Kedarnath, in Rudraprayag district, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most demanding of the four dhams. The road ends at Sonprayag, a short shuttle ride takes you to Gaurikund, and the temple is about 16 km on foot from there. Helicopter services also run from the Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi side.
About this page: Registration and the rule that helicopters are booked only through IRCTC were checked against the official registration portal on 2026-10-25. Trek distance and altitude are consistent across secondary sources but not from an official page. No fares or timings are quoted.
Things to see
- Kedarnath Temple. Ancient stone temple with the snow peaks of the Kedarnath range behind it.
- Bhairavnath Temple. Small temple on a hillock above the main shrine.
- Chorabari (Gandhi Sarovar). Lake close to the temple area. Check access before you go.
- Ukhimath. Winter seat of Kedarnath when the temple is closed.
- Triyuginarayan. Temple reached from Sonprayag side, associated with the wedding of Shiva and Parvati.
How to reach Kedarnath
By road
Rishikesh - Devprayag - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Guptkashi - Sonprayag. Guptkashi or Phata are the common overnight bases. Allow a long full day of driving from Rishikesh or Haridwar.
By rail
Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) and Haridwar are the practical railheads.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), then road. Helicopter flights to the temple area operate from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi.
The last stretch
From Sonprayag you take a short shuttle to Gaurikund, the start of the trek. The walk to the temple is about 16 km and often takes the better part of a day. Ponies, palkis and porters (kandi) are available on the route; fares are regulated locally. The official registration portal states that helicopter services can be booked only through IRCTC (Heliyatra); be wary of other sellers.
Where to stay
Guptkashi, Phata, Sonprayag and Sitapur are the common bases before the walk. Basic rooms, GMVN accommodation and tents operate near the temple in season. Book early for May-June.
Food
Vegetarian meals along the route and near the temple. Carry water and light snacks for the walk.
Budget
No reliable current price list was verified for this page, and helicopter fares change. Check the Heliyatra portal for fares and local counters for pony and palki rates before budgeting. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Open only in the yatra season. In 2026 the temple opened on 22 April; closing is customarily around Bhai Dooj (reported as 11 November 2026, not confirmed by an official source). The Mandakini valley is prone to landslides and flash floods, especially in July-August.
Safety
- Register before travelling. Registration is mandatory for the yatra.
- At about 3,500 m, altitude sickness is possible. Ascend steadily and rest; descend if symptoms worsen.
- Pilgrims with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions should consult a doctor first.
- Do not attempt the walk at night or in bad weather. Always check road and trek status on the day.
Tips
- Start the walk before dawn if you plan to return the same day.
- Keep a rain jacket, a warm layer and a torch; even summer nights are cold.
- Book helicopters only on the official portal and keep a bad-weather buffer day.
Plan around Kedarnath
Itineraries that include it
- Char Dham Yatra in 11 days (11 days)
Treks in the same district
- Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila (easy, 3 days)
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk to Kedarnath?
About 16 km one way from Gaurikund. Many people take 6-8 hours uphill; times vary with fitness and crowds.
Is a helicopter guaranteed?
No. Flights depend on weather and seats are limited. Plan buffer days and book through the official portal only.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.