Rishikesh to Kedarnath: Enroute Attractions

Rishikesh to Kedarnath is a popular pilgrimage route in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The journey involves traveling from Rishikesh, a spiritual town located on the banks of the Ganges River, to Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. The route to Kedarnath involves a combination of road travel and trekking, as the temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level and is not accessible by motorized vehicles.

Suggested Read- Rudra Meditation cave at Kedarnath Temple- Facilities- Cost & How to Book? 

Rishikesh

The journey typically starts from Rishikesh, where one can take a shared taxi or private vehicle to reach the town of Gaurikund, which is the base point for the trek to Kedarnath. The road journey from Rishikesh to Gaurikund is approximately 211 kilometers and takes about 8-9 hours. The route passes through picturesque towns, valleys, and forests, offering stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.

Suggested Read- Kedarnath By Helicopter – A-2-Z Information How to Book tickets 

Gaurikund to Kedarnath

From Gaurikund, the trek to Kedarnath is approximately 16 kilometers and takes about 6-8 hours, depending on the trekker’s pace. The trail passes through rugged terrains, rocky paths, and dense forests, offering panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Along the way, trekkers can take breaks at various resting points and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Rishikesh to Kedarnath Distance

The distance between Rishikesh and Kedarnath is approximately 227 km, including a trek of 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple. If you calculate the distance from Gaurikund to Rishikesh, it is approximately 211 km by road.

Routing Map:

Rishikesh ➜ Devprayag ➜ Srinagar ➜ Agastamuni ➜ Guptkashi ➜ Sonprayag ➜ Gaurikund ➜ And 16 km Trek to Kedarnath Temple.

From Rishikesh to Devprayag to Srinagar to Rudraprayag to Tilwara to Agastamuni to Kund. Upon reaching Kund you can take a dip in the holy waters and then walk up towards Guptkashi, Phata, and Rampur until you finally reach Gaurikund your base camp for the trek ahead.

Suggested Read- How reach and Where to Stay at Kedarnath Temple 

Kedarnath Trekking Route

Gaurikund ➜ Jungle/Bhairon Chatti ➜ Bheembali ➜ Linchauli ➜ Kedarnath Base Camp ➜ Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Trek (Paidal Marg) is divided into many resting sheds. En route to Kedarnath from Gaurikund, there are several facilities provided by the administration.

Medical and First aid facilities are available at Bhimbali and Lincholi. There is also a 10 bedded hospital with ECG with modern facilities at Kedarnath. Apart from Medical, Tea/Coffee shops, there are resting sheds along the route at various points including Gaddha-Kuchha, Peethakhama, and Tundikhani.

Here are some of the popular attractions en route from Rishikesh to Kedarnath:

• Neer Waterfall: Located just 3 km ahead of Tapovan, it is the famous town of Rishikesh, situated on the Badrinath Highway.
• Shivpuri Camping Sites: About 15 km away from Rishikesh, you can stop for a night to enjoy jungle camping along the bank of the Ganga.
• Zipline Adventure Point: Located in Shivpuri, you can cross the Ganga by zipline.
• River Rafting: Experience a thrilling 16 km rafting adventure from Shivpuri to Rishikesh.
• Vashistha Cave: Located at Gullar and about 25 km away from Rishikesh, it is an ancient cave where you can stop for cave meditation.
• Byasi: Located about 30 kilometers from Rishikesh along the Ganges River, it is a perfect setting for white water rafting. Byasi’s location and proximity to the Ganges make it a great base camp for visitors who are interested in spending some time in nature. There are plenty of amenities provided by hotels and restaurants throughout the village.
• Kaudiyala: This place is famous for its beach camping and serves as the rafting starting point and en-route stop-off for Kedarnath travelers.
• Devprayag: It is one of the confluences where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers unite. The significance of this location dates back thousands of years.
• Srinagar: It is a big town that attracts many overnight tourists while visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath. It has many nearby attractions such as Dhari Devi Temple, Gola Bazar, Kirti Nagar, Kamleshwar Temple, and Maletha Village.
• Rudraprayag: This is a holy town situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is the second most visited place after Rudraprayag Sangam. Nearby attractions include Kartik Swami Temple, Dhari Devi Temple, Augustmuni Ashram, Karma Jeet Temple, Hariyali Devi, and Indrasani Mansa Devi Temple.
• Guptkashi Town: You can visit Vishwanath Temple, Narayana Koti Temple, Kalimath Temple, Ukhimath Temple, Triyuginarayan Temple, Manikarnika Kund at Vishwanath Temple, Ardhnarishwar Temple, and more.
• Sonprayag: Visit Maa Mahishasuramardani Temple, Gaurikund, and more.

Conclusion

Overall, the journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath is a spiritually enriching and physically challenging experience, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural significance of the region. It is advisable to be prepared with proper trekking gear, acclimatize to the altitude, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.