Rishikesh to Kedarnath Tour Packages (2025)
Plan a spiritually uplifting journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath with expertly crafted itineraries, clean stays, reliable transport, and transparent pricing. Choose between the classic 16 km trek from Gaurikund or helicopter-assisted options from Phata/Sirsi/Guptkashi. This complete guide covers distance, route map, best season, packing list, pricing, itineraries, and FAQs—everything you need for a smooth yatra.
Tip: For senior citizens and kids, select a 3N/4D or 4N/5D plan with a buffer day to manage weather and queues peacefully.
Table of Contents
- Distance, Time & Travel Modes
- Yatra Overview & Why Start from Rishikesh
- Route, Map & Road Conditions
- Itineraries (2N/3D, 3N/4D, 4N/5D)
- Prices, Inclusions & Exclusions
- Helicopter vs Trek – Pros & Cons
- Best Time, Weather & Crowd Calendar
- What to Pack & Fitness Tips
- Nearby Attractions in Rishikesh (Wikipedia links)
- Where to Stay (Rishikesh, Guptkashi, Kedarnath)
- FAQs
- Quick Enquiry & Booking
- Booking Policy & T&Cs
Distance Snapshot
Rishikesh
≈ 210–225 km
16 km
May–June & Sep–Oct
The total journey from Rishikesh to Kedarnath typically combines a 210–225 km drive up to Gaurikund (base) followed by a 16 km trek to the temple. Depending on traffic and weather, the drive often takes 7–9 hours to reach Guptkashi/Sitapur, and another short stretch to Sonprayag/Gaurikund the next morning. Travellers who prefer to reduce trekking time can opt for helicopter services from helipads such as Phata, Sirsi or Guptkashi (subject to weather and government regulations).
Rishikesh to Kedarnath – Overview & Why Start from Rishikesh
Rishikesh—often called the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas—is a natural launchpad for the Kedarnath yatra. Excellent road connectivity, availability of vehicles, a wide range of stays and food options, and the city’s serene spiritual vibe make it the most comfortable place to begin. Starting from Rishikesh gives travellers the flexibility to keep an extra day as a buffer, attend the Ganga Aarti before departure, and stock up on essentials like rain gear, warm layers and medicines. For families and senior citizens, Rishikesh is ideal because the altitude gain happens gradually over two days, allowing the body to adapt better.
Beyond logistics, the journey itself is a visual and spiritual feast—river valleys, hanging bridges, holy confluences, pine forests, apple orchards, and in the distance, the snow-kissed higher Himalayas. The path through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Guptkashi and Sonprayag tells the story of the Ganga’s tributaries, cultural life in the mountains, and the resilience of the communities that support the yatra.
Route, Map & Road Conditions
The common route is Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath (trek). Road conditions vary by season; monsoon can slow traffic at landslide-prone stretches. Post-monsoon generally offers clearer skies and smoother drives, though nights turn colder. Our drivers are experienced in mountain terrain, trained to maintain safe speeds and rest at regular intervals.
Day-wise Itineraries from Rishikesh
Pick a plan that matches your pace and preferences. All itineraries can be customized for families with kids, senior citizens, and solo travellers. We recommend adding a buffer day during peak crowd or monsoon.
Plan A: 2 Nights / 3 Days (Quick Darshan)
| Day | Route & Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Rishikesh → Guptkashi / Sitapur (7–9 hrs). Stop at Devprayag to witness the Alaknanda–Bhagirathi confluence that forms the holy Ganga. Evening check-in, dinner & rest. |
| Day 2 | Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath. Start early. Shuttle to Gaurikund, then choose 16 km trek / pony/palanquin / helicopter (from nearby helipads). Darshan at Kedarnath Temple (queue/time depends on crowd & weather). Either stay at Kedarnath (basic) for Aarti or return to Guptkashi by late evening. |
| Day 3 | Guptkashi / Kedarnath → Rishikesh. Breakfast; scenic drive back to Rishikesh. Tour ends with drop. |
Plan B: 3 Nights / 4 Days (Balanced Pace)
| Day | Route & Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Rishikesh → Guptkashi. Photo halts at Rudraprayag. Evening at leisure. |
| Day 2 | Guptkashi → Kedarnath. Trek/helicopter to Kedarnath, darshan & optional evening Aarti. Overnight in Kedarnath (basic lodges) or return to Guptkashi. |
| Day 3 | Buffer / Local. If you stayed in Kedarnath, descend and rest. If you returned, optional excursion to Triyuginarayan Temple or Ukhimath. Overnight Guptkashi. |
| Day 4 | Guptkashi → Rishikesh. Drop at hotel/railway station. |
Plan C: 4 Nights / 5 Days (Relaxed + Buffer)
| Day | Route & Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Rishikesh → Guptkashi. Unhurried drive with confluence views. Check-in & dinner. |
| Day 2 | Guptkashi → Kedarnath. Trek/helicopter, darshan; optional overnight at Kedarnath (recommended for Aarti). |
| Day 3 | Kedarnath → Guptkashi. Descend, optional hot springs at Gaurikund (subject to status). Rest. |
| Day 4 | Guptkashi → Rishikesh. Early arrival, buffer for traffic/weather. |
| Day 5 | Rishikesh Local (optional): Triveni Ghat Aarti, Lakshman Jhula, Beatles Ashram. |
Vehicle Options
- Couples / 2–3 pax: Dzire / Etios
- 4–6 pax: Ertiga / Innova
- 7–12 pax: Tempo Traveller
Prices, Inclusions & Exclusions
Pricing depends on travel month, group size, hotel category and helicopter/trek choices. Below are transparent reference ranges (per person):
Standard (Budget)
₹11,999 ₹9,999
- Clean budget hotels/camps (double sharing)
- Non-AC/AC vehicle as per route conditions
- Breakfast & dinner
- Driver, toll, parking & state tax
Deluxe (Popular)
₹14,999 ₹12,999
- Comfort hotels with attached bath
- Private AC vehicle (as per group size)
- Breakfast & dinner + evening tea
- Daily assistance on call/WhatsApp
Premium
₹19,999 ₹16,999
- Handpicked hotels/resorts
- Premium vehicle
- Priority darshan assistance (subject to rules)
- Buffer for weather/traffic delays
Inclusions
- Pickup & drop from Rishikesh (city/hotel/railway station)
- Transport for the entire trip as per itinerary
- Accommodation on double sharing with breakfast & dinner
- Driver allowances, toll, parking & state tax
Exclusions
- Lunch, snacks, bottled water
- Pony, palanquin, porter & personal expenses
- Helicopter tickets & VIP/paid darshan
- Travel insurance, medical expenses
Note: Helicopter services, registration processes and temple schedules may change seasonally. We will share the latest updates during booking and before departure.
Helicopter vs Trek – Which One Should You Choose?
Helicopter (from Phata / Sirsi / Guptkashi)
- Ideal for seniors/kids and travellers short on time
- Weather dependent; limited slots; arrive early at helipad
- Follow baggage weight limits and reporting times
- Great for attending same-day darshan with minimal fatigue
Trek (Gaurikund → Kedarnath, 16 km)
- Scenic trail with rest points, tea stalls & medical posts
- Pony/palanquin/porter available at extra cost
- Carry rain gear, warm layers, water and energy snacks
- Start before dawn to avoid crowds and manage weather
Best Time to Visit & Crowd Calendar
May–June
Opening season; pleasant days, cold nights. High demand, pre-book everything.
July–Aug
Monsoon showers; landslide-prone zones possible. Keep buffer and carry rain gear.
Sep–Oct
Post-monsoon clarity, crisp mountain views. Fewer crowds than May–June; colder nights.
What to Pack & Fitness Tips
Essentials
- Warm layers: thermal, fleece, down jacket, woollen cap & gloves
- Rain protection: poncho/raincoat; quick-dry clothing
- Trekking shoes with good grip; extra socks
- Reusable water bottle, ORS/electrolytes, energy bars
- Basic medicines: motion sickness, fever, band-aids; personal prescriptions
- Government ID, 2–4 passport photos; small daypack
Health & Safety
- Inform us of medical conditions; consult your doctor if needed
- Hydrate regularly; avoid overexertion on the trek
- Follow authorities’ registration & safety instructions
Responsible Travel
- Respect temple guidelines and local customs
- Avoid littering; carry back plastic waste
- Stick to marked trails; heed weather advisories
Optional Add-ons
- VIP/paid darshan assistance (subject to availability)
- Extra night in Rishikesh with Ganga Aarti
- Triyuginarayan & Ukhimath side trips
Nearby Attractions in Rishikesh (with Wikipedia links)
- Lakshman Jhula – Iconic suspension bridge across the Ganga.
- Triveni Ghat – Famous for the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Parmarth Niketan – Renowned ashram with spiritual programs.
- The Beatles Ashram – Murals, meditation huts & history.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Sacred Shiva temple near Rishikesh.
Where to Stay – Rishikesh, Guptkashi & Kedarnath
Rishikesh: Wide choice from riverfront hotels and boutique stays to spiritual ashrams. Book a place near the ghats for easy access to Aarti.
Guptkashi/Sitapur: Ideal base with decent hotels; convenient for next morning’s transfer to Sonprayag/Gaurikund.
Kedarnath: Basic lodges only. Nights are cold—carry warm layers. Staying here helps attend evening or morning Aarti.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Rishikesh from Kedarnath?
Approximately 210–225 km by road to Gaurikund, then 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
How many days are enough?
Quick darshan fits in 2N/3D, while 3N/4D or 4N/5D offers a relaxed pace and weather buffer.
Is helicopter available from Rishikesh?
Helicopters operate from helipads like Phata, Sirsi or Guptkashi. You drive from Rishikesh to the helipad, then board the flight (subject to weather and regulations).
Do I need registration?
Seasonal pilgrimage registration is usually required for safety and crowd management. We’ll guide you with the latest process during booking.
What should I pack?
Warm layers, rain gear, trekking shoes, water/electrolytes, snacks, basic medicines, ID proofs and passport photos. See “What to Pack” above for the full list.
Is Kedarnath suitable for senior citizens?
Yes with proper planning, a relaxed itinerary, and the option of helicopter/pony/palanquin. Consult a doctor for any pre-existing conditions.
Where can I stay in Kedarnath?
Basic lodges are available. It’s cold at night—carry warm layers. Staying helps attend the Aarti.
Is travel insurance included?
Not by default. We recommend buying one; we can assist with options.
What are the payment options?
UPI, bank transfer and cards (where available). Details are shared in your quotation.
Can I customize the tour?
Absolutely. We tailor itineraries, hotels, and add-ons (Rishikesh local, Triyuginarayan & Ukhimath) to your needs.
Book Your Rishikesh to Kedarnath Tour
Fill out the form below and confirm your booking instantly on WhatsApp. Our team will respond within minutes.
Booking Policy & Terms
- Advance token to block hotels & vehicle; balance before departure.
- Amendments subject to availability and price differences.
- Standard industry cancellation slabs apply; shared on quotation.
- If weather blocks trek/helicopter, we assist with alternatives or rescheduling as per local advisories.
Disclaimer: Timings, fares, and regulations may vary seasonally. Always verify operational updates for buses, shuttles, and helicopter services before departure.