Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, is nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Every year, thousands of devotees from across India embark on this spiritual journey to seek blessings at the revered Kedarnath Temple. If you are planning a trip from Bangalore, you might be wondering about the best ways to reach Kedarnath.
Since there is no direct connectivity between Bangalore and Kedarnath, travelers need to take a combination of flights, trains, buses, or taxis, followed by a trek or helicopter ride to reach the temple. This guide provides detailed information on how to reach Kedarnath from Bangalore, covering all possible routes, transportation options, fares, and travel tips to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Bangalore
Fare Table for Bangalore to Kedarnath Travel
| Mode of Transport | Route | Class/Type | Approximate Fare (One Way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Flight | Bangalore → Dehradun | Economy | ₹4,500 – ₹10,000 |
| By Flight | Bangalore → Delhi | Economy | ₹3,500 – ₹8,000 |
| By Train | Bangalore → Haridwar | Sleeper | ₹800 – ₹1,000 |
| 3AC | ₹2,200 – ₹2,500 | ||
| 2AC | ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 | ||
| By Train | Bangalore → Delhi | Sleeper | ₹750 – ₹1,000 |
| 3AC | ₹2,000 – ₹2,500 | ||
| 2AC | ₹3,000 – ₹3,500 | ||
| By Bus (from Delhi/Haridwar to Sonprayag) | Delhi → Haridwar | AC Volvo | ₹600 – ₹1,200 |
| Haridwar → Guptkashi | Local Bus | ₹500 – ₹800 | |
| Guptkashi → Sonprayag | Shared Jeep | ₹50 – ₹100 | |
| By Taxi (from Dehradun/Haridwar to Sonprayag) | Dehradun → Sonprayag | Private Taxi | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Haridwar → Sonprayag | Private Taxi | ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 | |
| Rishikesh → Sonprayag | Shared Taxi | ₹700 – ₹1,000 per person | |
| Kedarnath Trekking | Gaurikund → Kedarnath (16 km) | On Foot | Free |
| Pony (Mule) Ride | Gaurikund → Kedarnath | Per Person | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
| Palanquin (Doli) | Gaurikund → Kedarnath | Per Person | ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Helicopter Ride | Phata → Kedarnath | One Way | ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Round Trip | ₹7,000 – ₹9,000 |
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
Before planning your trip, it’s essential to consider the best time to visit Kedarnath:
- Summer (May to June): Ideal for travel with pleasant weather. The Kedarnath Temple opens in late April or early May.
- Monsoon (July to September): Risky due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and roadblocks.
- Autumn (September to November): A great time to visit with clear skies and fewer crowds.
- Winter (December to April): The temple is closed due to extreme snowfall, and the deity is shifted to Ukhimath.
How to Reach Kedarnath from Bangalore
Since Kedarnath does not have an airport or a railway station, you must first reach a nearby city like Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar before continuing your journey. Below are the detailed routes and travel options.
1. By Air (Fastest Option)
The quickest way to reach Kedarnath from Bangalore is by taking a flight to Dehradun or Delhi and then traveling by road to Kedarnath.
Option 1: Flight from Bangalore to Dehradun + Road Journey
- Flight Route: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) → Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED)
- Flight Duration: 3–3.5 hours (direct flight) or 4–6 hours (with a layover)
- Airlines Available: IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet
- Estimated Cost: ₹4,500–₹10,000 (one-way)
Once you reach Dehradun, follow this route:
- Dehradun to Rishikesh (20 km, 45 minutes)
- Rishikesh to Guptkashi (180 km, 6–7 hours by taxi/bus)
- Guptkashi to Sonprayag (30 km, 1 hour)
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund (5 km, 30 minutes by shared jeep)
- Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16 km trek or helicopter ride)
Option 2: Flight from Bangalore to Delhi + Road Journey
- Flight Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Flight Cost: ₹3,500–₹8,000
From Delhi, you can travel via Haridwar or Rishikesh and then follow the same route as mentioned above.
2. By Train (Budget-Friendly Option)
There are no direct trains from Bangalore to Kedarnath. You must take a train to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun and continue by road.
Option 1: Train from Bangalore to Haridwar
- Best Train: Yesvantpur Express (Train No. 22659)
- Duration: 48–50 hours
- Fare: ₹800 (Sleeper), ₹2,200 (3AC), ₹3,000 (2AC)
- Route: Bangalore → Pune → Bhopal → Jhansi → Delhi → Haridwar
From Haridwar, take a bus or taxi to Rishikesh, then follow the route to Kedarnath as described in the air travel section.
Option 2: Train from Bangalore to Delhi, then Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Take the Karnataka Express (Train No. 12627) or Rajdhani Express (Train No. 22691) to Delhi (36–40 hours).
- From Delhi, take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh (5–6 hours).
3. By Road (For Adventure Seekers)
If you love road trips, you can drive from Bangalore to Kedarnath, covering around 2,500 km. This journey takes 3–4 days and requires multiple stops.
Recommended Route:
Bangalore → Hyderabad → Nagpur → Jhansi → Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath
- Total Distance: 2,500 km
- Driving Time: 45–50 hours (excluding breaks)
- Fuel Cost: ₹12,000–₹15,000 (one way)
- Best Stopovers: Hyderabad, Nagpur, Gwalior, Delhi
Since self-driving can be exhausting, another option is to take a bus from Delhi or Haridwar to Guptkashi and then continue by shared taxis.
Final Leg: Trek or Helicopter to Kedarnath
Once you reach Gaurikund, you have two main options to reach Kedarnath Temple:
1. Trekking to Kedarnath (16 km)
- Trek Route: Gaurikund → Jungle Chatti → Bheembali → Linchauli → Kedarnath
- Time Required: 6–8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Options: Walk, hire a pony (₹2,500–₹4,000), or take a palanquin (₹6,000–₹8,000)
2. Helicopter to Kedarnath
For a quicker and more comfortable journey, take a helicopter ride from Phata, Guptkashi, or Sirsi.
- Fare: ₹7,000–₹9,000 (round trip)
- Duration: 8–10 minutes
- Booking: Available online on IRCTC and private operator websites
Cost Breakdown for the Trip
| Mode of Transport | Approx. Cost (One Way) |
|---|---|
| Flight (Bangalore to Dehradun) | ₹4,500–₹10,000 |
| Train (Bangalore to Haridwar) | ₹800–₹3,000 |
| Road Transport (Bus/Taxi) | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| Trek (On Foot) | Free |
| Pony/Palanquin (Optional) | ₹2,500–₹8,000 |
| Helicopter (Optional) | ₹7,000–₹9,000 |
Travel Tips for Bangalore to Kedarnath Trip
✔️ Book Flights & Trains Early: Kedarnath yatra season sees heavy bookings. Book tickets 2–3 months in advance.
✔️ Check Weather Conditions: Avoid monsoon months due to landslides.
✔️ Carry Cash: ATMs are limited beyond Rishikesh.
✔️ Pack Essentials: Trekking shoes, warm clothes, raincoat, dry snacks, and a power bank.
✔️ Book Helicopter Rides in Advance: Last-minute bookings may not be available.
✔️ Travel Light: If trekking, avoid carrying unnecessary luggage.
Conclusion
Reaching Kedarnath from Bangalore requires proper planning, as it involves multiple modes of transport. The most convenient route is to take a flight or train to Dehradun or Haridwar, followed by a road journey to Sonprayag and then a trek or helicopter ride to the temple. Depending on your budget, comfort, and time constraints, you can choose from various travel options such as flights, trains, buses, taxis, ponies, and helicopters.
To ensure a seamless journey, it is advisable to book your tickets and accommodations in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season. Whether you seek adventure, spirituality, or both, this pilgrimage to Kedarnath is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you with divine blessings and unforgettable memories.
Now that you have all the details, plan your pilgrimage and embark on this divine journey with confidence! 🚩