The walk ishalf the pilgrimage.
Roughly sixteen kilometres of paved mountain trail, waterfalls and thin air — here is the whole route, from the first step at Gaurikund to the temple bells.
The trek
From the base to the temple, one bend at a time
The classic route climbs roughly 16 kilometres from Gaurikund to the temple. Here is how the day unfolds.
Gaurikund
Hot springs, the last motorable point, and the Mandakini thundering beside the path. The climb begins here.
Jungle Chatti
The first stretch winds through pine and waterfall country, with the river never far from earshot.
Bheembali
Rest points, tea stalls and the first wide-open views of the high glaciers ahead.
Linchauli
The air thins and the peaks stop pretending to be far away. Walk slowly; look up often.
Base camp
Tents, tea and the first full sight of the temple against the cirque. Almost there.
Kedarnath Temple
Stone against snow, bells against wind. You made it — and the mountain let you.
Want the trail on a map? See the illustrated route with distances and altitudes, plus seasons, budgets and packing.
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