Kathgodam to Kedarnath

Kathgodam to Kedarnath

The road distance from Kathgodam to Kedarnath is approximately 320 km, and the journey takes around 5 to 7 hours by vehicle, depending on route and traffic conditions reddit.com+15alldistancebetween.com+15yatra.com+15.

Here’s a breakdown:

🚗 Kathgodam → Kedarnath Road Trip

1. Kathgodam to Gaurikund (roadhead)
   • Through NH‑109 and onward via airports and highways, the distance to Gaurikund—the starting point of the trek—is roughly 300–320 km, taking about 5½–7 hours en.wikipedia.org.
2. Gaurikund to Kedarnath (trek)
   • From Gaurikund, it’s about a 16–18 km uphill trek, typically taking 6–8 hours on foot. Options like ponies, palanquins, or helicopter services are available for this stretch .

✈️ Alternate Options

• Helicopter flights operate from Phata/Sonprayag to Kedarnath, avoiding most trekking—perfect for those unable to trek.
• Bus + shared jeep: You can take a bus from Kathgodam to Sonprayag or other transit points, and then use shared jeeps to Gaurikund reddit.com+15reddit.com+15buddhamind.info+15.

🗺️ Typical Itinerary

Total travel time from Kathgodam to Kedarnath (by road + trek): approximately 11–15 hours, possibly spread over two days to maintain comfort and safety.

✅ Travel Tips

• Start early (before 6 AM) to avoid traffic jams, landslides, or monsoon disruptions en.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org.
• Registration required: Pilgrims must register via the “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” app or portal before traveling, as officials check on the route reddit.com.
• Weather caution: July–August is monsoon season—travel can be risky due to landslides; better plan for post-monsoon if possible .

✨ Planning Advice

• Consider staying overnight near Gaurikund or Sonprayag (better logistics than Kedarnath town).
• Book accommodations in advance—particularly during pilgrimage season, lodges fill up fast en.wikipedia.org+11reddit.com+11reddit.com+11reddit.com.
• If trekking is not feasible, helicopters offer quick transport directly to Kedarnath.