Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance: A Complete Guide for Your Divine Journey (2025)

Introduction: The Divine Journey Begins

Hello, fellow travellers and Shiva bhakts! 🙏

Have you ever felt that pull, that deep desire to visit the mountains, not just for a vacation but for something more? That’s what a trip to Kedarnath feels like. It’s not just a journey; it’s an experience that stays with you forever. Every year, lakhs of pilgrims start their sacred journey from Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World,” towards the abode of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath.

But before you pack your bags, a question that comes to everyone’s mind is: “What is the Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance and how do I even get there?” Trust me, I’ve been there, staring at Google Maps and trying to figure out the best way.

Don’t worry, my friend. In this detailed guide, I will share everything you need to know about the distance, the different ways to travel, a perfect itinerary, and some honest tips that only a fellow Indian traveller can give. So, let’s get started on planning your spiritual adventure!

---

Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance: Kitna Dur Hai Bhai?

This is the most asked question, and the answer isn’t as simple as one number. The Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance is a mix of road travel and a long trek.

Segment	Distance	Mode of Travel	Average Time
Rishikesh to Gaurikund	220 km	Bus, taxi, or private car	8–9 hours
Gaurikund to Kedarnath	16 km	Trekking, pony, palanquin, or helicopter	5–7 hours (trek)

So, in short, it’s a journey of roughly 236 km. The road trip to the mountains is beautiful, but also long and a little tiring. From winding roads to scenic valleys, the route is full of breathtaking views. The trek, of course, is the highlight—challenging yet rewarding.

Best Routes from Rishikesh to Kedarnath

There are multiple routes you can take, each offering stunning views of the Himalayas:

• Route via Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund (Most Popular)
• Route via Tehri – Ghansali – Mayali – Guptkashi – Sonprayag – Gaurikund (Scenic but longer)

The first route is the most common and well-connected with public transport, while the second is preferred by road-trip enthusiasts looking for offbeat landscapes.

How to Reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh: Your Travel Options

Now that you know the distance, let’s talk about how to cover it. You have a few options, depending on your budget, time, and fitness level.

By Road: The Classic Route

This is the most common and classic way to do the yatra. You can choose between a bus, a shared taxi, or a private cab.

• Private Cab/Taxi: This is the most comfortable option. You can hire a cab from Rishikesh to take you to Gaurikund. The fare can be anywhere between ₹9,000 to ₹12,000 for a multi-day trip, depending on the cab type (sedan or SUV). The journey takes around 7-9 hours, excluding breaks. The benefit? You can stop anywhere you want for photos or chai!
• Shared Taxi/Jeep: A more budget-friendly option. You’ll find plenty of shared jeeps (like Tata Sumo) from Rishikesh bus stand that go up to Guptkashi or Sonprayag. These are super popular with locals and pilgrims. The cost is much lower, typically around ₹600-₹800 per person.
• Bus: The cheapest way to travel. State-run buses (GMOU, UPSRTC) and some private buses ply daily from Rishikesh to Sonprayag. The bus journey is long (around 10-12 hours) but very economical, with tickets costing around ₹400-₹600. Remember, buses usually stop at Gaurikund. From there, you have to take a local shared taxi to Sonprayag, a 5 km ride.

By Helicopter: For a Quick & Scenic Trip

For those who are short on time or can’t do the strenuous trek, the helicopter is a blessing.

• Helipad Location: Helicopter services for Kedarnath don’t start from Rishikesh. The main helipads are located near Gaurikund, at places like Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
• The Route: You’ll need to first travel by road from Rishikesh to one of these helipads (Phata is the most popular). This road journey is about 7-8 hours. From there, it’s a short 10-15 minute helicopter ride to the Kedarnath temple.
• Cost: A two-way helicopter ride can cost anywhere from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000 per person. It’s a bit expensive, but the stunning aerial views of the Himalayas are priceless. It’s best to book your helicopter tickets well in advance, as they get sold out quickly.

By Train and Bus: A Budget-Friendly Combo

There’s no direct train to Kedarnath. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh itself. So, if you’re coming from another city, you can take a train to Rishikesh and then follow one of the road travel options mentioned above. This is an excellent way to save money and enjoy the journey in different phases. you can book your train tickets to Rishikesh via the IRCTC.

The Kedarnath Trek: Gaurikund to Kedarnath

The road journey ends at Gaurikund. From here, your real spiritual journey begins! The trek is a crucial part of the Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance and experience.

What to Expect on the Trek

The 16 km trek is quite steep, but the path is well-maintained. The scenery is simply out of this world—lush green mountains, roaring waterfalls, and the Mandakini river flowing alongside you. You will meet thousands of other pilgrims, all with the same goal, and the energy is incredible. The trek can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on your pace and fitness.

Trek Route: Gaurikund to Kedarnath (Featured Snippet)

The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is broken down into several sections with rest stops and facilities.

• Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti: The trek starts with a 4 km walk.
• Jungle Chatti to Bhimbali: This is the next 3 km stretch, where you’ll find more stalls and rest points.
• Bhimbali to Lincholi: A 4 km walk. This part gets steeper and more challenging.
• Lincholi to Kedarnath Base Camp: A 4 km stretch that feels very long due to the altitude.
• Kedarnath Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple: The final 1 km walk to the temple, a feeling of pure bliss.

Don’t worry if you can’t walk the whole way. You can hire a pony, mule, or a palki (palanquin) from Gaurikund. Ponies and palkis are especially useful for elderly pilgrims or those with health issues. The cost for a pony ride is around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 one way.

A Perfect Rishikesh to Kedarnath Itinerary

To help you plan, here is a simple 3-day itinerary. You can stretch it to 4 or 5 days if you want a more relaxed trip.

Day 1: Rishikesh to Guptkashi/Sonprayag

• Morning: Leave Rishikesh early morning (around 5-6 AM) by bus or taxi.
• Afternoon: Stop for lunch at Srinagar or Rudraprayag. Enjoy the scenic drive.
• Evening: Reach Sonprayag or Guptkashi by evening. This is your stop for the night. Find a guesthouse or hotel, have a simple dinner, and get a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: The Main Yatra Day

• Early Morning: Wake up before sunrise, get ready, and take a shared taxi from Sonprayag to Gaurikund.
• Start the Trek: The trek starts from Gaurikund. Walk, or hire a pony/palki.
• Afternoon: Reach the Kedarnath temple. Check into your accommodation (tents or guesthouses are available near the temple).
• Evening: Attend the mesmerising evening aarti. The atmosphere is truly divine.
• Night: Have dinner and sleep well. The nights are very cold, so bundle up!

Day 3: Return Journey

• Morning: Wake up early for the morning darshan and aarti, which is a very special experience.
• Late Morning: Start your descent back to Gaurikund.
• Afternoon: From Gaurikund, take a shared taxi back to Sonprayag and then a bus or cab back to Rishikesh. You will reach Rishikesh late in the evening.

This itinerary is tight but doable. If you have more time, you can stay an extra night in Guptkashi or Kedarnath to make it more comfortable. For more general advice on planning your entire trip as an Indian traveller, check out The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Trip for Indian Travelers.

Travel Tips and Tricks from an Indian Traveller

Here are some pro tips from my own experience that will make your trip smoother:

Documents and Registration

• Mandatory Registration: It’s compulsory to register for the Char Dham Yatra. You can do this online on the Uttarakhand Tourism website or on the spot at any of the physical registration counters in Rishikesh or Haridwar. Don’t forget to carry your Aadhaar card or any valid ID. You can find more detailed information and the registration portal on the Government of Uttarakhand’s Tourist Care portal.
• Carry multiple photocopies of your ID, photos, and registration slip.

Packing Essentials

• Warm Clothes: Even in summers, it gets freezing cold in Kedarnath. Pack thermals, woollen sweaters, gloves, a cap, and a heavy jacket.
• Raincoat/Poncho: The weather in the mountains is unpredictable. A good raincoat is a lifesaver.
• Good Shoes: Comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes are a must. Your feet will thank you.
• First-Aid Kit: Carry basic medicines for headache, fever, stomach upset, and altitude sickness. Also, carry bandages and antiseptic cream.
• Snacks: Dry fruits, energy bars, and chocolates are great for a quick energy boost during the trek.
• Power Bank: Mobile network is patchy, but you’ll need your phone for photos. A power bank is essential.

Food and Stay

• Budget Accommodation: Sonprayag and Guptkashi have plenty of guesthouses and hotels. Near the temple, you’ll find basic tented accommodations and government guesthouses.
• Food: Don’t expect fancy restaurants. You’ll get simple, vegetarian food—dal, chawal, roti, sabzi, Maggie, and lots of hot chai. It’s best to stick to light, simple food to avoid any stomach issues. For more detailed tips on finding affordable places to stay, you can read our article on How to Choose the Right Low Budget Accommodation.

Kedarnath for Every Traveller

For Senior Citizens and Families

The journey is tough, but it’s not impossible.

• Helicopter services are a great option to skip the long trek.
• Palkis and ponies are readily available from Gaurikund. They might be a bit costly but are worth it for a comfortable journey.
• Keep the pace slow and take frequent breaks. Don’t rush. The journey is the destination.

For Solo Travellers and Adventure Seekers

• Trek: The trek is an amazing experience for solo travellers. You’ll meet many other people on the way.
• Stay: You can find budget dorms or shared rooms in guesthouses, which is a great way to meet fellow travellers.
• Offbeat spots: If you have time, you can also explore nearby places like Vasuki Tal or the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi.

Conclusion: Har Har Mahadev!

The Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance might seem daunting, but it’s a journey that is truly worth every step. From the bustling energy of Rishikesh to the serene, divine peace of Kedarnath, this trip will not only test your physical limits but also nourish your soul.

I hope this guide helps you plan your spiritual yatra. If you have any more questions or want to share your experience, feel free to drop a comment below.

Happy travels, and a very blessed yatra to you all. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏

---

FAQs