Kedarnath temple in the Garhwal Himalayas
Char Dham & Kedarnath

How to Plan a Kedarnath Yatra from Delhi (4, 5 or 6 Days)

Travel days, the Haridwar transit, trek timing and group versus private routes — a realistic plan for pilgrims starting from Delhi.

By Thrill On Hills Travel Desk · Updated 22 October 2026 · 3 min read

Most people in Delhi plan Kedarnath as a long weekend and then discover the mountains have their own clock. A comfortable Kedarnath trip from Delhi needs 5 days; 4 is possible if you leave on an overnight drive and are fit for the trek.

The route from Delhi

Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → trek to Kedarnath. Delhi to Haridwar is about 220 km. Haridwar to Guptkashi is roughly 205 km of mountain road, which takes around 8 hours.

Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag. From there a regulated shuttle takes you about 5 km to Gaurikund, where the trek begins.

A 5-day plan that works

  1. Day 1: Overnight drive from Delhi to Haridwar (leave around 11 pm).
  2. Day 2: Haridwar to Guptkashi. Rest early — tomorrow starts before dawn.
  3. Day 3: Drive to Sonprayag, shuttle to Gaurikund, trek about 16 km to Kedarnath. Evening aarti and overnight at Kedarnath.
  4. Day 4: Morning darshan, trek down to Gaurikund, drive back to Guptkashi.
  5. Day 5: Guptkashi to Haridwar and on to Delhi by late night.

Group tour or private tour?

Group tourPrivate tour
Starting price from Delhi (4N/5D)₹10,064 per person₹10,646 per person
DatesFixed weekly departuresAny date you choose
VehicleShared with other pilgrimsOnly your family/group
Best forSolo travellers, couples, friendsFamilies with elders, small children

Prices are the starting figures on our website in October 2026 and change with season and hotel category — the Kedarnath packages page always shows the current price.

Can you do it by helicopter?

Yes. Helicopter services fly to Kedarnath from helipads near Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi. Tickets are sold through the official IRCTC Heli Yatra booking system and sell out fast in May–June. Never pay anyone who offers "confirmed helicopter tickets" outside the official channel.

What to pack

  • Warm jacket, cap and gloves — Kedarnath sits at about 3,583 m
  • Rain poncho (weather turns quickly)
  • Comfortable trekking shoes, already worn in
  • Basic medicines, ORS and any prescriptions
  • Printed copy of your yatra registration

Where to stay before the trek

Guptkashi, Sitapur and Sonprayag are the usual bases. Guptkashi has the widest choice of hotels and is where our packages stay; it means a 5–6 am start for the drive to Sonprayag. Sitapur and Sonprayag are closer to the trek start but more crowded in peak season.

Why we don't recommend Kedarnath in a single day

Some travellers try to trek up and down on the same day to save a night. It is possible for very fit walkers, but it leaves no time for a calm darshan and most people finish the descent in the dark. A night at Kedarnath lets you attend the evening aarti and the early morning darshan, when the queues are shorter.

Registration and documents

  • Register every traveller on the Uttarakhand yatra portal and carry the printout
  • Carry original photo ID for each person
  • Keep a printed copy of your hotel and vehicle details — mobile networks are patchy

Frequently asked questions

How many days are required for Kedarnath from Delhi?

Five days is comfortable; four is possible with an overnight start and a fit group.

What is the cost of a Kedarnath trip from Delhi?

Our Delhi Kedarnath packages start from ₹10,064 per person for a group tour and ₹10,646 for a private tour (October 2026 prices).

How long is the Kedarnath trek?

About 16 km one way from Gaurikund. Most people take 6–8 hours to go up.

Is registration required for Kedarnath?

Yes. Every pilgrim must register on the Uttarakhand government portal before the yatra.

Planning this trip?

Tell us your dates, group size and starting city. A real trip planner replies on WhatsApp with a route and quote — no online payment.

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