Embark on a soul-stirring adventure to Kedarnath, one of India’s holiest destinations and a jewel of the Char Dham Yatra. Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath trek is a powerful blend of spiritual devotion, natural beauty, and adventure, attracting lakhs of pilgrims and trekkers every year.
Planning your journey to Kedarnath? Don’t miss our complete Kedarnath Travel Guide that covers route info, weather updates, accommodation tips, and much more.
📍 Where is Kedarnath?
Kedarnath Temple sits at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Kedarnath Range and flanked by the Mandakini River. It’s one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and part of the Char Dham and Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuits.
🥾 Kedarnath Trek Distance & Difficulty
- Trek Distance: 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
- Route: Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Lincholi → Kedarnath
- Duration: 6–8 hours (average)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trek Type: Gradual incline, well-maintained path with food & medical stalls
Pro Tip: For first-time trekkers, frequent breaks and early starts are advised. Check our Kedarnath Trek Guide for altitude tips and acclimatization advice.
🚗 How to Reach Kedarnath
Travel Taxi offers convenient and safe taxi services to Sonprayag or Gaurikund, the starting points of the trek. Popular routes include:
- Delhi to Kedarnath
- Haridwar to Kedarnath
- Rishikesh to Kedarnath
- Dehradun to Kedarnath
From Sonprayag, shared jeeps or local taxis drop you at Gaurikund, where the trek begins. For ease and safety, book your intercity taxi with Travel Taxi and focus on your spiritual journey.
🛕 Kedarnath Temple – Spiritual Significance
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva took refuge here after the Mahabharata, avoiding the Pandavas. He emerged in the form of a bull and disappeared into the ground, leaving behind a hump that is worshipped today at the temple.
Built by the Pandavas (according to legend) and later revived by Adi Shankaracharya, the temple stands resiliently in one of the most remote and beautiful locations in India.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The Kedarnath Temple opens around May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes by November (Bhai Dooj) due to extreme winter. The best months are:
- May to June – Pleasant weather, good for trekking
- September to October – Clear skies, fewer crowds, and post-monsoon greenery
Avoid the monsoon months (July–August) due to heavy rainfall and landslide risks.
🛌 Accommodation on the Kedarnath Trek
You’ll find several GMVN rest houses, tented camps, and budget lodges along the trek route. Lincholi and Bheembali are popular overnight stop points. Book in advance during peak season. At Kedarnath, rooms near the temple are limited, so early reservations are recommended.
For tips on where to stay, check our Kedarnath Travel Guide that includes updated info on camps and Dharamshalas.
🐴 Ponies, Helicopters & Palkis
If you can’t trek the full distance, there are other options:
- Ponies/Horses – Available from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
- Palkis (palanquins) – For elderly or differently-abled devotees.
- Helicopter Services – From Guptkashi, Sersi, and Phata (advance booking essential).
All services are regulated by government-approved operators. You can find booking details and health guidelines in our Kedarnath Trek guide.
📋 Important Travel Tips for Kedarnath Trek
- Carry a valid e-pass / Yatra registration (mandatory by Uttarakhand Govt.)
- Trek early in the morning to avoid harsh afternoon weather
- Wear layered clothing; temperatures drop significantly after sunset
- Carry essentials: torch, raincoat, dry snacks, personal medicines, and ID proof
- Stay hydrated and rest if you feel dizzy—altitude can affect breathing
🚑 Medical Support
First-aid and emergency medical camps are available along the trek route. Oxygen cylinders are present at key points like Lincholi. The GMVN and state health teams are well-coordinated for safety.
🙏 Other Sacred Places Around Kedarnath
If you have time, consider visiting nearby sacred spots:
- Bhairavnath Temple – Just behind Kedarnath temple, offers a panoramic view
- Vasuki Tal – A glacial lake, 8 km trek from Kedarnath
- Triyuginarayan Temple – Where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati
- Guptkashi – Known for Vishwanath Temple and Ardhanareshwar caves
🚖 Book a Taxi to Kedarnath with Travel Taxi
Travel Taxi provides seamless travel options with:
- One-way & round-trip packages
- Customized itineraries to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri & Gangotri
- Clean, sanitized vehicles & trained mountain drivers
- 24×7 support for last-minute changes
📞 Call +91 9899386471 to book your trip or get a custom quote
🌐 Explore our full Kedarnath Travel Guide
