Getting there
How to reach Kedarnath
Kedarnath is reached by a 16 km trek from Gaurikund, which is the last motorable point, or by helicopter from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi. The temple sits at about 3,580 metres and opens from around late April or early May until Diwali.
- Trek
- About 16 km from Gaurikund
- Altitude
- About 3,580 m
- Helicopter
- From Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi
- Season
- Late April or May to Diwali
- Registration
- Required, confirm current rules
The trek
Sixteen kilometres with steady gain, done in a day by fit walkers and over two by many. Ponies and palanquins are available at Gaurikund. Weather changes fast and afternoons are frequently wet, so early starts are standard.
By helicopter
Services run from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi in season, subject to weather. They save the trek but cancel readily, so a helicopter booking should not be the only plan if your dates are fixed.
Questions people ask
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
About 16 km from Gaurikund, taking six to eight hours up for most people. Ponies and palanquins are available for those who need them.
Is registration required for Char Dham?
Yes, and the system changes between seasons. Confirm the current requirement before fixing dates, since quotas can affect which days are available.
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Tours that go there
Every one of these is run by our own team, with the drivers and the permits arranged.
Read next
- Best time to visit UttarakhandMay to June and September to October are the two Char Dham windows, either side of the monsoon. The shrines open around late April or early May and close around Diwali. July and August carry serious landslide risk on the pilgrimage roads and are best avoided.
- Tours for senior travellersShimla, Dalhousie and Kashmir suit senior travellers, because they stay below 2,700 metres and the sightseeing can be done without long walks. Ladakh, Spiti and the Kedarnath trek are not advisable without medical clearance, since all three involve sustained altitude or sustained climbing.
- Family tour packages in the HimalayasShimla, Manali and Dharamshala suit families best, because the drives are short, hotels are plentiful and nothing depends on altitude tolerance. Ladakh and Spiti are not recommended for young children or grandparents, since both involve sustained time above 3,500 metres.
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