Kedarnath Yatra by Tempo Traveller-A Complete Guide

Embarking on the sacred Kedarnath Yatra is more than just a pilgrimage, it is a transformative journey that combines spiritual awakening with breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, family, or corporate group, this comprehensive Kedarnath Yatra guide will help you plan every aspect of your divine journey to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It will cover all details of Kedarnath Yatra by Tempo Traveller and will answer all queries for group tour, solo trip, couples or corporate groups.

Table of Contents

How to start planning Kedarnath Yatra?

It sounds simple in listening and reading, but this yatra needs will and stamina to trek. With right planning, trip arrangements, preparation, you can do the yatra successfully, if there is a call from Lord Shiva. Consider some basic steps before planning the trip:

From where to start the yatra?- Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh or Delhi?
Where to stay during yatra?
How to reach Kedarnath temple- by trek, pony or Helicopter?
Work on your budget to choose a better option
Find all answers of your queries in this Kedarnath Yatra Guide and plan your trip without any problem. Route of Kedarnath Temple passes through Haridwar or Dehradun, so we have given a broad route map and trip breakdown connecting Delhi to Kedarnath via Haridwar.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Peak Season (May-June)

Temperature: 5°C to 12°C
Advantages: Pleasant weather, clear mountain views, full facility operations
Disadvantages: Heavy crowds, advance booking required

Shoulder Season (September-October)

Temperature: 8°C to 15°C
Advantages: Less crowded, stable weather, beautiful post-monsoon landscapes
Disadvantages: Colder temperatures, shorter operational window

Avoid: July-August (monsoon season) due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and dangerous trekking conditions.

Opening Date of Kedarnath Temple- The opening date is announced on Maha Shivratri, following the traditional ceremony at Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath.

Closing Date 2025: The temple get close for pilgrims on auspicious day of Bhai Dooj, two days after Diwali.

Kedarnath Yatra Cost Breakdown

Budget Trip (Per Person)

3-4 Days Package: ₹6,000-11,000 from Rishikesh/Haridwar
5-6 Days Package: ₹8,600-12,000 from Delhi
Includes: Basic accommodation, shared transport, meals

Mid-Range Package (Per Person)

Package Cost: ₹12,000-25,000
Includes: Comfortable hotels, private transport, guided tours, permits

Luxury Package (Per Person)

Package Cost: ₹36,000-1,00,000
Includes: Premium hotels, helicopter services, VIP darshan, personalized itinerary

Individual Cost Breakdown

Bus (Delhi to Haridwar): ₹500-800
Shared Jeep (Rishikesh to Sonprayag): ₹600-800
Accommodation (per night): ₹800-3,000
Food (per day): ₹500-1,000
Pony/Palki: ₹1,500-3,000 (one way)
Helicopter: ₹5,000-12,500 (round trip)

Tempo Traveller Cost for Kedarnath Dham Yatra (Group Travel)

Pricing Structure:

9 Seater: ₹22-24 per km
12 Seater: ₹24-26 per km
16 Seater: ₹26-28 per km
20 Seater: ₹30-32 per km

5 Day Kedarnath Package starts from ₹52,500 for 12 Seater tempo traveller in Delhi and varies as per custom needs or time of booking.

You can also start your yatra from Haridwar. Contact us to get advance booking of Haridwar Tempo Traveller Service and get most reasonable rates.

The Package Cost includes:

Fuel charges
Driver allowance (₹300-500 per day)
State tax and toll charges
Parking fees
Minimum 250 km per day charges

Why Choose Tempo Traveller?

Cost-effective for groups (split fare among passengers)
Spacious seating with pushback recliners
AC facility and entertainment systems
Experienced hill drivers
Flexibility to customize stops and pace

Distance Between Delhi and Kedarnath

Total Distance from Delhi to Kedarnath is approximately 450-470 kilometers (by road to Gaurikund + 16-18 km trek)

Road Distance Breakdown:

Delhi to Haridwar: 220-230 km (5-6 hours)
Haridwar to Rishikesh: 24 km (45 minutes)
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag: 140 km (5-6 hours)
Rudraprayag to Guptkashi: 45 km (1.5-2 hours)
Guptkashi to Sonprayag: 30 km (1-1.5 hours)
Sonprayag to Gaurikund: 5 km (15-20 minutes by shared jeep)
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple: 16-18 km trek (6-8 hours on foot)

Route Map: Delhi to Kedarnath

Best Route: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Agastmuni → Guptkashi → Phata → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath

Highway: NH-334 and NH-7 connect Delhi to the hill regions of Uttarakhand. Roads are well-maintained until Haridwar, then become hilly with steep climbs and sharp turns after Rishikesh.

Travel Time

Delhi to Gaurikund by Road: 12-14 hours (with stops)
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek: 6-8 hours (uphill)
Total Journey Time (One Way): Approximately 18-22 hours

Pro Tip: Plan for overnight halts at Haridwar/Rishikesh and Guptkashi to break the journey and acclimatize.

If you want to know another ways to go Kedarnath, find this detailed Guide: How to Reach Kedarnath from Delhi by Road, Flight, Train

Kedarnath Dham Yatra Itinerary (5 Nights/6 Days)

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh

Depart early morning
Evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Overnight stay

Day 2: Haridwar to Guptkashi

Drive through Devprayag (Sangam), Rudraprayag
Sightseeing en route
Overnight at Guptkashi

Day 3: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

Drive to Gaurikund
Start trek to Kedarnath (16 km)
Evening temple darshan and aarti
Overnight at Kedarnath

Day 4: Kedarnath to Guptkashi

Early morning darshan
Trek back to Gaurikund
Drive to Guptkashi
Overnight stay

Day 5: Guptkashi to Rishikesh

Return journey with sightseeing
Overnight at Rishikesh

Day 6: Rishikesh to Delhi

Departure after breakfast
Reach Delhi by evening

How to do Kedarnath Yatra Registration?

Mandatory Registration: All pilgrims must register online before the yatra

Official Website: Visit the Uttarakhand Government’s Char Dham registration portal

Registration Process:

Visit the official registration website
Enter personal details (name, age, address, ID proof)
Upload ID proof and photograph
Receive registration confirmation and Yatra Parchi
Carry printed Yatra Parchi during the journey

No Registration Fee – The registration is free of cost

Travel Options for Solo Travelers and Couples

Solo Travelers

Budget Option: Join group tours or fixed departure tours (₹8,000-15,000)
Shared Transport: Use government buses and shared jeeps
Accommodation: GMVN guest houses and dormitories (₹500-1,500)
Safety Tip: Inform family about itinerary, trek during daylight hours

Couples

Private Packages: Customizable 4-5 day packages (₹25,000-50,000 for two)
Honeymoon Special: Some operators offer couple-friendly accommodations
Helicopter Option: Quick darshan packages for time-constrained couples. You can book this in advance through verified helicopter service provider that runs from Dehradun.
Privacy: Book private taxis or small tempo travellers

Important Tips for Kedarnath Yatra

Physical Fitness: The 16 km trek requires moderate fitness. Consult a doctor if you have health conditions.
Packing Essentials:
- Warm clothing (jackets, thermals, woolens)
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Rain gear and umbrella
- Personal medicines and first-aid kit
- Water bottle and energy snacks
- Torch/flashlight
- ID proofs and Yatra Parchi
- Cash (ATMs limited beyond Rishikesh)
Altitude Acclimatization: Kedarnath sits at 3,583 meters. Take it slow and stay hydrated.
Accommodation Booking: Book hotels 2-3 months in advance during peak season.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for unforeseen medical emergencies.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, maintain temple etiquette, avoid littering.
Trek Timings: Trek from Gaurikund operates 4:00 AM to 1:30 PM (daylight hours only).
Alternative to Trekking: Pony (₹1,500-2,500), Palki/Doli (₹4,000-7,000), Helicopter (₹5,000-7,500)

Corporate Tour Packages

Ideal For: Employee engagement, team building, spiritual retreats

Package Inclusions:

Dedicated transport (luxury tempo travellers or mini buses)
Customized itinerary
Professional tour guides
Group discounts (15-20% for 12+ people)
Medical support and safety arrangements
Team activities and spiritual sessions

Duration: 5-7 days

Starting Cost: ₹15,000-25,000 per person (depending on group size and amenities)

Family Trip Packages

Family-Friendly Features:

Comfortable tempo travellers with sufficient luggage space
Child-friendly accommodations
Flexible itineraries with rest days
Pony arrangements for children and elderly
Medical support on standby

Package Cost: ₹12,000-30,000 per person

Best For: Multi-generational families planning a spiritual journey together

Fixed Departure Tours for Kedarnath

What Are Fixed Departures? Pre-scheduled group tours with fixed dates, perfect for solo travelers and small families.

Features:

Group size: 12-17 travelers
Pre-planned itinerary
Cost-effective (shared expenses)
Professional tour leaders
Social travel experience

Booking: Available through major tour operators like IRCTC, YatraDham.org

Cost: ₹12,000-20,000 per person (all-inclusive)

Departure Frequency: Multiple departures weekly during peak season (May-June, September-October)

Expert Tips for a Memorable Yatra

Health Precautions:

Carry Diamox (for altitude sickness) after doctor consultation
Stay hydrated throughout the trek
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Eat light, nutritious meals

Best Photography Spots:

Devprayag Sangam
Kedarnath Temple with snow peaks backdrop
Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)
Vasuki Tal

Cultural Experiences:

Attend evening aarti at Kedarnath Temple
Visit Bhairavnath Temple (500 meters from main temple)
Explore Triyuginarayan Temple (marriage site of Shiva-Parvati)
Witness traditional Garhwali culture

Budget Saving Tips:

Travel during shoulder season (early May or late September)
Book accommodations and transport 3 months in advance
Use government buses for solo or couple trip, Tempo Traveller on Rent for Group trips and GMVN guest houses for budget stays
Carry dry snacks to reduce food expenses
Join group tours for shared costs

Conclusion

The Kedarnath Yatra by tempo traveller is a spiritual journey that tests your physical endurance while rewarding you with divine blessings and unforgettable Himalayan beauty. Whether you choose a budget package, luxury helicopter service, or customized group tour, proper planning ensures a safe and spiritually enriching experience.

With temple doors opening in early May and closing in late October, plan your visit between these months, preferably during the pleasant weather of May-June or September-October. Book early, stay fit, pack wisely, and embark on this sacred pilgrimage with devotion and preparation.

Har Har Mahadev!

FAQ

Q1: How many days are required for Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi?

Answer: The ideal duration is 7 days (6 nights). This includes:

Day 1: Delhi to Guptkashi
Day 2: Kedarnath trek and darshan
Day 3: Return from Kedarnath
Day 4: Guptkashi to Badrinath
Day 5: Badrinath darshan and sightseeing
Day 6: Badrinath to Rishikesh
Day 7: Rishikesh to Delhi

Some operators offer 6-day packages (rushed) or 8-9 day packages (more relaxed).

Q2: What is the total cost for a family of 12 people?

Answer: For a family of 12 traveling by 12-seater tempo traveller:

Transport Only: ₹75,000-85,000 (₹6,250-7,100 per person)
All-Inclusive Package: ₹2,40,000-3,60,000 (₹20,000-30,000 per person)

All-inclusive covers tempo traveller, 6 nights hotel, all meals, permits, and trek support.

With proper planning, advance bookings, physical preparation, and the right mindset, this pilgrimage becomes a transformative experience. The majestic Himalayas, sacred temples, flowing rivers, and spiritual atmosphere create memories that last a lifetime.

Q3: What happens if roads are blocked due to landslides?

Answer:

Experienced drivers know alternative routes
BRO (Border Roads Organization) clears major blockages within 6-12 hours
Backup accommodation available at nearby towns
Itinerary adjusted accordingly
Tempo traveller operators handle such situations professionally
Travel insurance covers trip delays

Check weather forecast and road conditions before departure.

Q4. When the Kedarnath Temple will open in 2026?

Opening Date 2026: Expected around 23rd April 2026 (tentative). The exact date and time will be officially announced on Maha Shivratri (15th February 2026).

The temple remains operational for approximately 6 months each year, from late April/early May through October/November, when weather conditions permit safe pilgrim access.

Final Thoughts

Check for all Key Takeaways of the trip before planning a trip.

Book 2-3 months in advance for peak season
Complete online registration mandatory
Choose tempo traveller size based on group
Prepare physically for Kedarnath trek
Pack appropriately for cold weather
Carry sufficient cash
Stay hydrated and eat light
Respect local customs and environment