How long is the Kedarnath trek?

About 16 km one way from Gaurikund; 6–8 hours on foot. Ponies and palkis take 4–5 hours.

Is registration mandatory?

Yes. Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory for all pilgrims.

Can senior citizens visit?

Yes, via helicopter or palki. Consult a doctor about altitude before travelling.

Travel GuidesKedarnath

Kedarnath Yatra Travel Guide

Complete guide to Kedarnath: trek route from Gaurikund, helicopter options, best season, stays and darshan tips.

Best time to visit

May–June and September–October. Temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes after Diwali (Bhai Dooj).

Why visit Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the most remote of the Char Dham. Set at 3,583 m beside the Mandakini river, the temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and revived by Adi Shankaracharya.

Registration

Char Dham registration is mandatory. Register online on the Uttarakhand Tourism portal or at Haridwar/Rishikesh counters. Carry a photo ID.

What to pack

Warm layers, rain poncho and trekking shoes
Medicines for altitude sickness, ORS
Torch, power bank and cash (limited ATMs)

How to reach & route tips

By road: Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund (approx. 450 km).

Trek: 16 km from Gaurikund via Jungle Chatti, Bheembali and Lincholi. Ponies, palkis and pitthu available.

Helicopter: From Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi (8–10 min). Book via IRCTC HeliYatra well in advance.