Kolkata, the cultural capital of eastern India, is located in the state of West Bengal. Kedarnath, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site, lies in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. This route is popular among devotees and adventure travelers who want to visit the famous Kedarnath Temple.

This guide explains how to travel from Kolkata to Kedarnath using different transport modes. You will learn about trains, buses, flights, and driving options, plus practical tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Kolkata to Kedarnath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a comfortable and economical way to cover most of the distance between Kolkata and Uttarakhand. However, there is no direct train to Kedarnath, so you will need to combine train and road transport.

• Take a train from Howrah or Sealdah station in Kolkata to Haridwar or Rishikesh, the nearest major railway stations to Kedarnath, covering roughly 1500 to 1600 km in about 24 to 30 hours.

• Popular trains include the Howrah Haridwar Express and Howrah Rishikesh Express, with fares ranging from ₹500 for sleeper class to ₹2000 for AC classes, depending on availability and season.

• Trains are generally reliable but can be crowded during festival seasons like Char Dham Yatra or summer holidays, so book tickets early via IRCTC to avoid last-minute hassles.

• From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will need to take a bus or taxi to reach the base town of Sonprayag or Gaurikund, which is about 220 km by road and takes 7 to 9 hours.

• Train travel offers restrooms and food stalls at major stations, but onboard catering may be limited, so carry snacks and water especially for long journeys.

Bus

Buses are a common choice for the last leg of the journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Kedarnath. Direct buses from Kolkata to Kedarnath are rare, so multiple changes are needed.

• From Kolkata, take a long-distance bus or train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then board Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) or private buses to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the gateway towns for Kedarnath.

• The bus journey from Haridwar to Sonprayag covers around 220 km and takes 7 to 9 hours, with fares typically between ₹300 and ₹700 depending on bus type.

• Buses run frequently during the pilgrimage season (May to October) but may be limited in winter due to weather and road closures.

• Expect basic seating and crowded conditions on some buses; night buses are available but may be less comfortable for sensitive travelers.

• Rest stops along NH 34 and NH 7 offer food stalls and toilets, but carry your own water and snacks for remote stretches.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kolkata to Kedarnath is an adventurous option for those who prefer flexibility and want to explore en route. The journey covers about 1600 km and takes 30 to 35 hours of driving time.

• The most common route is via NH 19 to Varanasi, then NH 7 through Haridwar and Rishikesh, continuing to Sonprayag and Gaurikund, the base for the trek to Kedarnath.

• Expect toll plazas on major highways, including the Dankuni toll near Kolkata and several on NH 7; toll charges can total ₹500 to ₹1000 one way.

• Road conditions vary: highways are mostly good, but mountain roads near Kedarnath are narrow, winding, and require careful driving, especially during monsoon.

• Plan overnight stops at cities like Varanasi or Haridwar to rest; avoid driving at night in hilly areas due to fog and limited street lighting.

• Fuel stations are available along highways but sparse near the hills; fill up before entering mountainous regions to avoid running low.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Kolkata to Uttarakhand, but Kedarnath has no airport. You must combine flight with road travel.

• Fly from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport (DED), which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath, about 240 km away.

• Flight duration is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with fares ranging from ₹3000 to ₹7000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Dehradun airport, take a taxi or bus to Sonprayag or Gaurikund; the road journey takes 8 to 10 hours through mountainous terrain.

• Flights can be delayed or canceled during monsoon or winter fog; book early and check weather updates before travel.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Dehradun airport, but shared taxis are more economical for the long drive to Kedarnath base.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

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

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance using IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats during the busy pilgrimage season.

• Travel from Kolkata to Haridwar or Dehradun by train or flight, depending on your preference for speed or budget.

• Arrange local transport from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun to Sonprayag or Gaurikund by booking buses or taxis a day before to avoid last-minute issues.

• Prepare for the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, which is around 16 km uphill; hire porters or ponies if needed, especially for elderly travelers.

• Carry essential items like warm clothes, rain gear, and comfortable trekking shoes, as weather can change quickly in the mountains.

• Inform family or friends about your travel itinerary and expected arrival times for safety and communication in remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a refillable water bottle and use water purification tablets or trusted bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses common in hilly regions.

• Book train and bus tickets early during peak pilgrimage months (May to June and September) to avoid sold-out situations and inflated fares.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs at major stations and airports to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar with fixed rates.

• Pack light but include essential medicines, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as medical facilities are limited near Kedarnath.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness; ascend gradually and rest adequately, especially if you are trekking from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.

• During monsoon (July to September), expect landslides and roadblocks; check local weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kolkata to Kedarnath is during the summer months and early autumn when weather conditions are favorable for mountain travel. Avoid winter and heavy monsoon seasons due to road closures and harsh climate.

Peak pilgrimage season sees heavy traffic and crowded transport, so plan accordingly to avoid delays and discomfort.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon months (July to September) as heavy rains cause landslides and slippery roads, making the journey risky.

• Winter months (November to March) are not suitable as the Kedarnath temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall and inaccessible roads.

• Depart early in the morning from Kolkata or transit points to avoid city traffic and reach your next destination before nightfall.

• Festival periods like Char Dham Yatra opening and closing days see a surge in travelers; book tickets and accommodation well in advance.

Arrival at Kedarnath & What to Expect

Upon reaching Gaurikund or Sonprayag, the last motorable points, you will begin the trek or pony ride to Kedarnath temple. The trek is steep and can take 5 to 7 hours depending on your pace.

Local transport options include shared jeeps up to Gaurikund, porters, ponies, and palanquins for the uphill journey. Accommodation is basic and mostly guesthouses or dharamshalas near the temple.

Prepaid taxis and local buses are available at Haridwar and Rishikesh for onward travel. It is advisable to use prepaid or app-based cabs in cities to avoid haggling. Carry cash as ATMs are scarce near Kedarnath.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Kedarnath from Kolkata combines a train or flight to Haridwar or Dehradun, followed by road travel and trekking. Flights save time but cost more, while trains and buses offer budget-friendly options with longer travel times.

Plan your journey carefully, book tickets early, and prepare for mountain conditions to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage. With the right information and preparation, you can confidently undertake this spiritual and scenic journey from Kolkata to Kedarnath.