How to Plan Kedarnath Itinerary?

Planning an itinerary for the Kedarnath Temple is crucial to ensure that you have enough time to complete the trek and explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here is a suggested Kedarnath itinerary that you can follow to plan your trip to Kedarnath temple.

How to Plan Kedarnath Itinerary?

Here is an ideal itinerary that you can use as a guideline:

• Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh
• Day 2: Drive from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Gaurikund (8-9 hours)
• Day 3: Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km, 6-7 hours)
• Day 4: Explore Kedarnath and acclimatization
• Day 5: Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund (16 km, 4-5 hours)
• Day 6: Drive from Gaurikund to Haridwar or Rishikesh (8-9 hours)

However, you can adjust the itinerary based on your preferences and fitness level.

Things To Keep in Mind Before the Kedarnath Trip

Here are some tips to help you plan your Kedarnath itinerary:

• Take enough time to acclimatize
• Plan for extra days
• Hire a guide or porter
• Check for seasonal closures
• Be prepared for emergencies
• Check for accommodation availability
• Carry enough cash

Take enough time to acclimatize: It is important to acclimatize properly to avoid altitude sickness. Plan for a rest day at Kedarnath or on the way up to Gaurikund.

Plan for extra days: Unforeseen weather conditions or travel disruptions may cause delays. Plan for extra days to avoid rushing through the trek or missing your return journey.

Hire a guide or porter: If you are not an experienced trekker, consider hiring a guide or porter who can help you navigate the trail and carry your backpack.

Check for seasonal closures: The Kedarnath Trek is closed during the winter season (November to April) due to heavy snowfall. Plan your trek accordingly.

Be prepared for emergencies: Carry a satellite phone, emergency contact numbers, and a first aid kit in case of any emergencies.

Check for accommodation availability: There are several options for accommodation on the Kedarnath Trek, but they can fill up quickly during peak season. Book your accommodation in advance.

Carry enough cash: There are no ATMs on the Kedarnath Trek, so carry enough cash to cover your expenses.

Kedarnath itinerary Plan

Planning a trip to Kedarnath, one of the most famous Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, requires careful consideration of various factors such as travel time, weather conditions, accommodation options, and local transportation.

Kedarnath Trip Itinerary (Day 1-6)

Sure, here is a more detailed itinerary for the Kedarnath Yatra:

• Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh
• Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund
• Day 3: Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek (Visit Kedarnath Temple)
• Day 4: Kedarnath to Gaurikund
• Day 5: Gaurikund to Haridwar or Rishikesh
• Day 6: Departure from Haridwar/Rishikesh

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh

• Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by train or bus from Delhi or other nearby cities.
• Check into a hotel or guest house and rest for the day.
• Visit the Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening, which is a spiritual experience on the banks of the river Ganga.

Haridwar or Rishikesh is the closest major city to Kedarnath, and it is well-connected to other parts of India by train and road. You can take a train or bus from Delhi or any other major city to reach Haridwar or Rishikesh. Spend the day exploring the city and visiting popular attractions such as Har Ki Pauri, Triveni Ghat, and Laxman Jhula.

Day 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund

On the second day, start early in the morning and drive to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath trek.

• The drive takes around 8-9 hours through scenic valleys and mountain roads.
• Check into a hotel or guest house in Sonprayag or Guptkashi and rest for the day.
• You can also explore the town and its surroundings.

It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Gaurikund from Haridwar or Rishikesh. From Gaurikund, you need to trek for around 16 km to reach Kedarnath. The trek is steep and can take anywhere between 6-8 hours depending on your fitness level. Upon reaching Kedarnath, check into your hotel and rest.

Day 3: Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek (Visit Kedarnath Temple)

On the third day, visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the most important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is accessible only by foot. After darshan, spend the day exploring the town, visiting local markets, and trying out the local cuisine.

• Have an early breakfast and start the drive to Gaurikund, which is the base camp for the Kedarnath Trek.
• From Gaurikund, start the trek to Kedarnath, which is around 16 km and takes approximately 6-8 hours.

Must Read: Gaurikund To Kedarnath Trek Guide

• The trek takes you through a steep and narrow trail, passing through dense forests, waterfalls, and mountain streams.
• Reach Kedarnath by late afternoon or early evening and check into a hotel or guest house.
• Visit the Kedarnath temple in the evening and attend the evening puja ceremony.

Day 4: Kedarnath to Gaurikund

• Wake up early in the morning and visit the Kedarnath temple for the morning puja ceremony.
• After breakfast, start the trek back to Gaurikund, which takes around 4-6 hours.
• From Gaurikund, drive back to Guptkashi and check into a hotel or guest house.
• Rest for the day or explore the town and its surroundings.

On the fourth day, trek back to Gaurikund. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city or catching up on some rest.

Day 5: Gaurikund to Haridwar or Rishikesh

• Have an early breakfast and start the drive back to Haridwar/Rishikesh.
• Reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by evening and check into a hotel or guest house.
• Rest for the day or explore the town and its surroundings.

Day 6: Departure from Haridwar or Rishikesh

On the last day, depart from Haridwar or Rishikesh to your next destination.

• Have breakfast and check out from the hotel or guest house.
• Catch a train or bus back to Delhi or other nearby cities.
• Your Kedarnath Trip ends here.

Note: This itinerary is only a suggestion, and you can modify it according to your preferences and requirements. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the weather conditions in the region, especially during the monsoon season, and plan accordingly.

Kedarnath itinerary (Distance from Major Cities)

Note: This distance is directly from the Kedarnath Temple including the Kedarnath Trek which comes after Gaurikund in Rudraprayag.

Click on Any Route below and you will redirect to a detailed Guide on that Route.