Kedarnath itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Kedarnath

1. 01

   Day 1: Trek and temple in one day

   This is a challenging option only for fit travellers. Start from Gaurikund very early (5–6 a.m.) for the 14–16 km trek to Kedarnath. The route follows the Mandakini River through forest and high meadows, with shelter buildings (serai) at roughly 5, 8 and 11 km. Arrive at Kedarnath by early afternoon, offer prayers at the temple (expect queues during peak season), rest for an hour or two, and return to Gaurikund the same day or stay overnight at a pilgrim lodge if you are too tired. This pace is not recommended for those over 60 or without serious hill-walking experience.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Kedarnath

1. 01

   Day 1: Trek to Kedarnath

   Drive from Rudraprayag or Chopta to Gaurikund (roughly 2–3 hours), have an early lunch, then start the trek to Kedarnath in the early afternoon (1–2 p.m.). Trek for 3–4 hours to reach one of the shelters (Linchaoli or Bhimbali serai), around 8–10 km. Overnight in a pilgrim lodge or tent at the serai. This slower pace allows acclimatisation and reduces altitude sickness risk.

2. 02

   Day 2: Reach temple, rest and return

   Continue trekking early in the morning (7–8 a.m.) for the final 4–6 km to Kedarnath. Arrive at the temple by late morning, spend 2–3 hours offering prayers and walking the temple complex and town, then trek back down towards the serai or Gaurikund. Most pilgrims either stay one night in Kedarnath and trek out the next day, or trek down the same day if fit enough.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Kedarnath

1. 01

   Day 1: Arrive at Gaurikund, acclimatise or start trek

   Drive to Gaurikund, have lunch and rest. If you prefer a slower pace, stay at a lodge in Gaurikund overnight. Otherwise, start the trek in the early afternoon and reach a serai by evening. Rest at Gaurikund allows you to acclimatise if arriving from lower elevations.

2. 02

   Day 2: Trek to Kedarnath

   Complete the trek to Kedarnath (if you started Day 1 afternoon, finish today; if you rested in Gaurikund, trek the full 14–16 km today). Arrive by early afternoon, rest at a pilgrim lodge, spend the late afternoon and evening at the temple for evening prayers (aarti usually around 6–7 p.m.). Walk the temple courtyard at sunset to see the peaks illuminated.

3. 03

   Day 3: Second day in Kedarnath, explore and trek out

   Spend the morning re-visiting the temple or visiting nearby places such as Vasuki Tal (a small lake, roughly 2–3 km away and a moderate day-trip trek). Return to the pilgrim lodge by afternoon. In late afternoon, trek back towards Gaurikund, aiming to reach a serai or Gaurikund by evening. Alternatively, if too tired, stay another night in Kedarnath and trek out on Day 4.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• Consult a doctor before attempting Kedarnath if you have heart, lung, blood pressure, or joint concerns. Altitude sickness can be serious for older travellers.
• Plan a slow trek: break it into 2 days instead of 1. Stay overnight at Gaurikund or a serai to acclimatise.
• Hire a horse or porter at Gaurikund if walking the full distance is too demanding. Costs are roughly ₹500–₹1,500 per horse per day.
• Stay in Ukhimath or Chopta the night before the trek, not at Gaurikund. The easier accommodation will help you rest and start the trek refreshed.
• Carry water, high-calorie snacks, a warm layer, and a sunhat. The sun at high altitude burns quickly, and the air is thin.
• Ask your pilgrim lodge staff for help if you feel unwell. Altitude sickness (headache, nausea, shortness of breath) is common and should be taken seriously. Descend if symptoms worsen.