Kedarnath is one of the most popular temple destinations in India. At an altitude of 3,580 m, near the Chorabari glacier, Kedarnath is home to the Kedarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town, part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, has religious significance as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This guide will help you reach Kedarnath by exploring the nearest railway station to Kedarnath, things to explore in Kedarnath and the real estate in the area.
Rishikesh railway station: Nearest railway station to Kedarnath (216 km)
Details
- Station code: RKSH
- Zone: Northern Railway
- Grade: D
- Number of platforms: 3
Situated 216 km before Kedarnath on NH58, Rishikesh Railway Station is well-connected to major destinations across India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent, providing tourists and pilgrims with convenient access to the town. From Rishikesh, roads lead to Gaurikund, the point where the road to Kedarnath ends.
Haridwar railway station: Nearest railway station to Kedarnath (241 km)
Haridwar Railway Station, located 241 km from Kedarnath, serves as another entry point for pilgrims. Well-connected to major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Howrah, Haridwar Railway Station helps with easy access to Gaurikund from Haridwar via roads.
Dehradun railway station (CBE): Nearest railway station to Kedarnath (257 km)
Dehradun Railway Station is 257 km from Kedarnath. Pilgrims arriving at Dehradun Railway Station can use roads to reach Gaurikund, the base for the trek to Kedarnath.
Kotdwar railway station (PTJ): Nearest railway station to Kedarnath
Kotdwar Railway Station, situated 246 km from Kedarnath, offers an additional railway link for tourists and pilgrims. Pilgrims arriving at Kotdwar Railway Station can access Gaurikund through well-connected roads.
How to reach Kedarnath?
By train
Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun and Kotdwar serve as key railway stations, providing pilgrims with rail connectivity to start their sacred pilgrimage.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located 238 km from Kedarnath, serves as the nearest airport. Pilgrims can reach Gaurikund, the gateway to Kedarnath, through easily accessible roads from the airport.
Kedarnath can be easily reached via helicopter services operating from various places in Uttarakhand. Notable locations offering helicopter services include Dehradun, Guptkashi, Phata, Sitapur and Sonprayag. The government determines the rates for helicopter services annually.
By road
Kedarnath is accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand. Buses and taxis connect Gaurikund to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Haridwar and other northern states.
The National Highway from Delhi to Mana (538 km) remains open throughout the year. Kedarnath is accessible by foot from Gaurikund, which is connected by state buses to Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwar and Haridwar.
Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. Buses and Taxis to Gaurikund are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli, etc. Gaurikund lies on National Highway 109 which connects Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.
Things to explore in Kedarnath
Kedarnath Temple
A sacred sanctuary dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath temple is a popular destination on the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
Bhairavnath Temple
Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a form of Lord Shiva. Many pilgrims visit the temple to seek blessings during their journey.
Bhim Shila
Found near Kedarnath, Bhim Shila is a rock with mythological significance. According to legends, it’s where Bhim, the Pandava brother, took refuge during a storm. This spot is popular among pilgrims.
Shankaracharya
Shankaracharya provides panoramic views of the Himalayas. Tourists visit this spot for the views and ambience.
Kedarnath trek
The Kedarnath trek, within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, covers 16 kilometres from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple. The route passes through mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls.
See also: Top 15 places to visit in Kedarnath
Real estate in Kedarnath
Residential property in Kedarnath
Kedarnath’s religious significance appeals to pilgrims and attracts tourists for its natural investment in residential property. The demand for rental properties increases due to the rush of tourists during the pilgrimage season. Closeness to key railway stations, such as Rishikesh and Haridwar, helps the area with connectivity, making residential areas in Kedarnath a good investment.
Commercial property in Kedarnath
The location of commercial properties in Kedarnath presents an appealing investment opportunity. Commercial ventures such as hotels, resorts and entertainment hubs are the primary commercial spaces in Kedarnath. There is a constant demand for commercial spaces because of its popularity in the tourism sector, making Kedarnath an attractive destination for investors.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Kedarnath?
The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to October, with the temple open for darshan during this period.
What is the Kedarnath nearest railway station?
Rishikesh Railway Station serves as the nearest railway station.
Can Kedarnath be reached by air?
Yes, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, providing air connectivity to Kedarnath.
What is the trek distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
The trek distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is approximately 16 km.
What are the attractions near Kedarnath?
Bhairavnath Temple, Bhimshila, Shankaracharya and Kedarnath trek are notable attractions near Kedarnath.
How can one reach Gaurikund?
Gaurikund, the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath, can be reached by roads from Rishikesh and other major destinations.
Is there a helicopter service to Kedarnath?
Yes, helicopter services operate from various places in Uttarakhand.
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