Kedarnath Trek
Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand is approached on foot from Gaurikund through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a steep mountain pilgrimage route with official access timings and rapidly changing weather.
Independent trail reference · Check permit and route verification below
At a glance
Catalogue values may vary by route. Confirm distances, access and seasonal conditions before travel.
Kedarnath Trek Trek Overview
Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand is approached on foot from Gaurikund through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. This is a steep mountain pilgrimage route with official access timings and rapidly changing weather.
Distance, route & access
Uttarakhand Tourism describes a 16 km route one way from Gaurikund in its Kedarnath destination guide. Other official Uttarakhand pages cite 14–19 km depending on route description; verify the operational path before setting out.
Gaurikund is the roadhead for the trekking approach. Do not confuse the one-way walking distance with the longer round-trip total, road transfers or helicopter options.
Recorded start: Gaurikund · Estimated trip duration: 2 days. Confirm the current walkable route and travel conditions locally before departure.
Interactive location map
Open in Google Maps ↗Map location is based on the catalogued base village or trail location. It is a planning aid, not a GPS-verified trail track; confirm the current trailhead locally before setting out.
Published destination elevation
A reference height, not an ascent profile
Elevation above sea level at this destination. It does not describe the total climb, walking distance or route shape.
Kedarnath Trek Trek Planning Guide
Kedarnath Trek is a easy-moderate trek in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand. Panth records the route as approximately 16 km over 2 days, reaching a maximum elevation of 11,755 ft. These facts help trekkers compare this route with other trails in India before planning a trip.
Best time to trek Kedarnath Trek
The Panth catalogue currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct as the best months for this trail. Seasonal conditions can vary considerably by altitude and year, so use this as a planning window rather than a guarantee. Check recent local weather, access restrictions and trail reports before travelling.
Route and itinerary
The current Panth itinerary contains 2 planned days, including Gaurikund to Kedarnath and Kedarnath darshan and descent to Gaurikund. The route information on this page is based on the current Panth record; where a route detail is missing or marked unverified, do not treat the page as a substitute for an official trail map or local guide.
Permits, access and logistics
Permit status is not currently verified. The recorded base location is Gaurikund, and the nearest listed rail connection is Rishikesh (via Haridwar), then a road journey to Gaurikund via Sonprayag. Permit rules, forest access, road conditions and local entry requirements can change, particularly in protected and border areas.
Difficulty and preparation
A easy-moderate rating is a comparison signal, not a guarantee of difficulty for every person. Consider distance, elevation, elevation gain, weather and your own experience before choosing Kedarnath Trek. At high altitude, acclimatization and conservative pacing matter as much as general fitness.
Safety and responsible trekking
Current Panth notes highlight 2 planning considerations, including Extremely high pilgrim volume in peak season — plan for crowding at the temple and on the path itself and Weather above Rambara can turn quickly even in the May-June window; carry a rain shell regardless of forecast. The current packing notes include Comfortable walking shoes — the path is paved but steep and long, Warm layer for Kedarnath itself, which sits above 11,700 ft. Carry appropriate clothing, navigation tools, water and emergency essentials for the conditions. Follow local Forest Department or park rules, avoid littering, respect wildlife and communities, and do not rely on an old online permit or access statement.
Explore more treks in Uttarakhand
Use the regional and related-trail links on this page to compare Kedarnath Trek with other Indian trekking routes by difficulty, duration, altitude and season. This makes Panth useful both for people who already know the trail they want and for trekkers still deciding where to go.
Data verification
Selected route facts have been reviewed against published information. This does not establish that current permits, trail access, GPS geometry or on-ground conditions are verified. Confirm those details with the relevant local authority before travelling.
Day-by-day itinerary
Steady climb on a paved pilgrim path to the temple town, with rest shelters at regular intervals.
Temple visit followed by the return walk, or helicopter option for the descent.
Safety notes
- Extremely high pilgrim volume in peak season — plan for crowding at the temple and on the path itself
- Weather above Rambara can turn quickly even in the May-June window; carry a rain shell regardless of forecast
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — the path is paved but steep and long
- Warm layer for Kedarnath itself, which sits above 11,700 ft
Frequently asked questions about Kedarnath Trek
Where is Kedarnath Trek located?
Kedarnath Trek is listed in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, within the Uttarakhand trekking area.
What is the difficulty of the Kedarnath Trek trek?
Panth currently rates this trail as Easy-Moderate. Also consider altitude, weather, distance and your own experience.
What is the best time to trek Kedarnath Trek?
Panth currently lists May, Jun, Sep, Oct. Verify current weather and trail access before travelling.
Is a permit required for Kedarnath Trek?
Permit status is currently unverified.
How long is the Kedarnath Trek trek?
The catalogue records 2 days and approximately 16 km. Actual walking time can vary with route conditions, acclimatization, weather and itinerary.