Kedarnath Walking Distance: A complete Guide

Kedarnath is among the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destinations devoted to Lord Shiva and is well-known for its historic Kedarnath Temple. The town Kedarnath is situated in Uttarakhand, India’s Rudraprayag district. 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, it is located in the Himalayas.

In the eighth century CE, Adi Shankaracharya is credited with constructing the Kedarnath Temple. It is regarded as one of Lord Shiva’s twelve Jyotirlingas, the most revered dwelling places. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and devotees flock to the temple, particularly in the summer when the winter snow melts and makes it accessible.

But to reach the Kedarnath temple, you have to complete a trek of 18 km from Gaurikund. And here in this article, we will provide you with a complete guide for the 18-km Kedarnath trek, which will help you complete your journey comfortably and hassle-free.

So let’s dive in:

Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek distance

Gaurikund is the last motor stop, and from Gaurikund, you have to start the 18-kilometer trek, which is a moderate-to-challenging hike that requires a respectable degree of physical fitness. There is no option for a taxi or bus, so you have to trek up to reach the temple.

The ideal time to begin the hike is at 4:30 a.m. in order to complete by 2 p.m. During the trek, you will find several stoppages where you can halt.  The route goes through beautiful Himalayan landscapes, including forests, waterfalls, and rivers.

Basically, there are four common ways to complete the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. You can go for any of these options if you are not comfortable with trekking.

These options are as follows:

(a) Horse

A large number of pilgrims travel from other states or nations to see the sacred shrine at Kedarnath. For those wishing to ascend the steep path, pony and horse services are offered.

The type of trip, distance traveled, whether it is an uphill or downhill ride, if the passenger must return the same day or the next, and the passenger’s weight all affect the cost of these horses and ponies.

Here’s the horse pricing list:

(b) Palki or Doli

An alternative route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is via Palki or doli. This kind of carrier requires users to sit while four people carry it on their shoulders. Its costs change depending on factors like passenger weight, whether the ride is uphill or downhill, etc.

Here’s the Palki and Doli pricing list:

(c) Helicopter

You can also reach Kedarnath via helicopter services and skip Kedarnath walking distance of 18 km.

Helicopter services operates from multiple locations around Uttarakhand. Several well-known locations from which you can take a helicopter to reach Kedarnath are Sonprayag, Dehradun, Guptkashi, Phata, Sitapur, and Guptkashi.

And the price for helicopter services is not fixed, as, the government sets the prices for helicopter services every year.

(d) By trek

If you want to complete the trek on your own and without using any of the above services, then to complete Kedarnath walking distance, you first have to reach Gaurikund and then follow the trail.

Route to Kedarnath (Old route)

The previous trek route covered a total walking distance of 14 km and began at Gaurikund and ended at Kedarnath via Rambara. It was a well-built sidewalk with numerous shelters, stores, gates, and public restrooms positioned throughout. The path offered stunning views of valleys, jungles, and waterfalls and was incredibly simple and safe.

Following the catastrophic 2013 flood in the Kedarnath region, the ancient path was totally destroyed, and there was no chance of reconstruction.

New Route to Kedarnath

Members of the NIM crew are building and maintaining the new road to Kedarnath Temple, and the Kedarnath route is maintained by a number of teams.

A popular trek way to reach Kedarnath is the new route via Rambara and Linchauli. The 2013 floods entirely destroyed Rambara. The only bridge to mark Rambara is the recently built one.

Gaurikund: -6 kms → Rambara Bridge – 4 kms → Jungle Chatti – 3 kms → Bheembali – 4 kms → Linchauli – 4 kms → Kedarnath Base Camp – 1 kms → Kedarnath Temple

Some alternate trek routes

There are two more new trek routes open in 2016:

1. Chaumasi→ kham→ Ramabara→ Kedarnath (Total distance: 18 km)
2. Trijuginarayan→ Kedarnath (Total distance: 15 km)

Stoppage during the trek

The very first stoppage is Jungle Chatti. The walk by the Rambara bridge is roughly 4 km from Gaurikund to Jungle Chatti. These 4 miles can be hiked on foot, or you can take the pony and palki services.

The second stoppage lies in Bheembali, which is 3 kilometers from Jungle Chatti. Here you will find free drinking water, a free toilet, and GMVN tent facilities available.

Our third stoppage is at Lincholi, which is just 4 kilometers from Bheemmbali. Here you get a view of the mountains where the Mandakini River originates, which will be incredibly fulfilling. Medical facilities are also accessible, and there are private and GMVN tents.

After Lincholi, our fourth stoppage will be at Kedarnath base camp, which is 4 km away from Lincholi. Here you will find the camp of GMVN, which you can book online from their official website.

Is the Kedarnath trek difficult?

The Kedarnath trek is slightly difficult for beginners but can easily be covered in 6–8 hours. All you need to do is carry some useful stuff along, like a 20-liter rucksack, warm clothes, gloves, mufflers, umbrella, raincoat, good-quality boots, and a personal medical kit.

Can the Kedarnath trek be done at night?

No, climbing Kedarnath at night is generally not allowed or recommended. The walk from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a tough and steep ascent that entails traversing over rocky terrain and uneven roads. It is advisable to undertake the trek during daylight hours for safety reasons.

Best time to visit Kedarnath

The ideal months to do the Kedarnath Trek are April through June because of the nice weather, which consists of gentle breezes and temperatures between 15 and 25°C most days.

But the town is generally shut down during the winter and monsoons due to heavy rain and heavy snowfall, which witness dangerous land slides and floods.

Some Important Tips

Before starting your trek, keep these few crucial things in mind:

• Since this is an intense workout in inclement weather, we encourage you to get checked out medically. People with even mild blood pressure issues and respiratory ailments should not participate in this activity.
• In accordance with government regulations, the walk must be finished between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• To stay hydrated and focused, remember to pack plenty of water and a few small snacks.
• You can use the palki or pony service to go to the top if the hike seems too strenuous.

Conclusion

Overall, trekking to the Kedarnath temple is a lovely and fulfilling experience. To ensure that your trekking trip is safe and enjoyable, remember to pack essentials, adhere to rules, and show respect for the customs and culture of the area.

Also remember that the altitude of the temple is over 3500 meters. So keep yourself physically as well as mentally fit to avoid altitude sickness and complete the Kedarnath walking distance comfortably.

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