Kedarnath Trek Guide: Gaurikund to the Temple
By Indian Pilgrim Yatra Desk · Updated 6 October 2026 · 7 min read
In short
The Kedarnath trek is about 16 km each way on a paved, well-supported trail from Gaurikund (around 1,980 m) to the temple (3,583 m). Most people take 6 to 9 hours to walk up and 4 to 6 hours to come down. Start early, carry warm layers and rain gear, and stay the night at Kedarnath if you can.
Getting to the start
Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag. From there, shared jeeps run the last few kilometres to Gaurikund, where the walk starts. Queues for jeeps build from early morning in peak season, so aim to reach Sonprayag by 5 am.
The route, stage by stage
| Stage | Approx. distance from Gaurikund | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Gaurikund | 0 km | Start point, with shops, ponies and palkis |
| Jungle Chatti | About 4 km | Steady climb through forest. First tea stop. |
| Bheembali | About 6–7 km | Medical post and rest shelters |
| Linchauli | About 11 km | Valley opens out, and the air gets noticeably thinner |
| Kedarnath base | About 15 km | Helipad and camps |
| Kedarnath temple | About 16 km | The temple, with Bhairavnath above |
Walking, pony, palki or helicopter
- Walking: the most rewarding, and fine for anyone who can walk 10 km on flat ground
- Pony: rates are fixed by the district administration and paid at the counter. Keep your receipt.
- Palki (doli): carried by four people. Slow and expensive, but the gentlest option.
- Pithu: a porter carries a child or a light adult in a basket
- Helicopter: shuttle from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi, booked only on IRCTC HeliYatra. See Kedarnath by helicopter.
Altitude and safety
You gain over 1,500 m in a day. Walk slowly, sip water often and eat light. Headache, nausea or breathlessness while resting are warning signs. Stop, rest, and use the medical posts on the trail. Don't push on to reach the temple the same day if you feel unwell.
What to carry on the trek
- Rain poncho, down jacket, cap and gloves
- Walking stick (sold at Gaurikund)
- Water bottle, dry fruits and glucose
- Photo ID and your yatra registration
- Personal medicines and a torch
- A small backpack. Leave heavy bags in the Guptkashi or Sonprayag hotel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Kedarnath trek?
About 16 km each way from Gaurikund.
Can Kedarnath be done in one day?
Yes, for fit walkers starting before dawn, but staying the night at Kedarnath is easier and gives you a calmer darshan.
Is the Kedarnath trek open at night?
The administration sets trek timings each season and stops walkers from starting late in the day. Always start in the early morning.
Official sources
Rules and dates are set by these authorities and can change. Always check them before you travel.