Kedarnath is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The Kedarnath Temple, situated at an altitude of 3,583 meters, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Accessible via a 40-kilometer trek from Gaurikund, it is open to devotees from May to October. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims seeking spiritual blessings amidst the majestic Himalayan landscape.
Kedarnath
Trek Details
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Max Altitude
3583 m
Trek Length
40 KM
Difficulty
EasyBest Season
May To June and September Of Oct
Start Point
Gaurikund
End Point
Gaurikund
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jollygrant Grant
Overview
Your Adventure at a Glance
About the Trek
Mythology, Best Time & More More
Significance
Mythology and Cultural
The temple was built by the Pandavas to atone for their sins after the Mahabharata war. It is also believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, where devotees seek blessings for spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is deeply ingrained in Hindu culture, with thousands of devotees undertaking the journey each year to pay homage to Lord Shiva and experience the divine aura of the Himalayas.
Month
Best Time
The best time to visit Kedarnath is during the summer months from May to June and the early autumn months from September to October.
Day-by-Day Plan
Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Rishikesh to Triyuginarayan
Departure from Rishikesh: Begin your pilgrimage by departing from Rishikesh towards Triyuginarayan, known for its mythological significance as the site of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati's celestial marriage.
Arrival at Triyuginarayan: Spend the evening exploring the ancient Triyuginarayan Temple, with its eternal flame that is said to have witnessed the divine marriage. This flame has been burning uninterrupted for centuries.
Day 2
Triyuginarayan to gaurikund to Kedarnath
Journey to Gaurikund: Start early from Triyuginarayan to Gaurikund, the commencement point of the trek to Kedarnath. Gaurikund is revered for its hot springs and holds religious importance as the place where Goddess Parvati performed penance to win Lord Shiva’s affection.
Trek to Kedarnath: Begin the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trek is both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting, offering breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Arrival at Kedarnath: Explore the Kedarnath Temple, situated against the backdrop of majestic snow-capped peaks. Spend the night in Kedarnath, absorbing the divine energy of this sacred place.
Day 3
Kedarnath to Sitapur
Return Journey: After spending the morning in Kedarnath, start your descent towards Sitapur. This small town serves as a base for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath and offers a moment of rest after the strenuous trek.
Rest in Sitapur: Arrive in Sitapur by evening and take the rest of the day to relax. The serene environment provides a peaceful setting to reflect on the spiritual journey undertaken.
Day 4
Sitapur to Rishikesh
Departure from Sitapur: Embark on the journey back to Rishikesh after breakfast. The drive back through the mountains offers a chance to reminisce about the pilgrimage and the serene beauty of the Himalayas encountered along the way.
Arrival in Rishikesh: By evening, arrive back in Rishikesh, marking the end of your spiritual journey. Rishikesh, with its vibrant spiritual energy, is a fitting conclusion to a pilgrimage that has taken you through some of the most sacred sites in Hinduism.
Reflections: Once back in Rishikesh, take time to absorb the experiences of visiting Triyuginarayan, the trek to Kedarnath, and the descent to Sitapur. This journey offers a profound mix of spiritual exploration, physical challenge, and connection with the divine, leaving lasting memories and a sense of peace.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
- Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
- Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
- Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
- Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
- Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
- Non-veg meals are not served.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
- Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
- First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
- Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
- Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.
EXCLUSION
- All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
- Anything that we have not mentioned above.
- The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day. (Food starts from dinner at base camp on day first till last day morning breakfast).
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Getting There
How To Reach
Location
Trek Route Map
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
| Policy | Upto 30 days | 29–21 days | 21–15 days | 14–0 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Shifting | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Refund | 100% | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
Preparation
What To Pack
Clothing & Footwear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
- Down jacket (600+ fill power)
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
- Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
- Warm balaclava & beanie hat
- Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
Gear & Essentials
- 35–45L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
- UV-protection polarised sunglasses
- Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
- Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets
- Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kedarnath trek difficult?
The trek to Kedarnath Temple can be considered moderate.
How many days in Kedarnath Trek?
It is a 4 Days and 3 Nights Trek starting from Gaurikund to Gaurikund.
How long is Kedarnath Trek?
The trek to Kedarnath Temple from Gaurikund is approximately 40 kilometers long.
Why is Kedarnath famous?
Kedarnath is famous for being one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is revered by devotees who undertake the pilgrimage to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
Is there mobile signals available on treks?
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
How do you manage toilets?
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
Do I need to carry trek equipment?
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.