How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi, mumbai
How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi and Mumbai: Ultimate Guide
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Kedarnath, one of the four pilgrimage spots of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, holds immense religious significance for Hindus as it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated in the Kedarnath Valley in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, this holy site attracts millions of devotees each year. If you are planning a visit to Kedarnath from Delhi or Mumbai, here is an ultimate guide on how to reach this sacred destination.
Table of Contents
- How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi
- By Road
- By Train
- By Flight
- Cab/Taxi/Own Car
- How to Reach Kedarnath from Mumbai
- By Road
- By Train
- By Flight
- Cab/Taxi/Own Car
- Haridwar to Kedarnath
- By Road
- By Train
- Rishikesh to Kedarnath
- By Road
- By Train
- Badrinath to Kedarnath
- By Road
- By Helicopter
- Dehradun to Kedarnath
- By Road
- By Helicopter
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath
- By Road
- Kedarnath Yatra Tips
1. How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi
By Road
To reach Kedarnath from Delhi by road, there are well-developed bus networks available. Starting from the Delhi ISBT terminal at Kashmiri Gate, you can easily find buses to Haridwar/Rishikesh, which are considered the starting points of the Char Dham Yatra. From Haridwar/Rishikesh, you can find buses that will take you to Gaurikund, the last point till vehicles can visit. The road journey offers scenic views of the Himalayas and pilgrims can make stops at various sacred places en route.
By Train
For those who prefer train travel, the nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Rishikesh Railway Station. From Delhi, you can board a train to Rishikesh, which is well-connected to major cities and towns of the country. The train journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. From Rishikesh, you can continue your journey to Kedarnath by road.
By Flight
Another convenient option is to travel from Delhi to Kedarnath by flight. The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 238 kilometers away. Several airlines operate flights from Delhi to Dehradun, and the flight duration is around 1 hour. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund and then trek or hire a pony to reach Kedarnath.
Cab/Taxi/Own Car
If you prefer the flexibility and convenience of traveling in your own vehicle, you can choose to drive from Delhi to Kedarnath. The road distance between Delhi and Kedarnath is approximately 450 kilometers. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes and passes through popular pilgrimage sites like Haridwar and Rishikesh. It is advisable to check the road conditions and weather before embarking on the journey.
2. How to Reach Kedarnath from Mumbai
By Road
To reach Kedarnath from Mumbai by road, you can take a bus from Mumbai Central ST Depot. The well-maintained roads in Uttarakhand, managed by the state government, connect Kedarnath with major cities and towns. The road journey offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. It is advisable to book bus tickets in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure a comfortable journey.
By Train
If you prefer train travel, you can board a train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the main railway station in Mumbai, to Rishikesh Railway Station. The train journey from Mumbai to Rishikesh takes approximately 30-31 hours. From Rishikesh, you can continue your journey to Kedarnath by road.
By Flight
The most convenient way to reach Kedarnath from Mumbai is by flight. You can take a flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is the nearest airport to Kedarnath. The flight duration is approximately 2-3 hours. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund and then proceed to Kedarnath by trekking or hiring a pony.
Cab/Taxi/Own Car
If you prefer the freedom of driving your own vehicle, you can choose to travel from Mumbai to Kedarnath by car. The road distance between Mumbai and Kedarnath is approximately 1,800 kilometers, and the journey takes around 30-35 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. It is advisable to plan your stops and carry sufficient food and water for the journey.
3. Haridwar to Kedarnath
By Road
From Haridwar, you can find buses and taxis to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The road distance between Haridwar and Gaurikund is approximately 215 kilometers, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours. The route is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the Himalayas.
By Train
Haridwar is well-connected to major cities and towns in India by train. You can board a train from Haridwar Railway Station to Rishikesh Railway Station, which is the nearest railhead to Kedarnath. The train journey takes approximately 1-2 hours. From Rishikesh, you can continue your journey to Kedarnath by road.
4. Rishikesh to Kedarnath
By Road
From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The road distance between Rishikesh and Gaurikund is approximately 200 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours. The route offers mesmerizing views of the mountains and valleys.
By Train
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Kedarnath. You can board a train from Rishikesh to reach Kedarnath by train. The train journey takes approximately 1-2 hours. From Kedarnath railway station, you can take a taxi or hire a pony to reach the Kedarnath Temple.
5. Badrinath to Kedarnath
By Road
If you are visiting Badrinath as part of your pilgrimage journey, you can travel from Badrinath to Kedarnath by road. The road distance between Badrinath and Kedarnath is approximately 220 kilometers, and the journey takes around 8-9 hours. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Badrinath to Gaurikund and then trek or hire a pony to reach Kedarnath.
By Helicopter
Another option to travel from Badrinath to Kedarnath is by helicopter. Helicopter services are available from Badrinath to Kedarnath, offering a convenient and time-saving way to complete the pilgrimage. The helicopter journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, providing stunning aerial views of the Himalayas.
6. Dehradun to Kedarnath
By Road
From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The road distance between Dehradun and Gaurikund is approximately 230 kilometers, and the journey takes around 9-10 hours. The route offers scenic beauty and passes through picturesque towns and villages.
By Helicopter
Helicopter services are also available from Dehradun to Kedarnath, offering a convenient and time-efficient way to reach the sacred temple. The helicopter journey takes approximately 50-60 minutes, providing breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.
7. Gaurikund to Kedarnath
By Road
Gaurikund is the last point till vehicles can visit, and from there, pilgrims have to trek or hire a pony to cover the remaining distance of 16 kilometers to reach Kedarnath. The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a spiritual and adventurous experience, with the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas accompanying you.
8. Kedarnath Yatra Tips
- Plan your trip during the summer season, as Kedarnath remains accessible only for six months due to heavy snowfall.
- Carry sufficient warm clothing, as the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and chilly.
- Stay hydrated and carry water bottles to avoid dehydration during the trek.
- Take necessary precautions and consult a doctor if you have any health concerns before embarking on the journey.
- Respect the sanctity of the temple and follow the guidelines and instructions provided by the authorities.
- Carry essential medications and a first-aid kit, including bandages, pain relievers, and any prescribed medications.
- Engage with local guides and porters for assistance and guidance during the trek.
- Be mindful of the environment and avoid littering. Keep the surroundings clean and pristine.
- Take breaks and rest whenever needed during the trek. Listen to your body and avoid exerting yourself unnecessarily.
- Embrace the spiritual essence of the journey and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere of Kedarnath.
Embarking on a journey to Kedarnath from Delhi or Mumbai is a pilgrimage experience that offers spiritual solace and a connection with nature. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or flight, the journey is filled with scenic beauty and a sense of devotion. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure as you embark on this sacred Yatra to Kedarnath.
