Planning a Road Trip from Delhi to Kedarnath

The journey from Delhi to Kedarnath is a famous route among pilgrims, with millions of devotees travelling to Kedarnath Dham each year through Delhi, a city that is well-connected to major towns and cities in Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath Dham is a sacred pilgrimage site that is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 3,584 m above sea level and is a part of Char Dhams and Panch Kedar. The temple is situated beside the Mandakini River, which enhances its picturesque surroundings. The snow-capped peaks in the backdrop add a charismatic appeal, and the spiritual aura of the site leaves everyone in a state of awe.

For those looking for detailed information about the Delhi to Kedarnath Yatra, you are in the right place. It is essential to plan your trip well in advance to visit Kedarnath as it requires special preparations. Here are some important pointers to help you plan your trip:

- Biometric registration for Char Dham Yatra is mandatory.

- Carry necessary documents such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID card, PAN Card, Driving License, or Passport.

- Accommodation facilities are available in Swiss Cottages, Deluxe hotels, and Budget lodges. It is advisable to book your stay in advance as during peak season, prices may go higher.

- You can hire a palki/palanquin, pony/horse or pithus from Gaurikund for Kedarnath Yatra.

- It is advisable to carry warm jackets, gloves, sweaters, woolen socks, and raincoats during the Yatra.

- Comfortable shoes with good grip are highly recommended.

- Carry necessary medicines, including fever, cold, cough, headache, and prescribed medications.

- Pack a first aid kit consisting of bandages, cotton, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and pain relievers with you.

- If you plan to go on a road trip from Delhi to Kedarnath by your own vehicle, make sure that the vehicle is in good condition.

- The car should have good ground clearance as it helps in crossing the muddy, rough, and bumpy roads smoothly.

- Carry spare parts of the vehicle, including spark fuses, Jack and Spanner, air compressor, spare tire, spare tube, hydraulic jack, coolant and engine oil, and extra car keys.

- It is not difficult to find a mechanic on the route. However, it is recommended to know the basics of fixing the bike or car if it breaks down, and you will not have a mechanic nearby.

The distance from Delhi to Kedarnath by road is 450 km, and there are two routes that you can choose from. En route, you will come across various popular tourist destinations as well as pilgrimage sites. You can hire a taxi or a car to start your journey from Delhi and end in Gaurikund, the base of the Kedarnath trek. After this point, you have to trek or hire a pony/palki to cover the 18km distance to Kedarnath Temple. Here is the detailed information about the two routes and road conditions:

Route 1: Delhi – Ghaziabad – Khatauli – Muzaffarnagar - Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Guptkashi – Phata – Sonmarg – Gaurikund

This is the fastest and the best route from Delhi to Kedarnath. You will travel through NH 334 and NH 7 during the journey. En route, you will get opportunities to visit Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Rudraprayag, which are popular pilgrimage sites.

Road Conditions for Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath

Traveling from Delhi to Kedarnath by car involves two different routes, both of which offer a unique experience. The first route takes you through well-constructed national highways from Delhi to Rishikesh, and then you will encounter hilly terrain. Although there may be some patchy stretches, proper signboards are available, ensuring a hassle-free driving experience. The second route takes you through the Meerut-Pauri National Highway, and you will drive on NH 34, NH 534, and NH 7. You will pass through several major cities and towns where shops, restaurants, and accommodations are available. Once you cross Najibabad, you will enter Kotdwar and drive directly to Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi Rivers meet. If you wish to visit Haridwar and Rishikesh, choose the first route.

Road conditions are relatively good along most of the routes, with wide roads for most of the journey. However, some patches may feel bumpy, so remain cautious while driving. You can find shops, restaurants, and accommodations at several of the major cities and towns en route.

Things to Know Before Embarking on the Delhi to Kedarnath Yatra

Travelers should be aware that driving is not permitted in hilly areas at night, so plan accordingly. Breaking the journey and staying at major stops such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, or Rudraprayag is feasible and recommended.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

The best time to undertake the Kedarnath Yatra is in the summer and winter months. April to June and September to October are ideal times to visit the Kedarnath Temple because the weather remains pleasant for outdoor activities. During the summer months, the weather remains balmy, while during the winter months, it remains comfortable. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall, which could lead to landslides and floods in some areas.

The Kedarnath Temple is open for just six months per year, and it remains closed during the rest of the year due to harsh weather and heavy snowfall. During the winter season, the idol moves to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, and devotees can visit there to seek blessings.

The Best Time to Go for Darshan at the Kedarnath Temple

The early morning is considered the perfect time to visit the Kedarnath Temple, where the Maha Abhishek Ceremony takes place. You may also attend the evening aarti in the Kedarnath Temple.

When is Kedarnath Temple Open?

The opening date and time of the Kedarnath Temple depend on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on Maha Shivaratri. It will open for devotees on May 6th, 2022, and is expected to close on October 26th, 2022.

Important Points to Remember During the Kedarnath Yatra

Devotees must note that the temple remains open from April to October, and during the rest of the year, it is closed. During the monsoon season, the region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to landslides and floods. Therefore, avoid traveling during this time, but if you plan to do so, ensure that you keep additional buffer days in case you get stuck somewhere.

Pack a raincoat and umbrella if you are traveling during the monsoon season and carry heavy woolens in the winter and light woolens in the summer as temperatures dip during the evenings. Don't forget sunscreen and sunglasses to avoid sunburn, carry dry fruits, chocolates, chips, biscuits, and dry eatables as it's a long journey. Additionally, carry a battery-operated torch, fully charged power banks, and extra batteries for cameras. Keep in mind that only the BSNL network operates in the region.

How to Register for the Kedarnath Yatra

Registration for the Kedarnath Yatra is mandatory, and devotees must obtain a registration slip to commence the journey. Registration may be done either online or offline. For online registration, visit the Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board (UCDDMB) website, and for offline registration, visit the registration center with essential documents such as photo ID proof. Registration centers are available at the Haridwar railway station, Rishikesh bus stand, Guptkashi, Phata, and Sonprayag.

Accommodation Options in Kedarnath

Kedarnath offers only a limited selection of accommodation options. However, visitors may opt to stay in nearby areas such as Guptkashi, Sonprayag, Phata, and Gaurikund, all of which offer a variety of lodging options including hotels, resorts, lodges, and ashrams.

Gaurikund and Kedarnath both have GMVN camps and rest houses available for booking online through GMVN's official website. For those seeking a more luxurious stay, some of the best hotels near Kedarnath Temple include Hotel Dev Dham and Shivalik Valley Resort in Gaurikund, as well as Rawat Tourist Lodge and Camp Nirvana in Guptkashi, and Hotel Kedar Resort in Sonprayag.

Places of Interest in and around Kedarnath Temple

Visitors to Kedarnath Temple will find themselves surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty and spiritual serenity. Among the many places to see in this area, some notable ones include:

Gandhi Sarovar

Located at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level, Gandhi Sarovar is a tranquil lake nestled in the foothills of Kedarnath and Kirti Stambh Peak. Also known as Chorabari Tal, the lake derives its name from its position at the mouth of Chorabari Bamak Glacier. Visitors must embark on a 3-kilometer trek to reach the lake from Kedarnath Temple.

Sonprayag

Situated at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki Rivers, Sonprayag is a significant pilgrimage stop en route to Kedarnath Dham. It holds religious significance, and many pilgrims bathe in the river before proceeding with their journey to the temple.

Gaurikund Temple

Dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, Gaurikund Temple is positioned at the base point of the Kedarnath Yatra. This place is considered holy by pilgrims as they seek to receive the blessings of the divine. The temple is also known for its hot water springs, where pilgrims can take a refreshing dip.

Vasuki Tal

Located five kilometers from Kedarnath, Vasuki Tal is a picturesque glacial lake situated at an altitude of 4,135 meters above sea level. Visitors can opt for the Vasuki Tal trek, which is known for the stunning views it provides of Chaukhamba Peak.

Shankaracharya Samadhi

Shankaracharya Samadhi is the resting place of Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu philosopher and theologian. It is a sacred site and an essential pilgrimage destination in Kedarnath.

Places to Visit Along the Delhi to Kedarnath Route

Journeying from Delhi to Kedarnath offers plenty of fascinating stops along the way. Some significant places to visit during this journey include Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Srinagar. Popular attractions in these cities include Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple, Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Kamleshwar Temple, Dhari Devi Temple, and Pauri, to name a few.

Explore the sacred and serene destinations of Rudraprayag, Augustmuni, Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Chopta, and Ukhimath during your Kedarnath Yatra. Guptkashi awaits you with its Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Kund, and Ardhnarishwar Temple. To embark on this soul-enriching journey by road, the cost ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 15,000 per person, depending on your accommodation, mode of travel, sightseeing places, and number of days.

Here is a six-day itinerary for your self-driven Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi. Start your journey from Delhi and drive to Haridwar on day one. After checking-in, you can unwind before visiting Har ki Pauri and attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in the evening. Spend the night at the hotel in Haridwar.

The next day, savor an early morning breakfast, check-out from the hotel, and continue your drive to Guptkashi, a quaint town that exudes charm. On arrival, you can go for a stroll and immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of the surroundings. Spend the night at your accommodation in Guptkashi.

On Day three, check-out after your breakfast and head to Sonprayag. From there, begin your trek to Kedarnath and hire a Doli, palki, or pony to cover the 16 km distance to Kedarnath Temple. After seeking blessings at the temple and attending the evening Aarti, spend the night at Kedarnath.

Wake up early on Day four to attend the traditional Maha Abhishek Ceremony and savor a delicious breakfast. Check-out and trek 16 km to Sonprayag or hire a pony or palki. From Sonprayag, begin your drive to Rudraprayag and check-in at the hotel on arrival. After having dinner, have a peaceful sleep to rejuvenate your body and soul.

On Day five, journey towards Haridwar and make a pit-stop at Rishikesh to explore popular tourist attractions such as Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and Triveni Sangam, or indulge in thrilling adventure activities. Later, continue your drive to Haridwar, check-in and rest before attending the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri in the evening. Spend the night at the hotel in Haridwar.

• Distance between Rudraprayag and Haridwar measures at 161km.
• It takes approximately 5 hours to commute.

Embarking on the final day of your expedition, savor a delectable breakfast and get ready for the journey ahead. Depart from Haridwar towards Delhi and relish the beautiful scenery en route. Once you arrive at the national capital, your voyage comes to an end.

• The distance from Haridwar to Delhi is 230km.
• The commute lasts about 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.