Kedarnath Road Trip (5N/6D)
Overview
This road trip to Kedarnath is a short and exclusive pilgrimage journey from Delhi to one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva at an elevation of 3,580 m in the Garhwal Himalayas. Instead of covering the entire Char Dham Yatra in one go, this journey will take you to one temple only, giving you a day of rest and acclimatization in Guptkashi before starting the trek and a night in Kedarnath itself, so the evening darshan is possible and the early morning darshan can also be visited.
You leave Delhi in the evening and drive through the night, past the river confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag, to Guptkashi in the Mandakini valley. From there a short drive takes you towards Gaurikund and the trek of about 16 km through pine forest, waterfalls and mountain scenery to the temple, with ponies, palkis and helicopters available at extra cost.After darshan, you can hike back, rest in Guptkashi, and conclude your trip in Rishikesh by visiting Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, and Parmarth Niketan. You can also choose to spend the morning at the Beatles Ashram before heading back home.
The trip suits devotees, friends, and families who are reasonably fit and short on leave. It runs as a private tour for your own group, with 3-star hotels on double occupancy (a guesthouse or hotel with basic facilities at Kedarnath), breakfast from day 3, and a private vehicle from Delhi and back.
Package Features
Your own vehicle, leaving Delhi in the evening.
Recover and acclimatise in the Mandakini valley before the climb.
About 16 km through forest, waterfalls and mountain views.
Evening and early-morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple.
Triveni Ghat aarti, Ram Jhula and Parmarth Niketan.
Past the sacred confluences at Devprayag and Rudraprayag.
Included
- 4 nights' stay on double occupancy (2 nights Guptkashi, 1 night Kedarnath, 1 night Rishikesh) in 3-star hotels; the Kedarnath night is in a guesthouse or hotel with basic facilities
- Overnight drive from Delhi to Guptkashi on day 1
- Breakfast on days 3 to 6
- Pick-up and drop in Delhi
- All transfers and sightseeing by private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing as listed in the itinerary (items marked optional or at extra cost are not included)
- GST
Excluded
- Flights or train tickets to and from Delhi
- Lunch and dinner
- Pony, palki (palanquin), porter and helicopter services for the Kedarnath trek
- Beatles Ashram entry ticket (optional visit), special puja bookings and temple offerings
- Personal expenses such as shopping, laundry, phone calls and tips
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed under Included
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Delhi to Guptkashi – Overnight Journey
- Your group will assemble in Delhi for transportation to your private vehicle.
- Begin the overnight drive to Guptkashi (about 450 km, 14–16 hours), a sacred town in the Mandakini valley and a gateway to Kedarnath.
- As the city falls behind, the road follows the Ganga past Devprayag and Rudraprayag, where sacred rivers meet. Overnight journey to Guptkashi.
- Highlights of the Day: Night drive through the river valleys of Uttarakhand
Day 2 Arrival in Guptkashi – Leisure and Acclimatisation
- Arrive in Guptkashi by afternoon or early evening.
- Upon arriving at your hotel, check in and relax after your trip.
- Guptkashi, ringed by snow-covered peaks, is linked in legend to Lord Shiva, who is said to have hidden here from the Pandavas.
- Take a gentle walk around the local market to help your body adjust to the mountain air. Stay Overnight in Guptkashi.
- Highlights of the Day: Rest and unwind in the Himalayas before the Kedarnath trek
Day 3 Guptkashi to Kedarnath – Trek to the Temple
- Start early with a drive of about 30 km to Sonprayag, then take the local shuttle to Gaurikund, the base of the Kedarnath trek.
- Begin the uphill trek of about 16 km through pine forest, past waterfalls and with wide Himalayan views.
- If you prefer not to walk, travel by pony, palki or helicopter (at extra cost).
- Reach Kedarnath by late afternoon or evening and check in to your guesthouse or hotel.
- If time permits, attend the evening darshan at Kedarnath Temple, or take the short trek up to Bhairavnath Temple. Overnight stay in Kedarnath.
- Highlights of the Day: Kedarnath trek and temple visit
Day 4 Kedarnath Darshan – Trek Down to Guptkashi
- Wake early for the morning darshan at Kedarnath Temple if you missed it the evening before.
- Take in the temple's setting against the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered peaks.
- After darshan, trek back down to Gaurikund and drive back to Guptkashi.
- Check in to your hotel and spend a quiet evening resting and reflecting. Overnight stay in Guptkashi.
- Highlights of the Day: Morning darshan at Kedarnath and a peaceful return to Guptkashi
Day 5 Guptkashi to Rishikesh
- After breakfast, check out and drive to Rishikesh (about 210 km, 7–8 hours), often called the yoga capital of the world.
- Check in by early noon or evening.
- See Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, the well-known suspension bridges over the Ganga.
- Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and visit Parmarth Niketan, a large ashram on the riverbank.
- Wind down by the ghats or at a riverside café. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.
- Highlights of the Day: Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan
Day 6 Rishikesh Exploration – Return to Delhi
- Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast in Rishikesh.
- Visit the Beatles Ashram, known for its murals and quiet setting (optional), or browse the local markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Begin the return drive to Delhi (about 240 km, 6–7 hours).
- Arrive in Delhi by late evening, where your tour ends.
- Highlights of the Day: Beatles Ashram (optional), local markets, return to Delhi
Payment Policy
- An advance payment is required to secure your booking; the balance is paid as per the schedule in your booking confirmation.
- Your booking is confirmed only after the itinerary is agreed, the advance is received and Luxe Trail Holidays sends you a written confirmation.
- Upon reserving for peak season stays, special prices and for selected activities, total payments may need to be made.
- Non-receipt of payment before the deadline entails that the reservation is subject to cancellation fee policies.
- The cost of the package is charged on a per-person or on a twin-sharing basis inclusive of GST.
Refund Policy
- The cancellation charges on request for cancellation depend upon the time we receive the request, the hotel and transport vendor policies, and their restrictions during peak time. The applicable charges are shared with your quotation.
- Refunds are made to the original payment method or another method agreed with you.
- Non-refundable amounts, supplier fees, and bank or payment-processing charges may be deducted.
- If a service cannot be provided because of weather, road closures, government orders or other events beyond our control, a refund or an alternative arrangement is offered as per the supplier's terms.
Policy & Important Terms
- Every traveller must carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence). Foreign nationals need a passport with a valid Indian visa.
- Registration with the Uttarakhand government is mandatory for every Kedarnath pilgrim. Register online on the official yatra registration portal or app before you travel, and carry the registration and the same photo ID, as they are checked on the route.
- The opening and closing dates of Kedarnath Temple are announced yearly as temples do not open until late April or May for this pilgrimage and continue the yatra until October or November.
- Also, owing to the high altitude of 3,580 m, nights are chilly in Kedarnath even during summer months, so one must carry appropriate warm clothing, rain gear, personal medicines, and consult with their doctor before planning, as some people may have heart, lung, or BP issues. You can hire ponies, palkis, or helicopters at an additional cost; the tickets for helicopter services can be purchased online through the IRCTC HeliYatra booking website.
- The months of July and August are prone to heavy rainfall that might result in landslides and traffic halts. Also, the authorities may suspend the yatra to ensure the safety of travelers.
- The tour is completely exclusive to your group, and the vehicle will only be provided for traveling according to the itinerary; anything outside the itinerary will be charged extra.
- Check-in and check-out from hotels are subject to traditional hotel operations.
Most Booked
Frequently Asked Questions
Is registration necessary for the Kedarnath Yatra?
Yes. All travelers must obtain the required permit from the government of Uttarakhand before visiting Kedarnath. This permit can be acquired online using the official registration portal or app. The permits will be checked along the trail, so have them with you at all times. In addition, we can assist you in obtaining the permit upon booking.
What is the complexity level of the Kedarnath trek?
The trek from Gaurikund is about 16 km each way and climbs steadily to around 3,580 m, so it takes most of a day on foot. The path consists of stone stairs and is easy to follow, with tea houses and resting areas available. For those who are not keen on walking, ponies, palkis, and helicopters can be hired for additional fees
What is the purpose of resting in Guptkashi?
A long drive from Delhi is tiring and thus can bring discomfort. A day spent in Guptkashi will give the pilgrims enough time to regain strength and acclimatize to the climate before the trek. The trek is much easier when the person has started it with a well-rested body, significantly increasing the chances of adapting to high altitudes, especially for first-time travelers.
What is the ideal time to go on a Kedarnath road tour?
The temple remains open from the end of April or the start of May till October or November. The best months to visit Kedarnath are May, June, September, and October. During the months of September and October, there might be a clearer sky after the monsoon season is over. The months of July and August experience heavy rainfall, leading to landslides on the road. Therefore, the best time for traveling to Kedarnath will be in the months of September to October.
Should I book a group tour or a private tour for Kedarnath trip?
Kedarnath trip is booked as a private trip for your personal group. You will meet your group at Delhi in the evening and travel to Kedarnath in a proper private vehicle. You will be traveling at your own pace, and the stops during travel will be planned according to your specific interests rather than being a part of random stranger groups. The price indicated in the package is per person, and it is based on the case where the two travelers may share their rooms.
What to pack for a trip to Kedarnath?
You should take warm clothing, a wind-induced jacket, a hat, and gloves, as nights are cold during the summer. Also, pack up rain gear, shoes that allow you to walk comfortably, a flashlight, and a water bottle. Carry only small personal items along with you on the trip to stay light on the hike.
