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Guptkashi to Kedarnath

The journey from Guptkashi to Kedarnath is a sacred 46 km route that combines a scenic road drive with a challenging trek. The road portion ends at Gaurikund, the base for the fina

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46 kmDistance

2 (road to Gaurikund) + trek hrsDuration

Tentative Fare Estimate

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Car / Taxi

Swift Dzire₹5,855

Ertiga₹7,430

Innova₹7,745

Innova Crysta₹9,570

Tempo Traveller (12)₹13,100

Round trip · incl. driver allowance & GST

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Bus

Non-AC Seater₹50

AC Seater₹80

Non-AC Sleeper₹70

AC Sleeper₹110

Volvo / Multi-Axle₹180

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Train

Sleeper₹60

Economy₹80

Third AC₹90

Second AC₹120

First AC₹160

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Tentative estimate only, based on typical Indian public-transport tariffs (state transport bus fares, IRCTC sleeper/AC class rates, standard outstation taxi per-km rates) — not a live quote from any operator.

Overview

The journey from Guptkashi to Kedarnath is a sacred 46 km route that combines a scenic road drive with a challenging trek. The road portion ends at Gaurikund, the base for the final 16 km uphill trek to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Most pilgrims opt for an overnight halt at Sonprayag or Gaurikund to acclimatize and start the trek early. Alternatively, a helicopter service from Phata or Guptkashi offers a quicker, albeit costlier, option. This guide provides detailed modes, stopovers, and practical tips for a smooth pilgrimage.

Route Map

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By Car: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

46 km · ~55m · About 1h of driving, plus stops.

Start from Guptkashi
An early start keeps you ahead of city and highway traffic.
46 km · 55m drive from previous stop
Arrive in Kedarnath
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand

Stops are typical for this road, not a fixed itinerary. Timings assume about 50 km/h on average — traffic, tolls and road conditions vary.

By Bus: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

46 km · ~1h 1m · Buses on this route are usually available as direct services. Operators and departure times vary — check live availability.

Board at Guptkashi
Go to the main bus stand / ISBT in Guptkashi. Overnight buses usually leave in the evening; book a seat in advance for sleeper and Volvo services.
Guptkashi → Kedarnath
Non-AC or AC Seater · ~46 km
~1h 1m|Tentative fare ₹50–₹180
Search buses Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Arrive in Kedarnath
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Hotels in Kedarnath

Halts and change points are typical for this route, not a specific operator’s schedule — check live availability and timings when booking.

By Train: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

There is no direct train between these stations in our timetable data, and no journey with up to two changes was found. Try a nearby city as the start or end, or use a bus/car leg for part of the trip.

Train details come from a 2015 railway timetable snapshot — newer trains, changed timings and running days are not included, so confirm on IRCTC before you plan around a train.

Stops & Places Along the Route

Good places to break the journey from Guptkashi to Kedarnath.

SonprayagApprox. 30 km from Guptkashi from Guptkashi
A small town at the confluence of the Mandakini and Son Ganga rivers. It is the last major settlement before Gaurikund and a common halt for overnight stay.
Budget hotels and guesthousesBasic eateries and tea stallsParking and shuttle services to Gaurikund
Gaurikund46 km from Guptkashi (road end) from Guptkashi
The base camp for the Kedarnath trek, famous for its hot springs dedicated to Goddess Gauri. Pilgrims take a holy dip before starting the trek.
Hot water springs (kund)Accommodation (dharamshalas and hotels)Pony/palki services for the trek

Hotels in Kedarnath

Comfortable 3-star stays in Kedarnath. Tell us your dates and we'll get you a rate.

3 Star Hotel

Kedarnath

Things to Do in Kedarnath

Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath

Embark on the classic 16-18 km trek, ascending through scenic valleys, waterfalls, and mountain villages. The trail offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a deeply…

6-8 hours (one way)

Visit Bhairav Nath Temple

Located a short climb behind the main temple, this shrine is dedicated to Bhairav, the guardian deity. It is customary to visit before the temple opens and after it…

1-2 hours

Explore Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)

A glacial lake about 2 km above Kedarnath, also known as Chorabari Tal. The trek is steep but rewarding, with serene turquoise waters and a tranquil atmosphere.

2-3 hours round trip

Attend the Aarti at Kedarnath Temple

Witness the mesmerizing evening aarti, where the temple resonates with mantras and the air fills with incense and the glow of oil lamps. It is a deeply moving spiritual…

1 hour

Pay Homage at Adi Shankaracharya's Samadhi

Visit the memorial of the great philosopher, located just behind the main temple. It is a place of quiet reflection and historical significance.

30 minutes

Helicopter Ride from Phata or Guptkashi

For those unable to trek, take a helicopter shuttle service to Kedarnath, offering aerial views of the Himalayas and saving time. Book well in advance during peak season.

10-15 minutes each way

See all places in Kedarnath →

Suggested Kedarnath Itinerary

Day 1Arrival and Trek to Kedarnath

Drive from Guptkashi/Sonprayag to Gaurikund (approx. 1-2 hours)
Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (16-18 km, 6-8 hours with breaks)
Check in and rest at your guesthouse in Kedarnath

Day 2Rest Day and Gandhi Sarovar Side-Trek

Morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple (if not done the previous evening)
Visit Adi Shankaracharya's samadhi and Bhairav Nath Temple
Side-trek to Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal) and back (2 km each way, approx. 2-3 hours)

Day 3Descent and Triyuginarayan Visit

Trek down from Kedarnath to Gaurikund (16-18 km, 4-5 hours)
Drive from Gaurikund to Triyuginarayan via Sonprayag (approx. 1-1.5 hours)
Visit Triyuginarayan Temple and the eternal flame (akhand dhuni)

Full 3-day itinerary →

Travel Tips

Start the trek early (by 5 AM) to avoid afternoon weather changes.

Carry warm clothing, rain gear, and comfortable trekking shoes.

Book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season (May-June, Sep-Oct).

Keep cash; ATMs are scarce beyond Guptkashi.

Stay hydrated and carry energy bars/snacks.

Respect local customs and avoid plastic waste.

Budget Estimate

road

46 km (road to Gaurikund)

2 hours (road) + 6-8 hours trek

A private car or taxi offers flexibility and comfort for the winding mountain roads. The drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund takes about 2 hours, passing through scenic villages and river valleys.

bus

46 km (road to Gaurikund)

2 hours (bus) + 6-8 hours trek

State-run and private buses operate between Guptkashi and Gaurikund, but services are infrequent and often crowded. Buses drop you at Sonprayag, from where you take a local shuttle to Gaurikund.

train

46 km (road from Guptkashi to Gaurikund) + 16 km trek

2 hours (road) + 6-8 hours trek

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (about 200 km from Guptkashi). From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or taxi to Guptkashi, then continue by road to Gaurikund.