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Home›Treks›Kedarnath Yatra

Kedarnath Yatra

Uttrakhand

The Kedarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, leading devotees to the revered Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,583 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the Mandakini River, the journey combines deep spiritual significance with breathtaking natural beauty. Pilgrims travel through scenic mountain roads and undertake a challenging yet rewarding trek from Gaurikund to reach the shrine. The yatra is both a test of faith and endurance, offering peace, devotion, and a profound connection with the Himalayas.

Highlights

Key features and unique experiences

Kedarnath Temple: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,583 meters amidst majestic Himalayan peaks.
Sacred Mandakini River: The holy river flowing beside the temple, believed to have divine cleansing powers for pilgrims.
Scenic Trek from Gaurikund: A 16 km spiritual and scenic trek through forests, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes.
Evening Aarti and Abhishek: Experience the powerful spiritual atmosphere during temple rituals against a backdrop of snow-clad mountains.
Panoramic Himalayan Views: Breathtaking vistas of peaks like Kedarnath Dome, Bhairavnath Peak, and surrounding glaciers.
Mythological Significance: Associated with the Pandavas and Lord Shiva from the Mahabharata, making it a deeply sacred pilgrimage site.
5
days

Duration

Complete journey time

Perfect length
12000 ft
m

Altitude

Peak elevation

High altitude
Hotel/Tents
nights

Accommodation

Stay arrangement

Comfort stays
Hard

Difficulty

Challenge intensity

Skill required

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Rishikesh and check in to the hotel. Rest after the journey and prepare for the yatra. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

Inclusions

Pick up from Delhi Railway Station and cover Kedarnath Destinations and back to Delhi Railway Station.

Standard / Deluxe / Luxury Hotel accommodation for 03 Nights / 04 Days with complimentary Breakfast and Dinner (Except Kedarnath).

Kedarnath stay will be EPAI Basis (Food will be direct basis).

Comfort vehicle for transfers and sightseeing. Vehicles will be available to guests as per itinerary only.

All Tolls, Parking, Driver Accommodation, food and allowance.

All Basic Sightseeing with the Kedarnath Sector.

Exclusions

Lunch, Evening Snacks, Hi-Tea and GST 5%.

Helicopter ticket for Kedarnath Temple from Phata/Guptkashi to Kedarnath.

Breakfast and Dinner in Kedarnath Hotel.

Poni, Doli, Porter for Kedarnath Trek and extra sightseeing during Kedarnath Yatra.

Special Pooja and VIP Darshan in Kedarnath Temple.

Any type of train and flight tickets.

Extra sightseeing (Neelkanth Temple, Lakhamandal, Triyoginarayan, Ukhimath, Kalimath, Chopta, Auli).

Packing Essentials

1
Warm Layered Clothing
Thermal innerwear, fleece or woolen mid-layers, and a warm jacket to protect against cold temperatures, especially in Badrinath and Joshimath.
2
Rain Protection
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as sudden बारिश (rain) is common in the mountains, especially during monsoon months.
3
Comfortable Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes or trekking shoes with good grip for temple visits and the short trek to Bhavishya Badri.
4
Personal Medicines & First Aid
Regular medicines, basic first-aid kit, pain relief spray, and medicines for altitude, cold, or motion sickness.
5
Identity Documents
Valid photo ID proof with a few photocopies, useful for hotel check-ins and emergencies.
6
Power Bank & Torch
Power bank for charging phones in areas with limited electricity and a small torch for night use.
7
Personal Hygiene Items
Toiletries, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissues, and towel for personal comfort during travel.
8
Cash and Small Backpack
Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are limited, and a small day backpack for daily temple visits and short treks.

Safety Considerations

1
Fitness & Physical Preparation
A moderate level of fitness is required to handle the steep forest inclines. We recommend a preparation routine of jogging 5 km in 35-40 minutes and leg-strengthening exercises (squats/lunges) starting 2 weeks before the trek.
2
Weather & Temperature Management
The Himalayas are unpredictable; temperatures at the base camp can drop to -5°C even in non-winter months. Trekkers must use a 3-layer clothing system (base, insulation, and shell) to prevent hypothermia during cold nights.
3
Winter Trail Protocol
During winter (Dec-Feb), the trail above the Nag Devta temple often turns into hard ice or 'verglas'. The use of micro-spikes and gaiters is mandatory in these conditions to prevent slips on steep summit sections.
4
Altitude & Hydration
While Nag Tibba (9,915 ft) is below the typical threshold for severe AMS, rapid ascent can cause mild headaches or fatigue. Consuming 3-4 liters of water daily and ascending at a steady, rhythmic pace is crucial for acclimatization.
5
Camping & Amenity Reality
Expect basic wilderness camping with dry pit toilets and no electricity or running water. Trekkers should carry fully charged power banks and avoid wandering away from the designated campsite after dark to ensure group safety.
6
Wildlife & Trail Etiquette
The Nag Tibba range is a habitat for bears and leopards. Trekkers must stay with the group, avoid playing loud music, and ensure no food waste is left outside tents, as this can attract wild animals to the campsite.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal seasons and weather conditions

1
Pre-Monsoon Season (May to June)
This is one of the best times to visit Kedarnath. The weather is pleasant, trekking routes from Gaurikund are clear, and the temple is fully accessible after winter closure. Snow may still be visible on surrounding peaks, adding to the scenic beauty.
2
Monsoon Season (July to August) – CAUTION ADVISED
Heavy rainfall can cause landslides, slippery trekking paths, and road blockages. Travel is possible but risky, and delays are common. This period is not recommended for elderly pilgrims or families with children.
3
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (September to October)
Considered the best season for Kedarnath Yatra. Skies are clear, mountain views are sharp, and weather is stable. Trekking conditions are safer and crowds are relatively less compared to peak summer months.
4
Winter (November to April) – NOT ACCESSIBLE
The Kedarnath Temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, and the entire region becomes inaccessible. The idol is shifted to Ukhimath for winter worship.

Physical Requirements

1
Difficulty Level
Categorized as Challenging/Tough (Level 6), involving technical glacier and pass crossings
2
Prior Experience
Mandatory completion of at least 2 high-altitude treks ranging between 3,500m and 4,500m
3
Fitness Level
Requires high cardiovascular endurance, core strength, and physical flexibility for technical terrain
4
Age Range
Typically recommended for fit individuals within the 18-48 years age bracket

How to Reach

1
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun, about 240 km from Gaurikund. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh or Guptkashi and then continue by road to Sonprayag and Gaurikund, the trek starting point for Kedarnath.
2
By Rail
The nearest major railway stations are Haridwar Junction (HW) and Rishikesh Railway Station (YNRK). Both are well connected to Delhi and other cities. From here, buses and shared taxis are available to Guptkashi, Sonprayag, and Gaurikund.
3
By Road
Rishikesh and Haridwar are well connected by road to Delhi and Dehradun. The route goes via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi to Sonprayag. From Sonprayag, local vehicles take pilgrims to Gaurikund, the last motorable point.
4
Trek / Helicopter to Kedarnath
From Gaurikund, Kedarnath Temple is reached by a 16–23 km trek. Pony, doli, and porter services are available. Helicopter services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi during yatra season, subject to weather conditions.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking

The package includes pickup and drop from Delhi Railway Station, hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner (except in Kedarnath), all transfers and sightseeing as per itinerary, tolls, parking, and driver allowance.

No, Kedarnath stay is on EPAI basis, which means food is not included and must be paid directly at the hotel or local eateries.

No, helicopter tickets from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath are not included and must be booked separately.

Kedarnath Temple is reached by a 16–23 km trek from Gaurikund. Alternatively, pony, doli, or helicopter services can be used at an additional cost.

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October. The temple remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall.

Senior citizens can visit with proper medical fitness, but the long trek can be challenging. Helicopter service is recommended for elderly pilgrims.

During peak season, pre-booking is recommended to avoid long queues, especially for special pooja or VIP darshan.

Accommodation includes standard, deluxe, or luxury hotels in Guptkashi and basic hotels or guesthouses in Kedarnath.

Mobile network is available in towns like Guptkashi and Sonprayag, but connectivity in Kedarnath and on the trek route may be limited.

Warm clothes, rain jacket, trekking shoes, personal medicines, power bank, torch, and valid ID proof are essential.

Yes, pony, doli, and porter services are available at Gaurikund, but availability depends on weather and crowd conditions.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended due to high-altitude travel and unpredictable weather.

Yes, the itinerary can be customized based on your travel dates, hotel category, and additional sightseeing preferences.

Basic medical facilities are available at Sonprayag and Kedarnath during yatra season, but pilgrims should carry personal medicines.

In case of bad weather or landslides, the itinerary may be delayed or modified for safety. Additional expenses, if any, are borne by the traveler.

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Major Attractions

Discover the must-visit places along your journey

9 attractions across 8 categories

Filter by Category

Kedarnath Temple

Religious/Jyotirlinga Shrine#1

Bhairavnath Temple

Religious/Hilltop Shrine#2

Gaurikund

Religious/Hot Springs & Trek Base#3

Sonprayag Sangam

Religious/River Confluence#4

Guptkashi Vishwanath Temple

Religious/Heritage Temple#5

Mandakini River Valley

Nature/River Valley#6