Kedarnath is one of the Chardham sites and 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The distance from Delhi to Kedarnath is approximately 450 km but the real challenge starts from Gaurikund where you have to undertake a helicopter ride or 16 km trek. Several improvements have been made to Kedarnath trek route this year with better facilities, medical aid stations and shelter points making the yatra more comfortable and safer. If you are someone embarking on a drive to Kedarnath from Delhi this guide will give you hidden travel tips, detailed insights and the latest updates ensuring your journey is memorable and hassle-free.
Delhi to Kedarnath Route Map & Distance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Route | NH7 and NH 334 |
| Total Distance | Around 450 km |
| Key Stops | Rishikesh, Haridwar, Sonprayag, Rudraprayag |
| Average Travel Time | Depending on road conditions and traffic, around 6 days |
| Best Time to Travel | May–June |
| Travel Options | Self Drive, Buses, Helicopters from Guptkashi / Seri / Phata / Dehradun |
Travel Time and Main Stops between Delhi and Kedarnath
From Delhi to Kedarnath the total travel time depends on weather, traffic or roads. On an It takes around 10-12 hours by road to reach Sonprayag. From Sonprayag you can opt for a local taxi ride that will drop you at Gaurikund in around 30-45 minutes. During the last leg of the journey you’ll have to undertake a 16 km trek in approximately 6-8 hours depending on weather conditions and your fitness level.
For a hassle-free journey you can rest for some time at the following places.
- Devprayag– A spiritual destination considered to be the place where Ganga originates and you can enjoy surreal views of the river confluence.
- Rishikesh or Haridwar– A great site to watch the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat or Har Ki Pauri. You can also enjoy local food of these places.
- Rudraprayag– A picturesque town where Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers meet. It also has many sacred sites that you can visit.
- Guptkashi– An important pilgrimage stop known for housing Ardhnarishwar Temple and Vishwanath Temple.
Best Routes
- Delhi to Haridwar: You will have to cover around 220–230 kilometers distance in about 5–6 hours by train or road.
- Haridwar to Sonprayag: The total distance is around 270 kilometers and it takes about 8–10 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund: You will have to cover about 5 kilometers in a duration of around 15–20 minutes by shared taxi or local jeep.
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath: You’ll have to undertake around 16 kilometers trek in around 6–8 hours. If you do not want to trek you can opt for a palanquin or pony for this journey.
Ways to Travel from Delhi to Kedarnath
By Car
Car is one of the best options to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath. You’ll have ot embark 415 km long drive to Sonprayag via NH-7. The routes are picturesque and you’ll come across some important pilgrimage towns. If you’re coming via a private vehicle you will have to be park it at Sonprayag as to Gaurikund only local taxis are allowed. From Delhi, you can rent a car for a hassle-free journey.
By Bus
From Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh private buses are available. It takes around 7-8 hours to cover the total distance and the ticket will cost you around INR 550 to INR 800. After reaching Rishikesh you will have to take shared taxi or another bus to Sonprayag which will take approximately 6-8 hours. Bus is considered to be the cheapest option but for long travel it is not so comfortable.
By Train
You won’t get any direct train to Kedarnath. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station at a distance of around 210 km from Sonprayag. Trains to Rishikesh from Delhi take around 6 to 7 hours. After reaching Rishikesh you will have to travel by road using taxis or buses. Train travel is affordable but you may need additional road transport.
Train Name
- Dehradun Shatabdi Express
- Mussoorie Express
- Dehradun Jan Shatabdi Express
- Kota Dehradun AC Express
- Mussoorie Express
- Bandra Terminus Haridwar Express
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport at a distance of around 235 km from Kedarnath. Flights take around 1 hour from Delhi to Dehradun. From the airport, you can take taxis to Sonprayag and then to Gaurikund the usual taxi ride and trek to Kedarnath. Helicopter services are easily available from Sersi, Phata and Guptkashi for those who’re looking to shorten the journey. To accommodate more passengers, Uttarakhand government has increased helicopter service making it a great choice for those with time constraint and senior citizens.
Road Conditions
The of Delhi to Kedarnath route road conditions are good until NH 334 in Haridwar. You can drive at a speed of 60-80 km/h. After Haridwar, you will find the roads to be hilly with sharp turns and steep climbs, especially between Sonprayag and Guptkashi.
(Delhi to Haridwar) Highway Roads
- From Delhi to Haridwar, you will have to cover around 220–230 kilometers.
- The road on this is well-maintained and smooth.
- NH 334 is the best for swift travel.
- You can drive at average speed ranging from 60 to 80 km/h.
- For most of this section, the driving conditions are good with regular roadside amenities such as eateries and fuel & gas stations available along the way.
- It takes around 5-6 hours to complete the journey.
(Haridwar to Kedarnath) Mountain Roads
- After Haridwar, you will have to drive on hilly roads.
- The distance to Guptkashi from Haridwar is around 140 kilometers and you can cover this in around 5–6 hours.
- The well paved roads make the journey easier but at several places you will encounter sharp turns and steep climbs.
- From Guptkashi to Sonprayag you’ll have to drive for around 1–1.5 hours covering a distance of around 30 kilometers.
- The roads on this route are a bit narrow with hairpin.
- If you’re travelling in monsoon you may encounter landslide. Check for roadblock and weather forecast before traveling.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the best time to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath as this is the time when the weather is bearable and favorable. During this time of the year, the region enjoys pleasant and mild temperatures, making it ideal for spiritual visits, trekking and sightseeing. The monsoon season typically lasts from July to August when the region encounters heavy rainfall, which can make trekking paths slippery and dangerous and cause landslides.
Road Conditions of Kedarnath During Different Seasons
- Monsoon (July-August): The roads are prone to blockages and landslides during the monsoon, making travel risky.
- Summer (May-June): Comfortable weather and clear roads make summer the best time for travel.
- Post-Monsoon (September-October): This is a great time to travel, with open roads and fresh greenery. After the monsoon road conditions improve.
- Winter (November-April): Due to heavy snowfall roads to Kedarnath are closed. During this time of the year, the idol of Lord Kedar is moved to Ukhimath, where prayers can be offered by devotees.
Stay Options
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options along Delhi to Kedarnath route:
- Devprayag, Sonprayag, Rudraprayag and Guptkashi: These are smaller towns where you’ll find basic lodges and guest houses. At these stops pilgrims can stay overnight to rest before they complete the final stretch to Kedarnath. If you’re travelling in peak season book the accommodation in advance, especially in Sonprayag, which is considered to be the last major stop before the Kedarnath trek starts.
- Rishikesh: Rishikesh has both high-end and budget-friendly hotels depending on your budget.
Travel Tips
- Obtain all the necessary permits for the Kedarnath Yatra. You can register yourself for the yatra online at any of the centers located in Haridwar.
- Along the way to Kedarnath you’ll find many fuel stations. Fuel stations are mainly present near Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee.
- Acclimatize yourself at the main points such as Sonprayag and Guptkashi to allow your body to adjust to the varying terrains.
- Stay hydrated throughout the journey and carry your own water bottle.
- You’ll have to undertake 16 km long trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Ensure you’re fit for the trek.
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