Gangotri to Kedarnath is a long, holy trip in Uttarakhand. You move from the river source of Ganga to the high temple of Shiva. You can go by road, by helicopter, or walk parts on foot. This guide explains routes, times, safety, family tips, and simple maps.
This article is about Gangotri to Kedarnath. It tells you how to go. It is for families and all kinds of travellers from India. As used by official sites and travel guides to check facts. It was written in simple words. You will find maps, a table, and easy tips. You can visit here by choosing our Chardham Yatra and Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter.
What Are These Places?
Gangotri and Kedarnath are two super magical spots in the high mountains where families go for prayers adventures and feeling close to gods so let’s explore what makes them extra special one by one.
Gangotri
Gangotri is the cozy birthplace of the holy Ganga river where everyone prays and thanks her for flowing all the way to the sea and it sits way up high at around 10,000 feet surrounded by snowy peaks and green forests with a pretty white stone temple sparkling by the rushing river start plus you can dip your toes in the icy cold water at Gaumukh a short trek away splash in warm hot springs nearby and munch yummy sweets from local shops while listening to the water sing so it’s perfect for families who love river hugs easy walks and feeling the fresh start of something big.
Kedarnath
Kedarnath is the famous super strong Shiva temple hugging Lord Shiva’s lingam like a brave mountain friend and it sits even higher at 12,000 feet right near giant snowy peaks and the roaring Mandakini river where the air feels crisp and powerful so lots of folks reach it by a fun 16 km trek ponies helicopters or even brave walks feeling like heroes plus the grey stone building survived floods and storms for thousands of years whispering old stories and it’s all quiet wild and wow with prayer bells echoing off the rocks making your heart go thump-thump.
These places are part of the big Char Dham yatra so visiting feels like a treasure hunt with gods rivers and peaks so pack your smiles and get ready for the coolest family stories ever.
Quick Facts You Must Know About Gangotri to Kedarnath
Gangotri and Kedarnath are high-up mountain gems full of snowy magic and temple adventures so here are some quick fun facts to know before your family road trip because knowing them makes the journey feel like a treasure map coming alive.
Gangotri sits high in the hills near Uttarkashi
Gangotri chills way up at around 10,000 feet tucked in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas close to Uttarkashi town which is like a cozy base camp with markets and buses plus it’s the starting spot for the holy Ganga river at Gaumukh where icy water gushes from a glacier so you hike a bit see white temple sparkle dip toes in freezing streams and feel like you’re at the top of the world with prayer flags fluttering everywhere.
Kedarnath temple is at about three thousand five hundred eighty four meters above sea level
Whoa Kedarnath perches super high at 3,584 meters which is over 11,700 feet where the air gets thin and chilly making you breathe a little slower but your heart beats strong near Lord Shiva’s ancient stone temple hugged by giant snowy peaks and roaring rivers so pack warm layers drink lots of water walk slow like a happy snail and you’ll love the crisp views quiet prayers and feeling like a brave explorer on top of the clouds.
Nearest major airport for both places is Jolly Grant, Dehradun
The closest big airport is Jolly Grant near Dehradun which is a fun 5 to 10 hour drive twisting through green hills rivers and cute villages depending on if you head to Gangotri or Kedarnath first so fly in rent a taxi hop on a bus or share a ride and munch snacks while spotting monkeys temples and mountain goats along the way because from there the real adventure begins with bumpy roads turning into epic memories.
How far is Gangotri to Kedarnath?
Road distances in mountains change with route and road work. Some sites show long routes and some show shorter ones.
| Way | Typical distance | Time idea |
| By road (usual route via Uttarkashi → Rudraprayag → Gaurikund) | about three hundred fifty to four hundred km | many hours, often split in two days |
| By mix road + helicopter (drive to helipad, chopper to Kedarnath) | road part varies; chopper short | road plus short flight |
| On foot (trek part) | Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek is about sixteen km | six to eight hours for fit walkers |
Note: Numbers change with new roads or repairs. Please check local travel news before you start.
Route Options from Gangotri to Kedarnath
- Full road + trek
- Drive from Gangotri to a town like Uttarkashi. Then go toward Rudraprayag and Guptkashi. From Guptkashi drive to Gaurikund. Then walk the trek to Kedarnath.
- Good for families who like the road and can do short walks during the Gangotri to Kedarnath journey.
- Drive from Gangotri to a town like Uttarkashi. Then go toward Rudraprayag and Guptkashi. From Guptkashi drive to Gaurikund. Then walk the trek to Kedarnath.
- Road + helicopter
- Drive to a helipad town like Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi. Take a chopper to Kedarnath. Return the same way.
- Good for elders and small kids or if you have less time. Helicopter services run on set days and need online booking. Check official heliyatra/IRCTC or district updates.
- Drive to a helipad town like Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi. Take a chopper to Kedarnath. Return the same way.
- Slow and easy split for Gangotri to Kedarnath
- Break the trip into small drives. Stop at safe hotels. Rest at Uttarkashi or Rudraprayag. Walk only a little each day. This is best for elders and children.
- Break the trip into small drives. Stop at safe hotels. Rest at Uttarkashi or Rudraprayag. Walk only a little each day. This is best for elders and children.
Travel Time Plan for Families
This is a super safe easy travel plan for families heading from Gangotri to Kedarnath on the big Char Dham adventure so go slow like a happy turtle add an extra rest day if anyone needs it and let’s make it fun for elders little legs and everyone in between.
Day one: Leave Dehradun or Delhi and reach Uttarkashi area then rest
Start fresh from Dehradun airport or Delhi early morning with yummy breakfast packed because it’s a 6 to 8 hour cozy drive through green hills twisty roads and river views so arrive at Uttarkashi by evening check into a comfy hotel munch hot noodles play cards and sleep super early to let your body hug the mountain air without any rush.
Day two: Visit Gangotri in the morning then stay nearby or start toward Rudraprayag
Hop up for sunrise pancakes drive just 2 hours to sparkling Gangotri temple by the Ganga river start splash in hot springs say prayers watch icy water rush and shop for cute beads before lunch then either nap in a cozy Gangotri guesthouse or gently drive 4 to 5 hours toward Rudraprayag for pretty valley views and early bedtime feeling all holy and happy.
Day three: Drive to Guptkashi area and sleep super early
After yummy breakfast roll along bumpy roads with mountain goats waving hello reaching Guptkashi by afternoon which is the fun base for Kedarnath so explore local shops grab warm jackets stretch legs at a viewpoint and crash early with stories and hot milk because tomorrow’s the big trek day and rested bodies turn it into a joyful game.
Day four: Reach Gaurikund then start trek or prep for helicopter next morning
Drive short and sweet to Gaurikund the trek starting spot by lunchtime dip in steamy hot springs eat light snacks like fruits and nuts book ponies or palkis for helpers if needed and chill because if you’re trekking start slow in the evening or save energy for dawn while helicopter fans check weather and dream of quick sky rides.
Day five: Darshan at Kedarnath then return to Gaurikund or helipad town
Whoopee the magic day trek up 16 km with pony breaks singing songs and river chats or zoom by helicopter for snowy peak selfies then hug Lord Shiva’s temple pray feel the bells ring and grab prasad before heading back down slow and steady to Gaurikund for victory hugs hot tea and proud tired smiles under the stars.
Day six: Drive back slowly to a safe town
No hurry wake up late drive gently 5 to 7 hours to Rudraprayag or Srinagar with snack stops photo breaks and goat-spotting games so end in a comfy town with big dinners family chats and sweet sleep knowing you conquered the mountains like brave heroes.
This chill plan keeps walking easy for kids and grandparents turning Gangotri to Kedarnath into cozy family memories so pack love smiles and let’s roll.
Helicopter to Kedarnath — Facts
Helicopter rides to Kedarnath are quick fun sky trips from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi – perfect for families skipping the trek.
From Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi
These spots are 20-40 mins from base – pick one, arrive early with snacks for the 5-10 min zoom over peaks.
Pilgrimage season (May-Nov)
Flights run daily in good weather during temple time – 5-7 passengers per trip landing right by Shiva temple.
Book on IRCTC Heliyatra
Official site/app for dates, ₹3k-7k round trip – check weekly, book 1-2 months early as they fill fast.
Weather can cancel
Clouds or wind ground them safely – get refunds, reschedule or switch to ponies.
Super handy for kids and elders – just pray for clear skies!
Safety and Weather on the Gangotri to Kedarnath Route
- Both places are high. The air is thin. Children and elders can feel weak. Take time to rest.
- Summer days are okay. Nights are cold. Monsoon (rain) brings landslides. Roads can close. Check news before you go.
- Carry a small first-aid kit. Drink boiled or bottled water. Avoid risky streams.
What to Carry
or your Kedarnath helicopter hop or any mountain fun pack these must-haves so you stay cozy happy and ready for surprises without any fuss.
Warm clothes and rain cover
Mountains turn chilly fast even on sunny days so grab jackets sweaters hats and a poncho because sudden showers sneak up and you’ll wanna stay dry toasty while snapping peak pics.
Good walking shoes
Sneakers or sturdy boots with grip because rocky paths near the helipad and temple get slippery so comfy feet let you explore without ouchies plus they splash through streams like a pro.
Small medicines for cold and headache
High air plays tricks with sniffles or head thumps so tuck in pills band-aids and tummy meds because a quick fix keeps the adventure smiling instead of grumpy.
Water bottle and dry snacks
Stay sippy with fresh water since bouncing rides make you thirsty and pack nuts biscuits or fruits because hunger hits quick and munching beats hangry meltdowns every time.
ID and basic papers
Show your Aadhaar ticket or heli pass because check-ins need them quick so keep in a zip bag to zip through lines without worries.
Mobile charger and powerbank
Phones die fast clicking selfies and calling home so juice it up because epic videos of snowy views need sharing with grandma right away.
Pack light hug your bag and zoom off for the best sky-high memories.
Trek Details
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek: about sixteen km of uphill and flat parts. It takes from six to eight hours for many people. People rest at small stops. Carry water and slow down if you feel short of breath.
- Gangotri to Gaumukh: Many pilgrims walk to Gaumukh—the glacier where Ganga starts. Distances can vary. Many trekkers split this into two days. Check local guides.
Health and Altitude Tips
- Go slow. Take small steps.
- Sleep one night at mid-height to adjust.
- Drink water. Avoid heavy work on first day.
- If someone has chest pain or severe breath trouble, get help fast.
Road and Transport Tips
- Roads in mountains are narrow. Drivers should be calm.
- Book taxis with local firms that know the route.
- Keep a local SIM card or a backup plan if phones lose signal.
Official checks before you start
- Check Uttarakhand tourism pages for Gangotri and Kedarnath for opening dates and rules. These pages tell about travel and weather updates.
- Check the official Kedarnath temple committee site for temple timings and darshan rules.
Final tips for families
Here are the final super important tips for your family’s Kedarnath adventure so everyone stays happy safe and smiling all the way.
- Plan one or two rest days and do not rush
Mountains tire little legs and grown-ups too so build in chill days for playing cards eating ice cream or napping by the river because rushing makes everyone grumpy plus extra sleep lets you enjoy temple bells and peak views without feeling pooped. - Talk to your family about walk speed and keep kids close
Chat ahead like hey let’s go turtle-slow on rocky paths hold hands tight and stop for water breaks because fast steps slip easy and you’ll wanna spot butterflies goats and prayer flags together while staying in a happy pack no wandering off for epic family photos. - Choose helicopter only after checking weather and booking site
Peek at sky apps the night before and use official IRCTC Heliyatra because clouds play tricks canceling fun rides so book early have a pony backup plan and laugh if it turns into a surprise trek adventure turning oops into awesome stories.
Conclusion
Gangotri to Kedarnath is a holy and strong journey. It links the start of Ganga to the shrine of Shiva. For families, the trip can be safe and lovely if you plan slow and check official news. Use helicopters for elders only when the weather is good. Carry warm clothes and small medicines. Ask local guides when in doubt. Read the official Uttarakhand pages before you go so you have the latest rules and road news. You can visit here by choosing our Chardham Yatra and Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter.
