Kedarnath is one of the best-known pilgrimage spots in India. It is a part of the sacred Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Others are Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Badrinath. Kedarnath is one of the most popular among all four dhams due to its beautiful location. Tucked in the middle of snow-capped mountains at an altitude of 11755 feet above sea level, this beautiful temple was constructed thousands of years ago by Adi Shankara Charya.
As per the holy scriptures and folklore, it is said that this char dham yatra was first done by Pandavas to atone for the sins of killing their relatives in the battle of Mahabharata. Kedarnath temple is also a part of 12 jyotirlingas in India, making it even more important and popular among tourists. It is equally popular among old people and youngsters due to the beautiful route and adventure involved.
If you are planning to visit Kedarnath this season, then here is a guide on how to complete your trip within your budget.
How do I reach Kedarnath?
The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport), which is about 250 km away from Kedarnath temple. The second option is by train, so the nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar Railway Station, which is 230 km away from the temple. The third option is by road, so you can get a direct bus from all the major cities around Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
If you are planning to complete your Kedarnath yatra within your budget, then the best option is to book your ticket by train, or if you are coming from Delhi or any nearby cities, you can also go on government buses. These buses are very economical and mostly on time. After reaching Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, you have basically three options. First, hire a personal cab, which will stay with you throughout the trip; it’s convenient but very expensive. The second option is to take a shared cab, which will drop you off at Guptkashi or Sonprayag. It’s convenient and even economical. In most cases, you will get a cab, which will charge something between INR 800 and 1000 per person. The third option is to take a direct bus to Sonprayag, which is easily available at a nominal price of INR 400–500 per person. If you are on a budget trip and don’t want to pay extra, then going by bus is the best option.
Where should I stay at Sonprayag?
Sonprayag is a place to which any vehicle from outside can go. So it is the best place to stay before trekking to Kedarnath. There are many budget hotels and dormitories available at Sonprayag. You can get beds even at INR 500, and meals will cost you something between INR 200 and 250 per plate with decent North Indian dishes like chapati, rice, dal, green vegetables, curd, and pickles. The best part of Sonprayag is that it is itself a very beautiful place. You can also visit the famous Triyuginarayan temple in Sonprayag.
Trekking to Kedarnath
Trekking in Kedarnath starts in Gaurikund, which is about 5 kilometers away from Sonprayag. You have to take a taxi from Sonprayag to reach Gaurikund, which will cost you INR 50 per person. After reaching Gaurikund, you have multiple options, like mules, pitthu, or palki, to reach Kedarnath. But these modes of transport are very expensive, and they can cost you anything between INR 2,000 and INR 4,000 per person. If you don’t have a budget, the best option is to trek. As per government markings, it’s a trek of 16 km, but as per locals, it is a trek of 22 km, and it feels like more than 22 km. Whatever it would be, the fact is that the way to Kedarnath is extremely beautiful. Snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and freshwater streams will make your day. It will take you around 7 to 8 hours to reach Kedarnath.
Where do I stay at Kedarnath?
There are lots of hotels, camps, and dormitories available at Kedarnath. You can book any one of them. Hotels at Kedarnath are very expensive, and it can cost you anything between INR 5000 and INR 20000 per person. The dormitory will cost you between INR 1200 and INR 2200 per bed. But if you have a smaller budget, the best option is dome tents, which you can book with prices ranging from INR 500 to INR 1500 per person.
Kedarnath is the toughest portion of this trip due to its adverse climate and tough location. During peak times, you may face problems finding accommodation, and during winter, it gets tough to stay in tents due to the very low temperature. So plan your trip accordingly. It’s a general budget, and it can vary depending on the time of your visit. A budget trip is only recommended if you are young and traveling with friends. If you are planning to visit Kedarnath with your family members, then the best option is to book your Kedarnath yatra package with a reputed company. In general, the Kedarnath yatra package costs around INR 8,000 to INR 11,000 per person, depending on the quality of service they provide.
