The mountains hold Kedarnath as a holy place. People from all over India go there to pray at the temple. They say, “When you go to Kedarnath, you feel very close to God.” But it is not easy to reach. There is no train that goes straight to Kedarnath. The mountains are too high for that.Kedarnath ji is a part of Chardham yatra. Trains only go to towns far from the temple. After you get down from the railway station, you must travel by road. A bus can be sat in, a taxi can be taken, or a jeep can be ridden in. After the road ends, a long walk still remains. Some people take ponies, and some walk slowly to reach the temple.
If someone knows which railway station is nearest, the journey becomes simple. They can choose the right train, reach the right town, and then travel ahead without confusion.
In this article, the nearest railway stations to Kedarnath are explained. You will also read how far each one is, what is there at the railway station, and how people can go from there to the temple.
Rishikesh Railway Station: The Closest Railhead to Kedarnath
Most people stop at Rishikesh Railway Station before going up to Kedarnath. It is considered the closest station by train, and from there, the mountains begin to be felt as close. It’s around 210 to 216 kilometres from Gaurikund. That’s the last place where buses and cars go. After Gaurikund, there’s no road for vehicles. People walk, or they take ponies. Some even go in palanquins if they can’t walk.
The railway station itself isn’t very big. Three platforms, a few benches, some water taps and a couple of tea stalls. The smell of hot chai and pakoras is in the air most of the time. You won’t see too many trains here.Mostly, the trains from Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun are received. When the train stops at the railway station, bags and woollen clothes are carried by people as they get down slowly. Some head straight to the taxi stand. Others wait for buses. A few join groups for shared jeeps.
The road from here to Gaurikund takes hours. It goes through hills, and the turns are sharp, so drivers don’t rush. If the journey starts in the morning, by evening most people reach Gaurikund. And that’s when the real part begins, the long walk to the temple. For many travellers, Rishikesh isn’t just a railway station. It’s the first real step towards Kedarnath.
Did You Know: People who stop at Rishikesh also do yoga. They say, “Yoga helps me feel calm before the big walk.”
Quick Facts about Rishikesh Railway Station
| Item | Details |
| Distance | 210 – 216 km from Gaurikund |
| Station Code | RKSH |
| Platforms | 3 |
| Facilities | Basic amenities, tea stalls, benches |
| Train Services | Limited trains mainly from Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun |
| Connectivity | Well connected to major cities: Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun |
Alternative Railway Stations Near Kedarnath
Not everyone gets off at Rishikesh railway station. Some folks get down at other railway stations. Maybe the train is better for them. Or maybe they want to see some other place before going to Kedarnath. It happens a lot.
Haridwar Railway Station: A Spiritual Gateway to Kedarnath
When you get down at Haridwar railway station, you see many people. Some are smiling. Some are tired. Someone may say, “Let’s go, the bus is waiting.” You hear train whistles. You smell tea and hot pakoras. Pilgrims come here every day. Travellers hold each other’s hands. Passengers walk slowly. They pray. You may see someone telling his child, “We will see the Ganga soon.”
The railway station is close to the Ganga river. In the evening, many people go for the Ganga Aarti. Lamps float on the water. The sound of bells fills the air. You can sit there and just watch.
From here, buses and cars go to the mountains. The road is sometimes straight, sometimes it climbs up. Hills come closer and closer. Trees look greener. You feel like the world is changing.
Many people rest in Haridwar for one night. They eat, they sleep, and they get ready. Then they start the long journey to Kedarnath.
Did You Know: When people reach Haridwar, they see many lamps floating on the river. It looks like the river is full of little stars. People say, “It is very beautiful and peaceful.”
Quick Facts about Haridwar Railway Station
| Item | Details |
| Distance | Approx. 241 km from Kedarnath |
| Facilities | Major railway junction, many trains |
| Connectivity | Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
Dehradun Railway Station: The Calm Stop Before the Mountains
When you reach Dehradun railway station, it feels quiet compared to big cities. The air is fresh. You hear people calling, “Tea, coffee, snacks!” Someone may ask you, “Are you going to Kedarnath?” Families wait with bags near them. Kids look out of the window. A man might tell his friend, “The taxi stand is just outside.”
The railway station is kept neat and is not too crowded. Outside, small shops selling chips, water, and fruits are seen. You can buy some for your trip. The smell of bread pakoras comes from a corner stall. From here, many people take buses or cars to reach the hills. The road is long but beautiful. Mountains rise slowly in front of you. Trees pass by your window like they are running.
Some travellers stay in Dehradun for a day.Places like Robber’s Cave or local markets are visited by them. Then, early in the morning, Kedarnath is left for them. The journey ahead is still far, but the excitement is felt here.
Quick Facts about Dehradun Railway Station
| Item | Details |
| Distance | Approx. 257 km from Kedarnath |
| Facilities | Well-equipped, modern amenities |
| Connectivity | Regular trains from major cities |
Kotdwar Railway Station (PTJ)
Kotdwar railway station is small. Fewer trains come here. Mostly from nearby areas.
From here, you can still go to Gaurikund. Taxi, bus, whatever you find. But, a bit of waiting might be required by you. The place is less crowded, that is why it is liked by some people.
How to Reach Kedarnath from the Nearest Railway Stations
When Rishikesh railway station is reached, a bus or taxi can be taken. People say, “Go early so you reach Gaurikund before dark.” The road is very long. It takes many hours. At Gaurikund, the car cannot go further. You have to walk now.
If you come from Haridwar railway station, it is the same way. You get a bus or taxi to Gaurikund. Then, you walk. From Dehradun railway station, you can get a bus or taxi too. The road is smooth. You may hear someone say, “Look at the mountains!” The walk starts from Gaurikund again.
Kotdwar railway station is small. You take a bus or taxi here also. Then, the walk to Kedarnath begins.
So the journey is:
Train → Bus or Taxi → Walk
Simple Route Chart
| From Station | Road Travel to Gaurikund | Trek Distance to Kedarnath |
| Rishikesh | Bus/Taxi (about 210 km) | 16–17 km |
| Haridwar | Bus/Taxi | 16–17 km |
| Dehradun | Bus/Taxi | 16–17 km |
| Kotdwar | Bus/Taxi | 16–17 km |
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
People keep asking, “When should we go to Kedarnath?” Well, it’s not open all year. The temple is closed in winter because snow covers everything. Most people go in summer. Around May, the doors open. The sun is nice. The snow starts melting. Roads are clear. You can walk without slipping.
June is busy. You will see people everywhere. Some folks love the crowd. Some don’t. If you don’t like too many people, try September. The weather is cool. The sky is clear. Fewer tourists.
But remember, after October, it starts getting very cold again. By early November, the temple closes. The idol is taken to Ukhimath for worship. That’s how it’s done every year. If you go in May, you see snow on the sides. If you go in September, you see green hills.” And both times are beautiful. It’s just what you like more.
Did You Know: In Kedarnath, during winter, the statue of Lord Shiva goes to a safe place called Ukhimath. People pray there until Kedarnath opens again.
Travel Tips for Pilgrims
- Carry warm clothes. It gets very cold on the way to Kedarnath.
- Drink plenty of water. Water keeps you strong. A small bottle should be carried.
- If tiredness is felt, a rest should be taken. It might be said by someone, “Sit here for a while.” They should be listened to, and a rest should be taken.
- Wear good shoes. They protect your feet on the rocky path.
- Carry snacks. Eat when you feel hungry. But don’t throw trash. Keep the place clean.
- At night, it gets cold. Use warm blankets and sleep early to get energy.
- Always listen to the guides. They know the way and will keep you safe. You can ask them questions.
- If someone feels sick, tell someone right away. Help will come. Don’t hide it.
- Be kind to others. Smile and help people you meet on the way.
Conclusion
Going to Kedarnath is not just a trip. It is a special journey. You see big mountains. You hear rivers. The air feels fresh and cool. Many people say, The road is long. The walk is hard. But they also say, “When you reach the temple, it is all worth it.” You feel happy inside. You feel peace. People start their journey from places like Rishikesh railway station, Haridwar railway station, Dehradun railway station, or Kotdwar railway station. From there, a bus or taxi is usually taken to Gaurikund. After that, you walk. The hill is walked up by many people. It is not easy, but it is done by many.
Some people walk with their family. Some walk alone. But all have one wish, to see Lord Shiva and pray. Don’t forget to carry warm clothes. Carry water. Good shoes should be worn. If tiredness is felt, a rest should be taken. Be kind to the people you meet. Smile. Help if you can. This journey teaches many things. Kedarnath journey teaches patience. It teaches faith. Yatra to chardham is more than just traveling. It touches your heart.
