The trip from Delhi to Kedarnath isn’t something you measure only in kilometres. It feels more like a slow shift from the rush of traffic lights to the quiet of mountain air. One morning you’re in Delhi hearing horns, the next you’re standing by a river, watching clouds touch the peaks. When people talk about the Delhi to Kedarnath Distance, they usually mean the stretch up to Gaurikund, the last place you can go by vehicle and can visit Chardham Yatra.
That’s roughly 450 to 470 kilometres, give or take a bit depending on which road you take. After that, there’s no shortcut, you walk. 16 kilometres of climb, with steps, slopes, and moments where you just stop to breathe and look around. This journey has many faces. Pilgrims see it as a path to blessings. Trekkers call it an adventure. Some just want to escape the heat and see snow. On the way, tea stalls with steaming chai are passed, bends in the road that suddenly open to deep valleys are encountered, and small towns where time feels slower are visited.
If you’re planning this trip, this guide will give you the full picture. Not just how far the Delhi to Kedarnath distance is, but how it feels to get there. Whether you choose to do the traditional trek or opt for the convenience of the Chardham Yatra by helicopter.
Delhi to Kedarnath Distance Overview
The Delhi to Kedarnath distance is just a line. You start in Delhi, drive all the way up to Gaurikund, and then climb the rest on foot. Sounds simple, but it’s not. The drive part of Delhi to Kedarnath distance is somewhere around 450–470 km. Could be more, could be a little less. Depends on the road you take and if you stop anywhere along the way. Most people do stop at Haridwar for the aarti, Rishikesh for a night, or maybe Rudraprayag to rest before the hill roads get tougher.
From Gaurikund, you’ve got about 16 km to go. No cars here. Just your feet, ponies, or a palanquin. Some don’t even walk; there’s also a helicopter option from nearby spots like Phata or Guptkashi. It’s not just about covering Delhi to Kedarnath distance. It’s the chai stalls, the sudden mountain turns, and that feeling when the air starts to get colder. You feel the temple getting closer even before you see it.
How to travel Delhi to Kedarnath by Road

If you’re thinking about going from Delhi to Kedarnath by road, here’s the thing, Delhi to Kedarnath distance is about 450 to 470 kilometres. It’s a long drive, and most people don’t do it all at once. It’s better to take two days so you don’t get too tired. You start from Delhi, then drive to Haridwar first. Lots of people stop there to rest or maybe catch the evening aarti. Then comes Rishikesh, a chill place by the river, famous for yoga and peace.
After Rishikesh, the road gets twisty. Places like Devprayag and Rudraprayag are gone through uphill. Narrow roads full of bends are found there. So, driving during daylight is recommended. The last point where you can take your car is Gaurikund. From here, you have to walk around 16 kilometres uphill. Some people take ponies or even helicopters if they want, but most prefer walking, it’s part of the whole experience.
On the way, small stalls selling chai and snacks are found, making it perfect to stop and stretch your legs. The views change from flat plains to green hills, and the feeling of the mountains getting closer is experienced.
Here’s roughly how the route looks:
Route Segment | Distance Approx. | Notes |
Delhi to Haridwar | 220 km | Mostly smooth highway |
Haridwar to Rishikesh | 20 km | Short and easy drive |
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag | 170 km | Mountain roads start here |
Rudraprayag to Gaurikund | 70 km | Narrow, winding roads |
It is better to avoid driving after dark. The roads are narrow, and danger can come when driving at night.
Delhi to Kedarnath by Train

Trains don’t go straight to Kedarnath. The place is too high up in the mountains. You have to get off before that. The nearest stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. A train from Delhi to Haridwar is taken by most people. It takes about 4-6 hours, depending on the train you catch. Haridwar is a big station. You’ll find many trains there every day.
After you get off at Haridwar, you have to take a taxi, bus, or shared jeep to get closer to Kedarnath. The road trip from Haridwar to Gaurikund is around 240 to 270 kilometres. Gaurikund is the last place where cars can go. Some people get off at Rishikesh instead. It’s smaller but closer to the mountains. Not many trains go there, but it can save you some driving time. From either station, you’ll find vehicles to take you further. After Gaurikund, you have to walk about 16 kilometres uphill to the temple.
From | Distance Approx. | Notes |
Delhi to Haridwar | About 200 km | Many trains daily |
Delhi to Rishikesh | About 250 km | Fewer trains, closer to hills |
Knowing the Delhi to Kedarnath Distance and the train option helps travelers plan the part well.
Delhi to Kedarnath by Air

An airport is not present in Kedarnath because it is located way up in the mountains. So, planes can’t land there. The nearest airport is found in Dehradun. Usually, a flight is taken from Delhi to get there. The flight takes around an hour, sometimes even less. After Dehradun is landed in, a long way by road still has to be covered. Roughly 210 to 230 kilometers to Gaurikund, the last spot accessible by vehicles, must be traveled. The hills are twisted and turned through by the road, so a few hours can be taken by the drive.After Gaurikund is reached, the trek is started on foot.
From Gaurikund, about 16 km uphill must be walked to reach Kedarnath temple. Some hire ponies to help with the climb. Others, take a helicopter ride. Helicopters leave from places like Phata or Guptkashi. But these rides are dependent on weather conditions. Flying saves time compared to driving from Delhi, but after landing, there’s still a long drive and a tough trek.
Here’s a quick look:
Route | Distance | Notes |
Delhi to Dehradun (flight) | Around 1 hour | Regular flights available |
Dehradun to Gaurikund | 210 to 230 km | Mountain roads, winding |
Gaurikund to Kedarnath | About 16 km trek | Steep climb, walk or pony or helicopter |
Best Time to Travel from Delhi to Kedarnath

For this trip, weather matters a lot. Roads in the hills can get tricky if the season’s wrong. Most people head there in summer, May, June. The air’s cool, snow melts, and paths open. Evenings can still be cold though, so jackets are a must. Monsoon? Not really a good idea. July and August bring heavy rain. Landslides are common, and travel can get stuck for hours, sometimes days. If you’re not a fan of surprise delays, better skip this time.
September and October feel perfect. Clear skies, nice sunshine, and the crowd’s less compared to peak season. You can actually walk without bumping into someone every two steps.
Winter from November to April is almost a no, for most people. Snow blocks the trekking path to Kedarnath. The temple stays shut too, so only the base areas stay active.
In short:
- Summer: Open and busy
- Monsoon: Risky and wet
- Autumn: Best mix of weather and peace
- Winter: Shut and frozen
Route Map and Key Stopovers

The trip from Delhi to Kedarnath? It’s about 450 to 470 km on road. People usually start in Delhi, the first stop is Haridwar. That place is busy. Many folks just stop for chai or snacks, maybe rest a bit. Next up, Rishikesh. It’s a chill town by the river. Yoga, peace, that kind of vibe. Here, a short while is spent by many travelers, and their breath is caught before the hills.
After that, the road starts going uphill. You pass through small towns Devprayag and Rudraprayag. They’re where rivers meet, pretty spots. People often stop here, stretch their legs, click some photos. Then comes Guptkashi.It is considered to be like the doorway to Kedarnath. After Guptkashi, Gaurikund is reached where the road ends. Cars can’t go beyond. From Gaurikund, it’s a trek about 16 km uphill. Some take ponies, others just walk. Tough, but worth it.
Here’s a quick list:
- Delhi to Haridwar: around 220 km
- Haridwar to Rishikesh: short drive
- Rishikesh to Devprayag: about 80 km
- Devprayag to Rudraprayag: around 40 km
- Rudraprayag to Guptkashi: near 60 km
- Guptkashi to Gaurikund: about 30 km
Stops like these help travelers chill and enjoy the views. From flat plains to winding hills, the journey changes a lot.
Travel Tips
- Travelers should pack only what’s needed. Carrying heavy bags up the hill? No, not fun.
- Shoes? Yeah, gotta have a good grip. Sometimes, the path is made tricky by being slippery or rocky.
- Even in summer, it gets cold, especially early mornings or late nights. Warm clothes help a lot.
- Drink water, like. Altitude sickness can sneak up if you don’t. Take breaks too, don’t rush.
- Monsoon is a bad time. Heavy rains mean landslides and delays. Best avoid that.
- Kedarnath’s a sacred spot. Travelers gotta respect it, keep it clean, and follow the rules.
Conclusion
The distance from Delhi to Kedarnath is measured to be about 450 to 470 km. It is not just the kilometres that are considered, but the journey itself is valued. From Delhi’s busy streets to the quiet hills, the trip changes a lot. Many think about the Delhi to Kedarnath distance while planning their trip. The right way to travel is helped to be picked by it.
Travel by road, train, or air can be done by people. The Delhi to Kedarnath route and stopping points are known to make the trip easier. The last part, from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, is taken by walking, which is hard. Some also choose the Chardham Yatra by helicopter to save time and effort. But many say the views and experience are worth it. It’s smart to follow simple travel tips and watch the weather. That way, the journey stays safe and comfortable. Also, Kedarnath is a holy place. Respecting the customs makes the trip special. So, Delhi to Kedarnath distance is more than a number. It’s a whole experience, with beauty, challenges, and faith.