Blog · Pilgrimage
Reaching Kedarnath: trek, pony, palki or helicopter
Kedarnath is the only one of the four dhams without a road to the temple. How you make the climb shapes the whole day.
The trek
The trek starts at Gaurikund, reached by shared jeep from Sonprayag. The path is paved and well marked, with rest points and tea stalls, but it is long and steadily uphill: around 16–19 km one way, depending on the route. Fit walkers take 6–8 hours up. Start early in the morning.
Ponies and palkis
Ponies (horses and mules) and palkis (palanquins carried by bearers) are available at Gaurikund at official rates. They take much of the effort out of the climb, but still need you to be comfortable sitting for several hours on a mountain path.
Helicopter
Helicopter shuttles fly to Kedarnath from helipads in the valley, such as Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi. Tickets are sold only through the official booking portal and sell out quickly when bookings open, so plan ahead. Flights depend on the weather and can be delayed or cancelled.
Staying overnight
Many pilgrims stay the night near the temple and return the next day, which allows a calmer darshan and the evening aarti. Our 6-day Do Dham plan includes a Kedarnath overnight; shorter plans go up and down in one long day.
Tips
- Keep your registration and ID handy for checks.
- Carry rain gear: weather changes quickly.
- Take it slowly, and do not push on if you feel unwell at altitude.
