Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek

Kedarnath is the most well-known temple in Uttarakhand, located in the Rudraprayag district. To reach the Kedarnath temple, you must trek approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund. The Kedarnath trek is not easy, so here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything about the Kedarnath trek. Gaurikund is well-known as the base camp for the Kedarnath temple. At an elevation of 6502 feet above sea level in the Rudraprayag region which one has to cross to reach Gaurikund.

Quick Information

• Starting Point- Gaurikund​ (Altitude: ~6,500 ft / 1,980 m)
• Destination- Kedarnath Temple​ (Altitude: ~11,755 ft / 3,583 m)
• Distance- 16 to 18 km (depending on the route taken)
  Duration- 6 to 8 hours
• Difficulty Level- Moderate
• Route Stops: Major points include Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, Linchauli, and Rambara.
• Facilities: Medical aid, rain shelters, food stalls, and water points are available en route.
• Connectivity: BSNL and Jio networks.
• Travel Options: Ponies, palkis, and helicopter services are available for convenience.
• Trek Timing: 4:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. only.
• Best Time to Visit- May to October.

The Onwards Journey By Trek towards Kedarnath from Gaurikund

A medical fitness certificate, which was previously required of all pilgrims, is no longer required for the Kedarnath Yatra. All you need to visit Kedarnath is a photometric registration card. The photometric registration centre is located on the ISBT compound in Rishikesh. They have an abundance of counters. During the peak Yatra season in May and June, there are plenty of ponies and Palkis available early in the morning. The pony and Palkis become scarce as the day progresses. There are government counters where you can reserve ponies and Palkis at predetermined prices. Following the 2013 disaster, the government has now introduced the new Kedarnath trek route, as the old trek route to Kedarnath was completely erased. The New Trek Route to Kedarnath is provided below as your guide to the path to divinity.

Suggested to Read:

• Guide to Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter
• History Of Kedarnath
• Best Time To Visit Kedarnath

Gaurikund to Kedarnath Route Map with Distance

The trek would begin at Gaurikund – then ascend to Jungle Chatti (6 km) – then to Bheem Bali (4 km via Rambara Bridge) – then to Linchauli (3 km) – and the last stop would be at Kedarnath base camp (4 km) – and finally to the epitome of divinity, Kedarnath temple (1km).

Essentials Of Kedarnath Trek

The Kedarnath Trek is a medium-to-strenuous 16-kilometer trek that requires a high level of physical fitness. Each pilgrim must determine whether or not they are physically capable of trekking before embarking on the trek. The Kedarnath Trek departs from Gaurikund at 4:00 a.m. and returns at 1:30 p.m. Pilgrims are not permitted to trek to Kedarnath at any time because it is located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. After this time, no pilgrim is permitted to leave. Because this is a high-altitude trek, those with respiratory problems should seek medical advice before embarking.

Facilities Available En-route

• Palki/Dandi, Kandi, and Mule/Ponies are among the services provided by the Kedarnath Trek.
• Visitors can book these services at the Gaurikund or Sonprayag booking counter. Rates vary depending on the distance. Along the trek, there are proper facilities like tented accommodation, drinking water, and small shops/restaurants.
• Apart from this, basic medical help is available at some points on the way. If someone faces a serious injury or altitude-related issue, a helicopter can be arranged to take the person to a safer place.

Important Essentials For The Trek

1. Before embarking on the Kedarnath trek, get a physical check-up done.
2. People with asthma or high blood pressure should avoid trekking to Kedarnath.
3. Make a reservation at the Gaurikund/Sonprayag booking counter if you want to travel through Kandi, Ponies, or Palki.
4. The only time pilgrims are permitted to visit Kedarnath is between 04:00AM and 01:30 PM.
5. If you do not finish the trek by late afternoon, you can take Palki or Ponies to your destination. You can also spend the night in the camps set up between the treks at Jungle Chatti, Bheem Bali, and Lincholi before continuing your journey the next morning.

Main Checkpoints on Kedarnath Trek

The 16-km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath has 10 stops or checkpoints on the way.

1. Gaurikund
2. Jungle Chatti
3. Bheem Bali
4. Rambara
5. Chhota Lincholi
6. Lincholi
7. Chhani Camp
8. Rudra Point
9. Base Camp
10. Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Distance Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-1: Can a beginner complete the trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
Ans: Yes, beginners can do it with some basic preparation and a strong will even if you’re new to trekking, you can enjoy the beautiful journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath.

Q-2: Which shoes are good for walking to Kedarnath?
Ans: The best shoes for the Kedarnath trek are hiking boots. They have a strong grip, protect your feet from rough ground, support your ankles, and are waterproof.

Q-3: How is the walking path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
Ans: The path goes uphill and can be tiring, but it’s safe to walk.

Q-4: What safety tips should I follow during the trek?
Ans: Make sure to follow the marked paths, don’t take shortcuts, drink lots of water, wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry a first-aid kit with you.

Suggested Tour: 

• Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter
• Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
• Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter