Kedarnath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India and a major part of the Char Dham Yatra. Every year, millions of devotees visit the Kedarnath Temple to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. But before starting the journey, choosing a safe, comfortable, and convenient place to stay is important—this is where Rishikesh becomes the perfect base point.
In this blog, you’ll learn:
✔ How to reach Kedarnath
✔ Best time to visit
✔ Route details
✔ Travel tips
✔ And why staying in Rishikesh is the best option before and after the trip
1. About Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is located at an altitude of approx. 11,755 ft in Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and offers a divine spiritual atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else.
2. Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
The temple opens around May and closes by November (usually around Bhai Dooj).
Ideal months:
- May – June
- September – October
Avoid visiting during heavy monsoon (July–August) due to landslides.
3. How to Reach Kedarnath From Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the main starting point for the Kedarnath Yatra. From Rishikesh, you can travel to Sonprayag / Gaurikund, the base point for the trek.
Distance: ~ 220 km
Travel Time: 8–9 hours by road
Route:
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund
From Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath is approx. 16 km.
4. Ways to Reach Kedarnath Temple
You can choose any of these options:
1. Trekking (16 km)
The most common route—safe and scenic.
2. Pony / Mule Ride
Available from Gaurikund.
3. Helicopter Services
From Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi.
Tip: Book early during peak season.
5. Why Staying in Rishikesh Is the Best Choice for Kedarnath Trip
Most travelers choose Rishikesh as their base before and after the Kedarnath Yatra. Here’s why:
A. Perfect Starting Point
Rishikesh is the main gateway to the Char Dham Yatra. You get:
- Transportation options
- Medical stores
- Food options
- Gear and essentials
Everything you need before starting the trip.
B. Avoid Travel Rush Early Morning
Instead of rushing early morning from Haridwar or Dehradun, staying in Rishikesh gives you:
- Extra sleep
- Fresh start
- Easy access to cab/tempo traveller services
C. Safe Place to Rest After Returning
After the long trek, nothing feels better than resting in a clean, spacious, comfortable homestay in Rishikesh.
Rishikesh offers:
- Bigger rooms
- Peaceful environment
- Home-cooked food options
- No rush or crowd like Kedarnath base camps
Perfect for recovery.
D. Ideal for Families & Elderly Travelers
Families with seniors or children prefer Rishikesh because it offers:
- Proper medical facilities
- Markets
- Transport
- Clean accommodation
It’s much safer than staying at high-altitude places.
E. Explore Rishikesh After Your Yatra
After Kedarnath, you can relax and enjoy:
- Ram Jhula
- Laxman Jhula
- Ganga Aarti
- Waterfalls
- Cafes
Your trip becomes peaceful and complete.
6. Where to Stay in Rishikesh Before Kedarnath Trip
A good option is Mokshika Homestay, ideal for families, groups, and yatris.
Features you get:
- Fully furnished 1 & 2 BHK apartments
- Kitchen for cooking
- 24×7 hot water
- Fast WiFi
- Free parking
- Family-safe locality near AIIMS
- Budget-friendly for long stays
It’s comfortable, peaceful, and perfect for pre- and post-yatra rest.
7. Travel Tips for Kedarnath Yatra
✔ Wear comfortable trekking shoes
✔ Carry warm clothes (even in May)
✔ Keep raincoat and poncho
✔ Carry basic medicines
✔ Pre-book helicopter or pony
✔ Start trek early morning
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Avoid overexertion if you have health issues
8. Final Thoughts
The Kedarnath Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. But planning it right is important to keep yourself safe and comfortable. Staying in Rishikesh gives you the perfect balance of convenience, peace, and comfort before heading toward the mountains.
If you plan your journey well, Kedarnath will bless you with an experience you’ll never forget.