Want to visit two sacred mountains in one calm trip, and feel both moments, not just tick boxes. Then read this and pack smart because this shows real routes, real feelings, and the latest big changes that matter. You can have a splendid journey to Badrinath with our Chardham Yatra by Helicopter tour!. Also check our Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Tour, To visit Kedarnath ji and Badrinath ji in one day.
Tungnath to Kedarnath—how two very different days become one memory
Tungnath is a small stone temple set high on a ridge and it greets you with wind and wide views. Kedarnath is farther, older and deeper in meaning so many people want to visit both in one journey. This guide shows you the simple routes, what to expect on the walk, what people felt.
Start here: Chopta, Tungnath and the first steps
You usually start in Chopta, a green meadow that feels like a little cloud in summer from there you walk about three and a half kilometres to Tungnath. For Most people the hike takes 2 to 4 hours because they stop to rest and to enjoy the views. The temple sits high on the ridge as many people climb a bit more to Chandrashila to catch a sunrise they remember for a long time.
The long link: moving from Tungnath to the Kedarnath valley
You walk down from Tungnath and then hop into the car for a slow mountain drive. The road curving all the time as you pass small towns like Guptkashi, Phata and Sonprayag. Before you reach the base where the Kedarnath trek begins the drive can take many hours because the road climbs and winds. So start early, keep your phone charged and your bag light. Stop often to stretch, drink water, and grab a hot cup of chai from a roadside stall—it helps more than you think.
The main walk: Gaurikund to Kedarnath explained simply
From Gaurikund the trek to Kedarnath is around sixteen kilometres and most people take six to eight hours. While walking slowly, there are tea stalls, rest points and small shelters where local people will offer chai and biscuits. A place to sit, walk at your own pace and let your legs set their rhythm. There is no prize for rushing and many people say the slow walk feels like a long conversation with the mountains.
Fly if you must: helicopter details in plain words
If you do not want the long walk you can book a helicopter that flies to Kedarnath from helipads like Phata or Sirsi or Guptkashi, the official bookings run through the government portal and the services open during the pilgrimage season so always book from the official site and never trust random sellers, helicopters are fast and give a strong view from above but flights follow strict safety rules and weather so treat them as a backup, not a promise.
A big future change: the Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway
A long ropeway project between Sonprayag and Kedarnath is now awarded to a company and it will cut the long travel time to a short cable ride when it opens in the coming years, this will change the way many pilgrims travel but the ropeway is still a future plan so for now use the roads and the trek.
Best months to go — simple and safe
The safest months are late spring to early autumn because the snow melts and the days stay warm, monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides and winter has deep snow so many roads and services close, always check current weather and local news before you leave and keep a local guide number with you.
What real people felt—small stories that help you decide
People who walk say Tungnath feels bright and fast. The wind feels like a soft hand on your face. As they say Kedarnath feels slow and deep and the long walk makes you speak softly and look carefully. Those who took a helicopter said they felt like they were flying inside a painting as they still loved the quiet time at the temple. Many pilgrims told guides that the best part was the small tea stalls and the chats with local helpers because those moments turned the trip into a memory.
A gentle 3-day plan that feels calm and real
Day 1 — Reach Chopta, walk a little, sit on the grass and watch the sky change, sleep early because mountain days start very early.
Day 2 — Wake before dawn, climb to Tungnath and if you can go to Chandrashila for sunrise, come down and drive toward the Kedarnath base towns, rest on the way and keep a simple dinner.
Day 3 — Reach Gaurikund or Sonprayag and then walk to Kedarnath or fly if you booked a helicopter, spend time near the temple and listen, return the same day or stay at a nearby guest house and leave next day.
Pack like a wise person—a small list that people actually used
- Warm jacket and hat because nights and early mornings get cold.
- Good shoes with grip because rocks can be slippery when damp.
- Water bottle and small snacks like nuts or biscuits to keep energy up.
- Power bank for phone and a printed copy of ID and permits for safety.
- Rain cover and a tiny first-aid kit for blisters and simple needs.
Pack light and carry what you need for one day in a small bag so your back stays happy.
Small tips most guides tell you but people forget
Start very early because mountain mornings are quiet and fresh, walk slow on long stretches and smile at helpers. Because a small chat can warm you more than extra layers, carry a small cloth to cover your head in strong sun. Always keep a little extra water because shops are far on some stretches.
Final short wrap — the trip in one calm line
If you want to touch two sacred peaks, plan slow and kind, start at Chopta for Tungnath, then move toward the Kedarnath valley for the long walk or a flight, travel with a guide like LIH Travel who knows the small changes, pack light, walk slow, and leave space for the small chai stops and the quiet views, this way the trip becomes more than a tour and stays with you for a long time. You can have a splendid journey to Badrinath with our Chardham Yatra by Helicopter tour!. Also check our Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Tour, To visit Kedarnath ji and Badrinath ji in one day.
FAQs
- Can I do Tungnath and Kedarnath together ?
Yes, many people do both in two to four days if they plan drives and rest, check weather and permits first. - How long is the Tungnath walk ?
From Chopta to Tungnath it is about 3.5 km one way and most people reach it in two to four hours depending on pace. - How long is the Kedarnath trek ?
From Gaurikund it is roughly 16 km and many people take six to eight hours while stopping at rest points. - Is the helicopter safe and how do I book ?
Helicopters are regulated and the official bookings open seasonally on the government site so always use the official portal and check safety updates and weather. - Will the ropeway make the trek short soon ?
The Sonprayag–Kedarnath ropeway is a large project that will cut travel time drastically once built but it is still under construction so do not count on it for today’s plans.
