Planning a trip to the mystical Kedarnath Temple? Discover the best and most convenient ways to reach this sacred destination. Whether you prefer a road trip, a scenic train ride, or a thrilling helicopter journey, our comprehensive guide has got you covered. Make your pilgrimage hassle-free and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
How to Reach Kedarnath Temple by Road?
Nearest motorable area to Kedarnath Temple is Gaurikund, which is about 16 km away. Gaurikund is well connected by road with major destinations of Uttarakhand and the northern states of India. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. Buses and taxis to Gaurikund are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli, etc. Gaurikund lies on National Highway 109 which connects Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.
Distance between Delhi and Gaurikund is about 440 km and it takes about 12 hours to travel by car or bus. The route passes through scenic valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and forests. Some of the places to visit along the way are:
Haridwar to Kedarnath:
- Start your journey from Haridwar and head towards Rishikesh, which is around 20 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath Temple.
- Distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers, and you can either trek or hire a pony or palanquin to reach the temple.
Dehradun to Kedarnath:
If you are traveling from Dehradun, you can follow a similar route as mentioned above, starting from Rishikesh and then proceeding to Gaurikund.
Reaching Kedarnath Temple by Train:
If you prefer a more convenient and comfortable mode of transportation, you can opt to reach Kedarnath Temple by train. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar, which is well-connected to major cities in India.
- Haridwar to Kedarnath: After reaching Haridwar, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. From Gaurikund, you can choose to trek or hire a pony or palanquin to reach the temple.
- Rishikesh to Kedarnath: Another option is to travel by train to Rishikesh and then follow the same route as mentioned earlier to reach Kedarnath.
Reaching Kedarnath Temple by Helicopter:
For those seeking a quicker and more convenient way to reach Kedarnath Temple, helicopter services are available from various cities in Uttarakhand.
- Phata to Kedarnath: Phata is the nearest helipad to Kedarnath, and helicopter services are available from Phata to Kedarnath. The duration of the helicopter ride is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.
- Guptkashi to Kedarnath: Another option is to take a helicopter from Guptkashi to Kedarnath. Guptkashi is approximately 32 kilometers away from Kedarnath, and the helicopter journey takes around 5-10 minutes.
That helicopter services to Kedarnath are subject to weather conditions and availability. It is advisable to book your helicopter tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Reaching Kedarnath Temple is a journey that combines both adventure and spirituality. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or helicopter, the experience of visiting this divine abode of Lord Shiva is truly awe-inspiring. Plan your trip well in advance, pack your essentials, and get ready to embark on a spiritual journey to Kedarnath Temple.
