
How to Go to Kedarnath from Kolkata: The Ultimate Travel Guide

โจ Kedarnath Yatra from Kolkata โ A Spiritual Adventure Youโll Never Forget! ๐๐ธ
Looking for a trip that touches your soul and refreshes your spirit? ๐โจ Then Kedarnath is calling you! Nestled in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, this sacred place is one of Lord Shivaโs 12 Jyotirlingas and a dream destination for spiritual seekers, trekkers, and nature lovers alike.
And if youโre starting your journey from Kolkata, get ready for a beautiful mix of road trips ๐, train rides ๐, mountain treks ๐ฅพ, and breathtaking scenery ๐ฟ.
In this guide, Iโll walk you through how to reach Kedarnath from Kolkata, travel routes, costs, stays, best seasons to visit, and pro tips to make your yatra safe and memorable. ๐ธโจ Ready? Letโs go! ๐
๐บ๏ธ Quick Route Map: Kolkata to Kedarnath ๐
Your journey happens in 3 exciting stages:
๐ Kolkata โ Haridwar/Rishikesh (by train ๐, flight โ๏ธ, or bus ๐)
๐ Haridwar/Rishikesh โ Gaurikund (by road ๐)
๐ Gaurikund โ Kedarnath (by trek ๐ฅพ, pony ๐, palki, or helicopter ๐)
Each stretch offers its own little adventure! Letโs unpack them. ๐
๐ Kolkata to Haridwar/Rishikesh: Your First Step ๐
๐ค๏ธ By Train
Popular options:
- HowrahโHaridwar Express (13009) โ 23 hrs
- SealdahโHaridwar Express (13109) โ 23 hrs
๐ธ Ticket prices (approx):
- Sleeper (SL): โน700โโน900
- 3A AC: โน2,200โโน2,500
- 2A AC: โน3,200โโน3,600
๐ Tip: Book your ticket 30โ60 days in advance ๐.
โ๏ธ By Flight
Fast but pricier โจ
- Fly from Kolkata โ๏ธ to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport)
- Then taxi/bus to Haridwar/Rishikesh (1 hr)
๐ธ Cost: โน3,000โโน5,000 for flight + โน400โโน700 for taxi/bus
๐ By Bus & Road
- AC buses: โน2,000โโน3,500 (22โ24 hrs)
- Self-drive: ~1,600 km, 26โ28 hrs
๐ High tolls (โน2,000+) + fuel (โน13,000โโน15,000 roundtrip)
๐๏ธ Haridwar to Gaurikund: Gateway to the Hills ๐ฟ
Once in Haridwar, time to head up the mountains โฐ๏ธ.
๐ By Taxi/Shared Jeep
- Shared jeep: โน600โโน900 per person
- Private cab: โน6,000โโน8,000 for 4โ5 people
๐ By Bus
- State-run buses: โน800โโน1,200
- Travel time: 12โ14 hrs (less comfy but affordable)
๐ Tip: Start early morning to avoid mountain traffic ๐.
๐ฅพ Gaurikund to Kedarnath: The Sacred Trek ๐ถโโ๏ธ
The final and most beautiful leg! โค๏ธ
๐ฅพ Trekking
- Distance: 16โ18 km
- Duration: 8โ12 hrs
- Trail: scenic, steep in parts, peaceful ๐ฒ
Things to carry: trekking shoes ๐, water ๐ง, raincoat โ, energy bars ๐ซ.
๐ Pony / Palki
- Pony: โน1,200โโน1,600 (one-way)
- Palki (for elderly): โน10,000โโน12,000
๐ Helicopter
- From Guptkashi/Phata to Kedarnath
- Ticket: โน6,000โโน9,000 one-way
- Flight time: 8โ9 minutes
Quick & comfy but weather dependent. โ๏ธ
โณ Total Travel Time from Kolkata to Kedarnath
- Train: 23 hrs โ Road: 9โ12 hrs โ Trek: 8โ12 hrs
- Flight: 1.5 hrs โ Road: 9โ12 hrs โ Trek
Total: 2 to 3 days ๐ฃ๏ธ
๐ธ Estimated Trip Budget (One Way)
Budget Trip ๐๏ธ
- Train: โน700
- Jeep/Bus: โน800
- Trek: โน0
โก๏ธ Total: โน2,300
Mid-Range โจ
- Flight: โน3,000
- Taxi: โน3,500
- Pony: โน2,500โโน12,000
โก๏ธ Total: โน9,000โโน15,000
Luxury ๐
- Flight: โน3,000
- Taxi: โน3,500
- Helicopter: โน18,000+
โก๏ธ Total: โน22,000+
๐ Return costs will roughly double unless you trek back.
๐จ Where to Stay
Haridwar & Rishikesh: โน500โโน8,000
Gaurikund: โน800โโน2,500
Kedarnath: โน700โโน8,000+ (basic dorms to deluxe)
๐ Book early during peak season ๐.
๐ Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
- MayโOctober (Temple open)
- Peak times: JuneโJuly (Monsoon, Rath Yatra vibes)
- SeptemberโOctober: Best post-monsoon views ๐ธ
Off-season (NovโApril): Closed due to heavy snow โ๏ธ.
โ Essential Travel Tips
- Carry valid ID (Aadhaar/Passport) ๐
- Warm clothes + raincoat ๐งฅโ
- Water purifier/boiled water ๐ง
- Break often during trek, stay hydrated ๐ถโโ๏ธ
- Altitude sickness? Descend if needed โฐ๏ธ
- Mobile signal weak ๐ต
- Fitness: Light cardio before trip ๐ช
๐ธ Top Attractions at Kedarnath
- Kedarnath Temple ๐
- Bhimgoda Kund ๐ฆ
- Gauri Kund ๐
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
- Vasuki Tal & Gandhi Sarovar ๐
- Tungnath & Chopta (nearby gem spots)
๐โโ๏ธ FAQs
Q. Is it beginner-friendly?
๐ Yes, if you pace yourself and plan properly.
Q. Can I book a helicopter both ways?
๐ Yes, subject to availability.
Q. Medical help available?
๐ Basic aid at Kedarnath, hospitals at Rudraprayag.
Q. Mobile network?
๐ Patchy at best; BSNL works better.
Q. Can families do it?
๐ Absolutely โ just take it slow and steady!
๐ Final Thoughts
Kedarnath isnโt just a destination โ itโs a divine experience โจ. The journey tests your limits but rewards your soul with peace, purity, and mountain magic ๐ธ.
Whether you trek, ride, or fly โ every step here is sacred. Om Namah Shivaya ๐
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