Planning a trip to the sacred Kedarnath Temple? One of the most common questions pilgrims ask is:
“What is the distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath and how difficult is the trek?”
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple distance, including trek route, travel options, cost, difficulty level and essential tips for a safe and comfortable yatra.
Gaurikund To Kedarnath Distance and Time
The starting point for people who travel to the Kedarnath shrine is Gaurikund. It is a little town situated 6502 feet above sea level. Gaurikund to Kedarnath distance and time is pretty simple to understand.
The distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is around 16 kilometers. It was once a 14-kilometer trip, but following the 2013 flood, the authorities created a new path and it is now 16 km. Throughout the walk, there will be several places to stop.
To reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund via trek, it will take roughly 5 to 6 hours to finish the 16 km trek.
Here’s a breakdown of your picturesque and religiously satisfying Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek
Gaurikund To Kedarnath Trek Distance & Halts
The first stop is Jungle Chatti.
Jungle Chatti
By the Rambara bridge, it takes around 4 kilometers to travel from Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti. You may walk the 4 km distance or use the Pony and Palki services to complete the journey.
Bheembali
Then, it is a 3-kilometer hike from Jungle Chatti to BheemBali. you will find plenty of facilities in this way. It includes GMVN tents, free drinking water, free restrooms and free wifi.
Linchauli
The next step is a 4-mile walk from Bheembali to Linchauli. You’ll get a soul-satisfying vista of the highlands where the Mandakini River originates. Medical facilities are also accessible, along with private and GMVN tents.
Kedarnath Base Camp
Next, it is around 4 kilometers from Linchauli to the Kedarnath base camp. Along the route, there are several glaciers and eye-catching panoramas.
Kedarnath Temple
The distance is 1 kilometer from Kedarnath Base Camp to Kedarnath Temple. You will find the GMVN camp in this base camp and reservations may be made there via their official website.
Also Read: Kedarnath Kapat Opening and Closing Date & Time
However, there are a total of 10 checkpoints or halt points in the 16-km trek to Kedarnath from Gaurikund
- Gaurikund
- Jungle Chatti
- Bheembali
- Rambara
- Chhota Lincholi
- Lincholi
- Chhani Camp
- Rudra Point
- Base Camp
- Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Trek Difficulty Level
Kedarnath is considered moderate in difficulty and is suitable for:
- Healthy Adults
- First-Time Trekkers (with basic fitness)
- Pilgrims with preparation
Not recommended for:
- People with serious heart or breathing issues
- Elderly without assistance
- Small children without proper planning
Key Challenges:
- High altitude (11755 ft. approx.)
- Continuous uphill walking
- Weather changes
Tips: Start walking early in the morning to avoid fatigue.
Time Required to Reach Kedarnath
The time taken depends on your fitness and travel mode.
| Mode | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Trekking | 6-10 Hours (one-way) |
| Pony/Mule | 7-8 Hours (one-way) |
| Palki (Doli) | 6-9 Hours (one-way) |
| Helicopter | 10-15 minutes (one-way) |
Travel Options from Gaurikund to Kedarnath
1. Trekking (Most Popular)
Walking is the most common way to reach Kedarnath.
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Pilgrimage
- Experience: Scenic and Spiritual
2. Pony/Mule Service
Pony services are available at Gaurikund.
- Cost: Rs. 2000 to over Rs. 5000 (one-way), depending on weight, demand and specific route
- Best For: Elderly or those who cannot walk
3. Palki/Doli
Palki was carried by porters.
- Cost: Ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 10000, depending on weight and operator
- Best For: Senior citizens
4. Helicopter Service
Operated from Phata, Guptkashi and Sersi.
- Travel Time: 10-15 minutes
- Best option if you want to avoid trekking
What to Carry for Kedarnath Trek
Packing wisely is very important for a comfortable journey.
Essentials to carry:
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Warm clothes
- Raincoat/poncho
- Water bottle
- Energy snacks
- Basic medicines
- ID proof
Note: The weather in Kedarnath can change suddenly, so always stay prepared.
Best Time to Do Kedarnath Trek
The Kedarnath trek must be carried out during the warmer months. From May to June, there is less rain and the weather is less cold. One can explore the temple and the nearby areas from the temple easily. The devotees visit this temple during the summer months so that they can enjoy their stay and do the sightseeing in the best possible way.
Important Safety Tips
For a safe yatra, follow these tips:
- Start your trek early in the morning (4-6 AM)
- Stay hydrated throughout the journey
- Avoid rushing or overexertion
- Take breaks at rest points
- Follow official guidelines
- Check weather updates
Places To Stay in Gaurikund
There are various accommodation options available in Gaurikund at affordable prices. Check and book your best stay for your Gauri Kund to Kedarnath Yatra. GMVN Online Booking Kedarnath allows pilgrims to book comfortable accommodation near the Kedarnath Temple in advance.
Places To Stay in Kedarnath
The comfortable options that are available to stay in Kedarnath are provided by our website. The accommodation can be easily and quickly booked for Kedarnath. Get your best stay option near the temple.
Kedarnath Packages
Get the best Kedarnath and Chardham Yatra package at a budget price with complete amenities including transportation, sightseeing and meals.
Gaurikund To Kedarnath Distance By Walk
The Gaurikund to Kedarnath distance by the trek is 16 km. This trek usually takes 6 to 8 hours. The Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek timing depends on your physical fitness and the weather.
The trek remains closed in the nighttime. Hence, the last upcoming time (to reach Kedarnath) is 5 PM. The downcoming time (back to Gaurikund) is 6.30 PM.
Since 2016, there have been two other trek routes available for Kedarnath. Hence, if you do not want to travel the Gaurikund to Kedarnath route via Bambara or Linchauli, you can go instead:
You can begin from Chaumasi to Kham and go to Kedarnath via Rambara. This trek is around 18 km long.
You may alternatively begin your walk from Trijuginarayan. Which is around 15 km from Kedarnath.
How Difficult Is Char Dham Yatra?
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Walking Time
The Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek’s walking time is roughly 6 to 8 hours. Here is a quick breakdown of the distances:
Facilities On The Gaurikund To Kedarnath Trek
- Medical and first aid
- Hospital where ECG can be done
- Tea/coffee shops
- Resting places
- Night stay and accommodations options
- Restaurants
Also, check the blog on Kedarnath Track Distance with Route Map.
The Best Char Dham Route Map Created By YatraDham.Org Team. Save it for future reference during the Char Dham Yatra
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Distance By Helicopter
To reach Kedarnath by helicopter, you need to reach Phata Helipad. Phata is merely 18 km from Gaurikund. You can hire a taxi to reach Phata from Gaurikund. The helicopter ride takes 5 to 7 minutes to reach Kedarnath from Phata.
Click here to learn more about the Char Dham (Kedarnath) Yatra By Helicopter
If you are planning to visit the Kedarnath shrine soon, we hope this information will be helpful. Let us know in the comment section if you have any questions regarding the Char Dham Yatra.
Also, check Kedarnath status images and quotes. These images can be shared by devotees with different people and even on social media.
Jay Kedar!
FAQs
By walking, it takes around 6 to 8 hours to reach from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. The Gaurikund to Kedarnath distance is 16 km. If you take a helicopter from Phata (18 km from Gaurikund), it will take just 5 to 7 minutes to reach Kedarnath.
You can either walk, take Pony or Palki rides, or hire a helicopter to reach the Kedarnath temple from Gaurikund.
Yes, you can and should stay overnight in Kedarnath. This will give you a chance to witness the beauty of this age-old temple at night time. Moreover, you can also take part in the evening and early morning aarti. Click here to check the list of Best Hotels And Ashrams in Kedarnath.
Gaurikund to Kedarnath distance is 16 km.
You can book a helicopter ride to Kedarnath from Phata. Phata helipad is just 18 km from Gaurikund. You can hire a taxi to get there. Click here to know the pricing of the Kedarnath helicopter service.
