath from northern India. From Bangalore, you will use a combination of long-distance buses and local buses to reach the temple area.

• Take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Bangalore to Delhi or Haridwar. The Bangalore to Delhi bus journey can take 36 to 40 hours, while Bangalore to Haridwar takes around 40 to 44 hours. Tickets cost between INR 1200 to INR 2500 depending on the bus type.

• From Haridwar, Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators run buses to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the last motorable point before the trek. The journey takes 7 to 9 hours and costs INR 300 to INR 600.

• Buses to Kedarnath are frequent during the pilgrimage season but can get fully booked during weekends and festivals. Booking in advance at bus stands or online portals is advisable.

• Road conditions on the mountain route can be challenging during monsoon months (July to September) due to landslides and heavy rain, causing delays and cancellations.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Kedarnath offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. It is suitable for experienced drivers comfortable with long-distance and mountain driving.

• The total distance from Bangalore to Kedarnath is approximately 2700 km via NH44 and NH7, taking around 48 to 54 hours of driving time, usually spread over 3 to 4 days with stops.

• Major cities on the route include Hyderabad, Nagpur, Jabalpur, and Haridwar. Plan overnight stops in safe and comfortable hotels along the way.

• The mountain stretch from Haridwar to Gaurikund is about 220 km on narrow, winding roads with toll plazas and multiple hairpin bends. Drive carefully and avoid night driving in this section.

• Parking is available at Gaurikund, but private vehicles are not allowed beyond this point. You will need to trek or hire a pony or helicopter for the final 16 km to Kedarnath Temple.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Bangalore to northern India, followed by road travel to Kedarnath. This option suits travelers looking to save time.

• Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) offers daily flights to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED), the nearest airport to Kedarnath, with a flight time of about 4 to 5 hours including layovers.

• From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, which is approximately 210 km and takes 7 to 8 hours by road on NH7 and mountain roads.

• Flight fares vary widely from INR 3500 to INR 9000 depending on the season and booking time. Booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance is recommended for better prices.

• From Gaurikund, the final 16 km to Kedarnath is accessible only by trekking, pony rides, or helicopter services. Helicopter bookings can be made online or at the helipad but are subject to weather conditions.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from Bangalore to Kedarnath Temple, ensuring a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience.

• Book your train or flight tickets early through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats during the busy pilgrimage season, especially from May to October.

• Travel to Haridwar or Dehradun by train or flight, as these are the closest major transport hubs to Kedarnath with good connectivity and facilities.

• From Haridwar or Dehradun, arrange a bus or taxi to Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. Confirm bus timings and taxi availability in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Prepare for the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple, which is about 16 km uphill. Carry light luggage, wear comfortable trekking shoes, and carry water and snacks.

• If you prefer, book a pony or helicopter ride for the final stretch. Helicopter services require advance booking and are weather-dependent, so check conditions before planning.

• Upon reaching Kedarnath, plan your return journey similarly, keeping in mind the weather and transport schedules to avoid delays.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a valid ID and pilgrimage permits if required, as authorities may check documents at checkpoints on the route to Kedarnath.

• Drink only bottled or purified water during the journey to avoid waterborne illnesses common in mountainous regions.

• Book transport tickets and accommodation well in advance during peak seasons and festivals like Char Dham Yatra to avoid unavailability and inflated prices.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Haridwar and Dehradun for safer and transparent fares.

• Pack light but include warm clothes, rain gear, and basic medicines, as weather in the Himalayas can change rapidly, especially during monsoon and winter months.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness symptoms during the trek and take rest breaks. Consult a doctor if you have health issues before planning the trip.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kedarnath Temple is during the summer months from May to June and post-monsoon from September to October. These months offer clear weather and safer trekking conditions.

Winter months from November to April see heavy snowfall and the temple remains closed. Monsoon months (July to August) bring heavy rains and landslides, making travel risky and prone to delays.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when trains and buses are overcrowded and accommodation is scarce.

• Start early in the day for road journeys to avoid traffic jams and to reach mountain areas before dark, as roads can be narrow and slippery.

• Check weather forecasts regularly during monsoon and winter seasons to avoid travel disruptions caused by fog, landslides, or snow.

• Peak pilgrimage season is May to June and September to October; plan bookings accordingly to avoid last-minute rush.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Kedarnath Temple, you will find a small town with basic facilities catering to pilgrims. The temple area is pedestrian-only, so vehicles stop at Gaurikund or nearby helipads.

Local transport options include pony rides and porters for carrying luggage. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses to dharamshalas, mostly simple but clean. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are not available here, so plan your onward travel accordingly.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kedarnath Temple from Bangalore is to fly to Dehradun or take a train to Haridwar, followed by road travel to Gaurikund and then trekking or helicopter rides to the temple. This combination balances speed, comfort, and cost.

Plan your journey well in advance, especially during the pilgrimage season, and keep weather conditions in mind. With proper preparation and awareness of transport options, you can undertake this sacred journey confidently and enjoy the spiritual experience at Kedarnath Temple.