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.
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
Contact us to get Urbania Van Rental rate in Delhi for Kedarnath Dham Tour.
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