Kedarnath Mountain Escape
Chandan Singh
| 23-12-2025
· Travel teamWe’re about to explore one of the most breathtaking mountain towns in northern India — Kedarnath, nestled high in the Uttarakhand Himalayas at about 3,583 meters above sea level.
This town is most famous for the Kedarnath Temple, a sacred shrine surrounded by snow‑capped peaks and the Mandakini River flowing beside it.
Our guide brings practical details for planning your trip, including costs, opening times, transport, food, accommodation, and useful travel tips so you can plan with confidence and ease.
Best Time to Visit
Kedarnath is a seasonal destination due to heavy snow in winter. The best time to go is:
- May to June: Temple reopens and weather is pleasant with snow views. Crowds and prices can be high.
- September to October: Clear skies, fewer crowds, great views, cooler temperatures — often the best travel window.
- Monsoon (July–August): Not recommended due to heavy rain and landslide risks.
- Winter (November–April): The temple closes and the region is covered in snow.
Temple Opening Hours & Darshan Costs
During the pilgrimage season:
- Opening Period: Typically early May to November (exact opening day varies with weather).
- Temple Hours: Around 04:00 AM to 08:00 PM with a break midday, but darshan lines often start early morning.
- Entry Fee: There is no standard temple entry ticket. Basic darshan is usually free.
- Priority Darshan: Some services like VIP or special darshan may cost extra — around $6–$12.
- Puja/Seva Costs: Optional formal worship services (like Rudrabhishek, Panchopachar) vary widely — from around $10 up to $310 for comprehensive packages.
How to Reach Kedarnath
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun. From there, you take a taxi or shared transport to reach Gaurikund (the trek base).
By Train:
Haridwar and Rishikesh are the closest major railway stations. From there, continue by road to the trek base.
By Road:
Buses and shared taxis operate from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Sonprayag or Gaurikund (about 200–250 km).
Final Stretch — Trek or Helicopter:
- Trek: From Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 km, taking 6–8 hours on foot.
- Helicopter: Optional, faster but costlier — fares around $135–$170 one way depending on departure point.
Transportation Costs
Typical costs in :
- Shared bus/jeep Haridwar/Rishikesh → Sonprayag/Gaurikund: ~$1–$8 per person
- Private taxi Haridwar → Gaurikund: ~$34–$68
- Helicopter (one way): ~$135–$170
- Parking at Sitapur/Sonprayag: ~$1–$2 per 12 hours
- Horse/Pony or Basket (trek assistance): ~$34–$48 one way
Accommodation Options & Prices
- Basic Dharamshala/Guesthouse: ~$7–$20 per night
- Mid‑Range Guesthouses/Hotels: ~$27–$54 per night
- Tents/Camps: ~$4–$11 per person
- Donation‑Based Dharamshalas: ~$3–$7 per night
Tips: Book early, especially in peak months, as availability shrinks quickly.
Dining & Food Costs
- Food in Kedarnath is simple:
- Local meals/Thalis: ~$1–$4 per meal
- Snacks & Tea: ~$0.5–$1.5
- Purified bottled water: ~$0.5–$1
Carrying snacks and water for the trek is recommended.
Practical Travel Tips
- Register for the Yatra: Mandatory registration helps manage crowd and safety. Can be done offline or online.
- Carry Cash: ATMs are limited; cash is essential.
- Warm Clothes & Gear: Nights are cold; bring thermals, jackets, waterproof gear, and good hiking shoes.
- Acclimatize: Spend a night in Sonprayag or Guptkashi before heading up.
- Medical & Insurance: Limited facilities exist; travel insurance and a basic first‑aid kit are recommended.
Reflecting on Our Journey
Kedarnath is more than a destination — it’s an immersive experience blending mountain beauty, peaceful surroundings, and cultural depth. With this practical guide, we can plan confidently, knowing costs, timings, and what to expect.
Ready to Go?
Whether trekking on foot, taking a helicopter, or planning a multi‑day itinerary, Kedarnath offers unforgettable mountain views and meaningful experiences. Pack well, plan ahead, and let this Himalayan journey stay with us long after we return!
Kedarnath - India's Most Popular Pilgrimage | From Drone’s Eye
Video by Kanishk Gupta