Subhash
raman Staff answered 4 months ago
Reaching Kedarnath, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, involves a combination of road and trek journeys. Here are detailed steps for first-time visitors:
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Distance to Kedarnath: 238 km
Transportation from Airport:
Taxi/Cab: Available from the airport to Gaurikund, the base for the Kedarnath trek.
Helicopter Services: Direct services from Dehradun to Kedarnath are available during the yatra season. Operators like Pawan Hans and Himalayan Heli provide these services.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh
Distance to Kedarnath: 216 km
Transportation from Railway Station:
Bus/Taxi: Available from Rishikesh to Gaurikund. Regular buses operated by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) and private operators can be used.
By Road:
From Major Cities:
Delhi to Gaurikund: 458 km
Haridwar to Gaurikund: 240 km
Rishikesh to Gaurikund: 216 km
Dehradun to Gaurikund: 240 km
Route: Most visitors travel via NH 58 to reach Gaurikund. The route generally taken is:
Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund
Buses and taxis are available from these major cities.
From Gaurikund to Kedarnath:
Trekking:
Distance: 16 km
Time: 6-8 hours depending on pace and weather conditions.
Trail Information:
The trail is well-marked and passes through beautiful landscapes, including waterfalls and mountain views.
Facilities such as rest stops, food stalls, and medical aid are available along the route.
Pony/Doli Services:
Availability: Can be hired at Gaurikund for those unable to trek.
Helicopter Services:
Starting Points: Phata, Sersi, Sitapur, Guptkashi
Time: A few minutes flight to Kedarnath
Booking: Advance booking is recommended during peak season (May to June and September to October).
Accommodation:
At Gaurikund:
Options: Budget hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas are available.
Booking: Recommended to book in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season.
At Kedarnath:
Options: GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) guesthouses, tents, and dharamshalas.
Facilities: Basic amenities are available, but it’s advisable to carry essentials.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Weather: Kedarnath experiences cold weather even in summer; pack warm clothes.
Fitness: Ensure you are physically fit for the trek. A pre-trek health check-up is advisable.
Permits: Obtain necessary permits from the authorities at Gaurikund.
Acclimatization: Spend a night at a lower altitude (such as Guptkashi or Sonprayag) before the trek to acclimatize.
Essential Items: Carry essential medications, trekking gear, and sufficient cash as ATMs are scarce.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
By following these guidelines, first-time visitors can have a safe and fulfilling journey to Kedarnath.
Amit Khanna Staff answered 2 months ago
Reaching Kedarnath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, involves a combination of road travel and a trek. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reach Kedarnath:
1. Reaching Kedarnath by Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (Distance to Kedarnath: 239 km)
How to Continue: After arriving at Jolly Grant Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sonprayag (207 km from Dehradun), which is the last motorable point before the trek to Kedarnath begins.
2. Reaching Kedarnath by Train
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (Distance to Kedarnath: 221 km)
Other Nearby Stations: Haridwar (Distance to Kedarnath: 242 km)
How to Continue: From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can take a taxi, shared jeep, or bus to Sonprayag, which is the last point accessible by vehicles.
3. Reaching Kedarnath by Road
Key Destinations:
Delhi to Rishikesh: You can start your road journey from Delhi to Rishikesh (Distance: 230 km), then proceed to Kedarnath.
Rishikesh to Sonprayag: Travel via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi to Sonprayag (207 km from Rishikesh).
Bus and Taxi Services: Regular buses and taxis operate from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Sonprayag. It takes about 8–10 hours to reach Sonprayag from these cities.
4. Trek from Sonprayag to Kedarnath
Last Motorable Point: Gaurikund, 5 km from Sonprayag (you can take a shared jeep from Sonprayag to Gaurikund).
Trek Distance: 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, with well-paved paths. The trek takes around 6–8 hours depending on your pace.
Options on the Trek:
On Foot: Most pilgrims prefer trekking on foot, taking in the scenic beauty and sacredness of the region.
Pony/Palki: Ponies, palanquins (palkis), and porters are available for hire at Gaurikund for those who prefer not to walk.
Helicopter: Helicopter services are available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi (depending on availability and weather) to Kedarnath. It’s a 10–12 minute ride, and pre-booking is recommended.
Helicopter Services to Kedarnath
Helicopter services offer a quicker alternative for reaching Kedarnath and operate from different helipads. Here are the details:
Departure Points: Phata, Guptkashi, Sersi
Duration: Around 10–12 minutes
Cost: INR 2,300 to INR 4,500 (approx., varies by provider)
Booking: Available online and at helipad offices, but pre-booking is recommended during peak pilgrimage seasons (April to November).
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Summer (April to June): Pleasant weather, ideal for pilgrimage and trekking.
Monsoon (July to September): Avoid due to landslides and heavy rains.
Autumn (September to October): Clear skies, ideal for visiting before the temple closes for winter.
Winter (November to March): Kedarnath Temple closes during winter due to heavy snowfall, and the deity is moved to Ukhimath.
Travel Tips
Altitude: Kedarnath is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), so acclimatize yourself gradually and be prepared for cold weather.
Clothing: Carry warm clothing, especially if visiting early or late in the season.
Physical Fitness: Ensure you are physically fit for the 16 km trek if you plan to walk.
Reaching Kedarnath involves a spiritual journey through the scenic and challenging terrain of the Himalayas, making it a memorable experience for pilgrims and adventurers alike.