Kedarnath Trek Guide

The trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is a 16 km paved trail gaining roughly 1,600 metres of elevation, from about 1,980 m at Gaurikund to 3,583 m at the temple. It’s not technical climbing — no ropes or scrambling — but the distance and altitude make it a genuine physical undertaking.

What the trail is like

The path is paved for most of its length and well marked, following a steady, sustained incline rather than short, sharp climbs. Rebuilt and widened after the 2013 floods, it now has a more consistent gradient than the older route, though it’s still a long uphill pull, particularly in the final few kilometres.

Timing and pace

Most walkers take 7-9 hours going up, factoring in rest breaks, and closer to 5-6 hours coming back down. Starting early — ideally by 6-7 am — helps avoid the midday heat lower down and afternoon weather higher up, and gives enough daylight margin if you’re slower than expected.

Rest points and facilities

Tea stalls, small eateries and resting shelters are spaced along the route, especially during peak season (May-June) when the trail is busiest. These thin out later in the season, so carrying your own water and snacks is worth doing regardless of when you go.

Alternatives to walking

Ponies and mules cover the same trail for those who’d rather ride, and palkis (palanquins, carried by porters) are available for anyone unable to walk or ride. A helicopter service skips the trail entirely from helipads near Phata and Guptkashi. See our how to reach Kedarnath guide for how these options compare.

Fitness and preparation

• Reasonably fit adults complete this comfortably with breaks — no special training required, but not a casual stroll either
• Sturdy, already broken-in walking shoes make a real difference over this distance
• Acclimatising for a day at a lower altitude town beforehand reduces the chance of altitude discomfort
• Trekking poles help on the steeper final stretch, especially on the way down