Kedarnath is one of the holiest place in India, and lots of devotees come here yearly. It is located in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand at an altitude of around 3,583 meters (11,755 feet). Surrounded by snowy mountains and beautiful scenery, which gives a peaceful and spiritual feeling. People from different places visit here to pray and receive blessings.
If you are traveling from Lucknow to Kedarnath, there are several options for a comfortable journey. This guide will provide all the information to make your trip smooth and easy. Let’s explore!
How to Reach
By Train
- There is no direct train from Lucknow to Kedarnath, you can take a train to Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun to continue your journey.
- From there travel by taxi or bus to Gaurikund, the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath.
- For a faster and easier journey, you can choose a helicopter ride from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi, which is perfect for those who may have difficulty in trekking.
By Plane
- Flight is the fastest option. Take a flight from Lucknow Airport (LKO) to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun the closest airport to Kedarnath.
- After arriving in Dehradun go by taxi or bus to Gaurikund, where the trek to Kedarnath begins.
- From Gaurikund, you have to trek around 16 kilometers to reach your destination.
By Road
- Start your journey by driving or taking a bus from Lucknow to Haridwar or Rishikesh, which takes around 9 to 10 hours.
- You can take a taxi or bus from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Dehradun.
- From Dehradun you can travel by taxi or bus to Gaurikund, which takes around 5 to 6 hours. After Gaurikund trek around 16 kilometers to reach Kedarnath.
Route Map
Here’s the basic route map to Kedarnath from Lucknow:
Lucknow → Sitapur → Bareilly → Moradabad → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath.
Places to Stop
There are several places to rest on the way. Here are some of the main stops-
- Lucknow- This is where your journey starts, a spot known for its deep history and culture.
- Kanpur – A busy city famous for its leather factories and its old monuments.
- Agra – The Taj Mahal is the main attraction here, a place full of history.
- Mathura- This place is popular for its temples and history related to Lord Krishna.
- Meerut – This old city is famous for its culture and history with important places like Shaheed Memorial and Jama Masjid.
- Haridwar – A peaceful city near the Ganga and great for spiritual experiences.
- Rishikesh- This place is popular for yoga, spiritual vibes and lovely views of the Ganga.
- Dehradun- The capital of Uttarakhand famous for its stunning natural beauty and educational institutions.
- Srinagar ( Uttarakhand ) – This spot is well known for its ancient temples and the stunning views of the Alaknanda River.
- Rudraprayag –A calm place where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet, a nice place to relax.
- Guptkashi- This place is popular for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and its beautiful surroundings.
- Gaurikund – This is where the Kedarnath journey begins and it is also famous for its herbal plants.
Important Tips
- Bring Travel Insurance – Get travel insurance to cover costs if something goes wrong like a medical issue, lost luggage or trip delays. So you don’t have to worry.
- Avoid Trekking Alone – It is best to have a guide or travel in a group if you are not sure about the route.
- Carry a Local SIM Card- Mobile network may not work well in high altitude areas. Carrying a local SIM card can improve connectivity.
- Choose Safe and Trusted Transport- For a peaceful journey go for safe and reliable options.
FAQs
Q-1: What is the cheapest way to travel from Lucknow to Kedarnath?
Ans: Take a train from Lucknow to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then a budget bus or shared taxi to Sonprayag. From there reach Gaurikund by jeep and trek to Kedarnath.
Q-2: Any special permit required to visit Kedarnath?
Ans: There is no need for a special permit, but you have to register for the Char Dham Yatra online or at registration centres.
Q-3: Are tickets for the Kedarnath helicopter service available at the counters in Sirsi or Phata?
Ans: It’s very hard to get a ticket at the offline counters in Sirsi or Phata because they sell out quickly. We recommend booking your ticket in advance through trusted websites.
Q-4: Are there any tolls on the way to Kedarnath?
Ans: Yes there are tolls on the roads including the one from Lucknow to Haridwar and Dehradun.
Conclusion
There are three ways to reach Kedarnath from Lucknow by train, flight or road. You can take a train to Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun, and then travel by taxi or bus to Gaurikund, where your trek starts. Another option is to fly to Dehradun and take a taxi to Gaurikund. If you prefer to travel by road you can drive or take a bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then continue to Dehradun and Gaurikund. After that you have to trek 9 kilometers to reach Kedarnath. You can also take breaks in places such as Agra, Mathura and Rishikesh on the way. It is better to book helicopter tickets online because offline counters usually sell out fast. Remember to get travel insurance, avoid trekking by yourself and bring a local SIM card for a good network. Proper planning can help make your Kedarnath trip stress free and enjoyable.
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