Kedarnath

The Jyotirlinga at 3,553 m — a 16 km trek of faith, dharamshalas and simple mountain food.

verifiedLast verified: August 24, 2026

Getting There

• From Haridwar/Rishikesh: state bus to Sonprayag (₹500–₹700, 7–9h) or shared jeeps (₹400–₹700).
• Sonprayag→Gaurikund: shared jeeps (₹50–₹100). The trek Gaurikund→Kedarnath is 16–18 km, free on foot.
• Alternatives: pony/doli ₹2,000–₹4,000+ one way; helicopter from Phata/Sersi/Guptkashi ₹11,000–₹14,000 one way (2025 rates).

Typical Budgets

• Backpacker: ₹1,000–₹1,800/day — dharamshala (₹300–₹600), langar meals, trek on foot.
• Mid-range: ₹2,000–₹4,000/day — GMVN rooms (₹800–₹1,200), hotel stays, one paid ascent.

Practical Tips

• Yatra registration is mandatory AND free — do it online at the Uttarakhand tourism registration portal before you travel; carry Aadhaar.
• Start the trek before 6am; it takes 6–8h at a comfortable pace with breaks.
• Carry cash — no ATMs after Sonprayag. Carry your own warm layers; buying on the route costs double.
• Free langars run through peak season — genuine pilgrim food and a big budget saver.
• GMVN rooms fill fast in May–June; book online weeks ahead.

What I Wish I Knew

• September–October is the budget sweet spot: fewer crowds, lower prices, clearer weather than peak June.

Permits & Notes

• Yatra registration (free, mandatory) — done online or at registration counters. Carry photo ID for biometric checks.