2026 Complete Guide

Kedarnath Yatra Everything You Need to Know

Complete, detailed guide for your Kedarnath pilgrimage — from where to stay, trek routes, pony prices, darshan timings, VIP darshan, registration, and everything in between.

Altitude: 3,583 m Trek: 16-18 km Darshan: 6 AM - 9 PM Season: May-Oct

What's Inside This Guide

Complete Kedarnath Yatra Guide

Every detail you need for a smooth and spiritual journey

Stay in Gaurikund, NOT Sonprayag.

Gaurikund is the actual starting point of the trek (16-18 km to the temple).
Sonprayag is where the road ends and shared jeeps take you to Gaurikund.
Staying in Sonprayag means you still need to reach Gaurikund the next morning.

Where to stay in Gaurikund:

  • Gaurikund has basic hotels, guesthouses, and dharamshalas
  • Book in advance during peak season (May-June, September-October)
  • Prices range from ₹800 for basic rooms to ₹3,000+ for premium stays
Pro Tip: Start your trek early morning (4-5 AM) to avoid afternoon crowds.
FeatureDetails
Distance16-18 km (6-8 hours walk)
TerrainSteep, narrow mountain paths
Path TypeMixed — some cemented sections, some dirt/stone
WidthNarrow in many places
Altitude GainFrom 1,982m to 3,583m
Important: The path becomes extremely crowded during peak hours (4 AM - noon).

1. Pony / Horse / Mule

RoutePrice (2026)
Gaurikund → Kedarnath₹3,500 - ₹4,500
Kedarnath → Gaurikund₹3,000 - ₹4,000
Round Trip₹6,500 - ₹8,500

2. Palki (Doli) — Best for Elderly & Knee Pain

OptionPrice (2026)
One-way (Gaurikund → Kedarnath)₹7,500 - ₹9,500
Return Trip₹14,000 - ₹18,000
Important: Always book from official counters at Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
Options for elderly and knee pain patients:
  • Palki (Doli): 4 carriers carry you — ₹7,500 - ₹9,500
  • Pitthu (Carrier): A strong person carries you — ₹4,000 - ₹6,000
  • Helicopter: Direct service from Phata, Guptkashi — ₹6,500 - ₹13,000
  • Pony/Mule: Horse ride with guide — ₹3,500 - ₹4,500
TimeActivityPublic Access
4:00 AM - 6:00 AMMaha Abhishek (Priests only)❌ Not open
6:00 AM - 3:00 PMMorning Darshan✅ Sparsh Darshan allowed
3:00 PM - 5:00 PMTemple Closed (Bhog/Rest)❌ Closed
5:00 PM - 9:00 PMEvening Darshan✅ Shringar Darshan only
Sparsh Darshan Details:
  • Available: 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Morning Darshan)
  • Not available: Evening Darshan (5 PM - 9 PM)
  • Cost: Included in regular darshan
  • Duration: Each devotee gets approximately 15-30 seconds
Season / TimeQueue Duration
Peak Season (May-June) — Morning2-5 hours
September-October — Anytime1-2 hours
Weekdays — Early Morning (6-9 AM)Shortest lines (1-2 hours)
ServicePrice (2026)Access
Shodashopachar Puja₹5,500 (up to 5 people)Inside Garbhagriha, touch the shivling
Sampoorna Aarti₹2,800 per personInner sanctum
VIP Darshan₹7,500 (up to 5 people)12 AM - 4 AM night darshan

How to book: Visit badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in or book at the temple puja counter.

Registration is MANDATORY for all pilgrims.

Online Registration (Free):

  • Website: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
  • Mobile App: "Tourist Care Uttarakhand" app
  • WhatsApp: Send "Yatra" to 8394833833
Important: Registration starts from April 17, 2026

Complete route from Delhi:

  • Delhi → Haridwar: 220 km (5-6 hours)
  • Haridwar → Rishikesh: 20 km (30 min)
  • Rishikesh → Rudraprayag: 150 km (5-6 hours)
  • Rudraprayag → Guptkashi: 50 km (2-3 hours)
  • Guptkashi → Gaurikund: 35 km (1.5 hours)
  • Gaurikund → Kedarnath: 16 km trek
Pro Tip: Helicopter options available from Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi (₹6,500-₹13,000).

Quick Reference Card

Best time to visitMay-June, September-October
Trek distance16-18 km from Gaurikund
Trek duration6-8 hours each way
Altitude3,583 meters
Sparsh Darshan timing6 AM - 3 PM
Pony price (one-way)₹3,500 - ₹4,500
Helicopter fare₹6,500 - ₹13,000
RegistrationMandatory

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