Kedarnath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site and one of the Chardhams, attracts lakhs of pilgrims annually. Situated on the banks of the Mandakini River at an elevation of 11,755 ft, it stands as one of the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas. Inaccessible by road, the temple can be reached either by a helicopter flight or a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. Services like Ponies, Kandi, and Dandi are also available at fixed prices to assist pilgrims.
The pilgrimage to Kedarnath, spanning 18 km from Gaurikund, draws devotees of various ages worldwide. Recognizing the physical challenges of the trek, pilgrims have alternative transportation options, including helicopter rides and the use of palkies and ponies. Palkies, Kandi, and Dandi emerge as reliable choices for those seeking a smoother journey to Kedarnath Dham, complementing the helicopter services available.
Latest Rates for Ponies, Palkies and Kandi for Kedarnath Yatra
| Ponies Rates from Sonprayag / Gaurikund to Kedarnath | |||
| From | To | Distance (in kms) | Total Cost |
| Sonprayag | Kedarnath | 19 | 2500 |
| Gaurikund | Kedarnath | 14 | 2300 |
| Kedarnath | Sonprayag | 19 | 1700 |
| Kedarnath | Gaurikund | 14 | 1500 |
| Dandi/Palki Rates from Gaurikund to Kedarnath | ||||
| From | To | Distance (in kms) | Upto 75 kgs (in INR) | Upto 90 kgs (in INR) |
| Gaurikund | Kedarnath | 16 | – | 8000 |
| Kedarnath | Gaurikund Return | 16 | – | 7400 |
| Kandi Rates from Gaurikund to Kedarnath | ||||
| From | To | Distance (in kms) | Upto 25 kgs (in INR) | Upto 50 kgs (in INR) |
| Gaurikund | Kedarnath & Return Same Day | 32 | 4900 | 8800 |
| Gaurikund | Kedarnath | 32 | – | – |
Char Dham Yatra Package
Frequently Asked Question
1. Is Ropeway available in Kedarnath?
Note: The Kedarnath Rope-way is currently in the development phase. We will provide updates on its functionality for tourists and pilgrims at a later date.
2. How long is the Kedarnath trek?
The overall trek to Kedarnath is 16 km which commences from Gaurikund and ends at Kedarnath Dham.
3. Can Kedarnath trek be done in one day?
Kedarnath Dham is a pilgrimage at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters. The journey spans about 16 km from Gaurikund, and it typically takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach Kedarnath. Planning your trip considering the altitude and duration is essential. For those with good stamina, completing the yatra in one day is feasible if you start early.
4. How can I Book ticket for Helicopter Service Online?
For checking your booking status online, follow the steps below:
- Go to the IRCTC website at www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
- Click on the “Sign Up” button. Enter your Name, Mobile Number, Email ID, State, and create a password for your login credentials.
- Log in using your registered Mobile Number and password.
- To book a Helicopter ticket, provide the Chardham Registration Group ID for Group booking or enter the individual registration number for individual booking.
- Choose the Helicopter operator and the preferred time slot for the Helicopter service.
- Select the passenger details for whom you want to book the Helicopter Service.
- If you haven’t already provided ID card details during Char Dham Yatra Registration, enter them for individual passengers.
- Validate the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered email ID or Mobile Number.
- After OTP validation, click on “Pay & Confirm” while accepting all the terms and conditions.
- Choose your preferred payment option and complete the payment for the booking amount.
- Upon successful payment, the Payment page will redirect to the booking confirmation page with all the details.
- On the booking details page, click on the “Download Ticket” button.
5. Best time to Visit Kedarnath Dham
Kedarnath: Kedarnath is accessible from May to November. The best time to visit char dham yatra is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. The Click Here to Know the Rate