Ultimate 5-Day Delhi to Kedarnath Pilgrimage with Travel and Stay Guide

Day 1: Travel to Rishikesh

Delhi, India to Rishikesh, India on June 7, 2025

6:00AM

Departure from Delhi

Start early from Delhi to Rishikesh via road (approximately 230 km, 6-7 hours drive) or take a train to Haridwar and then a short taxi ride to Rishikesh. Road travel options include private taxi, Volvo bus, or self-drive. This sets the pace for your Kedarnath journey.
INR 500-1500, 6h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant, Rishikesh

Enjoy authentic local vegetarian cuisine at Chotiwala, a famous restaurant near Laxman Jhula, known for its simple yet delicious North Indian food.
INR 200-400, 1h0m

3:00PM

Visit Laxman Jhula

Explore this iconic suspension bridge and the surrounding temples. It offers spiritual vibes and picturesque views of the Ganges river.
Free, 1h0m

5:00PM

Check-in at hostel/hotel

Recommended stay: Live Free Hostel (budget-friendly, dormitory-style) or Ganga View Hotel (comfortable rooms with river views). Book in advance to ensure availability.
INR 500-3000, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

A cozy café offering organic, vegetarian dishes with vegan options to relax after a day of travel.
INR 300-600, 1h0m
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Day 2: Rishikesh to Sonprayag

Rishikesh, India to Sonprayag, India on June 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the day’s journey.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive from Rishikesh to Sonprayag

This is a long journey (~210 km, 8-9 hours) by road passing through Devprayag and Guptkashi. Booking a private taxi or a shared taxi is common. There are no direct trains; buses run on this route but are less comfortable.
INR 1500-4000, 8h0m

12:30PM

Lunch stop at Rudraprayag

Stop for a quick break and grab lunch. Options like hotels near the main road offer North Indian and simple meals.
INR 200-400, 1h0m

5:00PM

Arrival and check-in at Sonprayag guesthouse or basic hotel

Recommended options include GMVN Tourist Rest House or local guesthouses; facilities are basic but convenient for early morning trek start.
INR 500-1500, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at guesthouse

Home-cooked simple meals are available, giving visitors a taste of local cuisine and rest before trekking day.
INR 200-400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Sonprayag to Kedarnath

Sonprayag to Kedarnath, India on June 9, 2025

5:00AM

Early breakfast

Have a hearty breakfast to fuel the challenging trek or helicopter ride ahead.
INR 100-300, 1h0m

6:00AM

Travel to Kedarnath

Option 1: Trek 16 km from Sonprayag (Gaurikund) through a beautiful mountain trail, generally taking 6-8 hours. Option 2: Book a helicopter ride from Phata Helipad or Guptkashi to Kedarnath helipad for about 10-15 minutes flight at INR 4000-8000 one-way. Helicopter services usually start early morning (7AM) and continue till late afternoon, weather permitting.
Trek: Free; Helicopter: INR 4000-8000, 6-8h (trek) or 15m (helipad flight)

12:00PM

Check-in at Kedarnath guesthouse or hotel

Accommodations are basic due to high altitude. Options include GMVN Tourist Rest House, Snow View Guest House, or local dharamshalas. Book well before to secure spot during pilgrimage season.
INR 600-2000, Overnight

2:00PM

Visit Kedarnath Temple

Participate in the revered darshan of Lord Shiva at this ancient and holy temple. The temple is open from approximately 5AM till 6PM. Evening aarti is a spiritual experience.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Rest and explore local shops

Browse through local stalls offering souvenirs, religious items, and snacks. The cool weather demands warm clothing.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at guesthouse

Options limited to simple meals; recommended to eat early due to power limitations and altitude.
INR 150-300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kedarnath Local Darshan

Kedarnath, India on June 10, 2025

5:30AM

Early morning temple visit

Get up early and experience another peaceful darshan before the crowds. Morning view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains is breathtaking.
Free, 1h0m

7:30AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Light meal to prepare for the return descent or helicopter flight.
INR 100-200, 1h0m

9:00AM

Begin return journey

Choosing same travel options: trek back to Sonprayag or helicopter down to Phata or Guptkashi. The trek down takes approximately 5-6 hours.
Trek free, Helicopter INR 4000-8000, 5-6h or 15m

3:00PM

Check-in at Guptkashi or Sonprayag hotel

Rest and refresh after the long descent. Accommodations same as earlier night.
INR 500-1500, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner

Sample regional Garhwali cuisine such as Aloo Ke Gutke or Mandua Roti at a local restaurant or hotel kitchen.
INR 200-400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return to Delhi

Sonprayag/Guptkashi to Delhi, India on June 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Early start with breakfast to facilitate travel back to Rishikesh or Haridwar.
INR 100-200, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Rishikesh/Haridwar

Approximate 6-7 hour drive similar to inbound route. Options include private taxi or bus services connecting to trains or flights.
INR 1500-4000, 6h0m

2:00PM

Lunch on route

Stop at a highway restaurant or dhaba for North Indian meal to refresh before the final leg.
INR 200-400, 1h0m

6:30PM

Board train or bus to Delhi

Trains from Haridwar to Delhi run regularly or take an overnight Volvo bus. Alternatively, private car can be driven to Delhi directly on Day 5 morning for an early arrival.
INR 300-1000, 5-6h

10:30PM

Arrival in Delhi

Conclude your spiritual and adventurous journey back in Delhi with unforgettable memories of Kedarnath.
Free, -
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