How to Reach Kedarnath from Rishikesh: Road, Air, Train, Helicopter
Hindu devotees from around the world flock to Kedarnath, one of the most important shrines in Hinduism. As part of the Char Dham Yatra, this revered Hindu pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In addition to being one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, Kedarnath is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts.
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How to get to Kedarnath from Rishikesh:
Kedarnath from Rishikesh By taxi
Rishikesh is 227 km from Kedarnath by road. There are good road connections between the two pilgrimages. Taxis are available at the Rishikesh Bus Stand to Gauri Kund. Taxi fares vary according to the type of taxi you choose (sedan, SUV etc.) and can range from ?9500 – ?12500. To cover the distance from Haridwar to Kedarnath, it takes almost three days tour.
The best way to avoid any price increases due to the unavailability of a Taxi at the last minute is to book your taxi in advance.
Kedarnath from Rishikesh By Bus
Himgiri and GMOU offer direct bus services from Haridwar to Gaurikund. Both operators run their buses between the two destinations at different times throughout the day. GMOU departs Haridwar at 5:15 am, while Himgiri departs Haridwar at 7:10 am. Both buses arrive at Gaurikund at noon.
Tata sumos or shareable jeeps are an easier way to cover the rishikesh to kedarnath distance when compared to bus and cab transportation. As you travel over the hills in these jeeps, you are easily able to travel.
Kedarnath from Rishikesh By Airways
In comparison to covering the Rishikesh to Kedarnath distance by road, this is the easiest, quickest, and most comfortable way to reach Kedarnath. The nearest connecting airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located 25 km away. It is well connected to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. By using airway services, you can take a taxi or bus from Rishikesh to Dehradun and then on to Kedarnath.
Kedarnath from Rishikesh By Train
There is no train service between Rishikesh and Kedarnath. However, Rishikesh Railway Station offers good connections to Indian cities as well. You can therefore travel to Rishikesh by train. In order to reach Kedarnath, you need to take a cab, bus, or shareable jeep
Kedarnath from Rishikesh By Helicopter
Nowadays, Helicopter charters are one of the most popular ways to travel to Kedarnath or Chardham. You can board a helicopter to Kedarnath from the Sahastradhara Helipad located on Nagal Road, Dehradun. You can also take a taxi to Phata, which is 193 km from Rishikesh, and board a helicopter from there. Sersi and Guptkashi are other places near Phata where helicopter services are available.
The Kedarnath temple is 700 meters away from the Helipad. Therefore, you can easily walk there.
Charter Helicopters are also a popular way to travel to Kedarnath, as well as to Char Dham Yatra, which can be completed in only two days. Due to the high demand for air travel followed by its limited supply, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Kedarnath is considered to be one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva in the Hindu religion. Visits to Kedarnath are only feasible during May, June, September, and October due to the adverse climatic conditions. During the monsoon season, June to September, the area is prone to landslides and floods. Therefore, it is not safe to visit Kedarnath during this time.