If you are a Lord Shiva devotee and planning a spiritual trip from Dehradun to Kedarnath Temple-sitauted at high-altitude in Uttarakhand or just want to flex your calf muscles on a 16 km trek, Kedarnath Temple is calling you. With majority of tourists focusing on religious tourism in 2025, Kedarnath Dham Yara is one of the most visited temples in India. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, this sacred destination is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and part of the revered Char Dham Yatra circuit (Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, and Kedarnath).
How to Reach Kedarnath from Dehradun
There are no train options from Dehradun to reach Kedarnath, so it is better to take a private cab or Kedarnath bus service to reach Gaurikund. There are many Kedarnath Yatra packages which run on fixed departure and arrival dates. You can book a seat in bus to travel safely with fellow passengers. If you are travelling in a group of more than 6-8 persons, Hiring a Tempo traveller in Dehradun to Kedarnath is comparatively comfortable and affordable. Know rates of various travel options from Dehradun to Kedarnath such as bus, car, tempo traveller.
Accommodation Options near Kedarnath
It is suggested to book a Dharamshala or hotel in advance in peak season of May and June to avoid price surge and unavailability due to high demand. Here is hotel stay tentative rates in Kedarnath.
- Sonprayag / Gaurikund:
- Dharmshala: ₹500 – ₹1,000
- Budget Hotels: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
- Kedarnath Peak:
- Premium Tent Stays: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- Shared Dorms: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500
Tips to Make your Kedarnath Yatra Successful
1. Choose the best time and season that suits you
Let us tell you, Kedarnath temple is highly revered, but remains open for darshan only for 6 months from May to Bhai Dooj- Lying in October. So, must plan a date according to its opening date and closing date and latest update with official sources.
2. When is Kedarnath Temple Open in 2025?
- Opening Date 2025: 2nd May (2 Days after Akshaya Tritiya)
- Closing Date: 23rd October
The ideal travel windows are from May to June when there is pleasant weather and clear skies after 6 months hard snow all around. It is highly suggested to avoid July-August due to landslides and heavy rainfall. Post monsoon season is best for Dehradun to Kedarnath trip, when there is less people visit due to festive season in India.
3. Pick the best mode to reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund
Kedarnath trek is one of the most challenging treks of about 17- 21 Km amid harsh weather conditions and terrain. Still million of pilgrims visit here every year to attain salvation. There are three main ways to reach Kedarnath Main temple- Trek, Pony or Palkie, helicopter.
If you are lucky enough and able to get a helicopter ticket for Kedarnath, must go or that to reach easily. Helicopter cost for round trip from Dehradun to Kedarnath comes around Rs 4500 to Rs 7500 per person. You can book a service of Pick up and drop at Dehradun Airport to avail Kedarnath Helicopter services easily. If you are not willing or capable to trek, take a pony ride or palkie service. Pony cost is around Rs 2000 Per person which vary depending on season and pilgrim count. So, it seems, own leg is more useful to cover this beautiful trip in budget and most fanciful way.
Distance from Dehradun to Kedarnath
- Dehradun to Gaurikund: ~260 km (9–10 hours by road)
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple: 16 km trek (6–8 hours)
Details of reaching Kedarnath Dham by Helicopter (Because Why Walk When You Can Fly?)
- Departure: Sahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun)
- Landing Options: Guptkashi, Sersi, or Phata
- Total Time: 40–50 minutes
- Fares (2025): ₹4,900 – ₹8,900 per person (Max 6 passengers)
New in 2025: More operators now offer online bookings for Dehradun to Kedarnath with real-time weather delay alerts. If you are landing at Delhi Airport to join the Kedarnath Helicopter Yatra, reach Helipad before time to avoid any kind of delays. You can make your trip comfortable and assured with Delhi to Dehradun Tempo Traveller Service.
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple Trek (16 km)
Trekking Route:
Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Rambara → Lincholi → Base Camp → Kedarnath
Alternate Trekking Options:
- Pithu (Porters): ₹2,500 – ₹4,000
- Mule/Pony: ₹3,500 – ₹4,500
- Kandi (Palanquin): ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 (for those who want the royal experience)
Not willing to? Don’t be. Plan a trip in 2027-28 to enjoy a cable ride to Kedarnath Temple (probably)- Right now in development phase.
Plan your Kedarnath Itinerary according to Temple Timings
Kedarnath Darshan & Aarti Timings
- Morning Aarti (Mahabhishek): 4:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Evening Aarti (Shayan): 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Darshan Timings:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Kedarnath Trek Packing Checklist (Don’t Be That Person)
- Proper trekking shoes
- Thermal clothes
- Raincoat/Poncho
- Wooden stick
- First aid kit
- Power bank & torch
- High-energy snacks & water
- ID card (compulsory)
- Pre-registration papers (required for entry)
Final Tips for a Smooth Kedarnath Yatra in 2025
1. Register online via Uttarakhand Tourism official site
It is mandatory to get registered for your Dehradun to Kedarnath yatra. As of 2025, online registration is required to visit Kedarnath. This is not optional, you must show this via QR codes and ID checks.
- Visit https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in/
- Register yourself and your group
- Upload IDs (Aadhar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
- Carry printed and digital copies both as internet is not reliable in this area.
2. Physical Fitness is Not a Joke
The 16 km uphill trek is no walk in the park unless your local park has cliffs, low oxygen, and icy winds.
- Start light cardio/hiking practice at least 1 month in advance
- Consult a doctor if you have asthma, heart conditions, or the willpower of a soft muffin
Pro tip: Stretch. You don’t want your legs staging a revolt mid-trek.
3. Check weather reports daily during the journey
Mountain weather changes faster than your cousin’s excuses. Download weather apps like Windy, AccuWeather, or IMD Uttarakhand Radar.
- Always check the forecast for Gaurikund and Kedarnath
- If landslide alerts pop up, postpone your heroic quest
4. Keep buffer days for your trip in case of landslides or delays
There is no control over natural situations such as Landslides, roadblocks, snowfall.
- Add 1-2 buffer days to your return plan
- Don’t book your return train or flight the same day you descend from Kedarnath
- If you’re flying back internationally, add even more days.
5. Altitude Sickness is Real, so be ready for this
Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and irrational emotional choices.
- Stay hydrated (but not like you’re in a water-drinking contest)
- Avoid alcohol and smoking (just for once, champ)
- Carry Diamox or consult a physician for preventive meds
6. Helicopter Travel = VIP, But Not Magic
Helicopter bookings are often delayed or cancelled due to wind, fog, and divine whimsy.
- Book your helicopter ride via Govt-approved operators
- Arrive at least 1 hour early
- Carry only 2-5 kg luggage per passenger
- Have backup ground transport plans (and the patience of a monk)
7. Food & Water Wisdom
You are trekking in a spiritual zone, not a buffet so must have enough food or energy drinks with you.
- Carry energy bars, dry fruits, ORS packets
- Bottled water is available en route, but water purification tablets are a smart backup
- Avoid trying street food roulette unless your stomach is made of steel
8. Clothing & Gear Checklist
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Thermal layers (it gets sub-zero at night)
- Windcheater + rain poncho
- Gloves, muffler, and woollen cap
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Power bank, because Himalayan WiFi is a concept, not a reality
9. Pack Light, But Pack Smart
There are porters and ponies, but don’t test their limits.
- Keep essentials in a backpack (15-20L max)
- Avoid wheeled suitcases unless you want villagers to laugh at you
10. Respect the Rules & Rituals
You are walking into a sacred place, not a selfie battleground. Avoid littering and follow the temple guidelines to keep the nature place as beautiful as it is.
- Photography is not allowed inside the temple
- Dress modestly—even your tank top isn’t impressing Lord Shiva